which stihl

[possum398]

I need a new saw, old one is past gone. I was wanting something larger than what I had(028). I am tired of using a small saw for a large job. I do a good bit of firewood and cleanup. almost all of the trees I cut are hardwood. I first was thinking of a 066, but after using one I think I want something lighter. I am now thinking of 044 or 460. What do yall think. What would be the best?

 

[THALL10326]

I need a new saw, old one is past gone. I was wanting something larger than what I had(028). I am tired of using a small saw for a large job. I do a good bit of firewood and cleanup. almost all of the trees I cut are hardwood. I first was thinking of a 066, but after using one I think I want something lighter. I am now thinking of 044 or 460. What do yall think. What would be the best?

All three of those are a big jump from a 028. The 066 will tend to get heavy during hours of use. The 460 and the 440 are both fairly close in weight. If you want that power of that 066 the nearest one to it, between the 440 and 460, is the 460. It doesn't have the power of the 066 mind ya but its closer to it than the 440. Both saws are good and much easier on the arms than tooting that big 066 around all day. I have the older 046 so you pretty well see I made my choice. I also had a 066 and sold it, too much saw for what little cutting I do..

 

[Allan.K]

I would go with the MS361 weighs about 13lbs too..It is 59cc's ..Very nice saw ....If you want bigger go with the MS460...

 

[jack-the-ripper]

Either of the 2 saws will suit your needs just fine.

 

[JeffHK454]

I have a MS 440 with 20" & 25" bar and it feels like the perfect firewood saw to me. Other than a OK at best oiling system it makes firewood allmost fun

 

[16gauge]

I have a MS 440 with 20" & 25" bar and it feels like the perfect firewood saw to me. Other than a OK at best oiling system it makes firewood allmost fun

As Jeff says "almost fun" cuz the MS440 just rips thru firewood. All you need is a charp chain and something to keep all the chips out of the way. I hate it when chips fill up my boots.

 

[computeruser]

My thoughts on the issue:

1. If you aren't sure you need the 660, then you don't. I was in a similar position to you a while back and I thought about buying one but bought a 460-class Dolmar 7900 instead and I am quite glad - even the 7900 gets heavy by lunchtime.

2. In the battle between the 440 and 460, I really don't see there being much difference for firewood and cleanup duties. I'd probably go with the 440 if I was not often going to be running more than a 20" bar.

3. The suggestion of a 361 isn't bad, if that would be enough saw for your needs. After all, there is no point in lugging around more saw than you need. I would seriously consider this saw over a 440/460 if it would legitimately meet my needs. It is a lot lighter than the 440/460 , and is a lot more saw than your 028. You can get a lot of work done with a 361 and a 20" bar.

4. I know that it would be a heck of an investment, but have you considered a 260Pro/460 pair? I find that I use my Stihl 011AV and Echo CS3000 a lot when I'm cutting up firewood, especially towards the end of the day when I'm finishing up on smaller limbs.

5. I am assuming that your 028 is no longer in play, having worn out, and that you are planning on having this new saw be your main/single saw. With that in mind, if I was going to be limited to a single saw and only needed to run a 24" or 28" bar on occasion, I'd probably get the 440 and save a couple dollars and a couple ounces over the 460. Spend the money you spent on a spare bar, some extra loops, etc.

At the end of the day, whether you choose a 440 or 460, you will be fine either way.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I own every saw mentioned here. They're all great in their roles. It comes down to how much weight you want to lug around, and bar length you need. I say go for the 440 or 361. Both are big jumps from the 028 you're used to. The 460 and 660 would likely be more saw than you need.

Jeff

 

[GASoline71]

Agree with Jeff here. I have owned an 028 for 15 years and last week bought an MS361. Trust me you will not be disappointed with this saw. I'm pullin' a 25" bar with 3/8" full skip chain. I primarily cut softwoods up here in the Pacific Northwest, and the 361 handles it just fine.

Now to just mod the muffler..............:biggrinbounce2:

Gary

 

[SawTroll]

I have no experience with saws larger than the 361, so I will refrain from commenting on which size saw you need.

What puzzles me is that there seem to be no other options than Stihl, as for the brand of the new saw. Does your new saw have to be a Stihl? :taped:

The MS361 is a new design with nice anti-vibe and air filtration, but the 440 and 460 have been reported to be a bit lacking in at least those departments, when compared to some of the competition (Husky 372xp, Dolmar PS7900 etc). The 440 and 460 probably have slower trottle responce/accelleration as well (?), because of their older, 2 channel, engine design.

 

[possum398]

Well as far as the brand gos I have always had good luck with Stihl. I have never had any luck with Husky. Every Husky I have owned has given me nothing but problems. THe Dolmar I had never heard of until I started reading this site. Oh, and there is a good Stihl rep here. The only Husky place around is Lowes.

