jeremy1910
ArboristSite Lurker
I've got 7 acres of bush, the 170(14") and the 261(18"), looking for a bigger saw for 24", I may in time get the other saw I would pass on. Which to buy first, a 462 or 661?
170&261, what's next (24") 462 or 661
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It's a personal decision but for me a 661 is for bars longer than 24". For 24", something in the MS400 to MS500 range would be appropriate. So the answer would depend on how often you need a bar longer than 24".
Welcome to AS Jeremy. I like my 462. I have a 25"bar I can throw on if I get into any big stuff. Unless you would be cutting big stuff regularly I'll vote for the 462. Be prepared, all us guys here like to help spend other people's money. 
A 462 if you dont need bigger than 24 inch most the time, if logs are 30 inch diam and up more frequently get the 661. Weight matters . Lighter saws are nice.
jeremy1910
ArboristSite Lurker
Thanks for the quick replies, most of the trees to come down next are 24" dia (80%), some are as big as 36" dia.(10%)
If your looking for a dedicated 24” bar saw I’d take a serious look at the MS400. Anything bigger is 500i or 661 territory.
jeremy1910
ArboristSite Lurker
For the Home owner use, what do you think about the 661 with 2 bars, 24" and 36"?
Nothing wrong with that, 661 definitely has the power. If you ever wanna run something smaller than a 24” bar the 661 is kinda overkill. I can see wanting a 661 as a do all saw especially if your gonna be milling but it’s a big power head I wouldn’t wanna be running it all day with a 24” bar. That’s just me though.
jeremy1910
ArboristSite Lurker
Yea, I get it. The most I would be running this saw might be the very occasional afternoon and nothing more than that. It's something to consider
To much $$ for occasional use. 462 with a 20" and 25" will fill the bill.
jeremy1910
ArboristSite Lurker
Thanks everybody for all the info. I'm going to go with the MS462.
Howard Justice
ArboristSite Operative
We have all those except the 400. I’d consider 500i. We have one w 25 and the other runs a 28. And sometimes a 32
IMO there is a significant increase in power 661 over 461. But with a weight penalty. But at 67 now if only had 3 saws they would be 201 rear handle, 261 and 500i. We rarely use the 661. I Hope this is helpful…. But most on this forum prolly have more experience than me.
