Nice job. You left a hole in the lineup at the 3hp/45cc level. The MS250 is a popular saw. It is 1lb lighter than the MS251 Farm Boss, and very close to the same displacement/power. I have no experience with the larger saws - I have taken down a few giant trees in the Adirondacks with my MS250, so I likely will never need anything larger.
@@coletaylor123 Hello Cole, thanks for your review and hard work. I’m new to power saws and logging. I have a 462 R C-M and I use a 36in bar on it for Tree falling and timber cutting. Is the 36in bar too much for the 462 in order to get a good performance from the machine? Would I get a better performance from a 28in bar or 25in bar?
@@michelle778 Up to 25inch bar it is great saw i increase muffler hole on my 462 now it has way More Torque it can pull 36bar full comp chain i only use 36bar for cutting my 50inch hard wood firewood bundles in half i will buy full skip chain because clutch is suffering with full comp but when i bought 36bar guy in the store only had full comp chain.
Nice job. How ever the 261 has to be in the debate. A 50cc saw with 4.0bhp and its only 10.2lbs. Its a saw that can kick ass all day and it never feels to heavy.. No its not going to blast a though a 24 in oak tree like a 661 but for a 50cc saw its amazing. I have owned all the saws you have here but not the electric. The 462 is my favorite so far. It really really cuts.. BUT its expensive.
They are all not thought out real well. Like the dogs are getting shorter rather than longer. To bit into the wood better, than just biting into the bark. My go to chainsaw is 👉 the 18" Oregon electric chainsaw. at 75 dollars. She's a beast! She quite, powerful, lighter, and a lot cheaper. Making it a joy to use
FARM BOSS vs Pro Saw such as 362 , 462, 440, 441, ect.... The Farm Boss does not have a split case / rebuildable engine......660 vs 661 loggers prefer the 660 over 661 as the air clener cover om the 61 is fragile junk and the engine case mount for felling spikes often breaks
I would especially like to get myself a decent 211.... one day I'll see the right one in a pawn shop then I'll put a bar on it that's way too big and try milling stuff with it😢
170 has more power than the 171. the 170 was just discontinued so chances are there’s still hardware store who have a couple in stock. if you want one now its your last chance because that was probably the last gen of stihl cheap saws that are actually built to last. the 171 is garbage
I see some saws were left out. I have the fuel injected MS 500i. It has extraordinary performance. I run a 36 inch bar on it and it never bogs down. I also use it with a ripping chain for chainsaw milling. Highly recommend
This is the best chainsaw review video I have seen, I like that you cut exactly the same logs and putting that speed table up at the end... I appreciate the attention to detail. Very helpful. Thanks.
That 462 has as much piwer as my kids go kart. That things throws me around the yard like nothing and im 215. Trying to imagine holding that power in my arms
I have the small MS170 and its years old but still going well and just an awesome lil saw and I have done loads of work with it, just keep the chain sharp and you cant fault them
Thanks, Cole - this is one of the most useful and practical saw videos out there! Of course you didn't cover every saw that Sthil makes - and you didn't need to. What a fella needs to know is what cc displacement range to look at to get the performance he wants/needs - your demonstration was perfect for that. Thanks for your tip that the 462 is in the sweet spot... just watching your cuts, i was getting the same conclusion.
Yes!! I’ve got one that I’ve been running since 91’. Carb has been rebuilt twice and it’s strong as ever. Love this saw. Had a 25” bar on it forever and I finally put a 20” on it.
Great Video! I have a Stihl 660 magnum on the farm here in the PNW. We have some big trees and it works well for knocking them down. Was thinking of getting a smaller saw for limbing because as you say the 660/661 is a heavy saw. I also have a Stihl gas pole saw which is great for taller branches in my orchard as well as a Makita electric chainsaw for branches that are easier to reach.
I am having an issue with my stihl 16 " ms211 chain saw. The master throttle lever slides past another lever on the carburettor. I have taken it back 5 times to rectify the issue. I asked the stihl dealers to do a report on it and notify the Stihl head office that they have a faulty engineering issue, I was told, that would require to much paper work. Warranty has just expired, the chain saw is back in the work shop to fix the problem, but now they tell me that there is some other issue with the fuel supply, without even looking at it. I was told to leave it in the workshop for a service, which I have done. I am going back there today to inspect the saw myself because I believe that the master throttle lever has broken off, because on one occasion when I took the saw in to be repaired they told me that they had fixed the problem by bending the lever.
