I need a bigger saw 461? 661?

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rumatt

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I'm new to chainsawing but I'm hooked. I have a 50cc Stihl 261cm w/ 18" bar, and a 42cc Stihl 241cm w/ 14" bar. The 241 is fantastic for limbing and stuff < 10" in diaeter. I love the saw.

The 261 is OK but it always feels like it's the wrong size. Too heavy for limbing and not enough power for bucking big stuff. Today I was cutting some maple that was around 22" in diameter. The saw got through it OK but I kept saying... MORE FASTER PLEASE! I can't imagine wanting a 20" bar on this saw. I feel like it needs a 16 max for hard wood. The chain was a semi-chisel 325 and it was throwing decent sized chips.

A lot of people seem to like the 461. But I'm partial to M-tronic. I could wait for the 462. Or go big and jump straight to the 661c? Use the 261 with a 16" bar and when it's struggling, jump to big bertha with a 25" bar? Would I regret it?

I don't cut huge amounts. I do this just for fun and to help neighbors. But I've got an 30" oak down on my property, and the neighbor has one that's well over 3' at the base. No way I'm attacking them with the 50cc saw.

upload_2018-6-13_21-33-46.png
 
I would absolutely wait for the 462 if I were in your shoes.
I hear you. The 462 has been my default plan. But I'm not too excited about waiting, and when craving power today I started wondering about the 661

However I don't actually have an urgent need for the saw (does being impatient count as an urgent need? carpe diem?) and I think I'd really enjoy owning the 462.
 
If a 24/25" bar is the smallest you'll run on the larger saw I'd go for the 661. I want a saw in between my 261 and 661, just not sure what yet. I know it'll primarily run a 20" bar so I'm thinking 60cc would work, but I wouldn't mind 50/70/90 trio of saws, plus the two 30cc class saws for limbing.
 
I have a 261 that I run a 20" B&C on the majority of the time. I'm not sure how many tanks you have through your 261, but once its had 12+ that thing really rips. It is best suited with a 16" or 18" B&C, but it pulls the 20" just fine.

I'd wait for the 462 if I were you. I found myself in the same dilemma earlier this year, but I had to take care of some trees that couldn't sit around any longer so I was forced to buy a larger saw at the time. Like yourself, I too prefer the M-Tronic saws so I picked up a 441R C-M with a 25" and 28" B&C and it has been fantastic. I might trade up for a 462 when/if they ever arrive, but for now the 441R is getting it done. I doubt we see the 462 state side in 2018, so it could be a long wait. Who knows, we might actually receive the 500 fuel injected saw prior to the 462!?
 
I have a 261 that I run a 20" B&C on the majority of the time. I'm not sure how many tanks you have through your 261, but once its had 12+ that thing really rips. It is best suited with a 16" or 18" B&C, but it pulls the 20" just fine.
Yeah, I've definitely had 10+ tanks through the 261. I'm wondering if my chain isn't working as well as it should be. I'll try my new-ish yellow full-chisel chain next time. I just didn't want to use it on that log above because it was pretty dirty.

Like yourself, I too prefer the M-Tronic saws so I picked up a 441R C-M with a 25" and 28" B&C and it has been fantastic.
I'm actually considering the 441cm as well. Glad to hear you like yours! Maybe it's a good enough for now and I can let the 462 get the bugs worked out before I get involved.

I doubt we see the 462 state side in 2018, so it could be a long wait. Who knows, we might actually receive the 500 fuel injected saw prior to the 462!?
Why do you think we won't see it this year? I don't understand why they take so long given they already have the R&D investment in the saw.
 
If a 24/25" bar is the smallest you'll run on the larger saw I'd go for the 661.
I'm not really sure what I'd put on it. I could see a 20" bar being really useful, particularly if I get rid of the 261, or put a 16 on it.

I want a saw in between my 261 and 661, just not sure what yet. I know it'll primarily run a 20" bar so I'm thinking 60cc would work, but I wouldn't mind 50/70/90 trio of saws, plus the two 30cc class saws for limbing.
Seems like the 462 is your ticket.
 
If you have to satisfy the itch...do the 461 now. Good resale value also if you feel you need a bigger saw later on. Can always port it and I really think you would get more use out of it due to the weight savings over the big saw.
 
Maybe it's a good enough for now and I can let the 462 get the bugs worked out before I get involved.

There are no real big bugs on the MS 462. I haven`t heared anything. Some changes are always made. I`ve heared the MS 462 C-M got updated carburetors with the newer solenoid valve and the m-tronic version 3 (first ones had version 2.1). On most m-tronic models the plug connector on the control unit was improved that the wires stay in place and do not turn. This is valid from may 2018 on on most chainsaw models (also MS 462 C). Others should follow in june or july.
 
That's the one that's like a 462, but heavier and less powerful... right?

:innocent::happy:

You need 5-cubes or close to it. I'd get a 7910 if I was you, a 372/461 will be almost sorta kinda maybe nearly as good.
I agree! If you want a saw with more power, forget about the 572xp and the MS-462, and just get the Dolmar (Makita) 7910. You won’t regret it.
 
A ported 70cc saw would serve you well and be light.

I like auto tune also, but we have gotten by without it for many years. It takes the idiot factor away from a saw.

Auto tune is great until there is an issue, then you will crave a saw that a screwdriver will fix.

I love the 261, but it’s the size of an 036 and can never be made to do what an 036 can.

A ported 60cc might even be your ticket, though oiling a bar over 25” (unless you find a 361) would be difficult.

Where in NY are you?

Here’s a 62cc saw I just built. An 034 Super. It’s only 62cc and it’s pulling a 32 full comp Square chain. It’s not broken in yet, the bearings and seals are new. It’s got another 1000 rpm in it.

Al

 
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