I got my MS 362 C-M on Wed after selling my MS 441 (pre M-Tronic). The 441 was a very good saw, but I already have a 044 and they were occupying the same space.
I wanted something that was lighter and better for limbing, but could also be used for bucking. For 20 years the only saws I have run are my 044, my 441 and my bother's MS 460, so I'm a bit spoiled on power.
I considered a MS 261 CM or 550 XP, but after going to a few stores and checking saws out, I felt either a 562 XP or MS 362 C-M would better suit my needs. As confirmed elsewhere by another member who owns both these saws (a lucky guy), the performance is very similar, as is the size & wight (the 50 cc saws have a bigger weight difference). I based my decision between the two on the simpler controls on the Stihl, and the fact that the bar & chain would interchange with my 044.
The first day I used it (Wed) it started on the second pull, cut small and medium stuff fine, but bogged on larger wood. I run a 20 inch bar with Stihl yellow RS. I read that a few people with MS 261 C-Ms had similar experiences. I'm not sure if it is the rings seating or the M-Tronic learning curve, but I am glad that it improved.
I've gone through 3 tanks of fuel, but today is the first day since then I was in big wood. The saw is very smooth and noticeably lighter and more nimble than my 70 cc saws and cuts through small and medium size wood just as fast. The tree today was an old apple tree with an oblong base of 20 X 22 inches. The saw cut very fast with the full length of the bar, I was very happy.
However, this saw does not have the torque of the 70 cc saws. I often cut 3/4 through a log in several places then roll the log over, but the bar in the cut and lift up with the saw. If the log starts to pinch a little, the 70 cc saws will just cut right through it, with the 362 you have to be a little more careful.
Overall I am very pleased, and glad I went with the 362 instead of the 261. The 362 is a great all around saw and a lot easier to handle. when topping trees, etc. This will be my new "primary" saw, with the 044 being reserved for the big wood. I also noticed the idle with M-Tronic is lower than where I usually keep it. A bit unnerving at first, but it keeps running.
MustangMike
I wanted something that was lighter and better for limbing, but could also be used for bucking. For 20 years the only saws I have run are my 044, my 441 and my bother's MS 460, so I'm a bit spoiled on power.
I considered a MS 261 CM or 550 XP, but after going to a few stores and checking saws out, I felt either a 562 XP or MS 362 C-M would better suit my needs. As confirmed elsewhere by another member who owns both these saws (a lucky guy), the performance is very similar, as is the size & wight (the 50 cc saws have a bigger weight difference). I based my decision between the two on the simpler controls on the Stihl, and the fact that the bar & chain would interchange with my 044.
The first day I used it (Wed) it started on the second pull, cut small and medium stuff fine, but bogged on larger wood. I run a 20 inch bar with Stihl yellow RS. I read that a few people with MS 261 C-Ms had similar experiences. I'm not sure if it is the rings seating or the M-Tronic learning curve, but I am glad that it improved.
I've gone through 3 tanks of fuel, but today is the first day since then I was in big wood. The saw is very smooth and noticeably lighter and more nimble than my 70 cc saws and cuts through small and medium size wood just as fast. The tree today was an old apple tree with an oblong base of 20 X 22 inches. The saw cut very fast with the full length of the bar, I was very happy.
However, this saw does not have the torque of the 70 cc saws. I often cut 3/4 through a log in several places then roll the log over, but the bar in the cut and lift up with the saw. If the log starts to pinch a little, the 70 cc saws will just cut right through it, with the 362 you have to be a little more careful.
Overall I am very pleased, and glad I went with the 362 instead of the 261. The 362 is a great all around saw and a lot easier to handle. when topping trees, etc. This will be my new "primary" saw, with the 044 being reserved for the big wood. I also noticed the idle with M-Tronic is lower than where I usually keep it. A bit unnerving at first, but it keeps running.
MustangMike
