What to buy: MS 361 or MS440 or MS441?

[GRH]

I currently own a MS270C. I recently purchased an OWB which means my wood cutting has increased. I am in the market for a new saw as the 270C is being overworked. I went to a local True Value Hardware to check out saws and I also did some online research.
I have to go into the woods to get my logs, I typically spend 4-6 hours cutting on a weekend day. I generally cut wood 2-3 weekends to get the wood I need.
Based on the info above what saw would you recommend? Is going from a 361 to 440 worth the extra $100?
Thanks for your inputs
Glenn

 

[Austin1]

What size of wood are you cutting?

 

[GRH]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm cutting wood from 4" to 18", usually maple, cherry or ironwood

 

[PA Plumber]

Welcome to the site.

Let's say you are cutting anything from Beech, to Walnut, to Hickory to Oak, to Maple. Sizes may range from tiny up to 25" rounds. Knowing what I know now, I would get the 441 all over again. I am currently using it mainly for felling and bucking but have used it a couple of times for cutting fire wood and that thing is fast without any vibes at all. You'll need to give is a few tanks to really wake up.

That being said, I'm sure all the saws you are looking at would work.

There is at least one thread topic specific to the saws you are considering. Take a look and let us know what you think.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

Is going from a 361 to 440 worth the extra $100?
Glenn

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm cutting wood from 4" to 18", usually maple, cherry or ironwood

For that size wood, I'd say no. With the 361 you are getting the updated anti-vibe and air filtration too.

my 2c,
Ian

 

[PA Plumber]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I'm cutting wood from 4" to 18", usually maple, cherry or ironwood

Oops. On dial-up these days and a little slower than usual.

From what I have read, you'll probably do fine with the 361.

 

[Timberchic]

Hmmmm,should I go get Timberhauler and let him chime in on this?..This is one of the few chainsaw questions I can relate to...Buy a 440,be happy

 

[Austin1]

Oops. On dial-up these days and a little slower than usual.

From what I have read, you'll probably do fine with the 361.

+1 I can't think of a better saw for that size wood unless of course it is black and red

 

[TDunk]

It's a tough call. The 361 would do you fine for the size of stuff you'd be cutting. BUT, i always like to have just allitle bit bigger than what i nead just in case. The 361 is a great saw, the 440 is a solid work horse, i've heard mixed things about the 441. If our set on Stihls, i'd go for the 440, because you know a month from now a buddy's gonna want a 28" hard maple cut down and our gonna kick yourself in the @$$ for not getting the bigger saw. But that's just me. And welcome to the site, glad to have ya.

 

[Austin1]

Remember a sharp chain on a 50cc saw will out cut a dull chain on a 70cc saw!I had to add that as I have a few friends that I like to embarrass with my little poulan.

 

[Log Splitter]

Upgrading from a 270 to a 361 will put a big grin on your face. It did on mine.

For the size and type of wood you are cutting, the 361 is all you will need. I had the same choice to make (361 and 440) and opted for the 361, and I've had no regrets.

 

[Lakeside53]

If you can get a 440 for $100 more than a 361 (seems way to cheap...), get it... but you'd better hurry - production is over...

 

[snstdnab]

440 for sure. It gives you a wide range of cutting diameter choices. I've heard mixed things about the 441, but if you prefer a smaller cc saw go with the 361 if there's no hurry to get the job done.

 

[Big Neb]

I'm going to say that if you are upgrading from the 270, I think your answer lies with the 361. It is light powerful and has no problem taking anything from 18" down. It also works decent as a limbing saw. I love mine and it is my "go to" saw. Check my signature...

The 440 is a proven design and I don't want to take anything away from it but the 441 is a better saw. Remember the 440 once was a new saw and I suspect everyone looked at it suspiciously too. I'm just afraid if you are upgrading from the 270 it would feel very heavy and ackward. It is my felling and large bucking saw. There isn't anything worse for a weekend warrior than a heavy saw and a long day.

I would buy the 361 and smile. Leave the 440/441 for a later purchase especially if you don't plan on needing anything bigger than a 20" bar for the time being. I actually run a 25" on my 361 and love it! Besides if you needed something bigger than the 361 I might steer you towards the Dolmar 7900, but that is a whole other ball game.... My 7900 should be here in another day or two....

 

[Cedarkerf]

I like the 044/440 for my do all saw but the size your cutting can't see needing bigger than 361.

 

[computeruser]

I'd skip the 361 and go for the 440, personally (dual-port muffler cover, blah blah blah).

It'll be a screamer with an 18" bar, still plenty light and nimble. But on the odd occasion you need a 24" or 28" bar you'll have enough saw to get the job done more quickly and efficiently than a 361.

 

[SinglerM]

It depends on bar size.

440 or 441 for a 24" (25") bar.
361 for a 20" bar. People go bigger or smaller bars with all of these saws, but from all the reading I've done, this seems to be average sizes for these.
I like my 440...but I would have liked a 441 as well.
Pick one based on what length bar you decide on.

later,
Mitch

 

[Andyshine77]

I would say get the 440, you already have a small saw.:chainsawguy:

 

[SawTroll]

Oops. On dial-up these days and a little slower than usual.

From what I have read, you'll probably do fine with the 361.

+1 I can't think of a better saw for that size wood unless of course it is black and red

Upgrading from a 270 to a 361 will put a big grin on your face. It did on mine.

For the size and type of wood you are cutting, the 361 is all you will need. I had the same choice to make (361 and 440) and opted for the 361, and I've had no regrets.

Another vote for the 361, if the wood mostly is 18" and smaller.

You save a lot of weight compared to the 441, and a good bit to the 440, also.

Just don't put a too long bar on it, 18" sounds right for your wood, and balanses really nice.......

 

[wdchuck]

I currently own a MS270C. I recently purchased an OWB which means my wood cutting has increased. I am in the market for a new saw as the 270C is being overworked. I went to a local True Value Hardware to check out saws and I also did some online research.
I have to go into the woods to get my logs, I typically spend 4-6 hours cutting on a weekend day. I generally cut wood 2-3 weekends to get the wood I need.
Based on the info above what saw would you recommend? Is going from a 361 to 440 worth the extra $100?
Thanks for your inputs
Glenn

Being a firewood, and treeline cutter, and having used a 360,361 and 460, I'd opt for the 361, it's plenty powerful, nimble, antivibe is great, and it's light enough to not get tired fast and make a mistake. It's an excellent saw, go to the dealer and get one dirty, take your 270 with you and do a comparison right there, you'll love it.

Agree with others on this, a sharp chain makes the job easier on saw and operator alike.