ms362c-m Engine Power

[Higgins]

There seems to be a slight discrepancy pertaining to the published engine power for the new ms362c-m. Albeit an extremely slight difference, Stihl's website indicates 4.6 hp (3.4kW) http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms362cm whereas the instruction manual that came with the saw states 4.7 bhp (3.5kW).

Is this a common occurrence for Stihl?  I just find it interesting they would understate the published power on a new product. Typically, even minor improvements are heralded with pomp and circumstance!

[AdkStihl]

And the fact of the matter is, that saw ACTUALLY probably only puts out about 4.1bhp

[ladylake]

 No matter what the hp rating most good 60cc saws will cut real close to each other.    Steve

[SawTroll]

The MS362c-m is rated ar 3.5 kW on this side of the pond.

[Higgins]

The MS362c-m is rated ar 3.5 kW on this side of the pond.

Perhaps the Stihl marketing gods were simply reckless with "cut and paste" (from the standard ms362) in their excitement to post specs to the USA site.  ???

[bullet20]

hmm   dyno them lol   and here we go just like the mower engines a few years ago and bring on the  cc's  label on them

[JohnG28]

How does it run?

[nmurph]

The MS362c-m is rated ar 3.5 kW on this side of the pond.

Perhaps the Stihl marketing gods were simply reckless with "cut and paste" (from the standard ms362) in their excitement to post specs to the USA site.  ???

Stihl usually does a much better job of keeping their website up-to-date than Husqvarna.

[Andyshine77]

The MS362c-m is rated ar 3.5 kW on this side of the pond.

Perhaps the Stihl marketing gods were simply reckless with "cut and paste" (from the standard ms362) in their excitement to post specs to the USA site.  ???

Stihl usually does a much better job of keeping their website up-to-date than Husqvarna.

I agree, and both site could be a lot better IMHO. From simple timing cuts, I know the 441-CM  makes more power than the non CM 441, so I'd say it's likely the 362-CM makes a bit more power as well. I think that is likely where the confusion different numbers come from.   

[beenthere]

Easier to update websites than to make a change to a manual. Nothing here to get too excited about.

[SawTroll]

The MS362c-m is rated ar 3.5 kW on this side of the pond.

Perhaps the Stihl marketing gods were simply reckless with "cut and paste" (from the standard ms362) in their excitement to post specs to the USA site.  ???

Something like that, most likely!   :D

The alternative would be that the US version actually makes a little less power (which wouldn't be new at all with Stihl), but I highly doubt that in this case.

[Higgins]

How does it run?

So far so good! Easy to start, decent amount of power for a 60cc, handles well. There is a bit of "fun factor" with this one. I suppose time will tell, as it always does.

Easier to update websites than to make a change to a manual. Nothing here to get too excited about.

Agreed.  I'm not exactly wetting myself, here.  Rather, I am curious to see if this update will bring credibility to the 362 platform after what would seem somewhat of a lackluster migration from the 361. Personally, I like the 362.  Much like its predecessor it is dependable and hard working. But, such qualities alone do not necessarily bring the "ladies" out in droves on "prom night".

[pwheel]

...Personally, I like the 362.  Much like its predecessor it is dependable and hard working. But, such qualities alone do not necessarily bring the "ladies" out in droves on "prom night".

. I rented a 362 a few times from the local Stihl dealer. Easy to start hot or cold; ran hard. It says something that these saws can take the rental abuse. Adding M-Tronic allows the timing to advance at higher rpm's, I believe, and should give this model some added mojo that may well make the "ladies'" socks roll up and down. We'll see. :-)

[JohnG28]

How does it run?

So far so good! Easy to start, decent amount of power for a 60cc, handles well. There is a bit of "fun factor" with this one. I suppose time will tell, as it always does.

Let us know how it keeps up and if it gets better in time. Have you run non cm 362 to compare?

[Higgins]

Let us know how it keeps up and if it gets better in time. Have you run non cm 362 to compare?

I certainly will. So far, it has done well. It starts on the second pull every time. I fired it up last week in -26 degrees to do a bit of work--it sprung to life on the second pull. I plan to order a couple mid size saws this year and like to give the prospect(s) a decent workout before making a decision. Currently, we are running the standard 362  which are well broken-in, whereas the CM is only on its 4th tank. I want to say the CM has more "pep", but that may just be placebo effect. Besides, "pep" can be difficult to quantify, particularly in the field. Nonetheless, it is a fun saw!

[ND rancher]

I have a question to ask about this saw.We have a 361 (love it_ 25") and are looking at another saw. Also have a 038  that is getting tired and a 041 that we don't use(2 heavy and slow and its my FIL's). Considering the 291 and 362. The 291 has to be kitted to use 3/8 chain,so all chains are the same,which makes it cost more, it is the weight that attracts me.20" bar is what would be on them. A little feedback from users would be helpful as to pros and cons of the 2.By the way we are not everyday users just when needed. Keith

[sawguy21]

I have not run this new model but judging by my experience with the 290 3/8 chain with a 20" bar might be be pushing the limits of a 291. JMHO, your mileage may vary.

