Been going crazy trying to pick between these two. I first was debating between 362 and 441. But after getting my hands on them and running them sxs over the weekend, there is no comparison. So doing more research, the 461 I can get for around same price as 441. Although I wasn't able to run one, Being it has little more power than the 441 with same weight, I think I would love it. I know it doesn't have the m-tronic, But i'm not sure its that necessary. I've been reading as much as I can on these and it seems everyone loves both saw's! Now most these reviews were a few years old. So now that they have been out awhile, What are your thoughts between the 2? Is m-tronic worth it? Does the 441 have that much better AV? Thanks
I've not owned either one, but i have been around the 441s, and i've ran a 461. I run husqvarnas, but if i was going to switch to stihls i would have a 461, i liked the one i tried. Nothing wrong with the 441s, but with the weight being the same, or close to it, and price as you mentioned being close to the same i would go with the larger cc 461.
I started running a new 441 about three months ago, after running a 461 for the previous two years. The two 461s the company has have always had some issues with them, as opposed to the 460s they were to replace. For more power, the 460/461 is the choice. The AV is much better on the 441. Overall, I prefer the 441 though, as it does the job for any trees up to 48" diameter. Both are a good choice, depending on your needs.
Personally I would stay away from the MTronic models, Ive heard too many issues to be sold on them yet. Maybe in a few more years. What a couple of stihl mechanics have told me is that they tend to do funny things when theyre getting worked hard and get a lil too warm. Depending on your intended useage maybe thats not a issue tho.
Many agree that the 460 had more vib than the 440 but im not sure if that carries into the new ones. For me, same weight, same price, im getting the most ccs for my buck. I feel the 044/440 had a good weight to power ratio and so the 441 is now a lil off kilter.
I dont have lots of experience with either of the new ones but I have looked into it a bunch and from what Ive learned Im more in favor of the non MTronics models at this time. So thats my .02, it may or may not be worth that haha
Ps
As for power, around here the dealers routinely put 32"s on 440/441s. I ran a 36 on a 044 in big wood all day. Sure it slows em down a bit but nothing cuts trees that big very fast lol. The point is, they dont lack for power.
Yes the EPA compliant M-Tronic Stihls and AutoTune Husqvarnas make way too much engine heat with their choked up mufflers, making the sensors dump extra fuel to prevent lean seizures causing hot start problems with flooding.
Muffler mods help but end EPA compliancy and warranty......... the MS441CM is what the new MS462CM will model after in a big bore package with a few design changes ;)
Little bit what im worried about, When M-tronic first came out, everyone wanted it, sounded great. I feel sometimes the more complicated stuff something has on it, the more that can go wrong. Look at some of the older saws out there that have hardly ever been to the service shop. I'm afraid this one may have many trips that are more expensive than traditional saws. Plus this saw seems more like a epa benefit than a buyer/user one. Anyone know if the new 461 has a spring handle AV for this year? Thought someone told me they did, but I have not yet went to go look at one in person yet
Getting ready to head to dealer soon, anyone else with feedback on these 2 saws?
Go with the 461, if the money is about the same that's what I'd get anyway. Or, if you really can't decide...both! 8) Hope to see some pictures soon. Good luck. :)
461 just because of the extra 7cc of engine
I have a Jonsered 2260, and I'm sold on computer controlled carbs. It's always spot on. Haven't had any hot start issues.
I think more often than not, it isn't a problem with the Mtronic or the Autotune, it's a standard carb or air leak problem, but since the computer stuff is "new" and "technology" it's automatically the scapegoat. Then add in dealers who probably can't\don't want to learn the new tech, and it gets a bit of a bad rap.
I think I'd get the 441, for the Mtronic and the spring AV.
carried a MS 441 felling and bucking all day for a couple years, no complaints, good power, AV, speed and weight...
got a 441CM and had it in the shop within a couple weeks cause it wasn't running right (racing and fluttering at the top end)
got the 461 now, happy with the power and so far no issues.
both saws are great, I'm still wary of the m-tronic
Picked up the 461. Throttle response seems much better. Feels more responsive than the 441. Love the sound of it also. weight feels good, and price was $50 difference than 441. Hope to get it in some wood this weekend!!
You bought the correct saw in my small mind , Not a 441 fan but thats just me ok
Well got to run a tank of gas through this saw today! One word.... Unreal!! Sometimes I would forget how big the piece was that I just cut until I rolled it around. Sink the dog teeth and the shavings feel like b b's hitting my leg!! I even got into some big osage orange, right through like it was maple!! One thing I did notice, once I stopped cutting and let saw idle for a min or so, It would try to die. The idle seems to be set at right rpm, when you let off throttle, it idles down to a good rpm, but after few seconds it starts to get lower and lower till it would die if you didn't give it some throttle?!? I'm guessing its just in the adjustments? I'll run it a bit more I guess, and if it still does it take if back to shop I guess?
see the screws on your carb, turn em til it runs right! lol
all kidding aside, great saw i have one and love it. my favorite saw i own. did you get an r model or an east coast edition?
I know, just hate messing with carb adjustments, I don't have a very good feel for saw adjustments haha. No its not the R model. Its an east coast saw. I looked into the wrap handle, worried about it being little bulky, I'll be throwing it on atv's and tractors.
Try turning to L screw counterclockwise until it stops. There are limiters on them so you won't turn them too far. See how that works and go from there. :)
Quote from: Crhall on August 09, 2015, 09:20:44 PM
I know, just hate messing with carb adjustments, I don't have a very good feel for saw adjustments haha.
Mtronic dude!
Don't worry, I know a handful of Stihl dealers that can't tune a saw either! Must be why Stihl put limiters on the saws lol
go to madsens1.com and look up pro saw tuning for the best guide on tuning that i've ever read