Stihl 461 or just get a 661?

Walt · February 12, 2016, 10:28:17 AM

I am ready to buy a new saw. I think I want a 461 R. After looking around at all the "vr's" videos and whatever I can find I am now wondering if I'd be just as well or better off going with the 661. I need more saw than my 290 and I am figuring on a 20 and a 28 inch bar for the new saw. I will buy a Stihl, I hope this question hasn't been burn't out but this is a big investment for me. I cut 15+ cords a year all hardwoods. My question really is towards these 2 saws. If I am looking at a 461 should I just go with a 661 and be done with it. Regards Walt

ladylake · February 12, 2016, 11:11:01 AM

That extra 2# + will wear you out fast. I might even go with a 362 which will cut a LOT faster than a 290. Steve

Walt · February 12, 2016, 12:19:20 PM

The weight was the consideration with me picking of the 461. I plan to use this saw for bucking as well as felling. The 461 feels good to me, both are rated by Stihl for the same bar lengths. Was wondering if the performance of the added cc's was a good trade off with the weight increase. Thank you ladylake for the reply..Walt

pwheel · February 12, 2016, 01:12:25 PM

Unless you want to run a chainsaw for an exercise routine or just because, the ms661 is more of a logging/big timber saw than firewood saw. The ms461 with 6 hp is more than enough for firewood, at least around where I live. I have an ms460 w/ 25" b/c, but unless I run into something big, it's typically no faster than my ms440 w/ 20" b/c.

ladylake · February 12, 2016, 01:32:57 PM

The 441 and 461 are real close in weight, may as well get the extra power of the 461. Steve

beauj5 · February 12, 2016, 02:05:19 PM

I don't know how large the trees you are cutting up for firewood, but I would get a 461. It will last just as long and be easier on the pocket book and your back. My 660 I use for falling and cutting the large diameter trees I run across. That much power with a short bar (28" and under) is overkill. I like the 460 (old version of the 461) with a 28" bar. I found it to be the perfect set up. I also run the 28" on the old 044s too, I find that I bend over less etc. Anyway, both saws are awesome. Congrats on getting a new saw.

HolmenTree · February 12, 2016, 03:57:45 PM

My personal advice is get the latest MS441. Way more advanced with air injection, superior spring anti vibe to name a few over the 461.

Walt · February 13, 2016, 09:47:30 AM

Quote from: beauj5 on February 12, 2016, 02:05:19 PM
I don't know how large the trees you are cutting up for firewood, but I would get a 461. It will last just as long and be easier on the pocket book and your back. My 660 I use for falling and cutting the large diameter trees I run across. That much power with a short bar (28" and under) is overkill. I like the 460 (old version of the 461) with a 28" bar. I found it to be the perfect set up. I also run the 28" on the old 044s too, I find that I bend over less etc. Anyway, both saws are awesome. Congrats on getting a new saw.

I guess the average big tree's I'm felling to be in the 30 inch BHD plus a lot less. I'm way more comfortable being able to plunge all the way through from one side for me wanting a 28 inch bar and I seem to be wanting that option a lot of the time. Being more comfortable and allowing my back more run time really makes the most sense. I appreciate the thoughts offered and its good to have a place to ask. I've been at this a while but I am no pro. Thanks everyone, Walt

sharkey · February 13, 2016, 11:00:40 AM

461 has the regular carb whereas the 661 has the electronic carb. I would go for the 461 at this time.

FireManLR86 · February 13, 2016, 08:36:23 PM

Check with your local Stihl dealer, I just got a 461 for the price of a 441 because of the import issues with the 41 right now.

ohiowoodchuck · February 13, 2016, 09:30:34 PM

Quote from: FireManLR86 on February 13, 2016, 08:36:23 PM
Check with your local Stihl dealer, I just got a 461 for the price of a 441 because of the import issues with the 41 right now.

A 461 should be around 850.00 right now. The 441 was pulled because it can't meet emissions.

HolmenTree · February 13, 2016, 10:48:14 PM

Stihl Canada has full inventory of the MS441 C-M. for $1,160 CDN.
CDN dollar is worth 70 U.S.cents
U.S. dollars would buy it for about $800 U.S.

Walt · February 14, 2016, 09:56:21 AM

Quote from: HolmenTree on February 13, 2016, 10:48:14 PM
Stihl Canada has full inventory of the MS441 C-M. for $1,160 CDN.
CDN dollar is worth 70 U.S.cents
U.S. dollars would buy it for about $800 U.S.

Stock/bare so to speak 461's I have seen were 1065.00 with a 25 inch bar. Dealers here do not stock the R version, which is what I want, 80.00 more. I was told 10% off the price is best they can do on the cost.

ohiowoodchuck · February 14, 2016, 10:35:53 AM

Quote from: Walt on February 14, 2016, 09:56:21 AM
Quote from: HolmenTree on February 13, 2016, 10:48:14 PM
Stihl Canada has full inventory of the MS441 C-M. for $1,160 CDN.
CDN dollar is worth 70 U.S.cents
U.S. dollars would buy it for about $800 U.S.
Stock/bare so to speak 461's I have seen were 1065.00 with a 25 inch bar. Dealers here do not stock the R version, which is what I want, 80.00 more. I was told 10% off the price is best they can do on the cost.

