Which would you prefer MS046 or MS0462

[James Sawyer]

Sound like MS046 is not that much better even thou it's a 76cc saw vs 72cc MS462. I was think the 4 extra cc would be difference. The AV in last 20 years has change and I do think Husqvarna has the best at this point. A used saw with No warranty is always a gamble if you can't look inside the cylinder. With a possible 25-year-old saw (not sure the year of this saw), I'd change the rubber and seals. I'm going to advice going with a new saw I think it's too much money as well. The MS462's are good saws. With 500I at >$1600, the small chip guard and air filter issue...the 462 seems like a better deal. The weight and power of the 500i is attractive. I don't own one nor have I ran one but as I get older the benefits the 500I brings is attractive.

 

[stihltech]

Do you want to cut production or just have a bigger home firewood saw.
You WILL be repairing a 20 plus year old saw. Just from age and previous owners abuse.
If you are up for that, get the used saw. If you do not want to be repairing a saw in the near future, buy new. From a servicing dealer.
Depends on how handy YOU are.

 

[N8Dawg]

 

[Lightning Performance]

There old saws…I was thinking it would have better torque

The port timing is slightly different and no flippy caps or intelecarb. 046 had a bigger exit hole on the muffler. All can take a dual port can cover. Early 046 had panel filters.

 

[Lightning Performance]

There old saws…I was thinking it would have better torque

Not based on transfer port area.

 

[muddy42]

I like my 460, but its only for occasional use and I do a lot of repairs on it. If its going to be used regularly or you are not practical, get the new 462.

 

[Lightning Performance]

What's your thoughts it worth $350-$400 buying the MS046 over a MS462. I've never ran a 046? That my question, its an older used saw supposedly low hours. My buddy can afford a new saw but he's considering this saw for the saving. I've bought used saws before but its always a gamble unless you can look thru to cylinder intake & exhaust. Me I change all the seals, fuel line, filter and the impulse line from the start and check the tune. It appears to be homeowner saw with aftermarket bar so seems kind odd it has aftermarket bar and and still be stated as low hours.

People bend bars.

 

[James Sawyer]

Do you want to cut production or just have a bigger home firewood saw.
You WILL be repairing a 20 plus year old saw. Just from age and previous owners abuse.
If you are up for that, get the used saw. If you do not want to be repairing a saw in the near future, buy new. From a servicing dealer.
Depends on how handy YOU are.

I have buddy that retired, he own a ranch with timber/mixed wood here in the PNW and mostly wants a larger saw for land clearing, cleanup and so some falling. He presently has a smaller saw I believe 50cc maybe smaller not sure which saw but it has supported most of he's needs until now. Now that he's is retired and focusing more attention on this ranch, maybe building on it. We just had very bad unusual ice storm so like a lot people around here lost trees. So... no not really production work. Now... He's one of the best mechanical/equipment Engineers I know and he's very comfortable with maintenance, equipment repairs. He just hasn't worked around saws rebuilds etc and was looking for some advice. If he can save a few dollars and get something that going to fit his needs, he's all over that, it not like he can't afford a new saw. Those old saws didn't have EPA restrictions but in last 20 years saws have definitely gotten lighter, faster, and better AV. like all of us ...we all like fast light saws and AV for us older guys make a difference at the end of the day. He's wants a saw with a bar length of 28" which will cut everything he needs. The 70cc saw size is perfect. That all said ... if the 046 was prefect in every way and depends on how it was stored he was thinking that would be the way to go. I'm just not familiar with that saw and thought I'd ask here...lot experience on this site.

 

[Lightning Performance]

I have buddy that retired, he own a ranch with timber/mixed wood here in the PNW and mostly wants a larger saw for land clearing, cleanup and so some falling. He presently has a smaller saw I believe 50cc maybe smaller not sure which saw but it has supported most of he's needs until now. Now that he's is retired and focusing more attention on this ranch, maybe building on it. We just had very bad unusual ice storm so like a lot people around here lost trees. So... no not really production work. Now... He's one of the best mechanical/equipment Engineers I know and he's very comfortable with maintenance, equipment repairs. He just hasn't worked around saws rebuilds etc and was looking for some advice. If he can save a few dollars and get something that going to fit his needs, he's all over that, it not like he can't afford a new saw. Those old saws didn't have EPA restrictions but in last 20 years saws have definitely gotten lighter, faster, and better AV. like all of us ...we all like fast light saws and AV for us older guys make a difference at the end of the day. He's wants a saw with a bar length of 28" which will cut everything he needs. The 70cc saw size is perfect. That all said ... if the 046 was prefect in every way and depends on how it was stored he was thinking that would be the way to go. I'm just not familiar with that saw and thought I'd ask here...lot experience on this site.

