BBush
ArboristSite Lurker
I am in the market to purchase a chainsaw. The two models that I have in mind are the Stihl MS390 and MS361. I need to know if I need to spend the approximate $150 or so more for the MS361 over the MS390. I realize that the MS391 is referred to as a "mid-range use" chainsaw while the MS361 is a "professional use" chainsaw. What I am trying to figure out what the difference between the two models is. I see that both have comparable power (MS390 4.3hp vs. MS361 4.4hp) which would seem to indicate that they should cut about the same, but I have heard that the 361 cuts faster. How much faster? What is the reason for this...does the 361 turn a higher rpm? I have also heard that the Stihl professional series of chainsaw last a lot longer than than the mid-range models...is this true and if so, how much longer? In other words, what makes the MS 361 about $150 more expensive than the MS 390? If it helps, I plan on running a 20 inch bar of both models at first, but could step up to a 25 inch down the road.