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[justinb]

I've got my new Heatmaster up and running, and I'm in the market for a new saw.  I have a smaller Stihl for smaller trees and limbing, but I really need something bigger for dropping larger trees.  I need advice from folks who have more saw experience than myself.  I'm between the 441 series and the 461.  There are 2 saws in each series, and I don't know if the small details will make a difference for an amateur like myself.  Thanks

[Jwood]

Everyone should have a 461

[CountryBoyJohn]

Wow, that's a whole lotta saw!  I've gotten by for 2 seasons now with a 290 Farm Boss.  It's done everything I've asked of it up to 24".  I got mine for around $400. 

[stewie3500]

Justinb


  If your choice is between the 441 and the 461 i would strongly suggest you lean towards the 461.  The 460 has not undergone the radical design changes for epa compliance that the ms 440 has suffered. Side by side you will find that the 460 and the 461 are very similar mechanically. The 440 and the 441 are different saws that just happen to both wear the Stihl badge. The 461 also offers a better power to weight ratio.

[Jwood]

Wow, that's a whole lotta saw!  I've gotten by for 2 seasons now with a 290 Farm Boss.  It's done everything I've asked of it up to 24".  I got mine for around $400.

Ya it is alot of saw but I use my 270 a lot more it is nice to have the 461 when you need it though.

[tree climber]

go with the 461 great saw

[mlappin]

Have a 460 with a 30" bar and love it for the bigger stuff, do most of my cutting with a 362 and limbing with an 023 I traded for a round bale of hay.

[justinb]

I was leaning towards the 441 because it has M tronic carburetor.  The 461 doesnt offer this, and to be honest I dont know how to adjust a carb for leanness, etc.  Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?

[mlappin]

I was leaning towards the 441 because it has M tronic carburetor.  The 461 doesnt offer this, and to be honest I dont know how to adjust a carb for leanness, etc.  Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?

Most likely the m tronic carb will adjust itself to meet EPA regs which means it will be running lean.

Not that hard to adjust them to be honest and if it has enough adjustment I keep mine a tad on the rich side, I'd rather change the occasional plug than a jug and piston.

[stewie3500]

The fact that the 461 dosent offer the m tronic carb should , make it more desirable.

[Jwood]

  stewie!

[justinb]

461 is in the truck...Wooo hooo

[Jwood]

Awesome purchase!, now you make sure and give everyone your opinion on it after you use it.

[justinb]

This saw is a beast!!  A huge difference from my MS 250.  I bucked up a few large logs that my 250 couldn't do, and I did it in no time at all.  The real test will be this weekend when I fall a few large dead oaks.

[Jwood]

Great saw!