460 Mag Vs. 660 Mag

[J_Ashley]

I'm heavily considering taking the plunge and adding a big saw to my line up. My question is..... Is the extra $200 and 3lbs. of the 660Mag worth the 1hp increase over the 460 Mag? Purchased saw will run a 20" for general cutting and will have a 36" for big stuff, and I'm sure will be modded in due time. Thanks guys,

Justin

 

[DDM]

$200 difference ? What were the prices you were quoted?

 

[computeruser]

Stihl MSRP says $769 for the 460, $979 for the 660, both with 20". Most dealers around here seem to stick pretty close to that price, which makes for a $210 difference.

I guess the question to ask would be this: do you need a big saw or a more powerful all-purpose saw that can act big from time to time?

I see that you're sporting a 170 and a 290, which is rather similar to my previous setup. I decided that I needed a bigger all-purpose saw more than I needed a true, dedicated big saw, and went with a saw in the 460-class with a 20" bar. I just didn't see the point in buying a heavier saw than I had to, because I knew that if the choice was between picking up some new saw with an 18lb powerhead and grabbing my 13lb 290, I would end up using the 290 most of the time while the big saw sat around waiting for the rare tree that needs a 30"+ bar. Since my whole purpose was to get a saw that would replace my 290 as my primary saw, the answer seemed pretty clear to me. Now if you do a lot of cutting with the big 30"+ bar, then you ought to go with the 660. Otherwise, save a couple pounds, a few hundred dollars, open up the 460, and just accept that you might take a few minutes more on the occasional jumbo tree.

 

[DDM]

I run a 32" bar on a 046 on a regular basis It pulls it Fairly well.

 

[J_Ashley]

That is true computer user.... I also thought about a Dolmar 7900, but it's so unfeasible for me (I'm a tech at a stihl dealership, and there are NO dolmar dealers local) that Stihl's really my only option.

Oh, and for those not aware, Stihl prices have gone up since mid septmeber? The 460's are $799 now, as the 660's are over 1,000 smackers now! I think I'm just gonna go for the 460 Mag and throw some options on it. I doubt I'll be dissapointed.

Justin

 

[okietreedude1]

Tell me if this is true: I had a guy tell me over the weekend that there are no 460s + to be found in the USA right now. He'd looked for one and the dealer he went to told him he wasnt sure that at a month from now, he could say when he would be getting any in stock.

if this is true and the prices have gone up, sounds like stihl is trying to extra-profit from the hurricane as well.

 

[computeruser]

Tell me if this is true: I had a guy tell me over the weekend that there are no 460s + to be found in the USA right now. He'd looked for one and the dealer he went to told him he wasnt sure that at a month from now, he could say when he would be getting any in stock.

There were lots sitting on the shelf at my local dealer last week, for what that's worth...

if this is true and the prices have gone up, sounds like stihl is trying to extra-profit from the hurricane as well.

Why not make a couple extra bucks? Supply and demand, good old market forces, right?

 

[Lakeside53]

Tell me if this is true: I had a guy tell me over the weekend that there are no 460s + to be found in the USA right now. He'd looked for one and the dealer he went to told him he wasnt sure that at a month from now, he could say when he would be getting any in stock.

if this is true and the prices have gone up, sounds like stihl is trying to extra-profit from the hurricane as well.

No problem in the North West. Got two today.

 

[rbtree]

Get the 460, but also get the dual port front cover with it. And open up the existing port also. I would never consider running one of the new Stihl's out of the box. EPA reg's have them so severely restricted, it is a joke. They are incredibly gutless. Worse, they would run very hot....

Better yet, send it to Dave Neiger or Ed Heard right off the bat for some real work, and it will easily outcut that stock 066...which is also gutless, compared to my 10 year old dual ported one.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

The 460 is a good match for a 24" bar, the 660 is a good match for the 36" bar. Figure out what you will be doing mostly, then pick the right saw.
The 660 with a 24" bar is heavy to lug around and won't cut a whole lot faster than the 460 with a 24" bar.
The 460 with a 36" bar is slow and you'll be thinking, "I spent almost a thousand dollars on this saw and it's still slow."

 

[DanManofStihl]

I have a 066 mag and a ms 440 my 066 is no match for my ms 440 I have a muffler mod and that thing cuts through wood and leave the 440 behind. If I had to chose for a large saw and could afford to pay the extra money I would get the ms 660 hands down get a muffler mod and never look back. If you want to run a 32 inch bar and don't mind it being alttle slower by alll means get a ms 460. I just thought I would throw my two cents in.

 

[J_Ashley]

I'd keep the 20" bar on it for majority of the cutting. the 36" would be a specal needs bar, so I wouldn't mind it being a little slower. I think a modded 460 will do fine for me.

And as far as no 460's in the country? We have some here at work... And I bet when Igo to the expo here in Louisville this weekend, that they'll have them there....

Justin

 

[Diesel JD]

The 460 usually has a 25" Duromatic in my area, FWIW, saw some 660s at a local Stihl dealer today for $999 and sporting a 36" bar.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

If you're only "considering" buying a larger saw I'd have to assume that you don't "need" a larger saw. I'm not saying don't buy one, or don't get one...by all means, buy away! But if you don't definately need a larger saw for a specific amount of work, or because of a clearly defined purpose, then I'd say get the 460. It's plenty of saw for most applications and if you're just trying to fill a big saw niche just for the sake of filling the niche, the 460 will be more than enough. Heck, the 440 would work.

Regardless, get the dual port muffler cover. It's the only way to go.

Jeff

 

[pbtree]

The 460 is a good match for a 24" bar, the 660 is a good match for the 36" bar. Figure out what you will be doing mostly, then pick the right saw.
The 660 with a 24" bar is heavy to lug around and won't cut a whole lot faster than the 460 with a 24" bar.
The 460 with a 36" bar is slow and you'll be thinking, "I spent almost a thousand dollars on this saw and it's still slow."

Good post...