Stihl MS362

[inode]

I have a Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss (20"), MS 250 (16") and a MS 362CM (20"). The 290 is just plain old reliable. It's doesn't rev high but can get the job done. The 250 is hard to start but seems to be a good performed for a homeowner saw. It feels stronger and considerably lighter than the 290. The 362 just plain impresses me compared to the other saw. I get that I'm comparing a pro saw to homeowner/farm saws. However, it had the best power to weight up until the 462 came out. If I was to buy today, I'd consider the 462 over the 362. You get 10cc increase for the same weight.

 

[s219]

You didn稚 like the 362?

Not as good as the Husky 562XP in the 60cc class.

 

[Garandman]

Not as good as the Husky 562XP in the 60cc class.

You used them head to head? What is better?

 

[s219]

You used them head to head? What is better?

The 362 was a bit of a disappointment compared to the old 361 -- they went to a strato design for emissions and the saw lost some guts. About then Husky came out with the 562XP and it was notably better, with more guts and better able to hang on to revs in the cut. The 362 isn't a bad saw, but the 562 is a better choice in the 60cc class. If you google "stihl ms 362 vs husqvarna 562xp" a lot of comparisons will come up. This has been hashed out many times before.

 

[Garandman]

I always thought .45 ACP. vs 9mmP was the longest running internet worm. Not even close!

The 362 was a bit of a disappointment compared to the old 361 -- they went to a strato design for emissions and the saw lost some guts. About then Husky came out with the 562XP and it was notably better, with more guts and better able to hang on to revs in the cut. The 362 isn't a bad saw, but the 562 is a better choice in the 60cc class. If you google "stihl ms 362 vs husqvarna 562xp" a lot of comparisons will come up. This has been hashed out many times before.

I am asking if you have used the two saws yourself. It appears you are just stating your own conclusion based on GIS. On arboristsite it’s like a Chevy vs Ford pickup thread.

For example, these tests show the Stihl to be more powerful, use less fuel, quieter and vibrates less, while you have operators stating the exact opposite. I wouldn’t give the local Husqvarna dealer a cent so it’s a choice of Stihl models in my case.

Stihl MS362 data

Husqvarna 562 data

And Dolmar 6100 is more powerful than both.

 

[s219]

I always thought .45 ACP. vs 9mmP was the longest running internet worm. Not even close!

I am asking if you have used the two saws yourself. It appears you are just stating your own conclusion based on GIS. On arboristsite it痴 like a Chevy vs Ford pickup thread.

For example, these tests show the Stihl to be more powerful, use less fuel, quieter and vibrates less, while you have operators stating the exact opposite. I wouldn稚 give the local Husqvarna dealer a cent so it痴 a choice of Stihl models in my case.

I have run dozens, maybe hundreds, of saws in the last 10-15 years, including the Stihl 361 and 362, and Husky 562. While I don't blab about that resume everytime I answer a chainsaw question, I would not be giving opinions about a saw if I didn't have personal experience. Even diehard Stihl guys like me were disappointed in the 362 when it replaced the 361.

All the brands have good and bad models, so it pays to shop around when looking for a particular size saw. I have owned and do own larger Stihls and smaller Stihls, but in the 60cc class, the 362 is just not a compelling choice or the best bang for the buck. Conversely, the Husky 562 is among the best.

I don't know why you're asking for opinions if you can't buy anything but a Stihl. You're missing out on some great saws from other brands. Brand loyalty in chainsaws is not beneficial unless you purposely want to own a dog of a saw now and then.

This reminds me of the green versus yellow chain debate, or full-chisel versus semi-chisel. Those debates also seem to elude practical experience.

 

[Garandman]

Thanks!

Summary: "Buy an MS361 instead." Just what I wanted to know!

We could buy a Husqvarna but dealer logistics don't work very well for us. The other dealer we use that is a servicing dealership for Huskie sells Jonsered: which he says are identical to Huskie.

 

[xyz123]

There was a heavier OE 362 that came out that replaced the 361. Yes it was a pig IMO. But ran fine.

I ran a demo 562 and wasnt impressed with it myself. The 562 was updated too, but gained weight. Had to strengthen the cases up.

Now there is a updated lighter 362 Type 2 which is lighter then the husky 562. Also the stihl T2 362 comes in the regular carb and mt.

I owned the 036 361 357xp 262 etc etc in 60cc saws.

Type 2 updated in pic. Can tell by slanted back cyl fins and clutch cover and the weight loss plan.

 

[s219]

I haven't been impressed by Stihl's weight loss plan (good way to put it). They did this to the 261 too, and ruined it if you ask me. A smaller clutch cover with more plastic is not what I would prefer on a saw. I'd prefer if they just engineer the saws to be lighter in a more fundamental way, but I think they were looking for some sort of stopgap solution since competing saws were beating them on weight.

 

[Garandman]

FWIW been looking for a 361 and they seem to sell for quite a bit less than the 362. Watching some on eBay as closest for sale on CL is over 100 miles away.