Moving past the MS361?

[JohnG28]

I have to agree with Piston that I have an attachment to my 361. I really love that saw. It gets probably75% of my saw use. If you did an easy muffler mod and opened it up a bit you may not consider letting it go. Running a day last week with the 361, 460,and a 660 the difference in weight is extremely noticeable. I did grab a 461 at a dealer with a 20" bar that felt real light, but that's minus fuel and oil, and likely a longer bar. Or maybe not in your case? Either way, I would have a tough time giving up my 361 to even a really good friend. Now I would, however, gladly give them advice on purchasing a quality new saw of their own or helping find them a good used saw elsewhere.  ;)

[gspren]

  As far as checking for AV on any saw (that isn't running) just hold the bar steady with one hand and try to move the hand grips with the other, if there is no AV there will be no movement.

[JohnG28]

In the case of my 361, set the saw down flat then push on the top of the engine/air filter cover. The engine will move, the rest of the saw doesn't. You want isolation from the engine vibration. Should be similar with other models.

[ex-Engineer Wannabe]

We've owned three Stihl models: the MS200T, the MS361 and the MS660.  Both the MS361 and the MS660 have what I call a "suspension" system.  That is, the handle has been isolated from the powerhead platform via some sort of vibration dampener.  I was under the impression that all of Stihl's "professional" (rear handle) saws were designed this way.  Are there Stihl (rear handle) pro saws that don't have a suspension? 

In other words, I was thinking that the "anti-vibration" (AV) system offered on the MS441 was some sort of design where the operator had the option of changing springs and, therefore, the comfort level of the saw.  I did not realize, on the other hand, that some of the Stihl pro saws came without a suspension of any kind??  ???  You guys who've owned multiple Stihl models can surely educate me here. 

Thanks for your time ...

[AdkStihl]

Older STIHL models (some current ones too) used rubber AV mounts to dampen vibrations. The newer STIHLS have adopted the spring style AV mounts (Most common in Husqvarna saws) to dampen vibrations.

[SawTroll]

The only way to "move past" the MS361, and stay in the 60cc class, is the 560xp and 562xp!   

[AdkStihl]

The only way to "move past" the MS361, and stay in the 60cc class, is the 560xp and 562xp!   

T.Landrum ported 562XP  ;)

[Icehouse]

I have moved past the ms361 both ways, the ms170 to the ms064, and find myself going to the 361 on most occasions, the smaller and larger saws have their place but 90% of the time I pickup the 361. I own 2 and can say they're my favorite, best power to weight ratio in MHO.

[SawTroll]

I have moved past the ms361 both ways, the ms170 to the ms064, and find myself going to the 361 on most occasions, the smaller and larger saws have their place but 90% of the time I pickup the 361. I own 2 and can say they're my favorite, best power to weight ratio in MHO.

it is hard to beat the 361 at the same weight, the only options actually are the 560xp and the Jonsered 2260 - the 562xp is a bit heavier.... :D :D

[windthrown]

Only problem with the Husky 60cc saws is that they have an outboard clutch. And that would be a step sideways. Step up from the 361 to the Husky 372xp x-torque, which is a good 70cc saw with an inboard clutch and a good spring loaded AV system that is smooth. That would be a good step up from a 361.

362 is the 361 replacement with an air-injected engine. It weighs more and has about the same power. The AV on them are about the same (spring loaded, good AV). Not much to gain, if anything, by replacing a 361 with a 362.

The 461 is the 460 replacement with an air-injected engine with way better porting. They weigh the same and have the same power. The 461 AV is rubber mount. It is better than the 460, which was pretty bad for AV, but not nearly as good as the 441 with a spring mount AV system (like the 361, but larger). A 461 is a big step up from a 361.

You could also get a 441, which is a really smooth saw and they have auto tune now (the M-tronic). They are bulky and expensive though, and I never liked them. The 372xp-xt would be better.

The 440 is no longer available (again) so that is not an option, unless you buy used. Good saws, easy to modify, and they are as 'smooth' as a 461. One of the best saws Stihl ever made, IMO. So are the 361s and 036s.

[SawTroll]

Only problem with the Husky 60cc saws is that they have an outboard clutch. ......

That is far from a problem, it actually is a huge asset, and one of the reasons those saws handle better than the 361 and other 60cc Stihl saws. 

[windthrown]

Only problem with the Husky 60cc saws is that they have an outboard clutch. ......

That is far from a problem, it actually is a huge asset, and one of the reasons those saws handle better than the 361 and other 60cc Stihl saws. 

I have never like outboard clutches, and I have never found any advantages of having them. I have had several saws with outboards, and I just picked up a 50cc Jonsered that has one. They cake up with crud a lot faster, they are a PITA to swap rims on, and if the bar gets pinched in a cut you cannot just pop the power head off like you can with an inboard clutch. I also do not think that outboards handle any better in the cut.