MS361 vs MS360 Pro Compared Today

[West Texas]

I own a fairly new Stihl MS360 Pro and a new Stihl MS361. Both saws have the muffler mod. The MS361 has had the required number of fuel tanks for break in, with 40:1 fuel using Stihl oil. The MS360 Pro had the same fuel mixture for the comparison.

I used both saws on a downed dead oak, that was hard as a rock it seemed. Trunk was about 22" and the limbs I cut were about 12". Should have taken a camera to the field; but, did not.

Both performed great. The biggest difference I noticed was in vibration. The new MS361 bar and chain can be seen vibrating in the cut; but, it is not being communicated to the hands. In fact, one of my 026's probably rattles my hands more than this new MS361. And ehp is right, all it needs is the muffler mod to be a performer.

Actual performance of the two saws was comparable in my opinion. However, the book says the MS361 will get more powerful after 15 tanks of fuel. But, its a beauty after five tanks. The 044/440 is too heavy for me; but, this MS361 feels good and works good too. I'd recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.

Tom

 

[Ryan Willock]

I ran a friends 361 the only thing that I didn't like is the plastic handle bar but that is easily remedied by contacting USA Handle Bars and getting a metal one.

 

[jokers]

Ryan,

What don`t you like about the plastic handlebar?

The plastics don`t break or bend like the aluminum bars, I like them.

Russ

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I ran a friends 361 the only thing that I didn't like is the plastic handle bar but that is easily remedied by contacting USA Handle Bars and getting a metal one.

IMO it doesn't really matter. Once a metal wrap handle is bent that is it. They are too hard to get back into shape without putting stress on the AV mounts!


Both will break if hit hard enough!

 

[neverenough]

Are these over the counter saws, or have you fine tuned the carb settings???

 

[West Texas]

The MS360 Pro has an 'older' 3 jet carb without limit stops and a muffler mod. I took out the original carb as it had limit stops and was not adjusting well at this elevation.

The MS361 carb has limit stops, but I was able to adjust it pretty well after the muffler mod and for my altitude of over 6000 feet. Its straight out of the dealers shop, as of last Wednesday afternoon.

Both are essentially stock saws with an improved muffler; and fine tuned for this altitude.

Tom

PS I saw your muffler mod with the Dremel on another thread. Looks OK.

 

[ehp]

Myself if I was cutting firewood and not big huge stuff the 361 would be the saw I would use if I was running a stihl, I find it alot easier on the hands , I like the 460 and 660 also but they bother my hands more , the 088 is a monster

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I ran a friends 361 the only thing that I didn't like is the plastic handle bar but that is easily remedied by contacting USA Handle Bars and getting a metal one.

Have you done that yet? You know that you can now get a true full wrap or a factory style full wrap for the saw now. I've had both on mine, and each is pleasure to work with.

Jeff

 

[West Texas]

Jeff

what is the difference between a 'full wrap' and a 'factory wrap'??

Tom

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Jeff

what is the difference between a 'full wrap' and a 'factory wrap'??

Tom

Here's a thread in which I posted a pic of the full wrap, post #11-

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=19763

And here's a thread I started about the factory style wrap, complete with pics. "Factory" being the 3/4 wrap that you'll find on Stihl's 44/46/66/88.

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=23720&highlight=361+factory+wrap

I like the factory wrap better. And I'll admit, alot of it just because of the looks.

Jeff

 

[Ryan Willock]

Russ, I've broken two of the plastic 036 handles. They always break in the same spot, just to the right of the two bolts on the bottom. I found a metal handle from an 034 and that fixed the problem. Oh, they both broke from riding around as a skidder saw.

 

[jokers]

Russ, I've broken two of the plastic 036 handles. They always break in the same spot, just to the right of the two bolts on the bottom. I found a metal handle from an 034 and that fixed the problem. Oh, they both broke from riding around as a skidder saw.

That`s interesting Ryan, first I heard of that happening with the plastics.

Thanks for the info.

Russ

 

[bwalker]

I was vert sceptical of the plastic handle bar on my EHP ms 260 when I bought it, but it hasnt missed a beat in the 4 years I have owned it. It has had the pee beat out of it in every concievable way BTW. Including letting 18 year old employees run it, transporting it in a boat for 10 miles over rough water uncased, thrown in the back of a ultilty vehicle that runs over very rough ground, rode shotgun in the skidder, etc.