036 vs. MS 360 Vs. MS 361 vs. MS 362 I want them all, but can have only one.......

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nmurph

nmurph

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According to test results by DLG/KWF in Germany, the weigths of the empty powerheads are:

- 036, 5.9 kg = 13.0 lbs

- 360, 5.7 kg = 12.5 or .6 lbs

- 361, 5.6 kg = 12.3 lbs

- 362, 6.0 kg = 13.2 lbs

According to the same test reports, the dyno showed 3.3 kW for the 036 and 360, and 3.4 kW for the 361 (Euro Version) and the 362.

According to the scale (verified accuracy), the 036 is 12.25lb and the 361 was right at 12.75lb.
 
burnses

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I have a 036pro that I bought new waited about 7 years before I opened up the muffler and unlimited the carb. Always felt it was a real strong saw and only better by a lot with the simple mods. Did install the hd clutch about a year ago. What always impressed me about that saw is the run time on a tank with a 18 bar and rc chain. Ran a 361 some(first year strat?) and although it was noticeably cleaner not quite the power of mine and not quite as compact. I would vote for a 036 if your ok with something a little "older"

jim
 
ShaneLogs

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I would chose the 036 over the MS361. The 036 doesn't have alll the new EPA compliant crap. 036's are real nice saws too. You won't be disappointed with any Stihl though.
 
cutforfun

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It sure looks like some of you have not ran a muffler modded and tuned 361. A ms361 will out cut a 036/360 in every possible way. I have owned them both and love the 036, but it will not keep up with a 361.
 
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nmurph

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It sure looks like some off you have not ran a muffler modded and tuned 361. A ms361 will out cut a 036/360 in every possible way. I have owned them both and love the 036, but it will not keep up with a 361.

No, all of my 034S/036/361's are bone stock. It would take a stopwatch to pick a winner. But what I do like is that the 0-saws feel more nimble. I will agree that a 361 is smoother.
 
cutforfun

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No, all of my 034S/036/361's are bone stock. It would take a stopwatch to pick a winner. But what I do like is that the 0-saws feel more nimble. I will agree that a 361 is smoother.

Open up the muffler on the 361(closer to the flow of a stock 036) and you will not need a stop watch to see the winner
 
rwoods

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I only have the 036Pro and two 362s. The 036Pro just feels better in my hands. The 362s seem to have a broader powerband. As another said, if I had to have one saw for life as a firewood cutter I would take my 036Pro due to its unfailing dependability. I've never run the others so I won't comment on them. Ron
 
ShaneLogs

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It sure looks like some off you have not ran a muffler modded and tuned 361. A ms361 will out cut a 036/360 in every possible way. I have owned them both and love the 036, but it will not keep up with a 361.

Oh I am sure the 361's are real nice saws but the 036's are cheaper too.
 
chadihman

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Open up the muffler on the 361(closer to the flow of a stock 036) and you will not need a stop watch to see the winner

I agree. The 361 muffler is so choked up its a wonder it runs as good as it does. Split it, gut it, and add an extra larger outlet and then you'll find the hidden power. My 361 runs tuned with a mm at 14300. I'm not saying a 036 or 362 is a bad saw. I think the 036 pro was one of Stihl's best saws. There just down right reliable and there's nothing wrong with that. I know lots of people that have a 036. One of stihls popular firewood saws.
 
safetyboy715

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wound up with an 036

Thanks for all the great advise. I actually got an 036 from an ebay seller that I thought had flaked out on me. It runs, but I took it to a shop for a once over due to the control lever not functioning properly. It needs a bar, sprocket air filter etc. I paid 250 for it. I will find out after the shop looks at it whether or not it weas a good deal.:msp_scared:

I am thinking that I will fit it with a 3/8 050 20" bar. Is this a good one on an 036?
 

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