[Higgins]

I have a question to ask about this saw.We have a 361 (love it_ 25") and are looking at another saw. Also have a 038  that is getting tired and a 041 that we don't use(2 heavy and slow and its my FIL's). Considering the 291 and 362. The 291 has to be kitted to use 3/8 chain,so all chains are the same,which makes it cost more, it is the weight that attracts me.20" bar is what would be on them. A little feedback from users would be helpful as to pros and cons of the 2.By the way we are not everyday users just when needed. Keith

Based on the information you've provided, I would steer you to the ms261. It will drive a 20" chain without adding the increased weight (and cost) of the 362; nor does it require to be kitted to use a 3/8 chain like the 291. The 261 is a Pro saw and is available with m-tronic, if you so desire. Comparably, Husky has the 550xp and 555 (the latter being my preference of these two Husky's) which are fine saws. Personally, I like the handling and ergonomics of the ms261 better. YMMV. I'd suggest you try them on for size. Each will get the job done!

[7sleeper]

Based on the echo on this side of the lake the new m tronic version is the way to go! Because the difference is felt.

7

[JohnG28]

I believe the 261 comes set up in .325 usually. I would have thought the 291 would come set up with 3/8" though.  ??? Depends on what you are going to do with it I suppose as to what is the best saw for you.

[Lanternguy]

i've got the older 361 and we just chopped a bunch of dry maple logs i got for free and this saw is a treat to work.  I'm really starting to see why so many people really love the 36X series as a great overall saw.   

[Higgins]

I believe the 261 comes set up in .325 usually. I would have thought the 291 would come set up with 3/8" though.  ??? Depends on what you are going to do with it I suppose as to what is the best saw for you.

John, you're right.  According to Stihl the MS261 comes with a 26RM3 chain. Therefore, it is, indeed, a .325.  I apologize for any confusion.  :-\

[SawTroll]

i've got the older 361 and we just chopped a bunch of dry maple logs i got for free and this saw is a treat to work.  I'm really starting to see why so many people really love the 36X series as a great overall saw.

The MS361 is by far the best of that "breed"!  ;)

[ND rancher]

Thanks Guys,I guess I'll do some checking when I go to town. When we talked on the phone the 291 was a special order and would cost more than the 362.I defiantly want to stay with 3/8 chain so there won't be any mix ups.If I get a 362 I could always put another 25 on it.

[SawTroll]

The situation is that the MS362 is a rather unattractive model to anyone but die hard Stihl fans. The c-m may help some, but they really need to start from scratch.... ;)

[JohnG28]

Thanks Guys,I guess I'll do some checking when I go to town. When we talked on the phone the 291 was a special order and would cost more than the 362.I defiantly want to stay with 3/8 chain so there won't be any mix ups.If I get a 362 I could always put another 25 on it.

The 291 is more than a 362?!?! ??? Buy the 362 then! This line is a great all around saw. I love my 361 and use it for most cutting I ever do by far. The 362 is similar in power and weight, and while I can't say I have run a 362 I am quite sure it will stand up well even if a little behind the 361. A good 60cc saw is a real good all around saw. My 361 will handle a 24" bar both power wise and with keeping the bar oiled, so you could expect the same from the 362. A 20" is a good match though. If you can get a 362 cm model that would be a good idea as well.

[AKDoug]

Thanks Guys,I guess I'll do some checking when I go to town. When we talked on the phone the 291 was a special order and would cost more than the 362.I defiantly want to stay with 3/8 chain so there won't be any mix ups.If I get a 362 I could always put another 25 on it.

The 291 is a $450 saw and the 362 is a $700 saw. Very weird.  I used to think it was a big issue having different chains. Now I don't even worry about it. I can identify a .325 just by looking at it and it does work much better on the 291 (or 261 for that matter)  I have chains in .325 16" for my 024, .325 20" for my 261, and 3/8 20" for my bigger saws.

[Higgins]

The 291 is more than a 362?!?! ??? Buy the 362 then! This line is a great all around saw. I love my 361 and use it for most cutting I ever do by far. The 362 is similar in power and weight, and while I can't say I have run a 362 I am quite sure it will stand up well even if a little behind the 361. A good 60cc saw is a real good all around saw. My 361 will handle a 24" bar both power wise and with keeping the bar oiled, so you could expect the same from the 362. A 20" is a good match though. If you can get a 362 cm model that would be a good idea as well.

