Stihl MS 440, 460 or 660

[henryfaber]

Hi to all,
hope not boterering, but I'm still unconvinced what to buy.
Already have a 200, 026 and a 361. Since my 026 is very aged, I'm looking forward to buy another saw for bigger trees, cause the 361 is already a substitute for the 026 (cutting firewood, felling softwood).
The 361 sometimes is a bit weak, especially with a bigger bar. (But still does it's work)

What would you suggest for a non professional, who is no HULK. There a several guys talking of technical problems with the 460 and even the 660 (bearing shells, crankshaft). So, is there a suggestion of someone who knows?
Am I right, the 440 is NOT mentionable stronger than the 361.
thanx

 

[chopperfreak2k1]

IDK about the 440 vs 361, but i say get you an older 046 and be done.

 

[mdavlee]

There's a good difference in power for not much more weight with the 440. A 460 is another lb heavier and a 660 is 3 more lb. Are you buying new or used?

 

[StihlyinEly]

Hi to all,
hope not boterering, but I'm still unconvinced what to buy.
Already have a 200, 026 and a 361. Since my 026 is very aged, I'm looking forward to buy another saw for bigger trees, cause the 361 is already a substitute for the 026 (cutting firewood, felling softwood).
The 361 sometimes is a bit weak, especially with a bigger bar. (But still does it's work)

What would you suggest for a non professional, who is no HULK. There a several guys talking of technical problems with the 460 and even the 660 (bearing shells, crankshaft). So, is there a suggestion of someone who knows?
Am I right, the 440 is NOT mentionable stronger than the 361.
thanx

I'm reading between the lines here, but if you are not a "HULK," as you say, avoid the 660. There are strengths and weaknesses to every saw line. I wouldn't get very worried about so-called technical problems with the 460 or 660. They are longtime and repeatedly proven models.

The 440/441 IS stronger than the 361. Absolutely. If you like your 361 for general work, my advice would be to pick up a lightly used 460. Put a 25 or 28 inch B&C on it, and put it in BIG wood. If you put a 361 w/20 inch B&C and a 460 w/25 inch B&C in 18 inch wood, they'll be pretty much the same timewise, though the 460 will be significantly heavier. The 460 won't outperform the 361 until you get into bigger wood. Then the superior grunt/torque of the 460 will allow it shine.

 

[jbighump]

ive only ran a 361 for 1 cut and it was strong but the 440 and 460 i have is definitely stronger especially in bigger wood... the reason u hear problems with the bigger saws is they are used hard commercialy,,, i have both and prefer the 460 :msp_wink:

 

[andydodgegeek]

Everyone should have a 460.

 

[K&L Landscaping]

How about a MS441 M-Tronic? I have all 3 saws that you're considering and IMO the 441 would be the most user friendly. They are all GREAT saws that serve a different purpose, that's all. I enjoy using all 3 but from the sound of your post I don't think the 460 or 660 would be the best investment.

 

[StihlyinEly]

How about a MS441 M-Tronic? I have all 3 saws that you're considering and IMO the 441 would be the most user friendly. They are all GREAT saws that serve a different purpose, that's all. I enjoy using all 3 but from the sound of your post I don't think the 460 or 660 would be the best investment.

Hey, that's not fair! He mentioned the 440, not the 441M-Tronic!!!! :msp_biggrin: :msp_biggrin: :msp_biggrin:

 

[K&L Landscaping]

Hey, that's not fair! He mentioned the 440, not the 441M-Tronic!!!! :msp_biggrin: :msp_biggrin: :msp_biggrin:

haha...leave it up to me to screw everything up! :redface:

 

[StihlyinEly]

haha...leave it up to me to screw everything up! :redface:

 

[komatsuvarna]

:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

The 440 is a more powerful saw than the 361 and there is'nt much weight difference as mentioned above. The 440 may leave your 361 sitting on the shelf.

I would jump to the 460 myself. More power than the 440 and as far as the problems with the 460 you're speaking of I would'nt worry about that too much. They are just as reliable as the 440 and are falling more timber than probably any other design of saw out there. Get the 460 and open the muffler and you will be well pleased!

 

[K&L Landscaping]

:hmm3grin2orange:

Nice saw indeed! I'm trying to decide between this one or a 576XP or maybe even a 390XP for my next purchase.

 

[indiansprings]

I've got a 361, 044 and 046 (stock) and 460. I'm an old fart and not near as strong as I once was, but if I were you I would go with a MS 460 and make sure to have them put a dual port front muffler cover on it or do a basic muffler mod on it as all new saws come choked down from the factory due to epa regs. Put either a 25 or 28" bar on the 460 and they are very manageable. You will see a major gain in performance over the 361. I sold my 660 and bought the 460 and couldn't be happier. I haven't ran one, but I'd sure give the 441 M-Tronic a close look, they are getting great reviews on here by guys who use them, supposed to be extremely smooth, strong runners, and great on fuel useage. I came really close to buying a really clean 441 Saturday for 400.00, it's still weighing heavy on my mind.

 

[jbighump]

if i came across a deal like that indiansprings it would be weighing heavy on my arm,,,i would snatch up a deal like that in a heartbeat

 

[Bounty Hunter]

Hi to all,
hope not boterering, but I'm still unconvinced what to buy.
Already have a 200, 026 and a 361. Since my 026 is very aged, I'm looking forward to buy another saw for bigger trees, cause the 361 is already a substitute for the 026 (cutting firewood, felling softwood).
The 361 sometimes is a bit weak, especially with a bigger bar. (But still does it's work)

What would you suggest for a non professional, who is no HULK. There a several guys talking of technical problems with the 460 and even the 660 (bearing shells, crankshaft). So, is there a suggestion of someone who knows?
Am I right, the 440 is NOT mentionable stronger than the 361.
thanx

Hey henryfaber,

If you want power, git the 660. Sure it's a heavier saw, but 3 pounds aint that big a deal...and the power of the 660 is legendary. Run one with a long bar burried and see what 5.6 cubes is all about. Plus, add a Stihl Rollomatic ES SuperLight bar and she will have a pretty good balance that won't wear ya out by compensating for a long bar. 28" is great, 32" is awesome. 36" is getting kinda long unless you really need that much bar.
Step up to the plate on this one Brother, and don't look back. The 440 and the 460 are GREAT saws (we have 'em too)...but for a big step up from the 361 ya need more power for the money yer gonna spend.

Send pics after ya get the 660 home...Arborist Site Rules...No pics, it didn't happen...

Good Luck and Saw Safe

 

[blsnelling]

:hmm3grin2orange:

Newest MS440, original MS440, MS460

 

[zogger]

:hmm3grin2orange:

--there ya go, fixed that for you....

 

[andydodgegeek]

Everyone should have a 372xp.

 

[justtools]

For what you are doing. A 044 or ms440 would be my choice. ALOT more power than the 361. I have all 3 saws mentioned and the 044 seems like the first choice for me anytime I cut. It is just a little more nimble than the 046. And not that much heavier than the 361, Good luck with your choice