Larger Saw Purchase

[s219]

I'm leaning toward the 461 saw. It is listed as having the same weight as the 441 but with a little more power. I'll leave the 16 inch bar on my 261 and put a 24 inch on the 461. Thanks for all the input.
rj

Good choice. On paper the 441 has better anti-vibe, but I am hard pressed to tell. I sometimes run my 461 all day long and find the anti-vibe to be just fine. The 461 does have poorer filtration than the 441. I would suggest picking up the Stihl pre-filter (it's a felt band that wraps around the air cleaner element) or a similar third-party item.

 

[xring100]

I'm leaning toward the 461 saw. It is listed as having the same weight as the 441 but with a little more power. I'll leave the 16 inch bar on my 261 and put a 24 inch on the 461. Thanks for all the input.
rj

461 would be my preference of the two

Alternatively to the 441 a husky 372xp makes 5.3 hp @13.4 v 5.6 hp @14.6 lb
My good buddy has one of these it is an awesome saw high reving light weight. Doesn't have the torque of the 660 or the 460 my next door neighbor has and because its a husky the controls and starting are akward for a guy whos a 3rd generation stihl pro saw opperator.

Not sure if you run straight gas or know what the issues are with ethanol and 2 stroke carbs and diaphrams but I run rec gas in all my 2 strokes the following site list gas stations that sell recreational gas. Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada. Both of the stations I use are listed

 

[94BULLITT]

I'm leaning toward the 461 saw. It is listed as having the same weight as the 441 but with a little more power. I'll leave the 16 inch bar on my 261 and put a 24 inch on the 461. Thanks for all the input.
rj

If you want the most power for that size saw go for the 461 instead of the 441. If you want more power for about another $100 you can get a 660. If you want more power add dual port muffler to the 660 and retune the carb. What ever saw you get buy a 6 pack of hp ultra oil to double your warranty.

Good choice. On paper the 441 has better anti-vibe, but I am hard pressed to tell. I sometimes run my 461 all day long and find the anti-vibe to be just fine. The 461 does have poorer filtration than the 441. I would suggest picking up the Stihl pre-filter (it's a felt band that wraps around the air cleaner element) or a similar third-party item.

Good point. The filtration system on a 441 is awesome. Does the 461 have a HD-2 filter?

 

[s219]

The 461 has the newer automotive-style filter, oval shaped about the size of a fist. I believe it's the same on on the 441, but been a while since I ran a 441. What's different is the airflow, which eliminates more dust entering the filter area in the 441.

 

[terryknight]

a 461 is a great compliment to a 261. 50cc saw and a 70cc saw. that being said i love me 660

 

[vtrick00]

Hope this will just fit the bill with what work I have now. One day, maybe I can run across a 660 for the few bigger jobs. I'm new to the CAD and I'm starting to understand this addiction.

 

[94BULLITT]

The 461 has the newer automotive-style filter, oval shaped about the size of a fist. I believe it's the same on on the 441, but been a while since I ran a 441. What's different is the airflow, which eliminates more dust entering the filter area in the 441.

I thought I had a picture of the filter on my 441 but I don't. I'm pretty sure the newer saws have the HD2 filter. The HD2 is supposed to filter to a finer micron and flow more. Yes, the 441 draws the air differently.

Here is a HD2.
Stihl Oem Heavy Duty Air Filter (Hd2) For 044, 046, 066, 088, Ms 440, 441, 460, 660, 880 Chainsaws 0000 140 4402 | Stihl | Air Filters & Parts | www.baileysonline.com

 

[TomSeller]

Hope this will just fit the bill with what work I have now. One day, maybe I can run across a 660 for the few bigger jobs. I'm new to the CAD and I'm starting to understand this addiction.

Safety first. Your original post mentioned the trees around your house. Are they close enough that they could hit the house when you fall them? Do you have experience falling trees?

As far as saws go, you made an excellent choice in the MS261, they are great saws. I use 30cc, 50cc and 70cc saws and like that combination. I would not buy a larger saw than the MS261 just to cut 20 or so trees, you will have those trees down in no time. Not to talk you out of more saws, I tend to buy the right tool for any job, including saws.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Hope this will just fit the bill with what work I have now. One day, maybe I can run across a 660 for the few bigger jobs. I'm new to the CAD and I'm starting to understand this addiction.

Don't forget the safety gear

 

[mikehaugen]

you guys are making me jealous... I may just have to go buy a 660 to compliment my 361. I have a 25" bar on the 361 because that is what it came with. It is a little bigger than what the saw is comfortable with. Ideally I would like to scale back to a 20" on the 361, get a 261 with a 16" or 18", then a 660 with maybe a 32" for real big stuff, though it would probably get used the least.