Some new saw guidance request..

[djmercer1]

So, here are the facts:
1) in a remote community - no boat and only plane access til summer
2) firewood for me and elders - this will include some ripping of logs since i don't have a splitter
3) north east coast of Canada - so mostly softwood at tree line (red spruce mostly with some birch, dead stands and driftwood) upto 16-18" if i can be selective enough. though will be also some ripping of pallets and over scrap wood i will do with 170/240
4) i have onhand 2 of ms170 and 1 husky 240
5) i got my 048 and pp260 coming later this winter when ice forms for skidoo and my 051 will be doing ripping of big stuff

In town i can buy a ms271 (or can borrow a 291 for short term tasks) but i do have a dealer that will put a ungased NIB unit on the plane for me. I am torn between the 362, 400 and 462 and have price for each - i am leaning towards the 362 with 20" bar since the 462 is very close to my 048....

last thing, since we wont get sealift for 6-7 months - how sensitive are the new saws gonna be to old fuels, oil etc?

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Don’t bother with 362 get 400. If you wanna spend a little extra go 462. Ultimate power will be 462 but if you wanna comprise power/fuel efficiency with 20” bar go 400. MS400 is being phased out here soon so if you want one get it now.

 

[djmercer1]

Don’t bother with 362 get 400. If you wanna spend a little extra go 462. Ultimate power will be 462 but if you wanna comprise power/fuel efficiency with 20” bar go 400. MS400 is being phased out here soon so if you want one get it now.

So why the 462 vs 400 vs 362? The few $$$$ isnt a deciding factor in this for me - just trying to make most practical choice...

Last thing i forgot to mention above is i got a 80-100km round trip on skidoo to get this wood back to process..

 

[cookies]

362 should wear a 16-18" bar if you want it to cut with authority and be used for slabbing
400 should wear a 18-20" bar if.....
462 should wear a 20-25" bar if.....
I'd get the 462 with 20 and 28" bars and sell the other 3 saws over 60cc
As long as the fuel is over 89 octane and clean new saws burn it just fine

 

[Jeffkrib]

I'd go for the MS400, for 16 - 18" wood that's the one to get.
Will be a good match with the MS170 and 240. 30-40cc and 60cc combo is ideal for what you describe.
MS462 would be better if you were dealing with 20 -24" trees.
Would love to live up your way for a year.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

So why the 462 vs 400 vs 362? The few $$$$ isnt a deciding factor in this for me - just trying to make most practical choice...

Last thing i forgot to mention above is i got a 80-100km round trip on skidoo to get this wood back to process..

Well, price difference between 362 and 400 is negligible. 362 is 59cc 400 is 67cc. Spend a little more and get a more capable saw. 462 is better yet but little heavier if you care about that. 400 is limited to 25” bar (IMO) 462 will run 28” bar quite comfortably if needed. 400 is a very capable “do all” saw between the three.