Stood at the Stihl Rack at the dealer, looked at them all, I think for the price you can't beat the MS271, My 40 cord a year days are over, I'm not climbing and topping anymore, I think for the 3-4 cords a year I need now the Farmboss was the best choice for me. If I find I need more saw, I can just trade what I bought and move up a few models. I ran a 090 and an 075 for years , my lastbig saw was a Husky 394xp, I miss them and I don't miss them.
I researched the saw I have before I bought them, to get the most benefits and use for the dollar. I have 4 saws at this time looking to get a fifth. I have both still and husqvarna dealerships locally so I have both brands. A stilh 261c with a 18" bar, husqvarna 562xp with a 24" bar, husqvarna T540 with a 14" bar, and a stihl 131 polesaw. Looking to get the stihl 500i with a 28" light bar for the bigger trees I come across. This assortment handles most of the timber I cut with the exception of the largest trees. I will note that the top handle saw is alot more useful than I had anticipated, it's great for both trimming and limbing down trees.
I picked up an 06 model Stihl 361 back in 09 for $450. Came with a 25" bar. Its a great saw. I run .063 gauge full skip chain Perfect for my firewood needs!
@@newman7610 There is only 1 Downside to the 462. Cost. Around here they are 1200 1300 range.. NO light bar. 500i is 1600 No light bar... So yeah.. Figure 200 more for a Light bar.
The 362 is a stupid in between saw. It is too heavy for cutting limbs and not enough for serious felling. The 261 or 462 or 500i are better choices. Please report chain size and type next time. For serious use vibration would be an important stat as well...
Wish you had the 880/881 in the review. That’s what I use for milling. Beast of a saw thou. Almost wish I had the 660/661 but then I remember that I ain’t soft
I can get a China made chainsaw 24" blade at 62 cc for 88 dollars 🤣🤣 It will last just as long as the STIHL but much much CHEAPER 👉👉 WHY PAY FOR A NAME? It don't make it cut any better. What makes them cut better is? A quality sawblade
I’ve had the 170 for years now and it’s been great for small stuff I’m thinking of buying the 271 farm boss I think it’s a perfect upgrade for the price but do I get the 18” or 20” bar
Great question Shawn. The 18 and 20” bars don’t handle much differently so I wouldn’t say it matters. Both bars could produce a serious amount of firewood for you. However, a 25 on the farmboss is probably too long and it will lag through cuts.
@@coletaylor123 I definitely would not put a 25” on but some people have said the 20” bar has a lot less power than the 18” so whatever I end up getting I’ll just make sure my chain is sharp and my rakers aren’t too high
Depends, are you a homeowner, farmer/rancher, firewood, professional? Are you cutting soft or hardwood? Imo best to go with bar one size down from Max Manufactured Recommendations, or CC/2.5=Max
It’s you still are the best saw ever if you don’t know how to start any two stroke engine you will have problems pull on full choke when it fires put it back to half choke it will start every time
I am having an issue with my stihl 16 " ms211 chain saw. The master throttle lever slides past another lever on the carburettor. I have taken it back 5 times to rectify the issue. I asked the stihl dealers to do a report on it and notify the Stihl head office that they have a faulty engineering issue, I was told, that would require to much paper work. Warranty has just expired, the chain saw is back in the work shop to fix the problem, but now they tell me that there is some other issue with the fuel supply, without even looking at it. I was told to leave it in the workshop for a service, which I have done. I am going back there today to inspect the saw myself because I believe that the master throttle lever has broken off, because on one occasion when I took the saw in to be repaired they told me that they had fixed the problem by bending the lever.
Have had stihl saws all my life! Cut firewood every year as it's my only source of heating. Never had any problems that were not expected wear and tear. Have been using a ms381 for most of my firewood since 2011 with one clutch replacement being the only fix. Have a 70s 041av which is still cutting wood occasionally after a long hard life.
@@jaymontgomery3330 I cut trees for a living For pro work its not enough torque to be bucking big wood 10 hrs a day imo with that much bar Much faster cutting with 20 in
The only thing the electric saw is good for, is for stealing firewood from the forest, since you make far less noise with it. That s it 😂
Yep, found a Christmas tree that way 🤣
Arborists want to know your location
The MSA 160C is gutless. Arborists use something like the Husqvarna T540i
Take Aways: The $1500 saw is better than the $200 saw.. Got it
$1K more in price gets you a better saw. Who'd have thunk it!
Nice comparison of different size chainsaws (regardless of the brand). Thanks for sharing!
You skipped my favorite, the MS261
Nice review anyways so thank you
I have a MS250. Looking at also getting a MS261!
