stihl MS361 or MS381

[stihlboy]

volumetric efficiency

 

[Adirondack]

Dolmar 7900 if you want to have a lot of fun cutting.

 

[wigglesworth]

There often is, like a Turbo on a car engine - and in this case there sure is - but it depends on the wood........

I agree, somewhat, but for torque, there is no replacment. Now slap a 24" bar on that 361 and a 24" bar on the 381 and go stick it in some of that red gum or whatever they call that hard aussie wood. I know in said conditions, the 361 will suit his needs, im not arguing that. But If it were me, I would be packin home a 381

 

[SawTroll]

I agree, somewhat, but for torque, there is no replacment. Now slap a 24" bar on that 361 and a 24" bar on the 381 and go stick it in some of that red gum or whatever they call that hard aussie wood. I know in said conditions, the 361 will suit his needs, im not arguing that. But If it were me, I would be packin home a 381

Your point is valid - but he didn't ask about a 24" bar.

 

[wigglesworth]

Your point is valid - but he didn't ask about a 24" bar.

:agree2: Im just talkin rubbish, pay me no mind.

 

[tdi-rick]

Dolmar 7900 if you want to have a lot of fun cutting.

I suggested the Makita DCS64/73/7901 back on page 1, much cheaper here than the PS7900 and a whole lot cheaper than any Stihl saw.

 

[Evan]

dealer knows his stuff. its the same reason my ported 359 will cut small wood faster then my 044 but when it comes to buckn 30" plus wood the the 044 comes out on top

 

[DTHCoCo]

Dolmar/makita has less than a 5% market share in aus, zero dealer support. its stihl or husky in my area. my dealer is the 2nd biggest stihl sales in aus. It's safe to say that our area is stihl country. 381 is made in brazil 361 is german, both great saws for me I'd go 361 I like the lighter weight, I don't own one but I hear great things about them. Personally wouldn't. Buy either went thru the exact same as op and choose the 441, so glad I did now great power, like weight and great air filtration.

 

[Wild Knight]

I have to second the Stihl 270. If you are mostly cutting 12" stuff, it'll eat through it just fine. It has some upgraded technologies over the 260, though I would not pass on a great deal on a 260. Even an occasional 18" round is no problem. Save the ca$h, get some extra chains and save up for the 70cc saw!

 

[blsnelling]

You've got to remember he's cutting wood made of concrete over there. That makes a huge difference.

 

[Stihlman441]

Dave, also remember our wood is on average a lot tougher, dirtier and harder than anything cut anywhere except South America and South Africa.
Example, Black Locust is considered a tough, hard, dusty timber in NA, it's actually softer than almost all our hardwoods, with trees like Ironbark being more than twice as hard and our Cypress Pine, a softwood is only a little softer.

IMO a 260 is only a limbing saw, I wouldn't consider it if you can swing for the 361, it will do what you intend to cut much more easily, and I'm guessing the 381 will outcut the 361 in 18-20" Box and Gum pretty emphatically.

As you say, if money was no object, a two saw plan would be better but if restricted to one saw, a 260 is too small IMO.
It'll do it, and lets face it, plenty of people cut firewood with saws smaller again, but it's so much nicer when you have the right tool for the job.

I think the above comments are spot on +1

 

[opalxx]

There is a 381 for sale here in Queensland in vgc for AU$650 18" bar. Is that a good price? Just how old are these saws?