The Stihl 461 had become my go-to saw for just about everything over the last few years as I’ve gone away from Husqvarna (for the sole reason of dealer support.) I always liked the 046 and 460 as a concept, and dad & my granddad had one at the farm, it was just that I could get a 372 to do almost everything it did and it was more comfortable to run. A 385 or 390 didn’t weigh much more and it had a sweet spot with a 32” bar & full comp chain in eastern hardwoods, once again more comfortable to run.
The 461, somehow, is a lot smoother than a 46, and it seemingly has more grunt than a 460, especially when I slap a 32 on it. I don’t know how Stihl made it smoother seeing as the AV mounts, handlebars and tank handle are exactly the same as a 460, but it is. There are a few other improvements ( pull starter cover & plastic covers) over a 460.
I wouldn’t hesitate to go for one over a 362, especially if I was looking to run a longer bar. No, not because the 362 is M-Tronic. I’m a fan on the M-Tronic system. It’s pretty slick. Less maintenance to do.
I’ve largely been disappointed with the 462. Good acceleration and it’s light... But that’s where it ends for me. Doesn’t balance well with anything over a 28, I *hate* the top cover, no bottom end power, easy to stall with a long bar... Anyway, I don’t like it.