I just noticed that one of dealers has a new 461. I though they had quite making them. I asked him and he said it was (I think he said) It was new old stock. He said it had a higher displacement then the 461 CM but was heavier by a little bit and didn't have any more power out of the box, then the 462 CM. I certainly don't need it but found it interesting. How good was the 461? And with all of the newer technology available, would you still buy a new one, today?
I’ve seen video comparisons of the 461 beating up on the 462. 76.5cc vs 72cc If the price is right I’d get it. I use a 460 and it’s a great saw. Not as light as a 462, but not an arm stretcher either. Snatch it up before someone else does.
462 has more hp, but the 461 has a flatter power curve over a wider rpm range for running a longer bar. They’re popular on the west coast and are known as being one of the best saws ever made
I have had one for several years. Just a great saw, old school technology and plenty of power. I bought mine for several hundred dollars less than what 462,s and 500,i sell for.
Yes, I think I remember seeing a video where in stock form the 462 was a little fast, but after both had been ported, the larger displacement of the 461 took over and beat the 462.
I've had one for a half dozen years or so and it has been fantastic. I'm no expert, but if you can find one for a decent that a dealer wants to unload, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat. They are really nice in stock form and when ported can have the about the same hp as a 661.
Highly, highly recommended saw. Mine was ported by huskihl and it is nuts. The arborist that ran it a week ago couldn’t believe it.
I wouldnt mind owning one. If i had to replace my 460 the 461 is it. No longer on the Stihl site and any saws are NOS. I see them for sale at a couple of the OPE dealers i visit as well as advertised. Had the 500i not come out it would be my next new saw purchase and id take it over a 462...5 cc's more power. Ive never run either, just my 460.
Really like my 461, but I’ve never run the newer saws I can’t compare. I do know my next saw will be an auto tune!
One thing I did notice and like about the 461 is that there seems to be a lot more aftermarket support for this saw vs some of the other Stihl's, Like you can buy a really nice, full wrap handlebar at Baileys even, for about 170.00 and some are way cheaper elsewhere, don't know about quality of some of them, though.
We got 1 last year and I love it, paid $950 with 32" bar. Added a $25 dual port muffler is all I've done, so far. Rush Battle tried it out when we stopped by his place. Just put a 25" bar on it today for noodling some gnarly big oak.
