461/462/500i

[pwheel]

...
You are going out for the day and have your choice of all three.
Cutting hardwood in the Northeast, red oak, white oak, black cherry, some may get a little over 2 ft. at the butt.

Which saw do you take?

If I'm in the woods for the day, the idea of fun goes away after the first couple of hours. After that, it's a matter of efficiency and I'd choose an ms462 w/20" bar, semi-chisel chain for the wood you mention.

 

[timberjack90]

I've been running 2 462's for my main cutting saws for the last 2 years, and in January bought the last 461 in my area that I could find. I much prefer the 461 for a 25 inch bar ( but I prefer aggressive rakers and 8 pin rim) . fuel consumption is about the same or less at the end of the day.

 

[toolmaker]

I've been running 2 462's for my main cutting saws for the last 2 years, and in January bought the last 461 in my area that I could find. I much prefer the 461 for a 25 inch bar ( but I prefer aggressive rakers and 8 pin rim) . fuel consumption is about the same or less at the end of the day.

Why do you prefer the 461?

 

[pwheel]

Why do you prefer the 461?

Stock 461: Lower bore/stroke ratio + larger displacement = more torque w/ longer bars & aggressive raker heights.
Stock 462: Higher bore/stroke ratio & lower piston speeds = a lightweight speed saw with a higher rpm power band and standard raker heights with longer bars.
Ported is another story...

 

[timberjack90]

It seems the 461's have a much smoother and predictable power band. They seem to last forever my old one is getting towards 10 years old it's cut a lot of trees and bucked more. After about 8 months I noticed a performance drop on both 462's but I'm thinking its plug related.

 

[pwheel]

It seems the 461's have a much smoother and predictable power band. ....

This. ^^^ Same with my 461. I'd probably be just as happy with a 462, though. Or a Husky 572.

 

[MustangMike]

My ported 460 and hybrid have more torque, but the 462 is lighter and very fast, so it depends on what I'm cutting. Also, smoother and the filter stays clean!

 

[Championlurcher]

462

 

[huskyboy]

The 462 has torque… but it’s just a narrower useable range compared to the 461 or even a 572. In timed cuts the 462 is as fast or faster. Just not as “forgiving” as the other two. I bet that could be helped with a portjob that lowers the exhaust and adds a little compression.

 

[Moparmyway]

The 462 has torque… but it’s just a narrower useable range

Mine benefitted from weaker clutch springs

@sawmikaze .......... did you see any improvement ?