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In Stihl saws, pro saws are designated by the second number being even.
241 (discontinued in US)
261
362
400
462
500i
661
881
They are typically lighter with more power and are build to last without a clamshell plastic engine case like the homeowner/ranch saws.
Like I said before I have a 250 that I have used a lot (Aftermarket carb because the factory carb sucks balls) and it would easily cut firewood every year.
That said, my 261C will run circles around it. It’s twice the money.
The 362, it is heavy for the power. It will shred firewood if you don’t mind a little extra weight. It isn’t a great woods saw though. Mine runs strong.
271 and 291 are heavy for the performance and are clamshell designs but will do well in a firewood pile. Same saw different displacement.
A MS261C (Mtronic) is my advice for a lifetime saw. 18” 325 bar is the sweet spot. Keep the chain sharp to keep it from over-revving and burning up and run Red Armor at 40:1 (I run 32:1 in all and know it’s probably overkill) And it will outlast you.
A 251 with a sharp chain and good oil will probably outlast you too honestly so no shame in getting one.
I have a 241C, 261C, 362C, 440M and a 250, 291….a 500i before long.
I hope this image is motivational and encouraging to you guys.......
This is my morning routine.
View attachment 8341607
Edit: it's actually my morning, afternoon and evening routine when I'm not driving a rig. Sometimes I read it all day......
Considering that the 181 is at the top of the list of the "fallen limbs, pruning, lighter cutting" list that makes sense. It's only 32cc and 2hp. 462 stock is 72cc and 6hp.I have a 181 and it just doesn't have the power. Not even close. I'm cutting old mesquite and old live oak. So I bought a 462 and I'm having it ported and power mods completed. Should have it back in a couple weeks. 25 inch bar. Can't wait to tear through some big stuff
Considering that the 181 is at the top of the list of the "fallen limbs, pruning, lighter cutting" list that makes sense. It's only 32cc and 2hp. 462 stock is 72cc and 6hp.
This is like going from a Corolla to a Hellcat.I have a 181 and it just doesn't have the power. Not even close. I'm cutting old mesquite and old live oak. So I bought a 462 and I'm having it ported and power mods completed. Should have it back in a couple weeks. 25 inch bar. Can't wait to tear through some big stuff
You misspelled "I don't know a single Democrat" that isn't 1% of the ones I know.
I can't speak to that particular saw as I've not run one & I can't speak to any new saws produced in the last ~13yrs. What I can say is, try to find something comparable in weight/performance to a Husqvarna 346XP, regardless of brand. That class of saw can do a lot of work without working you. I used it extensively, as a non-pro, as a bridge between an old (50+ y/o) Stihl 0-series & an XP262. It couldn't keep up with the 262 in bigger stuff but it was easier by far on the operator. I ran a 20" bar on mine for reach convenience. I'd like to think that there have been improvements since I bought my 346.View attachment 8341021
View attachment 8341022
Any opinion on the MS 251 for retired guy needing to cut about six cords of wood year.
I love my 346xp, I want to get the 50cc cylinder for it. After 20+ years is due to freshen up the top endI can't speak to that particular saw as I've not run one & I can't speak to any new saws produced in the last ~13yrs. What I can say is, try to find something comparable in weight/performance to a Husqvarna 346XP, regardless of brand. That class of saw can do a lot of work without working you. I used it extensively, as a non-pro, as a bridge between an old (50+ y/o) Stihl 0-series & an XP262. It couldn't keep up with the 262 in bigger stuff but it was easier by far on the operator. I ran a 20" bar on mine for reach convenience. I'd like to think that there have been improvements since I bought my 346.
Keith
I hated those things. You pull, some came out, some broke in half. Sometimes nothing happened and you looked like a skinny jr high kid trying to tear a phone book. And then other times you sloshed it getting to the Avocado green Frigidaire and the bottom got wet. Then it welded to the freezer. Then mom busted my ass for not being careful.