So the 462 has been out for a while now, how does it compare with with its predecessor the 461? I know the new saw has a smaller displacement but the same hp rating, making the power/weight ratio better. But, overall, do you like it better than the old 461.
Both very good saws but in different ways. The 461 has more felt torque and a wider power band. Probably handle long bar work better than the 462, but it's also heavier. The limited time I have run the 462 I was very impressed with how small and nimble it is for a 70cc class saw. 70cc power in a 60cc package! Probably one of the smoothest Stihls I've ran. However, the power band is much more peeky. Falls on its face a bit when you lean on it in big wood. Time will also tell for durability.
exactly in stock form to me the 462 is a short bar firewood saw the 461 stock with zero mods is kind of a dog but choked down from epa garbage ported for firewood id chose the 462 over the 461 but if was felling or logging id be using the 461 i think the 462 was more of a 441 takeover saw and the 500 was to take over the 461
Totally agree. The 462 is the evolution of the 044/440 that the 441 should have been. Slap a 24" b&c on it and go make sawdust. Good for occasional 28" b&c work but would grab a bigger saw for steady long bar work. Probably a 7910 or 661. Although I really liked your 500s at Kevin's gtg!
the 500 stock handled a long bar good only weak point i see is it also uses the same clutch stuff the 461 does and maybe should have went to the same as the 661 the 500 has good torque factory and has more now id say the 500 and 661 are close in torque and if i can get a large piece of test wood ill run them in it and see right now if i am actually working a big saw in big wood i run the huskihl 661 because it has scratches and scuffs and kevin didnt scratch the 500 when he had it
I've ran a few ported 462's, I feel the 462 could run a 28" bar all day long and be happy, and because of the weight so will the operator. I would say the 461 has a little more grunt, but it honestly was never a saw that impressed me, I'd pick up a 460 first. Haven't ran a 500i yet, but it sounds like that would be the saw for running say a 32" bar. Don't know about duribility, but I will say the saw is crazy light and compact for it's displacement. If the 500i is anywhere near the 661 in torque, I would be shocked.
i have all 4 saws and all 4 are ported the 462 may run a 28 but not as well as the 461 stock as the op asked
I felt stock the 461 was a total dog, the 462 felt alive. Maybe it was just the 461 I ran, but it was a dog compared to an old 460 stock. Is the slight edge in torque worth the added weight and old school AV? IMHO no. If the 462 is durable, that's the Stihl saw to get with a 28" or smaller bar IMHO. Well untill the 500i is available.
when ported the 461 will eat the 046/460 lunch the hold back on the 461 stock is the epa crap the coil and carb along with the choked down 5/16 exhaust opening the 462s i have was shipped before available here and stock the opening is 1/2 inch and a way smaller baffle inside the electronics limit alot of the mtronic computerized saws
I didnt like the way the 462 handled a 28”. Power was there but the saw feels to small for that length bar.
Has anyone compared any of the above saws or have experience with the 572xp? I’ve been hearing some good stuff on this saw from so pretty abusive loggers in our area. I know that wasn’t the original question but I was curious.
What real world prices are you guys seeing on the Stihl 462? Ive wanted one for quite a while now but have yet to see one at my dealer. I would be curious how the price and performance of the 462 compares to the Husky 572xp as well. Ive been cutting with a 562xp for a few years now and really like the saw, the 572xp would be a logical 70cc saw to step into except its a full 1.5 lbs heavier than the 462. The 462 is wicked attractive to me because I'd be stepping up to a 70cc (from 60) and it actually weight LESS than my 562xp! Not by much...probably not even noticeable, but it would feel the same which would be great because I can throw the 562xp around all day without issue. I only got the 562xp over the Stihl 362 because of the price difference...I got that 562xp for a song, between a sale the dealer was having AND a $50 rebate Husqvarna was doing but if the 462 and 572xp are similarly priced I'll go for the Stihl. Husky's website says $999 for the 572xp...I assume the 462 is similar?
That is still my favorite saw in that size, I have two of them right now and have had many more over the years.
Paid $800 for my 572 PHO. To me the 572 feels more robust than the 462 and it has nicer AV, smooth yet solid feeling, also seems to ballance better with longer bars, feels like it has more low end too. The stock felling spike is usless though and you'll want to upgrade to the bigger dogs. However the 462 is smaller and lighter with better fit and finnish "if that type of thing matters to you" it also cuts a little faster if you time the cuts, especially before the 572 breaks in. The 462 with fuel and oil, and a 562 also with fluids.
Wow! I didn't realize so many folks thought the stock 461 was such a dawg! Maybe I should be sorry I bought one!
Open up the muffler and retune and they're fine. A 460 coil swap helps too. Sorry but out of the box they are choked up as mentioned. Great durable saws, enjoy it!
they are durable saws but need a few things done to help them out shouldnt be sorry you bought one i have a ported one and 2 new ones in boxes in my closet sold 2 or 3 others ive had
I've ran the testicles off of a 462 now. I think I like it better than a 461. Muffler modded one runs 84 drivers and my ported one runs 91..it's got the balls.
