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Stihl 441, 461 or maybe the 661?

3K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Al Yaz 
#1 · (Edited)
Currently I have a 271 and 362. The 362, as good of a saw as it is, will be traded for something bigger. So I am struggling between the 441 (Mtronics), the 461 (no Mtronics) and the 661 (Mtronics).

I have some firs (54” wide at widest point) and will get either a 28 or 32” lite bar.

The 441 is smooth and self tunes but can only take up to a 28” bar. The 461 has about 7 cc more displacement and take up to a 32” bar. The 661 is heavier but would even run in a portable mill well.

So many decisions... Does anyone have any insight on these saws? The Mtronics I have had in the past have been fine. I’m not really into fiddling with carb adjustments as most of my cutting is all close to sea level (no dramatic changes in elevation). The 441 and 461 are about the same weights, but the 441 has a better Anti Vibration system and has the MTronics. The 461 has more power but the Anti Vibration system not quite as sophisticated. The 661 is a beast but is heavier...

Oh and not a limiting factor but the 441 and 661 are on a promotion, where they are about $150 off.

I have narrowed it down to Stihl and am past the Husq, Echo considerations ;-)
 
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#3 ·
I bought the 461 about a couple years ago as my first serious chain saw. In order to clear some overgrown shelterbelt.

I love that thing. I read to many good things about the size from different forestry forums to go a different direction. I love it's power. I have a 20" bar on it and it rock and rolls.

I looked at the 441 too, but never really considered it. The 461 had too many good things to say about it.

That being said I know a guy that has a 661 and he swears it's one of his favorite tools. Tells me I should step it up. But he loves the crazy power.

I don't think you can go wrong with anyone of them. I will say though, that I wish I had a smaller saw for limbing. It's a bit heavy to be throwing around back and forth zipping limbs off. But sounds like you have that already.
 
#4 ·
Yes the 461 gets great reviews. Seems like most of the fallers in this area (if using Stihl) are using the 461. A couple of them I spoke with said the 661 was getting a bit heavy and they found the 461 had enough power to get the job done. They all seem to like the fact that it is not an Mtronic saw.

I make the trek into the nearest town tomorrow and the shop has all three saws on the wall so I will figure it out. I am leaning towards a 461 at this point.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for your responses and letting me bounce the saw questions off of you(s). Picked up a new 461 yesterday with a 32” lite bar. As a testament to Stihl saws, the dealer gave me what I paid for my 362 (purchased about six years ago) towards the new saw. You don’t see that too often any more. :)
 
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