MS362 question

[NuclearNick]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a new Stihl MS362 to replace an old saw. Anyone have good/bad experiences with the current models? Should I get the m-tronic or the “C” with adjustable carb? I’m not an expert small engine mechanic, but I’m also not uncomfortable adjusting my own stops.

Any insights in the full wrap handle? I don’t fell trees all that often, mostly cutting firewood. Does the full wrap fit in the standard case or get in the way?

 

[NSEric]

I dont know anything about the ms362, im sure it's a fine saw.
Dont get a full wrap handle if you dont need it often. They're in the way for cutting stumps and the saw wont lay on it's side so you can fill it up, you have to prop it up with something.

 

[Wood Doctor]

I do not think you need a full-wrap handle. Get the "C" if you can afford it.

 

[PJwoodcutter]

Just from what I have read its a reliable saw but under powered. I think I would be looking at the ms400 in the 60cc range. Basically, same weight but more power and not that much more money.

 

[holeycow]

I have no idea what happened to the 362, but my oe 362 is not underpowered. It stomps my echo 590 (no surprise) and easily runs with my 262xp oe. They easily ran with 562xp's then too. So I think it's BS..

It's not a moronic model. At the time ( a few years later), the mtronic ones were always lean running and wheezey. Not sure about now.

I think mine is a 2011 model? At the time I opted for a regular handle, not realizing that the full wrap came with a higher output oiler and was made in Germany. The regular handle versions got a plastic handle, lower output oiler and something else I can't think of right now that I wouldn't prefer. It is made in the US. I should have bought the full wrap and converted to a regular handle cause the wrap just gets in the way and adds weight. If you are not falling, it is unnecessary. It's only a thing in falling so you can stay on the same side of the tree and always use the bottom of the bar so you don't get punched in the guts top-barring.

 

[rwoods]

I have owned two Non-M models; both brought used. One was my loaner to those borrowers that I couldn't turn down. They were good saws. Both of mine sipped fuel compared to my other similar sized saws.

Though both of my 362s seemed to have more torque, I no longer own either as I have a 036Pro which I have owned from new that I like the performance range better. I also own a mildly ported 361 which runs great with a 20" bar. I no longer loan saws and 4 of the same size was more than I needed. That said, I nonetheless believe that the 362 is an excellent saw.

Folks will debate all day long what the ideal bar length is. I settled on a 20" although with the right touch a 362 will handle a 25" bar on the eastern hardwoods I cut. For general firewood or clean-up use, it is hard to beat a 60cc saw in my book. If you regularly fell bar length diameter trees, I would say get a bigger saw.

Ron

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Ms400c, no way I’d buy a 362.

 

[holeycow]

Oh, and full wraps do not fit in any cases I've seen.
Oh, and Stihl's wrap handle is lame anyway. The shape is weird and awkward. People get used to it...

Once again, Stihl proves that they can do anything the overly complex way.

 

[holeycow]

The 400 is a different class. 70cc, not 60cc

And it costs over 300 dollars more than the 362 (in canada)

 

[Lee192233]

I had a Mtronic 362 with a 20" bar. It was a good saw. With the bar buried in dead ash I had to keep the revs up and let the chain do the cutting. Didn't seem super torquey.

I ended up trading it in for a MS400. Same weight and size as a 362. That is a totally different animal. I still run a 20" bar but it pulls it with authority. I think it'd pull a 24 just fine.

If you're buying new and can swing it I'd go for the 400. They're both great saws though.

 

[holeycow]

My old 362 pulls its 18 buried in anything I have around here. It's all dead and dry. Some of the beetle/drought killed jackpine is very hard. And so is some of the drought-killed aspen. It was growing slowly in sand for 30 years or more. The old mtronic 362's were torque-less because they were simply too lean. Always. Everywhere. Mine isn't because I can tune it, I guess.

The 400 should pull a 24. It's basically a 70cc saw. Weight isn't everything. Balance is, imo.

I don't know what happened to the 362. The originals without moronic are torquey.

 

[FXJenkins]

I run the 362 with a 25" light bar, and with a sharp chain, do not consider it underpowered... Sure I'll go stronger for bucking big hardwoods, or smaller for tech limbing, but as discussed in other threads, the 362 is my favorite all around saw, heavy enough to do almost anything but light enough to run all day. I'm looking at buying a second one, pre auto carb, just to have on hand and let my son use...

