I'm looking to upgrade to a new saw I have a 025 and an MS 170. The 025 is on its last leg (it was my Dads). I plan on restoring the saw as time permits. I really like the size and weight of the 50cc. My dealer only brings in Non E carb saws in unless the customer wants it what would you guys recommend. He is also pushing me towards the 362. I don't know if I want to go bigger? Thanks
I have a ported 261 love the saw it’s awesome for cutting in the bush and deep snow. I cut white spruce primarily, but depending on your species a 60cc saw may be a good option. A 261 and 441 or 461/2 would make a great 2 saw option. With large diameter trees and how much spare time along with . You can end up like some of us and buy saws every year.
As a 362 owner I believe you find it a useful saw. It's dependable and sturdy. I run mine with a 16" combo and it's vicious. It will take on most anything the average firewood person would tackle. A 362 with a couple of different size bar/chain combos would be just about all one would ever need. I'm more of an out of the box guy. I don't do mods, just don't see the need for me. But, I can imagine the mean saw the 362 would make with a couple of mods. Like the man on T.V said: "Try it! You'll like it!" Trust me when I tell you that a 661 with a 28" combo is a beast to lug around cutting trees all day!
Well a 30+" round is not an everyday thing but it does happen frequently. I'm not one to buy a saw a year, at least I hope I'm not...
If you have much over 15” hardwood, personally I would get the 362. You will appreciate the 10cc in the bigger wood. You have the 170 to limb with. How far do you have to walk from equipment that brings your tools, to where you cut. If you can get close to what your cutting get the bigger saw. Don’t rule out a 441 either. You should check the specs and see the weight vs horsepower. Good luck with your decision.
Gotta agree with Rope I like my 362 very well. It will do pretty much anything needed. A 30" trunk can be managed from both sides no problem & I can sling it all day. Only problem is my huskihl ported 036 will blow it in the weeds for the same weight. I'd say go MS 362C M & if you want more saw get it ported. The M tronic saws have proven to be reliable & make a bit more power.
There is no doubt the 362 is a great choice. They are really good firewood saw. I have the older version 2@036’s and a 034 super. I was using one of my 036’s to cut some big white spruce 24-26 inch. I need to put a tach on them and see which is stronger and send it to be ported. huskihl makes ported chainsaw magic.
If your cutting 30+ rounds frequently I highly recommend a 461 or waiting for the new 462. Get a 20” b&c and a 32”. You can still do all your limb and trim with the 170 and have plenty of bar for the big stuff. The weight of the 461 really isn’t bad unless your doing lots of limbing or awkward angle cuts. Then of course you can always add the 261 next year!
And of course if you can find some good used saws you might be able to get a 261 and 461 for the price of 1 new saw!
I have the 260 and the 036. My goto is the 260 but when i get into anything big i grab the 036. However I do not like hauling the 036 around all day because of the added weight. If the 260 will do the job (albeit a tad slower) I will use it. My back is happier at the end of the day. As for the E or No E carb, if you like to tinker, maybe the No E. Is you just want to gas and go, maybe the E carb is for you. How much of a cost difference is there?
Dang it I thought I had this figured out.... I think I'm going to ask a buddy of mine if he could bring over one of his bigger saws and let me run it for a while. I haven't priced out the other saws but on the 261 there is no price difference between E carb and no E carb (M tronic) at least at my dealer.
For the power to weight ratio it's hard to beat the MS261 in the 50CC range. Even better with a simple muffler mod. I have used my MS260 to cut stuff bigger 24" even with a 16" or 18" bar. Not optimal or as quick as can be done with a larger saw but it can be done. Yes you can use a large saw to cut smaller stuff too but that's really not optimal either. If your 025 is doing the job now, you'll be real impressed with the power of the 261 for about the same weight, maybe even little lighter than the 025.
I’ve got a 261cm which I opened the muffler on, and it’s my go to saw. I run an 18” bar with an 8 pin sprocket and it cuts all the firewood I wanna cut. I’ve got a 460 with a 20” and an 046 with a 24”. Run them just enough to keep ‘em tuned and remember how heavy they are. I’m gettin’ old these days.