Nice job. You left a hole in the lineup at the 3hp/45cc level. The MS250 is a popular saw. It is 1lb lighter than the MS251 Farm Boss, and very close to the same displacement/power. I have no experience with the larger saws - I have taken down a few giant trees in the Adirondacks with my MS250, so I likely will never need anything larger.
Thanks for the feedback @donmoore7785. These were the saws I had to test, so unfortunately I was missing a few saws. 500i and 881 were also missing
That’s what I was thinking I have four of them and several of the rest of the line up
For what a 250 is they run pretty good.
@@coletaylor123 Hello Cole, thanks for your review and hard work. I’m new to power saws and logging. I have a 462 R C-M and I use a 36in bar on it for Tree falling and timber cutting. Is the 36in bar too much for the 462 in order to get a good performance from the machine? Would I get a better performance from a 28in bar or 25in bar?
Great saw, love it
You didn’t include one of Stihl’s best saws…….MS261. Light pro saw, fair price and plenty of power! Why wasn’t it included?
Interesting, the more money you spend the better the saw 🤷♂️
The battery saw is also good for working indoors, I use a MSA 161T for this purpose
Wait next 270 um ya you missed 1 of the best saws!! Nope I don't mean a 260 either I mean the 250!
462 all day long, it’s worth it. By far one of the best saw designs ever produced. Highly recommend it
My 462 is psycho! Best saw I have ever had. Has to have the es light bar to make it balanced. I'm obsessed with it.
I have never tried the 462, but I suspect it’s somewhat comparable to the 500i?
@@MyGFIsMaria the 500i eats the 462 alive for breakfast
@@michelle778 Up to 25inch bar it is great saw i increase muffler hole on my 462 now it has way More Torque it can pull 36bar full comp chain i only use 36bar for cutting my 50inch hard wood firewood bundles in half i will buy full skip chain because clutch is suffering with full comp but when i bought 36bar guy in the store only had full comp chain.
@@michelle778 stock 462 will beat the 500i in a cutting race, however the 500i has more torque
Thank you soo much for the nice Video man this helped me out to choose a saw much better! 💯👆🏼 You rock man!
I love the bonus girl and her dog at the end. She’s the Farm Boss
Yup! She is a beautiful gem, alright!
Nice job. How ever the 261 has to be in the debate. A 50cc saw with 4.0bhp and its only 10.2lbs. Its a saw that can kick ass all day and it never feels to heavy.. No its not going to blast a though a 24 in oak tree like a 661 but for a 50cc saw its amazing. I have owned all the saws you have here but not the electric. The 462 is my favorite so far. It really really cuts.. BUT its expensive.
I got the model before 261.i have 241.
Yes 261 should have been included… unfortunately, I don’t have one
They are all not thought out real well. Like the dogs are getting shorter rather than longer. To bit into the wood better, than just biting into the bark. My go to chainsaw is 👉 the 18" Oregon electric chainsaw. at 75 dollars. She's a beast! She quite, powerful, lighter, and a lot cheaper. Making it a joy to use
Try MS500i, it rocks the world man. I also love the MS271 for a small saw.
Im a Husqvarna guy. I bought my 61 for $200. Have a few videos on it. Cheers
FARM BOSS vs Pro Saw such as 362 , 462, 440, 441, ect.... The Farm Boss does not have a split case / rebuildable engine......660 vs 661 loggers prefer the 660 over 661 as the air clener cover om the 61 is fragile junk and the engine case mount for felling spikes often breaks
261 and 500 ?
Very informative! Good info!👍
Well done. You and project farm help viewers tune in to get what we need and $ave us time with research. I hope you will do more.
I can't pull start any Stihl saw in a dealer, so I bought a Husqvarna 460 Rancher instead.
261 has compression relive
Fantastic video bro summed up the lineup pretty well, I envy your quiver of saws🤣
I would especially like to get myself a decent 211.... one day I'll see the right one in a pawn shop then I'll put a bar on it that's way too big and try milling stuff with it😢
Thank you. Very nice and helpful review.
Where is MS241, MS261, MS400 and MS500i?
170 has more power than the 171. the 170 was just discontinued so chances are there’s still hardware store who have a couple in stock. if you want one now its your last chance because that was probably the last gen of stihl cheap saws that are actually built to last. the 171 is garbage
I see some saws were left out. I have the fuel injected MS 500i. It has extraordinary performance. I run a 36 inch bar on it and it never bogs down. I also use it with a ripping chain for chainsaw milling. Highly recommend
Ms170,Ms362,ms500i,Ht polesaw, I don’t need a new saw yet here I am 👍🏻
This is the best chainsaw review video I have seen, I like that you cut exactly the same logs and putting that speed table up at the end... I appreciate the attention to detail. Very helpful. Thanks.
