Toying with the idea of one. I'm more of a one size fits most kind of guy when it comes to saws. I seem to be immune to CAD otherwise I'd be thinking harder about a 261 / 441 or similar combo.
I , VERY highly recommend the aforementioned combo. Maybe if the AV and mtronic are not as important to you in your "big saw", consider the 461 for raw power. What size bar were you running on the 361? If it was 16-18" then the 261 might step into the old saw's shoes quite nicely. Then pick up the big saw down the road if you want to avoid the big payout for both saws at once.! I've run my MS261C-M with a 361, it was pretty close. I beat him through the log every time but it didn't matter what saw I was holding. The 361 had more torque for sure with the 20" buried but in 12" -14" wood I'd take my 261 any day.
I usually run a 20" bar. One size fits most approach again. I get a mix of everything, but have the 20" buried pretty regularly. I'm not adverse to a 261 though. Might not be a bad idea. Then I could get a beater 440/460 for when the going gets tough. Things to ponder.
For my needs I like the 60 cc saws. Top 2 are the MS 362 & 562xp IMO this year I'd get the 562xp , it's been out a bit longer & any bugs have had time to get ironed out. The 362 being new, I'd wait a year & give it some time for reviews & any bugs to be found & fixed. I almost got last years model 362 a few months ago, just couldn't justify it for any reason other than" I want one", (don't need it.) My 359 is doing a great job. I have to fight of CAD, about twice a year, right before cutting season & mid Winter . I'm good until right after moose season now, the new 362 is on top of the "Want list "
I just bought my MS 362 CM from the local Stihl dealer. Let me know if I got a good deal: - MS 362 CM with 25" bar and chain plus 25" bar guide/protector - One extra 25" chain (paid for) - One 6 pack of Stihl Ultra - free with CM; one extra 6 pack of Ultra (paid for) - Husky 350 18" chain sharpened (usually $5) - A Peavey to roll logs over (priced at $59) All for less than $830 out the door. Before I got there, I called him and told him that I'll be bringing my MS 440 20" to put on the 362, so we put that on before we started it up. He filled with canned gas and put 30 wt in the bar chamber and it cranked right up after one or two pulls. After my MS 440 comes back from MasterMind, I'll put the 25" bar and chain on that one. I've used to buck a +25" Walnut for next year's winter firewood. I'll use it some more tomorrow to cut up a +30 oak that fell down during last night's windstorm. Right now, I'm debating on whether to MM it once it gets broken in or wait until the 2 year warranty is over. Thoughts? Thanks,
If you feel good about the deal It's a good deal I sure think the new 362 will be an awesome saw if we get a picture of it anyway LOL Need to fix your signature, add the 362
I have been thinking long and hard about buying the 362C-M. I have spoke with someone who owns a 362C-M and a 562xp. He says it's to close to call. If I was to have one saw? That is the class I would own. And being a tronic, it will help the motor when it senses a lean situation (before a seize, it will richen automatically)
I went to the Stihlership at lunch today and put my hands on one. That was probably a mistake. Got an out the door price...probably a bigger mistake.
My dealer will take about $100 off the top with a Cash price. If you deal with him more often, you get a better break. I paid a little more for my 441C-M than what a 362C-M costs. Just a little
talked to a buddy I haven't seen for a while last night and he swears by a 562xp. Says it is a beast.
It is. The question is, how close is the 362C-M to the 562? The 562 has been around a couple years now, the 362C-M has been around a couple months. The 362 itself has been around for years, but so far I have not seen a definitive review of the latest version.
Not sure If I want to be the guinea pig. Been looking for good reviews of the 362 c-m and they don't seem to be out there. I have, on the other hand, read a lot of good things about the 562xp.
There is a member on AnotherSite that has both the 572 and the 362. He said that the difference over one or the other is the ergonomics. He says the 562 feels better in your hand, but as far as power and delivery goes? It's a toss up. Pick your Color Basically. . . After getting my 441 back? I now want a 362C-M. These Mtronic saws run good stock, but ported, the 441 revs and runs much better