My two Stihl's.

[xyz123]

Dump the old fuel and run it for awhile making sure it is fully warmed up. If it passes, buy it in a heartbeat in the $300_$375 range. The 361 is a great saw in the 59cc class and the way over priced 362 just wishes it was a lighter 361.

New they were $589 and they can still be found new but not very often.

 

[xyz123]

We need to start a My two Poulans, Husqvarna, Dolmar, Echo, Efco, etc etc thread and no dang plastic crap like in beginning of this thread.

2 More plastic saws that made me some good money working on them. :thumbsup: :laughing:

 

[Gale Hawkins]

This 361 I bought about one year ago for $500.

Wish I would find a discontinued model like that.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Well, it has been flipped at least once -- look at the lettering. Sold new, the dealer always puts the lettering so it's right side up.

I see that now.:laughing:

 

[xyz123]

I see that now.:laughing:

Murray, KY I used to race at that lumberjack show. :thumbsup: Hasnt been run for a couple years now though. Dan Duncan RIP was the guy that ran the show with his wife.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Dump the old fuel and run it for awhile making sure it is fully warmed up. If it passes, buy it in a heartbeat in the $300_$375 range. The 361 is a great saw in the 59cc class and the way over priced 362 just wishes it was a lighter 361.

New they were $589 and they can still be found new but not very often.

If it was a good head at $300 it would fine. Perhaps the other option even better is to get a new 290 Farm Boss for $400. An Echo that specs near the 290 is $450. If I buy the oil deal I get two years coverage.

Making do with the 021 would be the financially smart move since I have no business due to physical limitations to be using any gas saw.

 

[xyz123]

If it was a good head at $300 it would fine. Perhaps the other option even better is to get a new 290 Farm Boss for $400. An Echo that specs near the 290 is $450. If I buy the oil deal I get two years coverage.

Making do with the 021 would be the financially smart move since I have no business due to physical limitations to be using any gas saw.

I would buy a used MS361 all day, everyday before even thinking about a new MS290. The weight difference and power difference of the 361 will make you smile.

 

[GeneD14]

Count me in as some one that would pick the 361 over a 290. In 2009 I sold my 290 Farm Boss, a mint condition 031AV and an almost new 180 for 2 new 361's. That was one of my best decisions ever. The 361's cut so much faster than the 290 it is hard to believe. I also ditched the yellow safety chain that came with the saw and run full chisel Stihl chains.

I would also suggest always wear hearing protection and chaps. I have worn safety chaps for about 4 years now and never even had a close call. That was until last weekend, while climbing over a down tree the moving chain contacted my left thigh. The kevlar started to shred and clogged up the chain so it quit moving. If it hadn't been for the chaps I'm sure it would have cut to the bone....yikes!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I am sure the 362 being over $300 more than at 290 new is for a reason.

The guy just called when I was typing this and I am going to meet him in one hour to look at it. Later

 

[Gale Hawkins]

As it was pictured it was not a new saw. The guy did hold it for me because I had contacted him first.

The chain was well worn and more dull than I thought possible. It started, ran and idled fine. He said his grand father had said $350 was OK without me asking if they would take less I paid him and went on into town and got a new drive sprocket and chain (Stihl). I will get a bar too but wanted to cut with it a bit before spending more money. I will get the so so chain sharpened and use the old bar/chain for recutting stumps where there is no need to grind them or into any thing trashy.

I tried it with the old dull chain but did not cut well at all. Put on the new chain the result was awesome.

Found a nice site on setting the carb and a few other simple mods that I want to read about. The 361 seems to have a cult like following.

While I never tried a 290 Farm Boss the 361 truly is superior. At first I thought it was broken because it flex so much but then figured out that was a FEATURE and not something broken.

The owner is about 75 and wants that new EZ start 250 Stihl. The shop showed it to me. That is a very nice feature for people who are not big jerks.:thumbsup:

Now I know to not even try to start the 361 without gloves on because I skinned the back of my hand the first time I tried to start it. There is no way I could start that thing without the compression release feature.

I will read the manual well this weekend.

Read some of the TCW3 vs. Stihl 2 cycle oil debate thread on TBN.

For a few years I have been mixing 16 oz of WM TCW3 oil in 4.5 gallons of gas along with about 10 oz of Sea Foam.

The 021 Stihl, Polan blower and line trimmer have never ran better in their history so that is another decision since I have a couple gallons left of fresh mix.

Thanks for encouraging me to go with a used big gun (unless it dies soon ). The 361 may not be a Farm Boss but it Farm Hoss. :thumbsup: