MS400.1 c-m

[lehman live edge slab]

This is what a 84dl hexa chain goes for in Central Wisconsin.

The chain was about half sharpened back, but i had just sharpened it, just like i do for all my chains, with a fast hungry hook (rakers about .026-.030" usually, my ms362 is currently wearing about .029" rakers), and the saw had hours on it... maybe too many? I didnt do anything different to that chain over any of mine, was stihl 33rs, just like i run on my saws... so...i dont think the chain was the issue....LOL

Maybe it doesnt like 1700 Janka black loqust is all? My 362 doesnt mind it though... thats what our test log at the shop currently is...

I’ve owned 3 ms 362’s and bought an ms 400 soon as I could get one. Not one of the 362’s i had would touch my 400 even muffler modded with a bit of timing and my 400 stock. I still have one 362 for the moment and my 400 is now a stump shot special and not going anywhere.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

From the first video: Jens said the new MS400 is based on the previous MS400 but is a redesigned saw--basically the next evolution, not just an improvement. There's less rotating mass which is why it feels like a fuel-injected saw, the handles are redesigned for better balance and anti-vibration, heated handles will be available as an option.

Jens said the main benefit of the STIHL RAPID HEXA(tm) chain is consistent and easy sharpening for the average chainsaw user, and cutter longevity in dirty conditions (including roots) is improved.

---
Regarding MS400 cutting ability (I have an early one from @jk14 and @julie wolf has a 2023 which has several improvements), I find the anti-vibration a bit "springy" though got used to it and it is smooth. It does well for a mid-size saw in Central Wisconsin, which for the most part makes a great all-around saw as it's light enough for brush cutting with a small bar and powerful enough for pulling a 28" bar through most of what we have (or at least what I deal with). The fuel tank is a bit small so it's dry after 30 to 45 minutes of use, faster if constantly bucking "big" stuff (for Wisconsin).

Personally I usually use a smaller saw for limbing and larger for bucking over 14", but if someone were looking to own just one saw that "does it all" I think an MS400 would be a great choice as long as they had the upper body strength to run it comfortably. The auto-tune works great (there are no carb adjustment screws) in the hot/cold/100% humidity/dry conditions I've been in, so with that and HEXA chain it should be a versatile easy to maintain saw.

What changes have they made to the 400 until this new one? Same 67cc saw throughout its life with a mag piston, mtronic version 3 from day one ect.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Personally I think this is a step backwards, why would you go away from the light piston that should help save the crank and bearings, go to a smaller cc “I’m assuming to get the piston weight down” and then go to a new light weight crank to make it rev like the 400 all while cranking it up some porting wise to keep the same power and loosing a little weight on saw overall.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

What changes have they made to the 400 until this new one? Same 67cc saw throughout its life with a mag piston, mtronic version 3 from day one ect.

Although the changes I'm going to mention impacted what I was doing they should not impact parts replacement on a stock saw nor impact porting.

The two things I ran into when working on the saws (in the context of "I do not port saws and this is not an extensive list") are the clutch cover was elongated, and the right side saw case is different in the front right inside muffler area to the point I had to significantly redesign the mounting of a clutch cover exhaust shield.

IPL	P/N	Description
	1142 648 0460	Previous Clutch Cover
46	1140 648 0461	Clutch Cover (2023)
46	1140 640 1703	Clutch Cover (2024)
10	1140 020 2954	Crankcase assembly, right (2024)

All clutch covers fit either iteration of the MS400 crankcase (image attached).

It "looked like" there were handle refinements (IPL 1, P/N 1140 350 0841, "Tank Housing"), but I had neither the time nor inclination to look into that as it didn't impede what I was doing and I wasn't willing to invest in a new handle if it had been updated.

I find it interesting STIHL -from what I've seen- continually improves their products (in my opinion the changes on this and other saws are improvements), as that requires an investment in engineering, testing, and changes to manufacturing. Working more in the automotive industry the first thing I had noticed was the 2023 saw has better lines making the over-all appearance flow better and look more refined. From a mechanical standpoint, for my purposes it was quite a bit easier to work with the 2023 saw, the crankcase surface for instance was all in the same plane, likely has more strength, is likely lighter, and yet provides slightly more room. I'm not a Husqvarna expert by any means so correct me if I'm wrong in saying it seems pretty obvious from the changes in case design and bar looks that style/appearance is important to them also--I think the changes are a marked improvement in style, though that's subjective.


(previous appearance)


(new appearance)


(new lightweight bar, new look)

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Although the changes I'm going to mention impacted what I was doing they should not impact parts replacement on a stock saw nor impact porting.

The two things I ran into when working on the saws (in the context of "I do not port saws and this is not an extensive list") are the clutch cover was elongated, and the right side saw case is different in the front right inside muffler area to the point I had to significantly redesign the mounting of a clutch cover exhaust shield.

