New guy needs first big one

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So what you’re saying is my natural instinct to be cautious could actually get me hurt if I’m running the wrong saw.
 
Hambone fatigue is what gets guys hurt.

Ive only had 1 episode where I let my stubborness amd fatigue get the better of me.

I was falling on a hot day and was getting tired and dehydrated. I made the stupid choice of falling one more tree instead of stopping for a water break.

After falling that tree I stepped in a hole (didnt clear my surtoundings /check for danger) and touched my right leg with the chain while it was moving.

My chaps did their job and I was fine.

Now i run bigger saws and the job gets done before I'm tired and it keeps me safer.

A big saw is a bit scary when you first start off and thats ok.

But they cut faster and when im bucking a big log the weight of the big saw is whats doing the cutting. I have little to no pressure on the saw and that keeps me from getting tired.

Homeowner saws are ok for some jobs but doing serious cutting with a non pro saw is a pain in the neck, hands and back. You will get very tired and thats when you will make mistakes and accidents can and will happen.

I ran 50cc saws thinking they were big enough. Then I tried a 70cc saw and that was that.

And you dont have to spend $1000 to get a good saw. You could buy 3 saws (a 50, 60 and 70cc saw) for that kind of money if you're patient.
 
So that’s why it looks so easy when I watch a comparison video of a 391 vs 362 or 362 vs 461.

So essentially a small (50cc) YOU run it. A big saw (70+) it does the work, you just guide it.
 
How’s the aftermarket of the older saws? I’d like to purchase a lifetime saw, I’m 32. A saw that’s already 20-30 years old is way ahead of me when it comes to “flow” of the market.
 
How’s the aftermarket of the older saws? I’d like to purchase a lifetime saw, I’m 32. A saw that’s already 20-30 years old is way ahead of me when it comes to “flow” of the market.
An pro saw that's been re-built by a competent saw mechanic would last a homeowner or firewooder a lifetime if properly cared for. Care like someone would give a brand new one. The wear items are rings, pistons, bearings, seals, and rubber parts. These things are usually new in a full re-build. There are also tons of low hour saws out there that someone "over-bought" and ran a few tanks through in a couple decades.
 
My only hesitation with the m-tronic saws is the reliability. I guess it’s taking that first plunge I’m afraid of. I love the idea of max power to weight. Other than have the computer reprogrammed, can they be worked on by the owner in the field and have all the bugs been worked out?

If I did go that route I’d go with a 261 and a 362.

The 261 and 362 are a great combo. I have both, but to be frank with you, there isn't much difference in hp between the two saws. There is a noticeable difference in weight and usable power, however. If you really need to pull a 36" frequently, go with the 661. I've not run a 462 yet, but I hear they will handle a 32" bar easily. I guess the question is how often do you need that much grunt and will it be worth the expense if it is just occasional use. I only "need" my 661 a few times a year, but I run it more often just because its such a great saw. I run a 32" and 25" bar on it. It may get less use after I get a 462, but it is one saw I will never get rid of, nor regret purchasing
 
The 261 and 362 are a great combo. I have both, but to be frank with you, there isn't much difference in hp between the two saws. There is a noticeable difference in weight and usable power, however. If you really need to pull a 36" frequently, go with the 661. I've not run a 462 yet, but I hear they will handle a 32" bar easily. I guess the question is how often do you need that much grunt and will it be worth the expense if it is just occasional use. I only "need" my 661 a few times a year, but I run it more often just because its such a great saw. I run a 32" and 25" bar on it. It may get less use after I get a 462, but it is one saw I will never get rid of, nor regret purchasing

At the moment I only need the 32”-36” maybe a few times a year. The M-tronic saws aren’t going anywhere. After a personal conversation with a member. I think I’m going to stop over thinking this and get a 461 while I still can. The 391, while it’s a good saw, won’t be able to consistently pull the 28”+. As it was just said to me this morning in that conversation. Let the saw do the work so you won’t have too. Summed up of course.
 
Thats the best thing about saws like the 461, you can run a 20" bar on it or a 28".

A little saw won't do that.

Nice thing with a long bar like a 28" is you can limb standing straight up which is good for the back!
 
At the moment I only need the 32”-36” maybe a few times a year. The M-tronic saws aren’t going anywhere. After a personal conversation with a member. I think I’m going to stop over thinking this and get a 461 while I still can. The 391, while it’s a good saw, won’t be able to consistently pull the 28”+. As it was just said to me this morning in that conversation. Let the saw do the work so you won’t have too. Summed up of course.

Sounds like you got some good advise that will serve your needs well! You won't be disappointed with a 461. Unless you handle a 462 while at the dealer...:baaa:
 
The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve noticed I have an issue with settling an issue like this. I’m all over the place, especially when there’s too many options. Thankful the member was able to work through my bs and find the right words to make me settle down and start thinking again.
 
The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve noticed I have an issue with settling an issue like this. I’m all over the place, especially when there’s too many options. Thankful the member was able to work through my bs and find the right words to make me settle down and start thinking again.

Really, I'm glad for you. I was just Joshing you about the 462. It's on my wish list. The 461's are great saws and I almost bought one a few years ago, but decided to wait for the 462. I nearly got one last week, but spent the $$ on a 241 and 261 that I really needed to have now.

Enjoy that 461 and run it like you stole it! You'll probably appreciate running RSF on it, if you haven't settled on a chain type yet.
 
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