261c ported vs 362c

Hey new member, first post. For conversation sake(no cad funds right now) how would a ported 261c stack up against a muff modded 362c? Say the 261c is running an 18" .325 bar and the 362c would wear an 18 or 20" 3/8, both rs full chisel. Max 22-26" dbh hardwoods, avg 14-18" hardwoods. I have to agree after further review at the dealership the 362c doesn't "feel" much heavier than a 261c. For my uses it probably wouldn't matter much but would be interested in the opinions of the forum.

Good to be on the forum, see a lot of familiar posters from other websites.

 

Welcome aboard Draftgear! I don't have the exact models you specify, but I have an 026, 036, and 360 Pro. The 362 will definitely out cut the 261, no doubt about that, but that 261 isn't a slouch either. It really depends on your needs. If its your first/only saw than I would go for the 362, unless you are sure you are only going to be cutting stuff under that 18" bar length (meaning about 16" of free bar). Yes, in theory that 16" can cut a 32" tree (or bigger), but for practical use most folks work within their bar lengths most of the time. You will definitely love that 261 if you can live with those limitations. I see you viewed that video of me dropping that poplar (liked it) with my 036. My 026 could have easily dropped that tree too, but its 18" bar would have been just short of a clean cut. So I used my 20" 036 instead.

I'm sure some other members who have more experience with those exact saws, plus the "porting vs muffler mod" part of your question will be along soon to chime in. Take care and we'll see you around!

 

Thanks for the welcome....yes right now I have a masterminded 261c. Very happy with it My old stock 361 has nothing on this saw in my eyes and I know a lot guys like the 361. No this is more of a thinking out loud question to debate. These 362c's are looking like a great way to go in the new model 60cc class, along with the 562xp or 555.

 

BTW personally I could get away with one good 60cc saw modded of course but that's not really what I want....

 

Good info. Thanks

 

I was not impressed with a stock 361. I bought one after all the hype. Don't get me wrong, it is a very nice saw, but I expected more after all the hype. I sent it off to be ported,,,woke up a sleeping giant! If you already have a 361,,,get it ported; you won't have any regrets, unless you just want a new 362c. FWIW, now that you have a ported saw, more than likely you will want them all ported. But that is ok,,,it is all part of the disease process.

 

Yes I ran 361's at work and then bought one for myself, all stock, not even a muff mod and I agree with you they are good but not awesome IMO. Now ported I'm sure would be a whole nother ballgame...

 

Is that a stock 036 or a Pro with the compensating carb/air filter on it. If its stock you should add the ZAMA compensating carb to it (got it for $18 on an ending "make offer" Huztl sale). I modified my stock one to mount the "Pro" stuff ................ needed longer carb bolts and rigged up a new tank vent of the "tube" type.

Oops, forget all that. I see its a Pro in your sig!!!!!! (was figuring it wasn't since you had to add the larger bearing and drum .......... thought all the Pros already had that?

 

I have a stock 362CM with about 3 or 4 tanks through it and it will already steal my old 361's lunch money. If what Dexter says is true it should be pretty strong after about 8-10 tanks. I imagine a muffler mod will wake it up pretty good too, but I'm going to wait a while on that.

I'm a big fan of 60cc saws for a one saw plan, but since you already have a strong running 50cc, that changes things a bit. If you are looking for a little more grunt I'd skip the 60cc class and go with a 70cc+ saw. A ported 261 and a 460 would be a good combo that should handle any tree you come across with authority.

 

Yea a masterminded 461 would be a good one I think. Thanks for the replies everyone, good to be here. Right now I'm gonna have to sit on the sidelines with any new saws, just what the budget dictates for me, but its fun to talk about.

 

Welcome to the site!a!!!

Im kinda in the same boat as you, except i have a masterminded 562xp and a sweet 10mm 044 thats almost new. Ive been sliming down my herd and I'm honestly having a hard to figuring out which saw I would get rid of? Since the 562 needs a crank(clutch broke off crank, long story), I've never been able to run the saws back to back to see which one I would like better. The big plus of the 562 is that it weighs at least 1 pound less than the 044.

 

Thanks fot the welcome, but ya if you want my opinion, between those two I'd keep the 044. Not because its a stihl, but because what I read/know of this one, is it's a classic and performs awesome too. You can pick up a new 562xp anywhere, anytime, and send her off for port work if desired. BTW I don't know how husky dealers sell any new XP saws when the best deals I see are on eBay. Been looking at 562xp just for grins right now. I do like supporting a local dealer but its not really close price wise.

 

Keep the 044 since you can buy a new 562 any time.

 

Alright! Ya I will be waiting for the update and I agree with .325/261 and 3/8 on the 362. On a side note I'm in the minority I think, in that I like .325 on a ported 261c. 18" .325 bar and RS chain does great by me, but that's me. I would like to try the lopro 3/8 though one day for sure though.

 

I ran a 3/8 picco setup on my 036. Lots O fun lololol…. mind you I only cut with it for about 15mins. Dealer had a 18" large mount picco bar hanging on his wall and didn't even realize it till I asked him about one lolol.