50 or 60? A real conversation

[fearofpavement]

I always use the smallest saw that will efficiently do the job. So if I were to cut up a large oak, I would likely fell it with a large saw and then start cutting the tops with an MS180 or 026, Then I would move up to an 039 with a 20" bar and then go to an 046/MS460 and then go to an MS660 if necessary. My favorite saw is the Stihl 026.

 

[huskihl]

My 261’s might be turds, idk. But I don’t think they’ll hang with my 50cc huskies. Never really given them a fair comparison though

 

[fearofpavement]

Tomorrow I will be doing some tornado damage cleanup with Samaritan's Purse and will likely only use an MS460 and MS660 as they've already cut up the smaller stuff on the site I'm heading to.

 

[farminkarman]

My 261’s might be turds, idk. But I don’t think they’ll hang with my 50cc huskies. Never really given them a fair comparison though

I wouldn’t call your 261’s turds…you do build one hell of 346 though.

 

[Cat 525]

562's are way to go!

 

[Woodslasher]

I've only run a 50cc pro saw once and it was modded, but 99% of the time if I'm cutting stuff that is mostly 24" or less I'll only run my 562. I'm not going to pretend that I run a saw a lot at all, but when I had to run a saw day in day out for weeks on a clearing job my 562 was pretty much all I ran. It gets heavy at the end of a full day but for 99% of the stuff I do it's more than adequate.

 

[blackbruin]

This was felled with the xs slingblade 2152. 20" 3/8 lgx hand filed round ground.
@huskihl and the gang at duanes gtg last year got to whittle it down with the big dogs. No issues. I like smaller chassis saws. Believe it was 49" at the base.

 

[drf256]

I picked the 261C because I am partial to Stihls.

I feel they are more durable and reliable for cutting, in part because of superior fasteners. Their Autotune system seems to be more ergonomic and simplistic. No “reflashing” of systems at dealers, etc… (but then again, they may have greatly improved).

I like 60cc saws, but they are too close to a 70cc for it to make a difference. It’s not a matter of what a saw can do for me, it’s a matter of what will do it the best, quickest and most reliably.

Too bad they don’t make the 036 any longer. It’s 1-2 pounds heavier than a 261 and actually the same physical size.

 

[GCJenks204]

I’m never getting rid of my MoFo 261

It seems to run all afternoon on one tank of fuel with a 16” and .375, and has the nutz to run a 25” if I had to

I’ve not grabbed the 562 since I got the 261, it’s just that good !!!

I feel the same about my Tree Monkey 261. Always the first saw I grab. I’ve had any assortment of 60cc and all went down the road.

 

[JugHead27]

I feel the same about my Tree Monkey 261. Always the first saw I grab. I’ve had any assortment of 60cc and all went down the road.

I agree with other comments here on the 60cc saw class just being too close to the 70cc saw class to justify breaking it out too often, handles much closer to a 70cc than 50cc.

 

[5155]

Specs say the 550 has .6 more hp than the 55.
Impressive for a small package. I see why owners like em.
My 55s are now pouting and planning a takeover.

 

[MG2186]

I probably enjoy running my modded 346’s the most for firewood, but that isn’t on the list. My ported 550xp mkII is just as strong as my 346’s, drinks less fuel, and doesn’t need a screwdriver. Stock or ported, I don’t think the 562xp suits my needs better than the 550…if the wood gets over 20”, then I grab a 70 or 80cc saw.

This is where I’m at too, I’m running my 572 or 92 and my ported 550 for little stuff. I noodle everything so I like a bigger power head. I rip everything at 24-28” lengths so I’m always running 28” bar

 

[lehman live edge slab]

This question will depend on your situation kind of because I know most of us here have several saws but if this question was asked to me by someone without any saws at and they wanted to do as much as they could with one I’d recommend the ms400c. No it’s not a 462 but a bit cheaper and lighter plus the same weight as the ms 362 at 59cc and basically as light as some of the 50cc. So if it’s a one for all I vote the 400 if not and you’re a saw hoarder then rank them and buy in order till you own them all.

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

Who doesn't want the most power in the lightest package? If I had a pocket pen laser beam that could cut down 50" trees I'd use that everytime.

 

[Sawdust Man]

Is it still really a 60cc saw? Discuss!

I like real conversations

It's not 60cc's, so if that's all a person considers, no.

The 400 is the same exact package as the 362 but it's 67cc and has quite a bit better power... it's also more money than any of the other 60cc saws.
It is 1/2 lb heavier than the 362, but it's also around 1/2 lb less than the 562xp or 620p.

In my book power, weight, bulk, and handling are what matters when comparing saws, I don't care what the CC's are.....and, by the weight, bulk, and handling definition the 400 is a 60cc class saw..... that happens to have near 70cc class power.

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

In my book power, weight, bulk, and handling are what matters when comparing saws, I don't care what the CC's are.....

That's it in a nutshell. I didn't buy a 500i because it's a 79cc saw. I bought it because it offered a terrific power to weight ratio in a medium sized saw.

If my 034 died an irreparable death today I'd go out and buy a 261. Because it's about the same power in a smaller, lighter, more comfortable package.

Now port a 261 and you get almost stock 70cc power in a 50cc size. It's a win all around for the attributes that matter in a saw.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Who doesn't want the most power in the lightest package? If I had a pocket pen laser beam that could cut down 50" trees I'd use that everytime.

That would suck no noise or sawdust

 

[Duce]

Sold 562's after picking up 550mk2 and modding muffler. Never thought I would own a 50cc saw, do not care for 346's, have owned a few and all sailed. Anything under 18" just grab that mk2, above use a larger saw. To each his own and use what you like.

 

[Wolverine]

My favorite saw is a ported 357. When Dan ported it he described them as a 346 on steroids and that guys 346's weren't weak.

 

[Stihlalltheway]

60cc gives the option for a wrap handle if you’re into that sort of thing, I like the 362r a lot, ran one quite a bit last year for burn prep and hazard tree falling