Ms400 vs Ms461 vs Ms462 vs 500i?

[Courage]

Hey guys, looking for some answers about these saws. I've spent hours pouring over older threads, but I guess I'm curious what the current consensus on these saws is...

I currently only have a MS260, which I really like, but I ran a buddy's Ms400 about a month and a half ago, and that made me REALLY want one. My dad has an 036 and an 046, but tbh, that 400 just really seemed to outshine both of them. It seemed to gave the power of the 046, with the weight of the 036. Then, that same friend let me run his new 500i. That saw blew my mind. I didn't know a saw that light could cut that fast!

I would say I cut about 6 cords of wood a year, probably 5 of which are just bucking up pealer cores from our local mill. Typically I cut 8 at a time, so I think I'd like a 28" bar on my next saw, so that I can cut through all 8 at once, instead of having to just cut with the tip for the first couple...
I also have a landscape maintenance company, and occasionally have a cleanup job that involves dealing with hard wood trees (none of our firewood is hardwood). My MS260 really dislikes going through hardwood...

Add to all this, my lower back sometimes gives me fits particularly in regards to being bent over and lifting things. I used to think that heavier saw would kill my back, but I realized, I have to be bent over with my 260 (20" bar). Maybe a 28" bar would make it so I wouldn't have to be bent over as much, wich might counteract the extra weight. Does this sound reasonable, or have I just caught the new saw bug?

I think the 400 would fit my use case really well. Fast, light, nimble, but it would end up costing around what the 461 and 462 would by the time I put a full wrap and upgraded the oil we to keep up to a 28" bar. Also, are there any longevity concerns with a magnesium piston? How about it being M-tronic?

I love the idea of getting a 500i, go big or go home, but just don't know if I can justify it... also, I've heard if they do break down, they can be much more expensive to fix than a carbed saw. Is this correct?

My friend who let me run his 400 and 500 suggested I consider the Ms462 when I said I didn't know which of his saws I liked better. This seems like it could be a pretty good idea. No need to upgrade anything right away, and it kinda splits the difference... how does the M-tronic hold up? Is it a pain to work on because of that?

When looking for a lightly used 462, I ran across a 461 for a pretty good price. I did some research, and realized that some people prefer this saw to the 462 because of it being non M-tronic. I believe it might be the heaviest saw I'm looking at though...

For my needs/wants what would y'all reccomend? Or would I be better severed with a smaller, lighter saw maybe like a Ms361? Whatever I get, I'll be aiming for lightly used to save money...

Thanks in advance y'all!
Courage

 

[Mad3400]

Hey guys, looking for some answers about these saws. I've spent hours pouring over older threads, but I guess I'm curious what the current consensus on these saws is...

I currently only have a MS260, which I really like, but I ran a buddy's Ms400 about a month and a half ago, and that made me REALLY want one. My dad has an 036 and an 046, but tbh, that 400 just really seemed to outshine both of them. It seemed to gave the power of the 046, with the weight of the 036. Then, that same friend let me run his new 500i. That saw blew my mind. I didn't know a saw that light could cut that fast!

I would say I cut about 6 cords of wood a year, probably 5 of which are just bucking up pealer cores from our local mill. Typically I cut 8 at a time, so I think I'd like a 28" bar on my next saw, so that I can cut through all 8 at once, instead of having to just cut with the tip for the first couple...
I also have a landscape maintenance company, and occasionally have a cleanup job that involves dealing with hard wood trees (none of our firewood is hardwood). My MS260 really dislikes going through hardwood...

Add to all this, my lower back sometimes gives me fits particularly in regards to being bent over and lifting things. I used to think that heavier saw would kill my back, but I realized, I have to be bent over with my 260 (20" bar). Maybe a 28" bar would make it so I wouldn't have to be bent over as much, wich might counteract the extra weight. Does this sound reasonable, or have I just caught the new saw bug?

I think the 400 would fit my use case really well. Fast, light, nimble, but it would end up costing around what the 461 and 462 would by the time I put a full wrap and upgraded the oil we to keep up to a 28" bar. Also, are there any longevity concerns with a magnesium piston? How about it being M-tronic?

I love the idea of getting a 500i, go big or go home, but just don't know if I can justify it... also, I've heard if they do break down, they can be much more expensive to fix than a carbed saw. Is this correct?

My friend who let me run his 400 and 500 suggested I consider the Ms462 when I said I didn't know which of his saws I liked better. This seems like it could be a pretty good idea. No need to upgrade anything right away, and it kinda splits the difference... how does the M-tronic hold up? Is it a pain to work on because of that?