I absolutely concurs with John! Having retired our company's 361 3-4 years ago and migrating to the 362, I can attest they are extremely similar beasts. I find it interesting individuals like Saw Troll feel so strongly against the 362. My guys have not complained about the transition nor can I particularly pinpoint any meaningful change between the models. Sure the weight increased 6 oz and the EPA laid hands on the 362. But, it still gets the job done with aplumb. But then I'm not the saw expert. For me, they are a tool to get the job done--day in and day out.

Lately, there has been a significant amount of hype with the Husky 562xp. Again, I like husky quite well. In fact, we run the 372xp as our 70cc saws. Great saw!!  Regardless if the box says Husky or stihl, we try to buy the best model for our needs. I have a 562xp on order to test along side the 362c-m. I guess we will see how they run side-by-side.

As for your needs, the 362 will certainly put a smile on your face and finish any job you put before it.

[AKDoug]

Higgins- I have seen the same thing. I've sold several 362's to customers that retired 361's and have yet to have a single complaint.

[H 2 H]

The 291 is more than a 362?!?! ??? Buy the 362 then! This line is a great all around saw. I love my 361 and use it for most cutting I ever do by far. The 362 is similar in power and weight, and while I can't say I have run a 362 I am quite sure it will stand up well even if a little behind the 361. A good 60cc saw is a real good all around saw. My 361 will handle a 24" bar both power wise and with keeping the bar oiled, so you could expect the same from the 362. A 20" is a good match though. If you can get a 362 cm model that would be a good idea as well.

I absolutely concurs with John! Having retired our company's 361 3-4 years ago and migrating to the 362, I can attest they are extremely similar beasts. I find it interesting individuals like Saw Troll feel so strongly against the 362. My guys have not complained about the transition nor can I particularly pinpoint any meaningful change between the models. Sure the weight increased 6 oz and the EPA laid hands on the 362. But, it still gets the job done with aplumb. But then I'm not the saw expert. For me, they are a tool to get the job done--day in and day out.

Lately, there has been a significant amount of hype with the Husky 562xp. Again, I like husky quite well. In fact, we run the 372xp as our 70cc saws. Great saw!!  Regardless if the box says Husky or stihl, we try to buy the best model for our needs. I have a 562xp on order to test along side the 362c-m. I guess we will see how they run side-by-side.

As for your needs, the 362 will certainly put a smile on your face and finish any job you put before it.

Maybe we should ask ST if he ever used a 362 or he saw pictures on the interweb ?  :D

[Higgins]

I'm sure he, and others, have valid reasons. Again, I'm not an expert. But, for me the difference between 361 and 362 seems to be a moot point. Now, with the 362c-m, I think many consumers will give stihl a nod.

[SawTroll]

Suit yourself, it is your money and your decision - but don't blaim me afterwards! 

Of course it isn't that bad, just not what a 60cc saw really should be.

[Higgins]

just not what a 60cc saw really should be.

Perhaps I'm daft but I'll bite; what should a 60cc saw be? Also since I am new here, and for the sake of perspective and context, please include how you use your saws.

While, I do not wish for this thread to become a brand war, as indeed I am about as impartial as a consumer can get, I am curious how any other 60cc saw would significantly increase productivity. Please note, for me, reliability is paramount--every minute a saw sits idle, I'm losing money. 

[ND rancher]

I was told over the phone that 291 with 20' bar and 3/8 chain kit would be $640 shipping was free on reg order.I think the 362 20" was $579. Got to town this morning and got the real prices!  The 362 was $690 and the 261c was $630 with the 3/8 kit.I did like the air cleaner!Any thoughts on the 391? Just like my Stihl's.

[pwheel]

...what should a 60cc saw be? ...for the sake of perspective and context, please include how you use your saws...

Good question. Since limbing Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Pine is part of what I do clearing fence rows, recovering fields, and thinning woods, a 50cc saw is a must. Once the wood gets large enough (16" dia.), my 70cc saws get through it a whole lot quicker and can take care of the occasional 36" dia. Oak or Pine. So I haven't been able to figure out where a 60cc saw would fit into this scenario and have passed up a number of good buys on CL.
OTOH, a friend of mine owns one saw, an MS361, and he uses it for everything, but is older and can only work a couple of hours at a time. Also, I saw a tree service pro take down a good size snag with an MS360 out of a bucket. The saw had to have been modded because it was way loud and cut like crazy.

[JohnG28]

Higgins, thanks for a user perspective on the 362. As for ST, I believe he is holding the 362 against the Husky 562 xp, which has been said to cut much better. I haven't run one of these either,but like I said, I would imagine the 362 would still hold up well. I also imagine the 362cm will be an improvement that will bring these saws closer.

[Higgins]

One change with the c-m from the standard ms362 is the air filter. The new cylindrical design seems to be superior in function, at least in my use to date.  It certainly is much easier to remove and to clean than the predecessor. It is a nice change!

I'll try to figure out how to post a picture on here.  Stay tuned...

[Higgins]