Opinions of the Stihl MS361

[TreeJunkie]

I'm looking for a good mid sized saw for use in the tree, somthing that would compliment my 200T, Would this be a suitable saw? I'll probobally also intend upon using the saw for some limbing and sm/midsized felling... Does this seem like a good saw for these applications.
I'm hesitant to jump up into the 460 class, as i hate have to weild one around in the tree. Thought this might be more along the lines of my needs....

Does anyone have experience w/ this saw??

What would you expect to pay for this saw?

Thankyou for any help.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

I ran a 361 at the ISA Climbing Comp. in Pittsburgh. IMO Stihl is on the right path with this saw. The 361 has noticeably more torque than it's former MS360. Anti-vibe was good since are now using they now using springs. The 361 was selling for $475 at Booneville. Locally they sell for $500 to $520. I really like the Husky 359 that I just got. With the muffler opened up this saw has no problem running a 20" bar!

 

[sedanman]

Rich, Were you at Boonville?

 

[glens]

TJ,

Russ (jokers) just bought one to evaluate.  Send him an email and start a dialog.  He's a heck of a guy and a straight-shooter.  I'd generally trust his opinion (unless he says he doesn't like the saw, that is!).

I've got an 036 and absolutely love it.  If the 361 is any better as is typically implied I don't see how you could possibly ever regret getting one.

Glen

 

[tony marks]

i would agree with that statement.. if its better than the 036 .. with no hidden weaknesses its good..

 

[Erik D. Schmid]

I traded my 360 in on one earlier this year. Even before I opened the muffler it ran circles around the 360. More low end power and higher revs. The anti-vibe system is very nice as well. It is rather light weight as well. I run an 18" bar on mine as I primarily use it for limbing, but have also used it for felling mid-size trees using a 20" bar. It performs these tasks with ease.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

I'd say it depends if you want to run more than a 20" bar. If so, you'll want to look at the 46.
If you haul a 18 or 20 inch saw up in the tree, you won't get a whole lot more out of it than a 16" topping saw, if you know what I mean.
I'll usually go from the climbing saw, straight to a 24" bar saw (046), when I'm removing a tree. It doesn't make sense to pull up an 18 or 20 inch bar for one or two cuts, then have to pull up another saw to finish.

 

[Stumper]

Mike, Many times the reason for a larger saw isn't a desire for greater bar length as much as the desire to run a saw with sufficient torque to stay up in the powerband and make an 18 or 20 inch cut quickly. I can cut 30 inch diameter wood with my 16 inch bar on the 019T but it takes a LONG time. Better to grab a larger displacement saw and get it done- I do like to run long bars and cut through a piece in one pass but it is really easy to overbuck and cut larger diameters with a short bar.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by sedanman
Rich, Were you at Boonville?

Nope, Jokers filled me in!

 

[Marky Mark]

Junkster, I would pm RBTREE and see what he feels about the EHP357 he purchased a few months ago from Fast Eddie. The 357xp is a Awesome saw from Husqvarna.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Originally posted by Stumper
I do like to run long bars and cut through a piece in one pass but it is really easy to overbuck and cut larger diameters with a short bar.

Repositioning in a tree to "overbuck" is a PITA. I wouldn't do it anymore than I'd cut up a big log with a small saw/bar on the ground.
Just because it can be done, doesn't make it sensible.

 

[Bobcat]

I have a new 361 and think Stihl is really going in the correct direction. Hopefully they will continue these improvements up & down the product line. Compard to the 360 I traded in, the 361 has more cutting power (torque), good chain speed, and a lot less vibs. Definitely a better saw to use. With these great improvements noticable out of the box, I think the model is going to be very successful. I do notice it takes a little more pulling to get started, but this may change after it gets more hours. bob

 

[woodsjunkie]

Treejunkie,
Seems that everyone has 357 on the brain hear lately and yes they do work well as a matter of fact Marky “whiner” has one of the fastest PP357 I have seen built by none other than Mr. Dozerdan.
But if you want to spend a few $ less and get more buy a 962 Efco send it up to Dave Neiger have him work his magic and you will have some thing that’s not even on the same page as a 357 I have owned both and there is no comparisons the Neigerized 962 comes out on top. If you like get a hold of me I will send mine to you for a test drive.
Ohio Red neck

 

[ehp]

oh yes the slow 357, last week it was in New Brunswick at a race this weekend it is in Quebec , next weekend in northern Quebec, then comes home for a day and then it off on a 3000 miles trip out to B.C. for the east team to use in pole buck,
that saw has more miles on it than i do, it has been from coast to coast

 

[The Sand Man]

Mr. woodsjunkie,
I spoke to you via e-mail about the 962. Would really like to see it run. Have any video? You spoke so highly of it I was considering one, why are you now selling it?
The Sand Man

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by The Sand Man
Mr. woodsjunkie,
I spoke to you via e-mail about the 962. Would really like to see it run. Have any video? You spoke so highly of it I was considering one, why are you now selling it?
The Sand Man

Where did he say he was selling it?

 

[sedanman]

In his signature right below where his pp346 and pp372 are for sale. Looks like there's a witch hunt on to crucify a guy for wanting to trade up to a bigger toy.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by sedanman
In his signature right below where his pp346 and pp372 are for sale. Looks like there's a witch hunt on to crucify a guy for wanting to trade up to a bigger toy.

Eric, always wanted to run with the bigboys.

So he is selling a few saws to underwrite his hobby!

Witch hunt maybe..............only for those that need to get a life!

 

[stihltech]

trade

Some people buy things to keep forever, some buy, sell and trade.

Don't make them a bad person

 

[Jacob J.]

The Neigerized 962 sounds like a fun saw.