036 vs 360 pro vs 361?

Butch(OH) · Jan 7, 2005

I read below where the new 361 has features that will bring Stihl out of the dark ages(my words) and inline with the Huskies. I never saw anything in the 360 pro that made me think about reitring my 036 but I have never run one. As for the 361 all I have seen is pictures. Aside from cosmetics just what is the difference between a 361 and my 6 year old 036? More power? less vibration? noise? The motor specs on Stihls site read the same.

brent denny · Jan 7, 2005

I have owned an 036pro which is the same saw as the ms360. The ms361 is totally new. Brand new engine (more torque, better porting). New av system (steel springs instead of rubber buffers). Supposedly, also heavier internals which are supposed to lead to longer engine life. I have never ran a 361 but most everyone that has prefers is to the ms360/036. Jokers will probably leave some feedback here and once glens gets to try one he will probably be able to give the most details on differences, dislikes, etc.

WRW · Jan 7, 2005

Butch(OH),
No offense intended, but of the saws you have listed I would trade in the 210 for a 250 or 260. About the same weight and 1/2 again as much horsepower. Power gains on the 036 for 361 trade would be negligible...stock.

Butch(OH) · Jan 7, 2005

No ofence taken, the 210 and the Pool-lan are my son's learning saws, they don't need a rip roaring saw at this point. The 35 is just an old keepsake. The 036 is of course the worker and is starting to tire a bit.

fishhuntcutwood · Jan 7, 2005

Butch- I was going to ask this very same question on here last night. I did a search on here, and there's several threads-"MS 361 vs. MS 360," "MS 361 info," and "Ms361," just to name a few. Pretty good info therein. It sounds like a pretty good saw. I'm planning on getting one in the next month, month and a half. I'll let everyone know how it works out, FWIW.

Take care all,
Jeff

WRW · Jan 7, 2005

Butch(OH) said:
No ofence taken, the 210 and the Pool-lan are my son's learning saws, they don't need a rip roaring saw at this point. The 35 is just an old keepsake. The 036 is of course the worker and is starting to tire a bit.

Got ya'.
If the 036 is no longer rebuildable, the 361 is an adequate replacement. Just hit the dealer up for as many extra chains, files, bottles of mix, etc. as you can get.