When looking for a lightly used 462, I ran across a 461 for a pretty good price. I did some research, and realized that some people prefer this saw to the 462 because of it being non M-tronic. I believe it might be the heaviest saw I'm looking at though...

For my needs/wants what would y'all reccomend? Or would I be better severed with a smaller, lighter saw maybe like a Ms361? Whatever I get, I'll be aiming for lightly used to save money...

Thanks in advance y'all!
Courage

Happy New Year!

Rest assured you haven't caught a saw bug, only justification for a smart decision...

In this case, the standard carb 462 would be the choice especially for buying used, unless you just want a hotrod 500i, purchase New.


Mad3400

 

[Jeffkrib]

Are you thinking of running the 28" bar fully buried? If yes the 500 would probably be the best choice.
Probably use the rule of thumb.
20": MS400
25": MS462
28": MS 461 or MS500

 

[Lionsfan]

Responses will be all over the map on this one. I own a 462 and it would do what you ask, but nobody can guarantee it's going to perform or handle the way you want, and that's a lot of money to end up disappointed. I would look long and hard at that 461 or a 572 Husqvarna before I made a final decision.

 

[lone wolf]

500 I would be the best of the bunch. Nuff said!

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Never ran a 461 but from what I’ve read it’s a powerful saw if you can handle the vibes. I love my 462, tried a 400 for a while too but sold it as I like the 462 more. If you’ve got the extra cash the 500 would be awesome for sure. This really a question of how much do you want to spend. I’d pick up another 462 in a heartbeat.

 

[PJwoodcutter]

I dont have a 400 or a 462 nor have I ran one. But I do have a 500i and dont regret one penny I spent on it. It is completely stock and its a cutting machine. I am not saying a 462 or 461 wouldnt meet your needs but I do think a 28" bar would strain both and a 461 is heavy. I think the 400 would be a disappointment for what you are planning on doing with it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

for bars 28" and under you stand to gain nothing buying a 500 over a 462.

a 462 has better filtration, it's cheaper, it can be reset without having the MDG, a solenoid swap is the culprit for most of it's very sparse running problems. A 462 is also better on fuel if that applies to you, it may not.

You "could" be in to a ported for 462 for about what a 500 costs and for bars under 28" that's a no brainer.

I run all these saws constantly, you can take that for what it's worth.

 

[Lionsfan]

for bars 28" and under you stand to gain nothing buying a 500 over a 462.

a 462 has better filtration, it's cheaper, it can be reset without having the MDG, a solenoid swap is the culprit for most of it's very sparse running problems. A 462 is also better on fuel if that applies to you, it may not.

You "could" be in to a ported for 462 for about what a 500 costs and for bars under 28" that's a no brainer.

I run all these saws constantly, you can take that for what it's worth.

I would take this guy's advise. Most who own m-tronic saws have zero issues.

 

[Courage]

Happy New Year!

Rest assured you haven't caught a saw bug, only justification for a smart decision...

In this case, the standard carb 462 would be the choice especially for buying used, unless you just want a hotrod 500i, purchase New.


Mad3400

I like that Justification for a smart decision...
In your opinion are the M-tronic saw troublesome sometimes, or why did you specify buying used? Also curious if you would be hesitant to buy a used 500i?
But I do think id probably be happiest with a standard 462.

Are you thinking of running the 28" bar fully buried? If yes the 500 would probably be the best choice.
Probably use the rule of thumb.
20": MS400
25": MS462
28": MS 461 or MS500

Probably not fully buried! We don't have many trees that big around here!
The 400 I ran had a 25" and the 500i had a 36"

Responses will be all over the map on this one. I own a 462 and it would do what you ask, but nobody can guarantee it's going to perform or handle the way you want, and that's a lot of money to end up disappointed. I would look long and hard at that 461 or a 572 Husqvarna before I made a final decision.

Are you thinking the 461 would be a better bet for me than the 462?

500 I would be the best of the bunch. Nuff said!

Lol! Definitely the most exciting choice just nit sure I cut enough wood to justify it...

Never ran a 461 but from what I’ve read it’s a powerful saw if you can handle the vibes. I love my 462, tried a 400 for a while too but sold it as I like the 462 more. If you’ve got the extra cash the 500 would be awesome for sure. This really a question of how much do you want to spend. I’d pick up another 462 in a heartbeat.

That makes sense. Leaning towards a 462 at this point.

I dont have a 400 or a 462 nor have I ran one. But I do have a 500i and dont regret one penny I spent on it. It is completely stock and its a cutting machine. I am not saying a 462 or 461 wouldnt meet your needs but I do think a 28" bar would strain both and a 461 is heavy. I think the 400 would be a disappointment for what you are planning on doing with it. Just my 2 cents.

