Logging saw mods?

[logger]

I was just wondering what you guys did to your saws for logging.  As you know I have the stihl 280,440,460.  I need the saws to last long, but I want to know about mods you guys have for in the woods.  Can never have too much power. :D ;D 8)
I know about porting the muffler, I want to know about that too.

[sawguy21]

You can open up the muffler, richen the carb accordingly and make them scream. Trouble is, you will be opening yourself up to liability on public lands if you start a fire and the EPA might git on yer case.

[MDP]

The exhaust mod is a good start you can open up the hole on the side of the muffler which gets smaller every production year and I use a ported face on my 460's they used to come stock on the older saws but the epa has changed that. I think most stihl dealers stock them or can get them for you. Another good mod on the intake side of things is to get a maxflow filter system, Madsen's has them for about $38 bucks or so. It's a high flow foam element that is oiled with a real tacky filter oil, and the filters are washable, just put them in a mild solvent and re-oil them after they dry.  It also comes with an over sized rain cover that lets in more air, it's an excellent system and adds power definetly. As far as the carb goes if yours has the red caps on the adjustment screws  you'll have to talk to a mechanic as to how to remove those so you can richen up the top end, another one of those epa things they don't want us to make any smoke out there in the woods. Beyond that you looking at having port work done on the cylinder which if done right can make a big difference too.

[logger]

Thanks, for the comments.  I was also wondering if anybody has ever tried those big bore piston and cylinder kits from baileys?  I was thinkig about that too.

[MDP]

I too am thinking about doing the same thing, I have a case that needs bearings and I was thinking of getting that kit and see if there is an increase in power. You can't hardly beat the price and the cylinders are nickasil lined I called and asked them about that. I don't know of anyone who is or has run one though.


Mark

[Reddog]

I have a BB on a 440. About 13 tanks of fuel thru it. So far I am real happy with it. The power is real close to a 460. But my new 441 has the same power and is much smoother.

[logger]

Another thing I was wondering was if it was worth getting a 441 if we already have a 460.  Because my next saws are going to be husky385, stihl 361, Stihl 660. Would it be worth adding to my list?

[MDP]

The 441 looks like a real good saw and have heard good things about it, the only down side I can see is that no parts are interchangeable,ie starter recoil, handle bars, muffler, and so on, not a huge deal but I'm cheap and it's nice to be able to interchange parts especially in a pinch.
I also hear the 441 is real easy on fuel due to the new emissions set up they have. It has the stratified charge cylinder which puts a fresh air charge on the exhaust side to keep unburnt fuel from escaping, I hear they're real efficient, hopefully real reliable too, time will tell


Mark

[fishhuntcutwood]

Another thing I was wondering was if it was worth getting a 441 if we already have a 460.  Because my next saws are going to be husky385, stihl 361, Stihl 660. Would it be worth adding to my list?

I'd say no.

[SawTroll]

Another thing I was wondering was if it was worth getting a 441 if we already have a 460.  Because my next saws are going to be husky385, stihl 361, Stihl 660. Would it be worth adding to my list?

The 441 weights the same as the 460 (or a bit more), and has less power - but otherwise it probably is a better saw.
Air filtration system and anti-vibe are copied from Husky etc - some patents have run out.......

[logger]

How do you like your 660 and 361, Fishhuntcutwood? 

[fishhuntcutwood]

How do you like your 660 and 361, Fishhuntcutwood? 

I love 'em.

[logger]

That just makes me want to get them more and more! 8) ;D   I know that the 440 and 460 will handle just about any tree in PA but I just want them.  I figure the 361 will be faster limbing in the woods, and bucking at the landing.  It will be a all around saw, and I will be able to keep the 440 and 460 in the woods if it is at the landing.  I will put an 18" on the 361 and a 24" on the 660.