Pro or no,

[joe_indi]

At present, other than the 'odd/even 2nd number' method (MS180, MS650, excluded) the easy way to differentiate between a Stihl pro and non-pro saw is to check out the type of crankcase it has.
A pro saw (Stihl) has a Mag-Al  vertically split crankcase which also is a part of the engine housing.
A Stihl non-pro saw has a horizontally split  shortblock engine which is fitted in a polymer engine housing.

Joe

[tyb525]

Joe, that's what I wanted to say but didn't know how to say it

[Migal]

With Stihl's new numbering system, the middle number would be even the 1's and 2's on the end are basically newer versions of that model.

One of the differences between "pro" and non pro, is the ability to open up the saws and work on them.

That's the way I understand it as well!  ;)

[2308500]

dozens of fulltime loggers cut multiple loads of logs every week in this area with the (from what i'm reading) way too small  stihl 261

in this area it is the preferred saw for felling limbing and bucking by about 75% of the full timers

most of the wood in our area is small (30 inches or less at the butt

an instructor showed us last summer how to cut down the big stuff with a 14 inch bar on a 261
after watching him work for an hour, i cant see why anyone would carry anything bigger in eastern north america

Same as the 308 rifle compared to the large magnumm rifles for deer don't waste energy carrying a bigger hammer than you really need

[beenthere]

2308500

dozens of fulltime loggers cut multiple loads of logs every week in this area

Where is "this area" ?

[gspren]

  While I really like my 261 with a 16" bar, when I'm into 16" plus trees I can make much better time with my 044.

[1270d]

Seriously guys, you mean you haven't heard that all full time loggers/timber fallers are dropping their 24, 28, 32, 42, 60, in bars in favor of 14 inchers?    Why, "around here" everyones doin it. 

[HolmenTree]

The 362 is the smallest of the Pro models.

I see more education is needed here. :D

[Migal]

 

[2308500]

sorry guts forgot i didn't have my location in my profile  "here" is  nova scotia, canada

[Ianab]

Smaller trees, yes I can see the reasoning in running a smaller saw. While you can take down a 30" tree with 14" bar, if you need to do it all day every day, you will soon start to think about carrying that bigger saw.

But here saws like MS660s are the more common size for logging. Heck I've had to walk away from trees that were just too big to take down with a 28" bar, even WITH the trick cutting methods. Buddy eventually got is down using a 3120 husky with a 60" bar, and even then he had to cut from both side to get through. 

The 261 type saws ARE pro grade, but here they would be used for thinning ~12" pines. If you are spending all day clambering over the side of a small mountain just dropping small trees, then the argument for the smaller saw makes a lot of sense  :D

But if I'm cutting 30" plus trees, which is more normal, give me my 28" bar any day.  ;)

Ian

[Migal]

I use a 20" saw for felling and bucking then a 16" saw for fire wood de,branching stuff not that the 20" won't do it all it has something to do with my back  :D hoping age and a way of life didn't have anything to do with that 

[beenthere]

I much prefer the 20" bar, not just for felling but for bucking up firewood. For me, much less bending over which my back can object to over time. The tip of the 20" bar easily reaches the ground and does a lot of the cutting when laying down the tree tops. 

And regards a filing comment being difficult when the motor is on the right, a 20" bar leaves plenty of room for filing both angles inside out.

[mhusby]

Right now Pro models are  201t, 261, 362, 441, 461, 880? and maybe a 201 rear handle.   Steve

Also the 440, 460, 660 are still being made.
;)

[AdkStihl]

Right now Pro models are  201t, 261, 362, 441, 461, 880? and maybe a 201 rear handle.   Steve

Also the 440, 460, 660 are still being made.
;)

Untrue.....but some are stihl on the shelfs at your local dealerships.

[Migal]

Right now Pro models are  201t, 261, 362, 441, 461, 880? and maybe a 201 rear handle.   Steve

Also the 440, 460, 660 are still being made.
;)

Right now Pro models are  201t, 261, 362, 441, 461, 880? and maybe a 201 rear handle.   Steve

Also the 440, 460, 660 are still being made.
;)

Untrue.....but some are stihl on the shelfs at your local dealerships.

The second quote appear's to be Stihl so might I ask is the 361 the predecessor of the 362 The 361 I have is most defiantly top of the line equipment IMHO  8)

[ladylake]

 Yes the Pro 60 cc Stihl saws in order  036 ms360,  ms361 and the latest  ms362.  All fine saws.    Steve

[CCC4]

The 362 is a little bit heavier than the 361, I can't really put my finger on what they could have done to gain weight, but when held one in each hand it is more than obvious. The 362 seems like it cuts more balanced with the added flab maybe. I love the 362, and even though I have used 361 for a couple years, and 036's before that...I believe the 362 is there best yet ib that category. Personal fav is the the "44 family".

[CCC4]

The 362 is the smallest of the Pro models.

I see more education is needed here. :D

I believe I admitted my error and stated the cause as to why I made that assumption. Thank you for further pointing out my ignorance to saw sizes that I use everyday 10 hours a day. Maybe I should have just "googled" it instead of going by what the sales person who took my bosses money stated. It's really not a ground shaking mistake. If it makes you feel better   smiley_clapping

[bandmiller2]

Guys,I'am a little late to this fray but can't you tell the pro from the homeowner saw by price.?? Frank C.

[york]

What,does Stihl usa have to say about all this?????

http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/

[bandmiller2]

Bert,I guess that pretty much settles it if you go to the comparison chart on there website.Anyone know how that corrolates to price,is there a large differance in cost pro vs.homeowner.I try to stay away from saw dealers[pushers], recovering you know. Frank C.

[york]

Frank,
Reason,i posted that link-i just got saw from dealer,he said it pro saw and he is wrong,just wanted a fast sale-the mod.# is MS192c.....Good saw,like it,use only to limb out Hemlock-we can not believe what dealers are saying...
albert

[qbilder]

My uncle was a forester for a state park in southern Ohio before he was diagnosed with epilepsy. They would select harvest, forest management kinda stuff. I was talking saws with him one day & he poked fun at my desire to have big strong saws. He showed me how he was trained by the state to fell & buck large trees with small saws. He said he'd carry an 18" saw max because they were in rugged Appalachian terrain & big saws were hard to lug up & down steep ravines & slopes. The back cut was somewhat small and the front cut was easiest described as cutting the tree's throat. He said he could easily & quickly bring down large hardwoods. Granted the work they were doing was not the day in, day out logging. But the post above about small saws is not the first time I have heard of the technique.   

[JohnG28]

Frank,
Reason,i posted that link-i just got saw from dealer,he said it pro saw and he is wrong,just wanted a fast sale-the mod.# is MS192c.....Good saw,like it,use only to limb out Hemlock-we can not believe what dealers are saying...
albert

The 192 is considered a professional, in-tree saw for climbers. It is not the same saw a 200t or 201t is, little less powerful, but still for tree service pros and arborists, so the dealer did lie to you.