ms 362 cm

[splitoak]

Ok guys heres the story...im starting to develop severe CAD..lol...im currently running a ms 290 with an 18" rs chain..its got about a gallon of fuel thru it...im actually quite happy with it..but was seriously thinking about picking up a 362cm i have heard alot of great things about them..i actually got the "blessing" of the wife for a much bigger say...441...i went to the dealer and picked it up, shoo that thingis a monster..in my opinion just too big to be a comfortable firewood saw...so what do you guys think?..i wanna hear some glowing reports about this saw with a 20"..i dont want to start a stihl vs husky thread...lol

 

[macattack_ga]

In the same boat. have a 290. wishing for a 362cm.
Reality for me: 290 does just fine.
But I said the same thing about my maul before I got a splitter.

 

[Clyde S. Dale]

If you will mostly be using it for firewood you will not be disappointed. I have it's predecessor from years ago (036) and it is perfect for firewood and runs a 20" bar no problem. If you buy it your MS290 will sit so you may want to think about selling or trading it in if your dealer takes trades. I have heard nothing but good about the MS362c-m. Be ready to spend $700+ but I personally prefer pro model saws over homeowner/ranch and would definitely make the jump if I were in your position. Most on this site will agree 60cc saws are the perfect 1 saw plan for firewood. You can probably find more info on the saw over at Arboristsite, or try the user reviews on Stihl's website. Good luck!

 

[Ashful]

The MS362 is a good mid-size saw, but I'd be going for the 441 first. The 441 is NOT a big saw.

If you buy the 362, it's only gonna be a few months before you're back out looking for a 660 to compliment it. The 441 is the sweet spot between the mid-size 362 and the big saws (660 and up).

Paging smokinj...

 

[smokinj]

The MS362 is a good mid-size saw, but I'd be going for the 441 first. The 441 is NOT a big saw.

If you buy the 362, it's only gonna be a few months before you're back out looking for a 660 to compliment it. The 441 is the sweet spot between the mid-size 362 and the big saws (660 and up).

Paging smokinj...

441 all the way. Would not count out the 460 if fuel mileage is not needed. Then your close enough to the 660 to rule it out.

 

[Jon1270]

CAD implies you'll own multiple saws, which complicates things because you have to think about good combinations instead of picking a single tool to do everything. I have accumulated a bunch of saws, and it's a tossup as to which would make the most sense if I were to pare down. I agree with Clyde, though, that the 290 will just waste away on the shelf if you get a 362. The weight is the same, but the 362 has almost a full horsepower more so why would you ever choose the 290? So, are you looking to replace the 290 or complement it?

 

[Ashful]

CAD implies you'll own multiple saws, which complicates things because you have to think about good combinations instead of picking a single tool to do everything...

Very well stated, but we all went into this with the initial assumption we'd own just one saw.

If aiming to have one saw, I would go 70 - 75 cc, and would be buying that 441. If you accept the fact that you're going to eventually want multiple saws (it is inevitable), I would do exactly what I did, all over again:

small: 30 - 35 cc top handle with 12"-14" bar
med: MS36x / 036 Pro with 18"-20" bar
large: 064 / 066 / MS660 with 28"-30" bar, and maybe a spare 36" bar hanging in the shed for REAL big stuff

That will handle 99.99% of everything anyone here will ever need to cut. I did have delusions of needing something bigger than my 064 at one time, and brought home an 084, but found it to be no fun. Saws over 100cc are just stupid big/heavy, and geared to run much slower than smaller saws, with the aim of not bogging down when you run 60" or 72" bars in hardwood.

 

[splitoak]

Thanks for all the replies gents..i have made a decision..after re handling the 441cm...thats the one!..ill post pics of her tommorow when i pick her up

 

[Ashful]

<-- just a little envious

 

[Clyde S. Dale]

Thanks for all the replies gents..i have made a decision..after re handling the 441cm...thats the one!..ill post pics of her tommorow when i pick her up

Nice choice! What are your plans for your 290, and yes show us some pics

 

[splitoak]

Ill prolly sell it ...after cranking over the 441 it will prolly just sit..let some one else enjoy the 290..it is also a great saw..

 

[smokedragon]

Ok guys heres the story...im starting to develop severe CAD..lol...im currently running a ms 290 with an 18" rs chain..its got about a gallon of fuel thru it...im actually quite happy with it..but was seriously thinking about picking up a 362cm i have heard alot of great things about them..i actually got the "blessing" of the wife for a much bigger say...441...i went to the dealer and picked it up, shoo that thingis a monster..in my opinion just too big to be a comfortable firewood saw...so what do you guys think?..i wanna hear some glowing reports about this saw with a 20"..i dont want to start a stihl vs husky thread...lol

Started with 028 as my first Stihl.......upgraded (same size but newer) to an MS290 nearly 5 years ago.

Recently picked up an 066 and would NEVER go back.........the 290 is nice for stuff under 15" but for anything bigger, the 066 will come out.

If my wife ok'd me having a MS441, that is what I would have.

You put a reasonable bar (say 25" Stihl) on it and it is well balanced. For bucking, the weight of the saw in on the log, so what do you care.

For limbing and smaller cuts, use the 290.

Don't get rid of that 290. It will be great for smaller cuts (I put a 16" bar on mine and WOW it is great for limbs and smaller stuff).

Put you a mid size bar on that 441 and you will be very happy the first time you buck a 20+ inch tree. You will be glad you got more saw.

 

[smokedragon]

<-- just a little envious

I like this (but am apparently out of likes for the day)

 

[Ashful]

Started with 028 as my first Stihl.......upgraded (same size but newer) to an MS290 nearly 5 years ago.

Recently picked up an 066 and would NEVER go back.........the 290 is nice for stuff under 15" but for anything bigger, the 066 will come out.

If my wife ok'd me having a MS441, that is what I would have.

You put a reasonable bar (say 25" Stihl) on it and it is well balanced. For bucking, the weight of the saw in on the log, so what do you care.

For limbing and smaller cuts, use the 290.

Don't get rid of that 290. It will be great for smaller cuts (I put a 16" bar on mine and WOW it is great for limbs and smaller stuff).

Put you a mid size bar on that 441 and you will be very happy the first time you buck a 20+ inch tree. You will be glad you got more saw.

I agree with everything said, but I'd trade in that 290 for a top-handle saw in a heartbeat. MS441 + a 30 - 35 cc top handle, and you're unstoppable.

 

[jeffesonm]

f aiming to have one saw, I would go 70 - 75 cc, and would be buying that 441. If you accept the fact that you're going to eventually want multiple saws (it is inevitable), I would do exactly what I did, all over again:
small: 30 - 35 cc top handle with 12"-14" bar
med: MS36x / 036 Pro with 18"-20" bar
large: 064 / 066 / MS660 with 28"-30" bar, and maybe a spare 36" bar hanging in the shed for REAL big stuff
That will handle 99.99% of everything anyone here will ever need to cut. I did have delusions of needing something bigger than my 064 at one time, and brought home an 084, but found it to be no fun. Saws over 100cc are just stupid big/heavy, and geared to run much slower than smaller saws, with the aim of not bogging down when you run 60" or 72" bars in hardwood.

This times 1000.