Stihl ms 361 vs Husky 562

[Tnshaker]

OK the real question.....361 vs 562. I owned a ported 562 and my brother now has it. I have owned a ms360 which I liked but was down on power a little to the 562 even stock. So how does the 361 really stack up?

 

[sunfish]

Both very good saws!

This was touch on in the ms362 vs 562xp thread.

A while back I ran a ms361 and my 562xp side by side and the 562xp was noticeably faster, lighter feeling, much smoother and better balanced. Like I've said before, I like the ms361 and had wanted to compare these two saws together at the same time. I also like the filter system much better on the 562.

 

[bryanr2]

Simply put...... it doesn't. There is nothing in that range that comes close to a 562 stock. Modded- it will depend on the builder and how "hot" he made it. Then it comes to feel and usability- for me I like my 359s better than the 562 so I sold it. Something about the look and aesthetics- also why of my 3 personal vehicles they are all trucks..... 2010 Dodge 4500, 2004 Dodge 3500 crewcab flatbed (that I bought yesterday) and a 97 F250. Even my wife drives a GMC Yukon. I prefer things with classic looks. Performance-wise the 562 does stand out though against all else, unless you go with a Makita 6401/ Dolmar 6400 but then you have a major weight penalty and are slinging a saw built on a 70cc frame.

 

[Jacob J.]

That flatbed is sweet Bryan.

I'm doing the 361 vs. 562 comparison my own self currently. I just picked up a used 361R for work and have had an early-gen 562 that's mildly modded for a while now. The 562 is a sweetie, it will be hard to outmatch that saw.

 

[walexa07]

I've not run the 562, but I sure read a fair amount of problems with autotune across the board. Plus, to retune you need to run 5 min in wood WOT without letting off for it to recalibrate. If I went electronic carb, it would have to be stihl.

I do know the 361 is weak stock, but responds really well to MM. Sorry I have added little/no value to your thread; just my 2 cents.

Waylan

 

[sunfish]

562xp is my only stock saw and will stay that way... I think?

MS361 would have to be modified for me to actually use it... :msp_mellow:

 

[Jacob J.]

I've not run into the problems with auto-tune on my 562. Mine is one of the very earliest and I did not change the wiring harness, AT module, ignition, or carburetor as per the service bulletins but I did update the case screws and flywheel side bearing. Mine is dead-dog reliable. It starts on the third pull every time and never needs resetting. I set the squish at .025" and gave it mild exhaust and intake timing. It leaves a stock 372 in its' dust with the same bar and chain.

 

[SawTroll]

I've not run the 562, but I sure read a fair amount of problems with autotune across the board. .....

Most of those cases has proven to really be about operator error, with a few carb issues and maybe some coil issues on early saws in the mix.
Zero has actually been about the Autotune, except in the heading and first post(s) of the threads, as I remember it.

 

[sunfish]

My 562 is also a very early one. Absolutely no problems, no upgrades and dead nuts reliable!
:msp_biggrin:

 

[bryanr2]

That flatbed is sweet Bryan.

I'm doing the 361 vs. 562 comparison my own self currently. I just picked up a used 361R for work and have had an early-gen 562 that's mildly modded for a while now. The 562 is a sweetie, it will be hard to outmatch that saw.

Thanks Jacob, I havent really spent any time with the truck yet but I tell ya.... it will straight out walk the dog down the road.

 

[Tnshaker]

As much as I like the 562...I do think it is slightly overrated. Stock I will not run with a 70cc saw stock. Not even close to my 441c. I prefer the red and black 2260 for the straight handle and looks. The 562 and 2260 both feel heavier to my old 360 pro.

 

[sunfish]

As much as I like the 562...I do think it is slightly overrated. Stock I will not run with a 70cc saw stock. Not even close to my 441c. I prefer the red and black 2260 for the straight handle and looks. The 562 and 2260 both feel heavier to my old 360 pro.

Overrated? Maybe... I don't think so.

No, a 562 will not run with a 70cc, stock for stock, but it is close. Mine will hang with larger saws in smaller wood and is faster than some.

The 560xp / 2260 is lighter, but I like orange and angled handle better. I would prefer the 560xp, but not available here. Might have to get a 2260 at some point, just for kicks...

You asked... Buy what you like...

 

[Tnshaker]

If the 560 was available I would prefer it. The specs actually say that 562 is lighter than the 2260. I have ran both and the 2260 felt lighter. The 361 is a very hard find in this area so it is the one saw in this class I have not ran.

 

[blsnelling]

Other than smoothness, I too think the 562 is over-rated. Remember how everyone thought the 361 would cure cancer? Well, it's still the same saw. It's just not the new kid on the block. I'd love to put Nik's 361 up against a ported 562.

 

[FATGUY]

I'm game.

 

[blsnelling]

I'm game.

Will you be at Wiggs GTG?

 

[FATGUY]

Will you be at Wiggs GTG?

if I'm not, you will be.

 

[blsnelling]

if I'm not, you will be.

You know it

 

[SawTroll]

If the 560 was available I would prefer it. The specs actually say that 562 is lighter than the 2260. I have ran both and the 2260 felt lighter. The 361 is a very hard find in this area so it is the one saw in this class I have not ran.

If so, the specs you have read were off. The 2260 is lighter (but likely a couple of ounces less so than the 560xp is).

The true weights should be very close to 12.3 lbs for the 560xp, 12.4 lbs for the 2260 and 12.8 lbs for the 562xp - based on different trustworthy "testing".

 

[pro94lt]

The 562xp in my opinion is not overrated. It really is an amazing work saw and flat out gets it done for me...