Where’s the Stihl 400?

I've heard a lot of good things about the 261, however the main reason I'm looking at the 400 or 462 is for more cc's (that was in an earlier post). I already have a 290 (56cc) and a 362 (59cc) and wanted something to bridge the displacement gap between the 362 and the 500i (79cc). If my old 290 ever gives up the ghost, then I'll pick up a 261 but it doesn't fit the bill for what I'm looking for at the moment.

 

Here's a "blankie" for the owner...

 

Chud & buZZsaw BRAD, notice something different in my signature???

 

Nice

 

Awesome! When you get it, please do a write up on it.

 

^^x2.

 

Will do.

 

When is this deal going down?

 

Tomorrow morning. Got the call today from the dealer that the person who originally had it on hold backed out of the deal. I almost didn't answer the phone because I was on the ATV moving seasoned splits to the firewood shed. I would have gone today to get it however I wanted to take advantage of the decent weather to keep plugging away at filling the shed (supposed to get heavy rain again starting tomorrow).

I had thought about the 400 versus 462 again last night and decided for what I want an upgrade to the 362 for, the 400 will accomplish the mission nicely. I don't scrounge too many monsters in the national forest that would require the 462 and if I do get something, I have the 500i. I like the idea of a light saw with a bit more kick than the 362. Now to decide if I want to sell the 362 or not (after I run a few tanks through the 400 to make sure I like it).

 

Glad to hear the other guy backed out! I considered the 400 for a while. I'm not sure the hole between the 261 and the 500 is big enough for me to jump on one though...

 

A 462 will make a good Xmas self gift. Happy and safe cutting tomorrow with the 400.

 

maybe I can whet your appetite while you wait…

I’ve had my hands on one of theses for a couple months now and have had a chance to put around 10-12ish tanks through this saw in stock form, and I have to say I dig it so far.
Let’s get weights and measures out of the way first. I know this saw is supposed to weigh the same as a ms362 and slightly less than a 562 but this saw seems somehow less…. Clunky than a ms362. The saw feels like a modern super light 044 with the same grunt, faster spool up, and way, way smoother. I could throw up some pics of this thing ready to cut on my super official bathroom scale, but really what would that prove? Some air filter picks for the fellers who like that sort of thing.






It would make a great one plan firewood saw. Slots in nicely between a 50cc and an 80/90cc saw classes in a 3 saw plan. It really does blur the line between the 60 and 70cc saw classes. Sure you could just skip it and buy a 462 because it’s got more power at only a pound more, but if you follow that logic why not just skip right to a 661 or 395? I think it easily takes the place of a 362/562.

I recently used it to fell and break down a couple 40 foot backyard white ash, and set myself a challenge to use the 400 all day. Not something I’d normally do with just one saw. Usually I start with a 2511 and then move to a 50cc saw and then move up to a 7910 or 066/395 if it’s a large tree.

I didn’t feel at all tired using the 400 all day. I think this saw readily handles anything I can cut with the 20” bar and chain on it. Speaking of chain I should mention that I am running 3/8s .050 full comp and chisel. Square ground of course and it handles that very well.

Where I really like this saw is for blocking down a spar when I’m climbing. That’s the primary reason I bought it. It’s light enough to start using it directly after I’m finished with my top handle saw. For the most part it’s all I need to finish up a removal unless I’m in a monster tree.

So in summary this saw has stolen run time from my 50cc saws and my dolmar 7910. It’s the saw that everyone wanted to 441 to be back in the day. This one has gone off to get some port work. I’m sure it’ll be an animal when it’s finished!

 

The air filter seals the deal, I’m getting one next year.

 

Great...



Sounds like a perfect saw to do what I thought. Then make a built 7900 from my 6421. 25" or so b&c on the dolkita, 20" on the ms400

 

Sure maybe for most folks but I make my living with a chainsaw. One benefit of that means I can easily justify buying quality tools. It took a very very short period of time for that saw to pay for itself.

Even for an average horder a quality saw like this should be expected to hold up for at least 10 years. Seems like a bargain to me when you look at it that way. That’s my story and I’m sticking too it!

 

I edited my response, but forgot to hit save. Dinner time had me eating.

I didn't want it to sound that way. I meant more like future me spending the $.

 

I have never regretted a tool purchase whether I make money from it or not. If I need a tool once, I buy it as opposed to renting or borrowing. It always gets used again and likely often. I wouldn't narrow my affliction down to something specific as CAD. More like TAD. Worse yet, I love to continually upgrade tools. Oh crap, the same applies to vehicles and powersports. OK fine... I have a problem....

 

You're in the right place. We're a bunch of enablers when it comes to things like this.

 

Gotcha. Yep that would be a winning combination. I’d recommend sending the Dolkita to Kevin and ask for the extra spicy version. You won’t be disappointed!