 

[thomasinvancouver]

I had one, sold it because the coil had to be replaced twice. Second time I was pretty deep in the woods. No other issues. Ran a 28” full skip for trail clearing. I also had a 462 and opted to part ways with the 362 and use the 462 instead.

Overall I was happy with it, but just didn’t trust it anymore. Doing it again I would look at the 400.

 

[Tman01]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a new Stihl MS362 to replace an old saw. Anyone have good/bad experiences with the current models? Should I get the m-tronic or the “C” with adjustable carb? I’m not an expert small engine mechanic, but I’m also not uncomfortable adjusting my own stops.

Any insights in the full wrap handle? I don’t fell trees all that often, mostly cutting firewood. Does the full wrap fit in the standard case or get in the way?

History: I own and use weekly the MS462CM

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a new Stihl MS362 to replace an old saw. Anyone have good/bad experiences with the current models? Should I get the m-tronic or the “C” with adjustable carb? I’m not an expert small engine mechanic, but I’m also not uncomfortable adjusting my own stops.

Any insights in the full wrap handle? I don’t fell trees all that often, mostly cutting firewood. Does the full wrap fit in the standard case or get in the way?

Hi

 

[Tman01]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a new Stihl MS362 to replace an old saw. Anyone have good/bad experiences with the current models? Should I get the m-tronic or the “C” with adjustable carb? I’m not an expert small engine mechanic, but I’m also not uncomfortable adjusting my own stops.

Any insights in the full wrap handle? I don’t fell trees all that often, mostly cutting firewood. Does the full wrap fit in the standard case or get in the way?

My experience: I own and use weekly the Stihl ms462cm. This saw has been by my (7yrs) side and never had it failed me.
My cousin bought (at same time) the ms362c and uses it for firewood to heat his 3400sf home. Think about the size.His saw still runs incredibly strong even After a few thousand Quard of logs. Pull the trigger! We're not disappointed I don't think you will either. In my humble opinion STIHL makes the best saw, period. Travis Rocheleau

 

[James Sawyer]

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a new Stihl MS362 to replace an old saw. Anyone have good/bad experiences with the current models? Should I get the m-tronic or the “C” with adjustable carb? I’m not an expert small engine mechanic, but I’m also not uncomfortable adjusting my own stops.

Any insights in the full wrap handle? I don’t fell trees all that often, mostly cutting firewood. Does the full wrap fit in the standard case or get in the way?

I gave a MS362c to buddy of mine a couple weeks ago and he cut with it this weekend ... absolutely loves the saw. He used a MS028av for the last 20 years and it was starting to have issues. He was cutting firewood for the 1st time this weekend said it really cuts, even tried it full bar length 25" in oak said it was impressive over his 028 (20" bar). This saw has WCS 3 point dogs, barkbox, OEM 3/4 wrap and large chip guard and lower case protector. I picked this saw up used (low hour) for $450 without bar. The only reason I bought it had $450 worth of options, low hours and the cylinder looked mint.
I suggest if you're just cutting firewood don't buy the 3/4 wrap and save the $260 and the added weight. The wraps are great if you're falling to stay out of the pinch, bucking it's not really needed. I personally don't buy Mtronic saw... well I do have MS201T which only comes in a Mtronic. I can say Lynn's saw starts easier then my MS362 carb saw. One advantage the Mtronic has over the carb saw is it can correct the fuel as the saw get hot over extended use where as the carb saw tune is fixed. The Mtronic saws start different and you got let them idle and I heard running them out fuel can cause some problems. That's a big deal to me because I run my saw out fuel. Also, if saw can't be reset you have to take it into the shop, is the other reason I like carb saws.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

in my opinion, the MS362 is a very reliable saw--on average they seem to last "forever." I think it's because they have a lot of mass/cooling ability for the size--in other words the 362 is a tank, like the McCulloch, Echo, and Husqvarna "tanks" people love for their longevity.

From what I'm told, the MS362 was turned into a factory hotrod and labeled the MS400, which I'd agree with.

 

[FXJenkins]

Not saying anything against a 400, I would like to and will one day own/run one, but half that tree in the vid is rot, 14" oak at best.

 

[bruiser1]

I'll try to keep this short and sweet.. love love my 362. Couple of suggestions though definitely switch over to 3/8 .050 (still don't know why they're still doing .325 on that saw) Big Dawgs, full skip RFS, 20",25" bar. I have a 25" bar I feel that's the sweet spot. As far as m-tronic or C I have the M-tronic no problems.

 

[holeycow]

I didn't watch the vid, but I have noticed that many "speed" vids are displays of cutting punky wood.