I'll build you a nasty 460 for him if he wants a turn key one ported. Only have one 460 left in my stash and it was a good runner when parked years ago. I will most likely still keep the 046 even though I sold the NOS tank for that one.

Maybe he wants a hybrid?

 

[James Sawyer]

Thanks...

 

[Hman1024]

I have both an older 046 and a 2021 462 that is practically new. The 046 runs and cuts darn good but as mentioned just the age, even if well maintained, along with the better av, warranty and air filtration would need to be at a price point of at least 50% better deal to take a chance on the older saw IMO.

 

[Lionsfan]

$950

That's a lot of green for an older saw, no matter what. Send Matt Schmitt a PM, I believe he has one more brand new 462 m-tronic for sale, $1,025 shipped I believe.

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

A friend is looking at MS046mag which is supposed to in good condition vs buying a new MS462R (carb saw). From what I remember the 046 was a very good saw in it's time. So...whats your opinion... it is worth saving $350 difference in cost. From what I remember those 046 pull a long bar pretty well?

Unless that 046 is as new, that’s expensive for a circa 30 year old saw. Even in excellent condition it’s likely the rubber parts may need replacing, not to mention carb kit, filters, seals etc and there goes a good chunk of that $350 saving. Go 462 w/ adjustable carb, you’ll get a warranty and a reliable machine, it’s a no brainer.

 

[grizz55chev]

are you talking about MS460....I'm talking about MS046 which was built in the 90's 76cc saw?

are you talking about MS460....I'm talking about MS046 which was built in the 90's 76cc saw?

MS 046? Never heard of it.

 

[muddy42]

The MS part of the name came later I think.

Buying old saws is always a gamble. Id always factor in the cost of new bar, chain, sprocket, carb kit, AV and fuel line. BUT I've bought a few that needed more work where the total cost hurt a bit. But then you are trapped - "I've already spent X" and "its a good saw" and the piston is good etc. But I do like older professional stihl saws compared to new. They seem solidly built, you can work on or replace pretty much everything (without specialist tools) including the adjustable carbs. I recently bought a 3 year old MS261 that is giving me grief and needing lots of expensive small parts - master trigger, oil pump, worm gear.

Just go into it with your eyes open and have backup saws.

 

[James Sawyer]

I would have to say 500I

I probably would suggest that as well but 500i R's are over $1600 if you can find one, vs <$1400 for 462R. We all not getting any younger and that weight adds up at the end of the day, 5 year later he might wish he had... I here ya.

 

[lone wolf]

I probably would suggest that as well but 500i R's are over $1600 if you can find one, vs <$1400 for 462R. We all not getting any younger and that weight adds up at the end of the day, 5 year later he might wish he had... I here ya.

Buy the best you can, just keep saving until you have it.

 

[Lightning Performance]

Buy the best you can, just keep saving until you have it.

When you buy the best your always happy with it. The sting of money well spent pays divided ends in peace of mind.
Priceless

 

[bwalker]

When you buy the best your always happy with it. The sting of money well spent pays divided ends in peace of mind.
Priceless

There is that. There is also the fact my time is priceless and I would rather not waste it working on old tools.

 

[Michael Bradshaw]

I have never run an MS046 but I do own an MS462 standard carburetor. I am really impressed with the MS462. It has more than enough power (about 6.0 HP) and rips through everything I have needed to cut. Poplar, Pine, Ash, Maple, Fir, Oak, White Oak and Red, Black Walnut, Cherry and just about everything else in Michigan. I prefer a full house full chisel chain. The chain acceleration is wickedly fast. It gets up to full speed in no time flat. I'm running a 25-inch Stihl lightweight bar with nonethanol gas mixed with Husqvarna XP+ two-cycle oil. I have had some problems with my back so the lighter weight, even though it's just a half a pound dose make a huge difference. You really have to watch the tip of your bar because with all that power you do not need any kickback. I was not thrilled with the bucking spikes, so I replaced them with ones from West Coast Saw, there are a few options for you to choose from. I really like my MS462, If you get one, I think it will be all the saw you're ever going to need unless you're going for those old California Red Woods type trees.