Need advice on Stihl MS 461 / MS 462 / MS 661

[Stihl dude]

Hello to all
I currently have in my line up the following saws: Stihl MS400 CM and Husky 288XP
I want to buy a new saw and I am wondering which one to buy and how well the saw will fit my line up. I mostly do firewood and occasionnaly I will be contracted to fall timber for residential projects (eastern Canada mostly hardwood and some soft wood).
In my area I have the following options:
MS 462 m tronic on the used market (advertised as used 1 time) at 1200$. I would put a bark box on it to increase power +80$ and a full wrap + 150-200$
MS 461 in good shape with 175 compression at 850$. I would put a bark box on it to increase power +80$ and a full wrap + 150-200$
MS 661 CM new from dealer 1660$ without taxes. Come with a full wrap

Which one would you recommend? Which one would fill the gap in my line up. I do like lighter saws but I am afraid the 460s are to close in power to my MS400
Let me know what you think/ recommend

 

[Dennisthemenace]

I have all 3 that you are considering. I would go for a 461, it's right in the middle between the 288 and the 400.
Mine has a muff cover from Rich Dougan in Oregon and maxflow and these alterations really woke it up.
You'll have to remove the carb limiters and retune or it will run WAY too lean

 

[SawBawss]

My vote is on the 461 as well. I have one that is a great saw. It is my in between for a husky 372xp and my 395xp. Mine is still stock, but I plan on doing a muffler mod to wake it up. It runs great stock though.

 

[thomasinvancouver]

I like my 462. It’s probably “better” in many respects than a 461, especially if you’re using it all the time. But if you need some occasional grunt the 461 is hard to beat. The 661 would be a replacement for the 288, which unless it’s completely worn out but has the displacement you need would make no sense. As much as I would like to justify a new 661.

 

[Trailsawyer]

IF I were you, I would "fill the gap" with a 500i R!
The used prices you posted, including the "wrap" kits, are more than I would want to pay, compared to new "R" models!

 

[Woodslasher]

461 for me, if I could only have 1 saw that would be it. They can pull a 36" bar pretty well on the West Coast and they do all right with a 28" as well.

 

[SawBawss]

461 at the front and a wide range on up the road!

 

[Stihl dude]

Thank you all for the advice.

I went with a the 461

 

[lone wolf]

IF I were you, I would "fill the gap" with a 500i R!
The used prices you posted, including the "wrap" kits, are more than I would want to pay, compared to new "R" models!

Yes the 461 vibrates like hell and the 500 is smooth for one reason alone.