MS 440 vs MS 361 dilema

[bwalker]

Clearance the 361 is very much a pro saw.
IMO buy the 440. I have owned a 440 in the past and currently own a 361. The 361 in stock trim is a dog, has a crappy filter design and in no way compares to the 440 powerwise..

 

[Butch(OH)]

If the 361s run like the 036 they will due nicely in your 18" stuff. My 036 has a 20" bar and pulls it easily out to the last couple inches in our eastern hardwoods. A 361 will toss around well when limbing but there is not much of a weight penalty to go with a 440. No matter which smaller saw you buy you'll have to get used to the lower power compared to a 66. After exclusively using my new 660 to get it broken in my old 036 felt like a toy in my hand and a toy for power. I think the 440 is pretty close to your 038 in performance. Buy both LOL, and keep the one you like, or both of them.

 

[buckduck]

Maniac:
I was in much the same spot as you. I had an 038, 066, 024, and 026. I really wanted something with more power than the 026 (great saw). The 038 is so heavy that I would almost as soon get the 066 out. Also, I have need of minimizing my equipment to quickly put on a plane and go. (better to take 2 saws than 4). So I figured the 440 would fill the niche. Boy does it ever! I have always been interested in a 034/036/and now 361.... however, I have no use for that size saw now.

Even as old as I am, I just don't want to put that 440 down. I can run it and sling it around longer than I could my 038. Not only has the 440 made my 038 obsolete (I expected that), but I don't get around to using my 026 much anymore. Used to be, the first saw I might grab out of my stack 'o saws would be one of my 026's. Now, it's the 440, for sure.