Stihl ms 5001 vs ms661

[Bthomasb3]

Which do you prefer for firewood cutting 14-24" oak I have a lot of trees I can cut that were killed by the gypsy moths that are 14-24" white oak and red oak and maybe for occasionally slabbing a log to make a table .I have owned the 500i and liked it other than starting,I wasn't a great starting saw,but it cut good and pulled a 28" bar great. I'm thinking of getting another bigger saw and am wondering I have never run a ms661 but specs show 2.5 lbs heavier for 1/2 hp but what's it like in the real world is the extra weight worth it?

[Gary Davis]

it all depends on how much weight you want to carry

[charles mann]

I know its not a 500i, the local kubota/stihl dealer didnt have the 500, only a 462. I guess i could have put the 25" bar off the 462 i purchased yesterday, on my 661 to see the wt. difference. BUT my 661 with a 36" bar vs. the 462 with the 25", there a very noticeable wt. difference and comfort, esp when cutting at stomach/chest height. 
I was debating between the 500 and 462, but couldnt yet justify the extra $300 for 1lb lighter and a hp more the 500 offered up. But the 661 vs. the 500, the 661 is almost 3 lbs heavier with only 3/4 hp more. 

I enjoy the cutting power of my 661, i think im gonna like the 462 just as much, but i think if i buy the 500i any time soon, my wife might end my buying authority. I'll give 6 months or so before buying the 500. 

[doc henderson]

Bthomas, I would review the threads on how to start the 500i and its calibration.  others have been frustrated, but seem to admit there is a learning curve for the new tech.  I would never buy a 660 saw.  I had one with troubles they could not fix, and after 3 attempts and over a year, they gave full refund and I got an 880.  MY fave oldest saw is a 046 mag.  It does all I need even on bigger wood.  It was the only pro saw I had for 10 years till I went a little crazy and could afford more. 880 for huger stuff.  the next saw I buy will be a top handle or a 500i.  You need a good sharpener and extra chains.  



 

 

 

these are examples of using the 880 and it is more to get a flat cut on a face, or to get through a 4 foot or bigger log.  It is heavy enough, I do not pick it first.  I have a 3 foot bar for it and my 046 and it depends on the amount of cuttings I will be doing.  I kinda leave the bars on the saw I use the most.  

I assume in all fairness, the 660 level saw have the bugs mostly worked out.