See if your dealer has a 441 on the shelf if he says there on hold he would have to sell you a 461 at that cost of 850 or so. There all told to lower the price because of the emission game. My dealer tried to get me to buy one at that price a few weeks ago.

landscraper · February 14, 2016, 02:44:24 PM

I have several stihl saws ranging between 311-20" and 660-36" and I prefer the 460 with a 25" bar for all around use, felling through firewood.

timberjack 240a · February 14, 2016, 03:29:14 PM

Ive got both. Every time i pull the big one out i run it for five minutes and wonder why i even have it. Go for the 461, you won't regret it.

footer · February 15, 2016, 09:53:26 AM

I personally have no issue running a 660 as my medium sized saw, but as others have noted. It is pretty dangerous with a short bar. I have run a 20 inch bar on it, and you really need to be careful! The potential for kick back and pushing out is extremely high because of the amount of power the thing has. Up until 2 years ago, I had 026, 034, and 084 as my 3 sizes. Since my 026 and 034 are worn out, I bought a ms261, and ms660, and still have the 084. anything much over 14 inches, I use the 660 unless its maybe a couple cuts and I have the 261 out already.

HolmenTree · February 15, 2016, 11:48:51 AM

Actually a 36" b/c on a a 660 makes alot more dangerous kick back energy then a 16" b/c.
Think of a extension on your ratchet's handle to make more leverage. Longer bar moved upwards by the kickback force from the upper quadrant of the bar nose.....going back to your hands at the handles.
I had kickbacks with my Stihl 090AV with a 5 foot bar/chain that was so severe that the bar bent sideways derailing the chain along with throwing the saw out of my hands.

footer · February 15, 2016, 02:44:56 PM

Im sure the actual energy is higher because of the leverage factor, but the extra weight and length slows down the speed at which it happens. Short and light can accelerate faster than long and heavy. So, at least from my perspective using both, the short bar seems to react and move a lot faster in a kickback situation, leaving you less time to react. your right on as far as actual torque applied to the saw during a kickback would be higher, the speed that the thing actually moves would be lower. Either way, you need to be prepared at all times when handling a saw like that, a lot more so than on the smaller saws.

ZeroJunk · February 15, 2016, 03:37:53 PM

I know I am preaching to the choir, but if you have a kick back you did something wrong. Avoid them like a rattle snake.

A MS661 is a lot of saw for regular use unless you are young and tough as a pine knot.

footer · February 15, 2016, 05:14:44 PM

Quote from: ZeroJunk on February 15, 2016, 03:37:53 PM
I know I am preaching to the choir, but if you have a kick back you did something wrong. Avoid them like a rattle snake.

A MS661 is a lot of saw for regular use unless you are young and tough as a pine knot.

I personally have had very few, because I force myself to stay aware of what im doing at all times. But I grew up around chainsaws, and have spent many years running them. My first saw was a 084, and for many years, was the only one I used, for everything, including liming. I was just trying to point out the fact that that as you increase the horsepower of the saw, you also increase the danger factors. Someone who has never run something like a 660, might not even think about it.

HolmenTree · February 15, 2016, 08:42:13 PM

Stihl sells a odd ball bar in the large 3003 mount. It's 20 inches long with a oversized 13 tooth sprocket tip. I heard of a guy who get a pretty bad cut from a kickback with this bar on a 066 Stihl he was using. He did admit his rakers where a bit low but didn't realize how much kickback energy that large tip produced until it was too late.

terrifictimbersllc · February 16, 2016, 07:03:35 AM

I have a 460 with 20" bar and keep looking at 200/300 series whenever I"m in the store. 460 is everything I'd ever need for firewood but the issue is weight. in Also have 880 and have had 660 both of which I only use/d near the truck in portable milling. Because of needing long bars 36+. 660 is a fantastic saw but pass on it for firewood. Sawing should be fun.

joe_indi · February 16, 2016, 09:42:48 AM

Quote from: HolmenTree on February 15, 2016, 08:42:13 PM
Stihl sells a odd ball bar in the large 3003 mount. It's 20 inches long with a oversized 13 tooth sprocket tip.

Will I think i might have a few of them in stock. They have the same shape at the nose as a Duromatic bar, very broad. The 404 bar comes in this shape, but a 13 teeth 3/8 bar nose runs a 36RSC chain on it. But the smallest size available is 20".
Very long lasting and they are good as long as you dont try any fancy cutting with the tip.Then it packs a real wallop!
Joe

Walt · February 16, 2016, 10:13:08 AM

I will order the 461R with a 28 inch bar as the dealer does not stock the 461R. My 290 has a 18 on it which is my current do all saw and a small 170 for limb clean-up. I will probably get a 20 inch bar to fit the 461 also. This I hope will be all I will ever need for clearing our property and bucking firewood. I have been cutting firewood most of my life, I'm 61 and have never used a saw more powerful than my 290. I understand and appreciate the being careful concerns and I look forward to this new saw, It'll probably amaze me according to our local dealer. Thanks again for the opinions, advice and concerns. Regards Walt