Need to Buy Larger Saw (to go with Stihl MS250)

Thanks to everyone's help with my other post, it looks like I will once again have a working Stihl MS250 with a 16" bar and full chisel chains. I want to buy a bigger saw to go along with it, which I will use to handle the neighbors' trees that they have cut down, and the logs dropped-off by our tree service when operating nearby. Most of the logs fall into the under-20" diameter category, with a number in the 20-25" category, and a few in the 25-35" category. I expect my wood supply will continue as such, and I will get grapple loads to supplement as necessary. The 250 just cannot handle the larger stuff well (as the destroyed clutch drum bearing on the 250 reflects).

This is our third winter with the BK Princess insert, which we use 24/7 (I set the thermostat for our oil furnace baseboard heat at 55 degrees, and have the insert take us up from there). I estimate that we burned at least 3-4 cords each winter (we have had some cold winters in CT the last two years). I want to get way ahead with my C/S/S wood starting now.

I am partial to Stihl chainsaws based on family tradition, and have tried to read as many of the FHC threads as I could find on the Stihl pro saws. I believe the MS362C-M with a 20" bar is right for me, and that I could get a 25" bar (and go slow) with it on the really big stuff. The Stihl dealer agrees.

However, given the comments about the 362 being somewhat under-powered for the 25" bar, my question is whether I should instead be looking at the MS441C-M with a 20" and 25" bar. I am concerned with the increased weight of the 441, and whether I will be going at big stuff enough to justify it.

My budget will cover both, thanks to family gifts going to the "chainsaw fund" over the last three years. I would appreciate your thoughts on which saw makes the most sense to complement the 250.

 

If you've got a bunch of big wood coming go 441, it's amazing. Haven't ran a 362cm yet, but I bet that'd pretty nice if you only needed the 25" occasionally. My 441cm has been running a 36" bar occasionally, and doing it fairly well at that.

 

Used 044/440, 046/460/461 would be my pick unless you just have to have warranty. Should be able to pick something up for around $450 in good shape.

 

Echo CS-590 for $400 list, Dolly PS-6100 for $550 list, assuming you have to work for a buck.

If you ever have to do any serious work on a 441CM, you'll want to keep some strong drink handy. A monumentally bad design. Rumor has it that the 362CM shares it. Just try to R&R cylinder. Bizarre. OTOH, Dolly & Husqys are the exact opposite.

Also, if you try 40 cc RedMax or Dolmar, you'll be putting the 250 up for adoption, I'll wager.

 

CTY tell us about this Rumor ?? Rumors are most likely those that have and those that have not.

 

If the budget will cover both, go for the 441. I think you'll appreciate the extra power in larger wood

 

Same old story, different forum. A guy asks which new stihl performs better, and the gallery jumps right into their favorite saws to work on.

To the point. I have both those saws. The 362 is not awesome, but the 441 is. However, I work with my saws, not on my saws.

 

Used 044/440/460/461, Husky 372, or Dolmar 7900 (my personal favorite).

I wouldn't waste my money on a new saw.

 

Curious as to what exactly makes the 550xpat a dream to work on over the MS 261 C-M? The dumb outboard chain tensioner? The stupid hammer and chisel clutch? The flimsy air filter adapter piece? The unnecessary three hole intake? The eXtra throttle body on the carb? The flimsy echo style ratchet starter? The sweet primer bulb? All of you husqy lovers must really be dreaming...

 

Stacks- I'm not a Stihl guy, but I would tell you from experience, if you can afford it, go for the bigger saw. I got "upsold" into a 390xp and I'm so glad I did! The hardest thing to change on a saw is engine size. You can always run smaller bars for your normal needs but have the ability to bolt on a big bar if you ever want to mill or fell that dream oak that's 72" across.

Another thing to consider is resale value and market. Guys are crazy about 441's and if you run into a tough spot when you need to sell it there will be a line at your door. Having a saw that can do anything opens up the possibility of doing anything you come across or feel like. There is a reason the pro's use those saws, see for yourself why...

One thing I do like about the Husky's is they are not complicated or overly elaborate. I work with my saws too, but I also work on them. I have the tools, mechanical aptitude, and interest. I have "X" dollars to spend. Any money I don't spend on bench charges is money I can spend somewhere else, like a new bar or splitter. A penny saved, is a downpayment on more BTU's...

 

390xp can be bought cheaper than a 441 or 461.

My local stihl dealer doesn't like the 441. Said it was too flimsy from the loggers around there. They stuck with the 460 and 660 after the 440 went away.

I'm in the used saw buying for most use. I can't see losing 25% on the cost even in a few weeks if you have to sell.

 

If you decide on the 362, you might want to try some skip chain when you run the 25" bar. I use the jgx oregon chain on a 24" bar on my 65cc saw which has a power rating very similar to the 362. If you are cutting logs, the weight of the heavier 441 probably would't be noticed that much and it would definitely be more powerful.

 

The 441 does look and feel like a tank compared to the 362 when comparing powerheads at the dealership.
From the intended use perspective of bucking logs in your yard I wouldn't let that size/weight throw you off.
Either saw will wow you moving from an ms250

 

I ran 3 tanks of gas through my 362 over the weekend on a couple big white oaks. I didn't put the tape measure on them, but they were about 24" - 30" depending on the tree and what part I was cutting. It had NO trouble with a 20" bar and RS chain. I don't see it having any trouble with a 25" bar and a skip chain provided you crank the oiler all the way up. Not knocking a 250, but the 362 will feel like a rocket ship in comparison, even with a 25" bar.

If you only occasionally get into 30" wood I'd go 362 over 441...and keep the extra two bills in your pocket and 2 lbs off your arms.