It's always better to buy 60cc> used saws than brand new since they are quite a ripoff especially stihl😂
That 462 has as much piwer as my kids go kart. That things throws me around the yard like nothing and im 215. Trying to imagine holding that power in my arms
Sold an 4.2 hp 049 I bought in Colorado just couldn’t pull it anymore
262 and i500 should be in the line up also
Those were the two I wanted to hear about.
I have the small MS170 and its years old but still going well and just an awesome lil saw and I have done loads of work with it, just keep the chain sharp and you cant fault them
great job can you review the easy-pull models ? Stihl makes a couple of them .. thanks for the video
Pro for pro saw over $1000 is not just that it is a better saw but you will take better care of it.
Thanks, Cole - this is one of the most useful and practical saw videos out there! Of course you didn't cover every saw that Sthil makes - and you didn't need to. What a fella needs to know is what cc displacement range to look at to get the performance he wants/needs - your demonstration was perfect for that. Thanks for your tip that the 462 is in the sweet spot... just watching your cuts, i was getting the same conclusion.
The chain is thicker on the 211 put the thin chain from the 171 on there big difference
I started with the ms170 and i hated it. Thanks for the video now i know what i need.
Anyone run 034 super???
Yes!! I’ve got one that I’ve been running since 91’. Carb has been rebuilt twice and it’s strong as ever. Love this saw. Had a 25” bar on it forever and I finally put a 20” on it.
Great summary dude. Fk the haters
That is excellent information , Thankyou.
Great Video! I have a Stihl 660 magnum on the farm here in the PNW. We have some big trees and it works well for knocking them down. Was thinking of getting a smaller saw for limbing because as you say the 660/661 is a heavy saw. I also have a Stihl gas pole saw which is great for taller branches in my orchard as well as a Makita electric chainsaw for branches that are easier to reach.
You missed the 251 "wood boss"
Ryobi is chainsaw brand? C'mon dude... Where is Dolmar, Pioneeer...
I am having an issue with my stihl 16 " ms211 chain saw. The master throttle lever slides past another lever on the carburettor. I have taken it back 5 times to rectify the issue. I asked the stihl dealers to do a report on it and notify the Stihl head office that they have a faulty engineering issue, I was told, that would require to much paper work. Warranty has just expired, the chain saw is back in the work shop to fix the problem, but now they tell me that there is some other issue with the fuel supply, without even looking at it. I was told to leave it in the workshop for a service, which I have done. I am going back there today to inspect the saw myself because I believe that the master throttle lever has broken off, because on one occasion when I took the saw in to be repaired they told me that they had fixed the problem by bending the lever.
If you do not want to go as big as the 271 farm boss. Go for a 250 or 251 saw
171 is a good limbing saw
Stood at the Stihl Rack at the dealer, looked at them all, I think for the price you can't beat the MS271, My 40 cord a year days are over, I'm not climbing and topping anymore, I think for the 3-4 cords a year I need now the Farmboss was the best choice for me. If I find I need more saw, I can just trade what I bought and move up a few models. I ran a 090 and an 075 for years , my lastbig saw was a Husky 394xp, I miss them and I don't miss them.
Just picked up a farm boss for only 120 bucks, running ! Great deal
I researched the saw I have before I bought them, to get the most benefits and use for the dollar. I have 4 saws at this time looking to get a fifth. I have both still and husqvarna dealerships locally so I have both brands. A stilh 261c with a 18" bar, husqvarna 562xp with a 24" bar, husqvarna T540 with a 14" bar, and a stihl 131 polesaw. Looking to get the stihl 500i with a 28" light bar for the bigger trees I come across. This assortment handles most of the timber I cut with the exception of the largest trees. I will note that the top handle saw is alot more useful than I had anticipated, it's great for both trimming and limbing down trees.
Ms 261 c-m my favorite saw
Very well done!
The chain has to be brand new......
I picked up an 06 model Stihl 361 back in 09 for $450. Came with a 25" bar. Its a great saw. I run .063 gauge full skip chain Perfect for my firewood needs!
so you missed the MS 250
When will Stihl battery 300 hit the market
I've heard the MS211 are a pain to start
15 years w my 192T. For a small saw it’s been a great saw
This is a great comparison video
Thank you for having the name of the saws at the bottom. 10/10 straight to the point
Over all good review. Full of info for need to know.