 

[SawTroll]

Then it is fully understandable that you want a Stihl....

....the dealer vs. Loeves thing is reason good enough for me.

How large is the wood you are going to cut with the new saw, and which bar lenght do you have in mind?

I like my 361 a lot, but I wouldn't want a bar longer than 20" on it for regular use in hardwood, preferably 18" and shorter (as those I have - 15 and 18").

 

[possum398]

I have about 12 trees down from Katrina. The largest is 36" diam. As far as bar length 20"-24". As far a chain, I have no idea. I always just went to my Stihl dealer and asked for a chain.

 

[tek9tim]

Go with the 440. Ran an 044 cleaning up down there this fall with a 32" bar, got it fully buried a time or two with no problems. Good, solid saw. It will do what you're looking for.

 

[canguy21]

It is a big jump from the 361 to the 440 but Stihl does not have anything between them except the 390 which is dated and heavy. I would not go more than a 20" on the 361 for power and balance, it probably works best with full skip on GASoline71's 25" but would not be smooth.

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

I still say go with the 440. It'll do what you need without weighing too much. The jump from a 361 to a 440 isn't as large as you'd think, especially with an opened 361, though the jump is there. Torque is where you'll see it the most. Running a 361 with a full skip is a fine set up, and runs plenty smooth. I run it often on mine. Though if you're going to be in this larger hardwood you describe, I'd definately go with the 440. It's got the torque to pull what you need.

Jeff

 

[pinus]

I need a new saw, old one is past gone. I was wanting something larger than what I had(028). I am tired of using a small saw for a large job. I do a good bit of firewood and cleanup. almost all of the trees I cut are hardwood. I first was thinking of a 066, but after using one I think I want something lighter. I am now thinking of 044 or 460. What do yall think. What would be the best?

Small saw needs more chain care, larger less. Your choice

 

[Greg Lees]

Jeff,

I may be in the same boat as possum398. I bought a 361 w/a 20" bar, using an RS/RSC chain. I cut some "Katrina" oak this weekend. The downed trees were around 20" in diameter. I've only put 5 tanks of fuel through the saw so far, so maybe it will get a bit stronger in a few more tanks, but the saw labored and bogged to a stop at times. I've thought about sending the 361 off for a woods mod, but have not as of yet. (I guess I'm waiting to see if the saw wakes up a little more with time before deciding.)

Do I send the 361 off and add $200-$250 to its cost, or do I consider getting another saw in the 440-460 class? Does a modification to a 361 really gain anything more, torque-wise, if I will only cut hardwood?

Being from Tennessee, I will only use oak and hickory for firewood and cut the occasional cedar, etc. if I need to clear an area. I am a weekend warrior, but like stuff to perform well. Please don't misunderstand, I love my 361, just need some more information to help with my decision.

Thanks,

Greg Lees

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Jeff,

I may be in the same boat as possum398. I bought a 361 w/a 20" bar, using an RS/RSC chain. I cut some "Katrina" oak this weekend. The downed trees were around 20" in diameter. I've only put 5 tanks of fuel through the saw so far, so maybe it will get a bit stronger in a few more tanks, but the saw labored and bogged to a stop at times. I've thought about sending the 361 off for a woods mod, but have not as of yet. (I guess I'm waiting to see if the saw wakes up a little more with time before deciding.)

Do I send the 361 off and add $200-$250 to its cost, or do I consider getting another saw in the 440-460 class? Does a modification to a 361 really gain anything more, torque-wise, if I will only cut hardwood?

Being from Tennessee, I will only use oak and hickory for firewood and cut the occasional cedar, etc. if I need to clear an area. I am a weekend warrior, but like stuff to perform well. Please don't misunderstand, I love my 361, just need some more information to help with my decision.

Thanks,

Greg Lees

I say get another saw, then start modding them. Others will disagree with that sentiment, but as a guy with plenty of saws, I'm of the mindset of, "if I need more saw, I pick up a bigger saw." I've heard alot of good about modded 361's. There's plenty of happy owners on here you could talk to. But in my opinion, you can never go wrong with another, bigger saw. After you have your saw quiver filled, then you can start modding them and filling more defined niches from there. All of that said, it depends on how much you use your saws. I use mine often. Only a bit shy of what a full time professional would, so for me, it's beneficial to show up to a cut or someone's yard with a truck full of saws, all with different bars, instead of one trusty saw. If you're a firewood guy heating your house and clearing up around the property, one good, modded saw may be all you need.

Jeff

 

[woodfarmer]

ditto

i fully agree with fish, put the cost of a mod towards another new saw