New Chainsaw, Stihl 362 Carbureted or 362 M-Tronic

I know I've been frustrated with the 661 with the M-tronics. Had it a little over a year and been to the dealer at least 6 times! Hopefully this time it's fixed because they put all new updated M-tronics on it!

 

That's a great deal. I've had my 362CM for a couple years now and its been perfect. Starts everytime, no matter the weather.

 

Either saw will perform well for you ... having owned both carb and mtronic I would recommend the mtronic ... also if you find you need / want more performance I have a mod for that saw that really wakes it up ! With the carb version you will have to tune it ; with mtronic it will automatically compensate

 

Here’s the 362cm with the mod and a Razer-chain in red oak ... bar is 18”

 

I just picked up a 441r-cm, it’s a beast. I put a 25 inch es light bar. I paid $1,178 that includes a six pack of synthetic stihl oil for the 2 year warranty. There is a lot of debate on what is better. As stated by those that have them, most like them. One thing I have repeatedly heard is don’t let them idle. Some that have issues had a bunch of idle time and they have issues. I have been running mine like I stole it. If your cutting big lodgepole pines you may want a little bigger saw. I have heard claims that the 441 is the most r&d stihl has put in a saw. I have some of the older 036’s and a 034 super and I really like that series. No matter what one you get you will be served well.

 

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I have the same saw Rope ... with muffler mod and razer-chain the 441cm is a ripper ... not too shabby on the gas mileage either !

 

I was just in the classifieds and saw your post on mufflers. Watched the videos. You have me thinking....

 

Thanks for all your input. Now a question my wife has, since she is reading. Will the M-Tronic start easier?

 

Yes, I was just cutting in-18* and it started in 2-3 pulls. First pull was in the off position, second in choke sputtered for a few, I didn’t get to the trigger quickly. Next pull in run position fired and stayed running. When the saw is warm from inside it cranks 1-2 pulls. All my other saws take 3-5 more pulls to get them going. They always fire, at -30* or colder I keep my saw by the fire before i crank.

 

She would like that, since she doesn't like the pull start. But heck that ain't going to stop her, just slow her down at the start.

 

Here is my take, if you are going to be going up and down mountains to cut wood, then get the tronic stuff as it supposedly will make changes. Otherwise, stay with the non tronic so you won't be cussing it and throwing it under the bulldozer on purpose.

 

Probably not easier, but the starting process is simpler with the M-tronic.

Reg Carb (cold start):
1.) Set full choke
2.) Pull rope until it "pops"
3.) Set to half choke
4.) Pull rope until it starts
5.) Blip throttle to get to idle

Reg Carb (warm start):
Could be no-choke, half-choke, or full-choke. Depends on a lot of variables.

M-Tronic (hot or cold):
1.) Push lever all the way down
2.) Pull rope until it starts

I have a 362 CM and it has been 100% reliable for 3 or 4 years now. A great firewood saw.

 

That's a really good point. The air filter on the 362CM is unbelievably low maintenance compared the older saws. I will tap out a few fine particles every 5-6 tanks or more, where the old style will get completely caked about every tank or 2.

 

Yeah I hear ya Rope ... cheap mod ... remove muffler -if u have access to a grinding wheel .100 wide u can grind into the bottom “groove” and remove it ... then remove all burrs with file and emery ... wash in hot soapy water and make sure u get all the shavings out of the muffler .... reinstall muffler and enjoy a free boost of power ... u can do the job in an hour or so ... this way your saw ain’t down k .... I can send ya a chain or two if u need faster cutting

 

Hope that helps ya out Rope ... makes for a nice - gain on the cheep and your saw won’t be down ... it does make it a bit louder but gives it a deeper “throatier” tone

 

Cant watch videos at work. Will have to check it out at home. Used the 261c to cut some wood on the way to work, man she runs good, even at -27*. Only 2 tanks through this one so far.

 

Yessir ... I have the 261c with a muffler mod; modded combustion chamber and the squish at .020 ... I run a 16” bar with 3/8 lp picco sqr/sqr and routinely outcut my associates’ 362c in the same wood ...

 

Thank you to everybody's Input on this decision. I picked up our new saw today.
We went with the CM 362 Carbureted.
MS 362 Chainsaw in Ponderay, ID 83852
It does have the new HD Air filter and "cyclone Filter", got it with a 25" Bar.
Looking forward to put it to work.
Thanks again to everyone and have a great weekend.