I think you're right about the 400 and 461. Not sure what I'd think of the 462 though...

for bars 28" and under you stand to gain nothing buying a 500 over a 462.

a 462 has better filtration, it's cheaper, it can be reset without having the MDG, a solenoid swap is the culprit for most of it's very sparse running problems. A 462 is also better on fuel if that applies to you, it may not.

You "could" be in to a ported for 462 for about what a 500 costs and for bars under 28" that's a no brainer.

I run all these saws constantly, you can take that for what it's worth.

The 462 has better filtration than the 500i? Why on earth would stihl have done that?!
Are you referring to the M-tronic version or not when you mention the silonois swap?
Better on fuel is great, although not super high on the list...
How would you say the 461 and 462 compare to each other?
Also, what is the difference between the Ms462R and the Ms462?
are you recommending an M-tronic 462?

I would take this guy's advise. Most who own m-tronic saws have zero issues.

Gotcha, so is M-tronic a good thing in your opinion, or just not a bad thing?

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

I like that Justification for a smart decision...
In your opinion are the M-tronic saw troublesome sometimes, or why did you specify buying used? Also curious if you would be hesitant to buy a used 500i?
But I do think id probably be happiest with a standard 462.

Probably not fully buried! We don't have many trees that big around here!
The 400 I ran had a 25" and the 500i had a 36"

Are you thinking the 461 would be a better bet for me than the 462?

Lol! Definitely the most exciting choice just nit sure I cut enough wood to justify it...

That makes sense. Leaning towards a 462 at this point.

I think you're right about the 400 and 461. Not sure what I'd think of the 462 though...

The 462 has better filtration than the 500i? Why on earth would stihl have done that?!
Are you referring to the M-tronic version or not when you mention the silonois swap?
Better on fuel is great, although not super high on the list...
How would you say the 461 and 462 compare to each other?
Also, what is the difference between the Ms462R and the Ms462?
are you recommending an M-tronic 462?

Gotcha, so is M-tronic a good thing in your opinion, or just not a bad thing?

If you wanna dick around and play with your saw that's your perogative, no right or wrong there.

If you wanna start it and kill trees and have your saw run in it's optimum state then buy the M-tronic.

If a 461 and 462 are ported by a guy good at his craft a 461 will pull a little harder than a 462. Enough to matter ? Depends on who you ask and what size bar you wanna run.

In stock trim I'd take a 462 over a 461 anyday. Actually I'd take a 462 over it in any form but that's just my opinion.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

I would take this guy's advise. Most who own m-tronic saws have zero issues.

They had their moments years ago before mtron 3.0 came and they were still on the old black solenoids, I had a 201c that I wanted to smash with a hammer. White solenoid fixed that problem. I had a 661 that pissed me off real bad too.

In their current state, I wouldn't even consider buying a standard carb version over a mtron if both were offered.

But that's just my perspective, I don't "play" with my tools.

 

[Courage]

If you wanna dick around and play with your saw that's your perogative, no right or wrong there.

If you wanna start it and kill trees and have your saw run in it's optimum state then buy the M-tronic.

If a 461 and 462 are ported by a guy good at his craft a 461 will pull a little harder than a 462. Enough to matter ? Depends on who you ask and what size bar you wanna run.

In stock trim I'd take a 462 over a 461 anyday. Actually I'd take a 462 over it in any form but that's just my opinion.

Gotcha
I didn't realize many people liked the M-tronic saws... is there a power difference between M-tronic and non M-tronic 462?

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

Gotcha
I didn't realize many people liked the M-tronic saws... is there a power difference between M-tronic and non M-tronic 462?

On paper? No.

If you wanna tune your 462 to run as good as the m-tronic at every temp and elevation change ? No.

Do you wanna just start it and cut wood and not think about those things? Buy the M-tronic.

 

[Courage]

On paper? No.

If you wanna tune your 462 to run as good as the m-tronic at every temp and elevation change ? No.

Do you wanna just start it and cut wood and not think about those things? Buy the M-tronic.

Gotcha that makes sense. So for my limited use, I won't avoid either...

 

[Lionsfan]

Are you thinking the 461 would be a better bet for me than the 462?

Not at all. I just have a tough time telling a guy he has to spend $1,700 to cut 6 cords of soft wood to heat his home. If you want to tinker around and spend it just because, I'm all for that.

 

[Courage]

Not at all. I just have a tough time telling a guy he has to spend $1,700 to cut 6 cords of soft wood to heat his home. If you want to tinker around and spend it just because, I'm all for that.

