MS362 Felling Dog

[Rhodemont]

I have never been happy with the dog on my MS362, I actually thought it was on upside down so would not bite.  I use it with a 20" bar for felling and cutting large diameter logs only, I then move to my 039 and Echo 361P for everything else.  The dog is about useless for my angle cut on the notch.  Watching a video today the logger mentioned having changed his saw to felling dogs. This is new to me. I did a search on FF and googled felling dog for MS362.  There are several suppliers that have felling dog that will fit my 362, West Coast comes up a lot.  Now I am really confused:3pt, 4pt, 5pt, double dogs.....    Can you guys bring me up to speed on what would be the right dog for me. 

[NYH1]

My MS400C only came with one dog too.  It was mounted on the inside/saw side.  I ordered the factory Stihl dog that mounts to the cover.  It's definitely better with the two dogs now.  

See if your dealer can get you a factory outside dog. 

Good luck, NYH1.   

[barbender]

I had a Stihl 500i that had the West Coast dogs on it. They are kinda nasty. I never used that saw much, so I sold it to a friend (no fault of the saw). Around the yard, bucking logs for the mill and firewood processor, i found those things to be kind of ridiculous. They probably cost you about 2" of bar length, and they're just kinda sticking out everywhere. I actually stabbed a couple of oil jugs just maneuvering that saw around in the bed of my truck!

Now, if I would've been felling big, thick barked West Coast trees I'm sure I would've thought they were awesome! But in my area, I just can't see how they'd ever work well for me.

My Husky 562's just have the one inside dog. If I was felling more wood I'd want one of the same size on the outside as well.

[arojay]

Yeah, bark thickness is a big factor.  Falling on any species goes better with dogs that project below the bottom of the bar when the saw is sitting upright; the lowest one pointing a little more down.  My 562's and 572 are xpgw and my 462 has the 3/4 wrap.  The full or 3/4 wrap has some advantage felling and offers a little bit of protection on the skidder and the dogs on both brands are a little more aggressive.  About 95% of what I cut is 'old growth' white spruce.  Some guys make their own.  If you have a plasma cutter it would be a cool project.  My 394 is in a granberg mill - no dogs!   That's my 2 cents.

[Rhodemont]

I am going to do more homework on this before jumping in.  I do not want to lose any bar length since 20 inch does not allow me to make full angle cut on many trees without moving to other side.  But I sure want a better bite to hold position as I start in.

[barbender]

I would also suggest the factory outside dog. That would give you some bite, without getting in the way too much.

[Kodiakmac]

I use a 362 with a 24" bar.  I keep the chain really sharp and I've had no issue with the bite of the dogs - whether I'm falling white cedar or hickory.

[Rhodemont]

I bought the 362 when they first came out.  Maybe they changed the dogs but the bottom one just does not get it done when sawing the angle cut where you need it to bite.

[DHansen]

I can see what you mean about that lowest tooth on the dog.  Like it is not low enough and not long enough to grab.

[DHansen]

[arojay]

I bought the 362 when they first came out.  Maybe they changed the dogs but the bottom one just does not get it done when sawing the angle cut where you need it to bite.

Can you flip the dog?  I might try that if it were mine.  Saying that, it doesn't look like that bigger tooth would extend much lower.

[Rhodemont]

I had tried to flip it but it does not fit .  You can see the radius on the bottom fits into the radius molded into the cover.  The top is squared off.

[DHansen]

Do you have access to a welder?  Look at the profiles of the dogs you found on line and see which ones look to fit your needs.  Just a longer or better angle on that lowest tooth would be all you need if I am reading your post correctly.

[arojay]

Maybe have a look at Westcoast Saws or Bailey's online for some options.  If you have to pay somebody to fab up something it would probably cost you more than a manufactured option.

[Rhodemont]

West Coast has exactly what I want.  They are closed for a couple days so I am going to order next week.

[DHansen]

Post a photo of the new verses old dogs for comparison.

[barbender]

Im telling ya, the shape of the West Coast dogs are great but those things are kind of ridiculous for east coast guys. I think their profile but half the length would've been plenty for my use.

[DHansen]

You could get the grinder out and shorten them for what you need or don't need.  I like the new Husqvarna dogs, aggressive enough to work and don't take away a lot of bar length.   I like the protection they provide to the saw crankcase and muffler.

[Rhodemont]

The dog is on back order for a few weeks,  I am going to give it a try, can always switch back if too much.

[Rhodemont]

A couple weeks ago I got notice from West Coast that the felling dog was back in stock.  Went to order the next day and they were sold out again already.  Last week got another notice so jumped on it.  Should be here in a couple days.  Too late for this season as I am done logging for this year but will install and try out on a large log to get the feel.

[Rhodemont]

The dogs arrived.  They come as a pair, one for each side of the bar.  I installed the inner dog no problem  That is likely all I will do.  Did not try it but sure does look wicked compared to the oem!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

[DHansen]

WOW! Side by side that is quite a difference. 

[Rhodemont]

I was anxious to give the new dog a try so went and dropped an oak (going to need it anyway).  What a huge difference. Cutting was so much easier.  Why did I not do this years ago!

[JD Guy]

Just out of curiosity I'm wondering if that inside dog is upside down and/or mounted on the wrong side? The hole I see in it looks to be for the roller chain catch install when using two dogs. At least that's the way my Stihl factory dogs were made for my MS400. Cannot remember for sure now but I think it's the same set that fits the 362.

Of course if this works as you intended it's all good!

I am in SC and didn't need the bigger dogs as we don't have the heavy barked trees like the West Coast fallers.

[barbender]

I do believe JD Guy is correct, you have it mounted upside down.