Stihl ms361 vs ms362 vs Echo cs590

[Dacha]

For these prices which one would you choose ( converted prices in Us$) ?

Echo cs 590 $610
Stihl ms 361 $800 (made in Germany)
Stihl ms 362 $890 (China or Brasil forgot which one)

All brand new and available.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

None of the above, Better options exist. I’ve owned a 590, great value saw for what it is but too heavy and underpowered for its class.

However I thought you only cut small stuff? What size bar do you want to run on this?

 

[Dacha]

16" bar or 18" for reach

 

[StihlsawuserMS361]

I'd vote 361. Mine has been trouble free for about 20 years

 

[snobdds]

The 361 is the choice. A real true 2 stoke saw without the stratified EPA stuff...

 

[Outback1]

For these prices which one would you choose ( converted prices in Us$) ?

Echo cs 590 $610
Stihl ms 361 $800 (made in Germany)
Stihl ms 362 $890 (China or Brasil forgot which one)

All brand new and available.

I have a 590 ported and the 362 ported both are nice saws. The 362 is lighter by a little bit but both perform excellently. Stock id take the 361 or 362 parts are more available as well as bars etc. then it’s up to your budget that will be the deciding factor.

 

[Marley5]

I've seen similar threads on this site over the years and the 361c always comes out on top vs 362.
Never heard nothing bad about the Timberwolf.

 

[jltrent]

MS361.........It is like a 036/MS360 with better air flow(4 port head) There is a reason these older saws are still used a lot today and still around.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

16" bar or 18" for reach

Ms261c.

 

[James Sawyer]

For these prices which one would you choose ( converted prices in Us$) ?

Echo cs 590 $610
Stihl ms 361 $800 (made in Germany)
Stihl ms 362 $890 (China or Brasil forgot which one)

All brand new and available.

I personally would pick the MS361 over the MS362. I own both saws. Here's why the MS361 just pulls chain better, the MS362 (carberatored) I have to lift the saw out of the cut to keep the chain speed up. The MS362 does cut and it can be fast, i'm running a 25" .050 gauge bar but that probably more bar then MS362 can handle. The MS362 just doesn't have the same torq. is my personal opinion. I own other saws but the MS361 is my most used saw for what I do these days, because of the weight and power it has. I live in the PNW so the timber here might be different then you cut and you might not be able to run the bars I use. I do use my MS362 if i'm doing a lot of limbing and walking logs and it handy I'll use it. I generally don't run it much since I got the MS361. My MS361 is my go to saw for most everything under 20" logs. The MS362 is the saw on the right and the MS361 is the saw next to it.

 

[irhunter]

Ms261c.

^^^^^^+1 for MS261 with16-18" bar running .325.

In my case, it would be the MS261...non-Mtronic. But, that's just me.

Roy

 

[Dacha]

All is available here is ms 260. Brand new from Stihl dealer with warranty. Ms 260 is made in Brasil.

It cost $720 (usd).

 

[irhunter]

$720 for a MS260 seems like a lot, compared to $800 for a MS361.

Interesting.

I have a MS260 and run a 18" .325 chain...and, it is sure a nice light package. I do have bigger saws....but, in truth, all my needs could be met with the 260.

Whether cutting my firewood or while cutting on-the-job...more chain speed is just about never an issue.

Roy

 

[Dacha]

Is ms260 really outdated to get in 2025 ?

I could get ms 261 non m-tronic, from another market without dealer support.

 

[Mad Professor]

I'd get the 361. Much nicer egonomics than the 362. The 362 feels like you are holding a box with a bar on it.

Not sure of exhaust supplied in your market but the USA sold ones had a restricted EPA muffler. Opening up the exhaust and retuning the carb wakes them up.

Curious, can you still get the 036/360 there?