Newer model Stihl saws vs older models

[foggysail]

Still getting familiar with Stihl's saws. I have their current literature where the MS models are listed. Because there is no reference to older models such as the 064 and the 066 for examples, I presume Stihl is no longer offering them. But that brings a question to mind. Why the major line changes?

Are the newer MS saws the same as the older families that lack the MS header? Is the MS family somewhat like the "new & improved" soap sometimes advertised? Just trying to get a better understanding on these things--

Foggy

 

[Guido Salvage]

Nothing is constant; technology, manufacturing techniques materials, etc. are constantly changing and evolving. As a result products change as well and Stihl used a new numbering scheme to denote the new products. By the way, when was the last time you saw a new Galaxie for sale at the local Ford dealer?

 

[RiverRocket]

026=ms261
036=ms362
044=ms441
046=ms461
066=ms660

 

[foggysail]

Thanks River Rocket, that makes sense.

Guido--- of course things are changing especially cars. But a hammer looks very much like it probably did when Jesus was a young man and still called a hammer. I was trying to compare the newer better soap to the older stuff that is still in great demand as witnessed by a trip through EBay. Things over there are NOT CHEAP! Now I understand that for the most part, the biggest change was just in the name :smile2:

 

[XSKIER]

You've never seen a stiletto framing hammer have you? How about a dead blow ball-peen? There's a reason that "they don't make 'em like they used to". The current models are always better than their precursors.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

You've never seen a stiletto framing hammer have you? How about a dead blow ball-peen? There's a reason that "they don't make 'em like they used to". The current models are always better than their precursors.

Not always... 362, 201t, the latest 250....

 

[workshop]

However there is a lot of stuff made today, chainsaws included, that really were made to do only one thing. Sell off the shelf. I think "Buyer Beware" is more prevelant today than it ever has been. Research, research, research.

 

[Guido Salvage]

Remember that there have been running changes along the way, i.e. Supers and Magnums that were larger displacement than their predecessors.

 

[foggysail]

You've never seen a stiletto framing hammer have you? How about a dead blow ball-peen? There's a reason that "they don't make 'em like they used to". The current models are always better than their precursors.

Not getting into a peeing contest here. I am familiar with both the framing hammer which I do not own but I do own several ball peens and maybe except for the handles there are few differences in the first ones I saw and what are currently available. The reason for my post was an attempt to understand Stihl's product numbering system. It just did not make sense to an observer (me!) that a company would burden itself with a huge product and parts inventory where the products were similar in function.

 

[foggysail]

Remember that there have been running changes along the way, i.e. Supers and Magnums that were larger displacement than their predecessors.

Heck Guido, other than knowing companies improve their products over time, I was struggling to understand what Stihl offered in the marketplace. I'm learning, slowly. :smile2:

 

[cmarti]

Stihl models I understand.....Husky numbers and letters seem way more confusing.....or is it just a matter of what you are familiar with:dunno:

 

[richard t]

Not always... 362, 201t, the latest 250....

I agree with the 201t and the 250
I believe most who say negative things about the ms362 has never even run one and for those who say it can't handle a 25 inch bar must be drunk

 

[fearofpavement]

As far as Stihl numbering meaning anything, the only correlation seems to be that the bigger the number the bigger the saw. However that only applies most of the time. With Husky and Jonsered (and some others) there are some engine size clues in the model number. For instance the Husky 372 or Jonsered 2172 both being about 72cc (slightly less)

I have mostly older Stihls. Not real old ones but models like 026, 028, 019T, 018, etc. I have only one MS model and that's the MS660. One of the primary reasons I don't have newer Stihls is that I detest the flippy caps. Have them only on the Stihl pole saw.

As with cars, often design changes with products are the result of govt mandates. New models are not always an improvement to the end user but may be to the EPA or CPSC. This site is very useful to sort out the characteristics of many saws and can help to guide a person to a saw that will be a good fit for their needs.

 

[Cool515]

Stihl numbers and ball peen hammers

For my two cents...Stihl numbers "used to be" the engine's c.i. not the cc. As it was relatively close to the model they were putting out. Not exactly sure when they switched this, I think after the 056 though. They switched to the B.H.P. (BRAKE HORSE POWER) measurement. That started with the 064-090 and all the new "Moto Sagen"(MS) series saws from the 170 to the 880 as it is relatively close to the saw number again. I got this info years ago from and old repair man, It appears to be...sloppily close

Now, to the gentlemen looking for a better, newer ball peen hammer. Cheaper and easier is why they don't make'em like they used, not because the pattern was bad. I'll gladly drop an MS440 out my basket to cushion the fall of my .038 AV Super. After all, I don't want my big saw getting hurt

 

[psuiewalsh]

You've never seen a stiletto framing hammer have you? How about a dead blow ball-peen? There's a reason that "they don't make 'em like they used to". The current models are always better than their precursors.

We have one of these and it is great. Mac Tools Online Store - 24 oz. Compo-Cast® Dead-Blow Ball Pein Hammer

 

[SawTroll]

026=ms261
036=ms362
044=ms441
046=ms461
066=ms660

The "=" signs are misleading, it is just the corresponding models in the models line-up.

 

[SawTroll]

Stihl models I understand.....Husky numbers and letters seem way more confusing.....or is it just a matter of what you are familiar with:dunno:

Exact knowledge beats everything else, and you really need that anyway, to make an educated choise! :msp_wink:

 

[Mapcinq]

I have mostly older Stihls. Not real old ones but models like 026, 028, 019T, 018, etc. I have only one MS model and that's the MS660. One of the primary reasons I don't have newer Stihls is that I detest the flippy caps. Have them only on the Stihl pole saw.
.

I didnt understand why people were complaining about those caps, as I never had any problems with them. That was until last weekend, when I filled up the chain oil, walked to my back yard, and saw that it had all spilled out on my pants and patio stones. :mad2:

 

[manofstihlsometimes]

This pdf I poosted has been helpful to me. Not perfect or the most updated version since the model #'s change anytime a change is made to a unit. However it will get you a good idea.

 

[BangBang77]

Nice avatar...