Thanks New Man. Glad you enjoyed
after all that buy a 261 lol
@@LiveFreeOrRIP kind of leaning toward 462.
@@newman7610 I have a 25 inch light bar on mine with a full skip full chisel chain and its is wild. I mean shits on my 362 like its a toy.
@@newman7610 There is only 1 Downside to the 462. Cost. Around here they are 1200 1300 range.. NO light bar. 500i is 1600 No light bar... So yeah.. Figure 200 more for a Light bar.
The 362 is a stupid in between saw. It is too heavy for cutting limbs and not enough for serious felling. The 261 or 462 or 500i are better choices. Please report chain size and type next time. For serious use vibration would be an important stat as well...
The 881 is an absolute Behemoth of a saw. 😂
Thank you,171 needs different oil, one is for chain and the other oil with gasoline, but is it the same oil you use or do you need different oil?
Bar and Chain oil is different than the oil you mix with gas.
The Cost isnt a Pro...
King of the upsell
and the ms 881 ?
Don't buy this brand not worth it many of them don't start . Garbage
Great review thank you
500i and 461 ?
😮😮😮
391???
You forgot a good one m261
Wish I had one to review, or an 881!
Wish you had the 880/881 in the review. That’s what I use for milling. Beast of a saw thou. Almost wish I had the 660/661 but then I remember that I ain’t soft
Thanks Jaden Newman’s Dad, and yes I wish I had one too. $2k is a lot to spend on a saw!
@@coletaylor123 I bought a used one for 12. From an Older guy who hardly used cause it’s too dam heavy.
Good job thank you. Shoe
Thanks Shoe
I can get a China made chainsaw 24" blade at 62 cc for 88 dollars 🤣🤣 It will last just as long as the STIHL but much much CHEAPER 👉👉 WHY PAY FOR A NAME? It don't make it cut any better. What makes them cut better is? A quality sawblade
I’ve had the 170 for years now and it’s been great for small stuff I’m thinking of buying the 271 farm boss I think it’s a perfect upgrade for the price but do I get the 18” or 20” bar
Great question Shawn. The 18 and 20” bars don’t handle much differently so I wouldn’t say it matters. Both bars could produce a serious amount of firewood for you. However, a 25 on the farmboss is probably too long and it will lag through cuts.
@@coletaylor123 I definitely would not put a 25” on but some people have said the 20” bar has a lot less power than the 18” so whatever I end up getting I’ll just make sure my chain is sharp and my rakers aren’t too high
Depends, are you a homeowner, farmer/rancher, firewood, professional? Are you cutting soft or hardwood?
Imo best to go with bar one size down from Max Manufactured Recommendations, or
CC/2.5=Max
Just for reference, I run a 20" bar on my 462.... to each his own
I have a 170 with a 12” bar for the smaller stuff, and the 029 with 18 and 20”. Great pair of saws for any homestead.
Stihl has always problems with starting. My biggest mistake was to buy stihl products.
It’s you still are the best saw ever if you don’t know how to start any two stroke engine you will have problems pull on full choke when it fires put it back to half choke it will start every time
I am having an issue with my stihl 16 " ms211 chain saw. The master throttle lever slides past another lever on the carburettor. I have taken it back 5 times to rectify the issue. I asked the stihl dealers to do a report on it and notify the Stihl head office that they have a faulty engineering issue, I was told, that would require to much paper work. Warranty has just expired, the chain saw is back in the work shop to fix the problem, but now they tell me that there is some other issue with the fuel supply, without even looking at it. I was told to leave it in the workshop for a service, which I have done. I am going back there today to inspect the saw myself because I believe that the master throttle lever has broken off, because on one occasion when I took the saw in to be repaired they told me that they had fixed the problem by bending the lever.
Add fuel stabiliser to your gas. Makes a big difference if you are using fuel regularly. Project Farm tested them.
Have had stihl saws all my life! Cut firewood every year as it's my only source of heating. Never had any problems that were not expected wear and tear. Have been using a ms381 for most of my firewood since 2011 with one clutch replacement being the only fix. Have a 70s 041av which is still cutting wood occasionally after a long hard life.
I love them all😂
The ms362 sux with anything more than 20 in on the bar
Good to know, thanks for the feedback David.
@@coletaylor123 np home slice
That's weird cause my MS 391 has no problem pulling a 25" bar.
@@jaymontgomery3330 I cut trees for a living
For pro work its not enough torque to be bucking big wood 10 hrs a day imo with that much bar
Much faster cutting with 20 in
@@daviddavidson4496 yes more torque with shorter bar.