Stihl MS 362 or MS 462 for small mill

[Clinton77]

Good morning everyone. I am looking at a serious upgrade from my MS 230. I only cut about 10 cord of firewood per year and misc. yard cleanup etc. I'm looking at upgrading my saw with the potential to do some minor white pine and cedar milling for personal use. I've heard that the 462 is the smallest you want to go but have seen folks use the 362 with success also. Everything I'd be milling would be smaller than 24". I'd prefer the 462 but the cost difference is about $400, significant. Can I use the 362 and have success with it also or am I setting myself up for disappointment.
I appreciate any and all feedback. 
Clint

[scsmith42]

I have both.  If it could only be one, I'd opt for the larger saw.

[hickernut]

I've had a 362 for about 2 years now and it's a great saw. The fuel and bar oil caps are absolutely miserable, but the saw is good. 

I initially got it to run a 24" bar on an Alaskan sawmill. Quickly realized my folly and bought a small manual mill.

Now my 362 lives a life of leisure flying through piles of off cuts and anything bigger (mainly oak/hickory) than my little husky will cut. 

[lxskllr]

I wouldn't even consider the 362. The comparison would be the 400 & 462. The 400 should handle a 24" cut in softwood fine. It would need to be fitted with a 28" bar to get the full 24". The 462 would be better, but if you have no other use for one, then get the 400.

[ladylake]

 Get the 362, save $400 and use that to hire a mill . You wont wear out your chansaw and a bandsaw will produce more lumber in a day than weeks running a chainsaw mill. Plus you'll have a lighter saw for firewood .  Steve