Looking to buy a new saw: Stihl 460 or 660

This week I am going to be purchasing a new saw and wanted to see what the experts here would buy. I have narrowed it down between the 460 or 660. So my question is which one would you choose and why? Thanks in advance for the help.

What are you cutting?

Mostly pine and soft woods in the Lincoln National Forest. Diameters ususlly range from 20"-36". I was going to run a 25" bar with whatever saw I end up with.

Both are awesome saws. I not as familiar with the Stihl lineup as I am Huskys, but I'd probably go for the 460 for the weight and cost savings. It will be a beast with a 25in. bar. That's just my opinion, which isn't worth much since I've ran neither saw. I'm sure someone with actual experience will be along to comment soon. I'm pretty sure the website says a 460 will handle up to a 32' bar and the 660 will handle a 36'. Do you see yourself ever using a 36'?

That's alllotta saw.

460 is a whole lotta saw for cutting what you describe. 660 would be way, way more than you'd need.

I can get through 24" oak with my ms250 w/ 16" bar. Takes a while but slow+steady wins the race. With a sharp chain I can rip through pine lickedy split. A 460 is 2x horsepower of my saw and more than likely has much more cutting power after resistance etc are paid for. I can drop/buck 2 cord/day with my saw running for less than 4 hours, regardless of what type/size of wood.

Are you a professional or just a hobbyist?

Seems like a 362 or 440 would make more sense.

I just have gone threw my first year with a ms 441 with a 25" bar. I love it. I cut mostly beech, maple, and oak. Even when I'm maxing out my bar it cuts threw them like butter. The time it had saved me in the woods easily paid for itself. For what you described I wouldn't go above the 460, which is the same head weight as the 441 but with a nice power increase.

I am a hobbyist. I cut between 5-6 cords a year. I probably will stick to a 25" bar. I currently have a Husky 450 w/18" bar and am looking for a saw that can handle a larger bar. I figured the price between the 460 and 660 is not that big of difference. I just don'twant to regret buying the 460 and knowing I might of needed the 660. That's why I am at the right place asking all of the great members here. Thanks for the replies.

440/441 would be enough of a saw to do what you are describing, but a 460 would be better! If you are primarily cutting firewood, and it is mostly pine, you definately won't need a 660. That saw is a beast, and a bit of a jump in price. You'll be wasting a lot of power and gas for the same cutting you would be doing with a 440/460. Just my .02 cents....

If I was cutting any more than I am I would want a larger saw. The 460 is well thought of here and on the occasion when I'm flirting with the notion I am always late to contact on Craigslist. Gone in 60 seconds is not an exaggeration, even when people are asking 90% retail.

I cut around 30-40 cord a year and before I got my 441 it was a lot of long days. I don't think you can wrong with the 441-460 but the 660 I have to agree with Scotty Overkill.

You have a Husky already. Any reason you're not considering another? Just wondering.

There is a rebuilt 660 over on arboristsite right now for $600. I don't think it will last long. It's also more saw than I would want to drag around if I was in your shoes.

Yep, what he said.660 is a beast of a saw when needed, but I don't sling mine all day unless I have to. 460 will cut anything you'll need for firewood, & do it well. I'm a more power kinda guy, so for weight to power I'd go 460, use the Husky for smaller stuff, & get a limb saw. Or move down from the 450 to an 026 or 50cc Husky pro series saw to save weight & pick up time limbing & cutting the small stuff. A C

460

There ain't a tree in Texas that a 660 isn't 3x too much saw

Husky 562XP or 372XP will handle 24"+ bars with ease.Not unusual to see 28" or 32" bars on the 372,especially full skip chain.That'll blaze through that pine.

I would recommend a Husky 372xpw or a Stihl 440/441. If you get the 440, slap a 460 (Canadian model) dual port muffler cover on it and pull the limiter tabs on the carb and set it richer. That will give you about the same power as a stock 460, and still run well within the design limits of the saw. The 440 is lighter and handles better than the 460. If you want a smoother Stihl, get the 441 (but you cannot up the power with the DP muffler cover like you can a stock 440).

I own or have owned the 066/660s, 460s, and 044/440s, and the 372xpw. 066 is a great saw, but it is a large saw, has a lot of vibration and they are bears to run all day. I did not like my 460 and I sold it in favor of my 044 w/DP muffler cover. Cutting large pine, go with a longer bar on any of these saws, a 28 inch with a full skip chain. Faster chain speed that way and a longer bar to get more done faster from one side. As a hobbyist, you are likely better off with a lower vibration saw, so that leaves you with the 372 or the 441 as the better options, with 3/4 wrap and large dogs cutting trees that size. Yah, two saws not on your list, but I have owned and run those two bad boys.

Oh, and if you do get the 460, slap the Canook 460 DP muffer cover on it and get more power.

Vibration comparison low to high (left/right on handles):

Stihl MS441: 3.1/3.3 m/s*s
Husky 372xpw: 3.6/4.1 m/s*s
Stihl MS440: 4.2/4.5 m/s*s
Stihl MS460: 4.2/6.0 m/s*s
Stihl MS660: 7.0/7.0 m/s*s

Note the sharp increase in 460 vibration, and the really high levels on the 660.

Power and weight comparisons (US HP ratings, weights are w/o bar, chain, gas or oil)):

Stihl MS441: 5.5 HP, 14.6 lb
Husky 372xpw: 5.4 HP 13.4 lb
Stihl MS440: 5.4 HP, 13.0 lb (apx. 5.9 HP with DP muffer cover)
Stihl MS460: 6.0 HP, 14.6 lb (apx. 6.6 HP with DP muffler cover)
Stihl MS660: 7.0 HP, 16.5 lb

Note that the 440 is the lightest of the saws, the 441 is the smoothest.

365 x-torq can be had for about $600. Pull the transfer covers and do a little grinding and you basically have a 372xp x-torq(strato model). Best deal out there in the 70cc class if your looking to save a few bucks. If not, 441 m-tronic is supposed to be pretty badass.

I dont thinl that you will be disappointed in the 460.... Way more power than most would need. I always wanted the 660.

The 441 or 460 is the way I would go..... I put a Dual Port muffler on mine (as StihlHead describes) and it "Rips"! Literally. Its a violent saw to run. For firewood, I dont think you would need any more saw. Unless you are in Super old growth forests with large trees, or your gonna be doing some milling (which the 460 is still capable of doing). The 660 is just added weight.
Click to enlarge.

460 would do you a good job. Plenty of power. A big upgrade

Did you consider the 562XP with a 24'' bar.?
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/forest/products/xp-saws/562-xp/#articles
Light weight & plenty of power for what you need it for.

I fall all day with a 460.. Now that saw is supplied to me as it is my day job... When I cut timber on my own I use a 064 with a 066 top end.. There is nothing that replaces more power..... As for the other saw I have no input as they are not sold within 100 miles of here... That should speak for itself

I have a Stihl dealer right up the way and he seems to be pretty knowledgable and has both saws currently in stock. For a while now I have wanted to give a Stihl saw a try!

I have looked at the 562XP and 372XP but have been leaning towards the 460 or 660.