56 AV Super or MS461?

[WildernessJeep]

Looking at getting a bigger saw with a longer bar and higher duty cycle. I typically buy good tools and saws are no different. Which would you prefer, a 56 AV Super or MS 461? Was also considering a larger AV or MS. Planning on running about a 32" bar, maybe slightly longer. I don't mind maintaining my tools but I HATE getting out on a site and having a saw that won't start or stay running. Options/opinions?

Edit: Looking to use this saw on big trees, or to cycle out on my smaller saws when they need a break. Running a MS 291 and 361 now. Neither can handle a bar over 24" without bogging.

 

[Deleted member 150358]

The 385 in the ads is a steal of a deal on a bigger saw.

 

[WildernessJeep]

Didn't see that; looks like a good deal. How's the 385 compare in power/weight to the AV 56 or 461? I've got three other Stihls, there is some value to running a single brand, although I'm open to the Husky.

https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/385-xp-husky-drop.335498/

 

[catbuster]

The MS 461 is probably the best saw Stihl has ever made that we can get to date in the states to run a 32” bar in softwoods.

If the Helena you have in your info is the Helena in Montana, the land of Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Larch & Aspen by all means go for it.

It will do okay with a three footer if the need arises too. They do better with a three footer falling than bucking. Bucking with a three footer is where the 056 might do better with the extra displacement.

Parts for the 056 will probably suck to get a hold of, the ignition system is a weak point, and the 461 is much lighter and easier in your body from a vibration and handling standpoint.

That said, I’m assuming Helena MT. Anything longer than a 32 in hardwoods works a 461 really hard. It will work an 056 Super hard too. I’d go for a 64/650/66/661 if you need a three footer in hardwoods. I’m guessing there’s a reason you’re sticking with Stihl, otherwise I’d say just go out and find any of the above or a 385, 390 or 394/395.

That said, what do you consider “big” trees? If they’re three footers, then a 461 is a great saw, including bucking. If you’re doing five footers all day, you’ll really appreciate the extra oomph a bigger saw will give you. At least I do.

 

[WildernessJeep]

Yes, mostly around Helena we have softwood, but down in Texas, we have 200 year oak that demands respect (the dog does, too). As I'm getting older and fatter, I'm leaning more towards comfort and reliability. Hunting for parts isn't really my bag.

R

 

[catbuster]

Dammit man, is that a single tree with codominant stems? Or two trees tied up in one another? My MS461 or 441 would be my small saw. A lot of that would get the 395XP treatment.

Nice looking dog too.

 

[WildernessJeep]

Dammit man, is that a single tree with codominant stems? Or two trees tied up in one another? My MS461 or 441 would be my small saw. A lot of that would get the 395XP treatment.

Nice looking dog too.

Just one tree (*lightning strike). I'm sitting on one branch, the second is above me, the third is in the back. The trunk was much, much larger. You can see the lightening path down the branch I'm sitting on. Took me and three other guys two days, two tractors, and a dog to get it down.


R

 

[Justsaws]

As a person that owns 056s and does not own a 461, I say get the 461 or a larger saw than a 461 that is newer than a 056.

056s/1115s are a pile of frustrations when they need parts.

That tree in the photo would be Stihl 660 or Husqvarna 395 time for me.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

If you're in wood that size very often at all, a 395xp would be my choice. Probably similar price to a 461 if you're shopping for new ones.