Gotcha that makes sense. I'd really like to find a used one of whatever I get. I know I don't need a new prograde saw for my use case

 

[Mad3400]

*Duplicate

 

[Mad3400]

I like that Justification for a smart decision...
In your opinion are the M-tronic saw troublesome sometimes, or why did you specify buying used? Also curious if you would be hesitant to buy a used 500i?
But I do think id probably be happiest with a standard 462.

Probably not fully buried! We don't have many trees that big around here!
The 400 I ran had a 25" and the 500i had a 36"

Are you thinking the 461 would be a better bet for me than the 462?

Lol! Definitely the most exciting choice just nit sure I cut enough wood to justify it...

That makes sense. Leaning towards a 462 at this point.

I think you're right about the 400 and 461. Not sure what I'd think of the 462 though...

The 462 has better filtration than the 500i? Why on earth would stihl have done that?!
Are you referring to the M-tronic version or not when you mention the silonois swap?
Better on fuel is great, although not super high on the list...
How would you say the 461 and 462 compare to each other?
Also, what is the difference between the Ms462R and the Ms462?
are you recommending an M-tronic 462?

Gotcha, so is M-tronic a good thing in your opinion, or just not a bad thing?

A few M-Tronics have graced my hands and ran good, but it seems you're keeping for the long run and the standard version has "less moving parts", which is better for the situation.

If you understand how to run and maintain your equipment, with a turn of a screw, it dials in for your needs.

As well, if you ever desire to port/modify, you can get more power out of a standard carb saw with the amount of fuel it can deliver, compared to the M-Tronics which run on the leaner side.

To add, with the few M-Tronics I've owned, had issues with the crappy thin gauge wiring to the solenoid and another to the handle, break from a heat or loose Anti-Vibe System design.

I specified "used" because you stated, "Whatever I get, I'll be aiming for lightly used to save money..." at the end of your first post.

As far as not getting a used 500i, unless you find a steal, you're better off getting new for the prices most are asking for used and the warranty, as it is more expensive for repairs, if there are any issues.

So Used, getting a standard 462 would be the most "reliable" option, if you take straight gassing and physical damage out of the equation.


Mad3400

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Hey guys, looking for some answers about these saws. I've spent hours pouring over older threads, but I guess I'm curious what the current consensus on these saws is...

I currently only have a MS260, which I really like, but I ran a buddy's Ms400 about a month and a half ago, and that made me REALLY want one. My dad has an 036 and an 046, but tbh, that 400 just really seemed to outshine both of them. It seemed to gave the power of the 046, with the weight of the 036. Then, that same friend let me run his new 500i. That saw blew my mind. I didn't know a saw that light could cut that fast!

I would say I cut about 6 cords of wood a year, probably 5 of which are just bucking up pealer cores from our local mill. Typically I cut 8 at a time, so I think I'd like a 28" bar on my next saw, so that I can cut through all 8 at once, instead of having to just cut with the tip for the first couple...
I also have a landscape maintenance company, and occasionally have a cleanup job that involves dealing with hard wood trees (none of our firewood is hardwood). My MS260 really dislikes going through hardwood...

Add to all this, my lower back sometimes gives me fits particularly in regards to being bent over and lifting things. I used to think that heavier saw would kill my back, but I realized, I have to be bent over with my 260 (20" bar). Maybe a 28" bar would make it so I wouldn't have to be bent over as much, wich might counteract the extra weight. Does this sound reasonable, or have I just caught the new saw bug?

I think the 400 would fit my use case really well. Fast, light, nimble, but it would end up costing around what the 461 and 462 would by the time I put a full wrap and upgraded the oil we to keep up to a 28" bar. Also, are there any longevity concerns with a magnesium piston? How about it being M-tronic?

I love the idea of getting a 500i, go big or go home, but just don't know if I can justify it... also, I've heard if they do break down, they can be much more expensive to fix than a carbed saw. Is this correct?

My friend who let me run his 400 and 500 suggested I consider the Ms462 when I said I didn't know which of his saws I liked better. This seems like it could be a pretty good idea. No need to upgrade anything right away, and it kinda splits the difference... how does the M-tronic hold up? Is it a pain to work on because of that?

When looking for a lightly used 462, I ran across a 461 for a pretty good price. I did some research, and realized that some people prefer this saw to the 462 because of it being non M-tronic. I believe it might be the heaviest saw I'm looking at though...

For my needs/wants what would y'all reccomend? Or would I be better severed with a smaller, lighter saw maybe like a Ms361? Whatever I get, I'll be aiming for lightly used to save money...

Thanks in advance y'all!
Courage

Simple answer… one of each, problem solved.
And…you need to remove “justify” from your saw vocabulary.