IPL	P/N	Description
	1142 648 0460	Previous Clutch Cover
46	1140 648 0461	Clutch Cover (2023)
46	1140 640 1703	Clutch Cover (2024)
10	1140 020 2954	Crankcase assembly, right (2024)

All clutch covers are interchangeable on either iteration of the MS400 (image attached).

It "looked like" there were handle refinements (IPL 1, P/N 1140 350 0841, "Tank Housing), but I had neither the time nor inclination to look into that as it didn't impede what I was doing and I wasn't willing to invest in a new handle if it had been updated.

I find it interesting STIHL -from what I've seen- continually improves their products (in my opinion the changes on this and other saws are improvements), as that requires an investment in engineering, testing, and changes to manufacturing. Working more in the automotive industry the first thing I had noticed was the 2023 saw has better lines making the over-all appearance flow better and look more refined. From a mechanical standpoint, for my purposes it was quite a bit easier to work with the 2023 saw, the crankcase surface for instance was all in the same plane, likely has more strength, is likely lighter, and yet provides slightly more room. I'm not a Husqvarna expert by any means so correct me if I'm wrong in saying it seems pretty obvious from the changes in case design and bar looks that style/appearance is important to them also--I think the changes are a marked improvement in style, though that's subjective.

View attachment 434194
(previous appearance)

View attachment 434196
(new appearance)

View attachment 434198
(new lightweight bar, new look)

So yes they cosmetically changed them but nothing will be noticeable without close inspection and really did nothing to improve functionality of the saw for the most part. 9 out of 10 people wouldn’t notice anything has changed when running one.

 

[WI_Hedgehog]

So yes they cosmetically changed them but nothing will be noticeable without close inspection and really did nothing to improve functionality of the saw for the most part. 9 out of 10 people wouldn’t notice anything has changed when running one.

I'd guess 10/10 people wouldn't notice anything changed nor care. I'm likely the outlier as far as that's concerned.

I didn't see anything that would make it run better, but I don't port them so that's up to someone else.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

I'd guess 10/10 people wouldn't notice anything changed nor care. I'm likely the outlier as far as that's concerned.

I didn't see anything that would make it run better, but I don't port them so that falls on someone else.

These minor cosmetic tweaks may be do to a change made for the new improved 400.1 so they could just carry on with the clutch covers ect on the new saw with that part number.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

This is what a 84dl hexa chain goes for in Central Wisconsin.

That chain is 35$ up here

 

[Ezarb]

I hate to ask such a noob sounding question with my first official post, but since I'm trying to source a 400c for purchase this weekend, I figured I'd better ask now than have a case of buyers remorse when a revised version launches a week later (that would be my luck)..

My question -
These 400.1's aren't available here in the US, correct?
If they are, who has them?
If not, any idea when we will see them?

Also, did I read correctly that this 400.1 revision is merely cosmetic? Or did I miss something?

 

[lehman live edge slab]

I hate to ask such a noob sounding question with my first official post, but since I'm trying to source a 400c for purchase this weekend, I figured I'd better ask now than have a case of buyers remorse when a revised version launches a week later (that would be my luck)..

My question -
These 400.1's aren't available here in the US, correct?
If they are, who has them?
If not, any idea when we will see them?

Also, did I read correctly that this 400.1 revision is merely cosmetic? Or did I miss something?

No they won’t be around for awhile next spring overseas and us who knows. No concrete evidence of how much has changed or not they say based off current saw but changes were made. Smaller size engine at 63cc and supposedly back to an aluminum piston with a light weight rotating assembly for fast acceleration. Personally I hope this isn’t a backwards move with the smaller cc, light crank and same hp. To save 7-8 ounces on a saw and have it break far more often isn’t what they should be doing.

 

[Ezarb]

If they change it to 63cc & keep it like that going forward, I wonder what they'll do with the 362..?
Unless it's dramatically different in power to the 362, it would kinda be kinda odd/pointless to have two pro saws that close in displacement/power, no?
That MS36X Series is pretty iconic too, I'd hate to see it go. The MS360 was the first real saw I ever bought.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

If they change it to 63cc & keep it like that going forward, I wonder what they'll do with the 362..?
Unless it's dramatically different in power to the 362, it would kinda be kinda odd/pointless to have two pro saws that close in displacement/power, no?
That MS36X Series is pretty iconic too, I'd hate to see it go. The MS360 was the first real saw I ever bought.

Odds are the 362 will go away, it’s old and while durable I’m pretty sure the 400 stole a lot of its sales because as durable as it is they’re kinda boring.

 

[Ezarb]

Odds are the 362 will go away, it’s old and while durable I’m pretty sure the 400 stole a lot of its sales because as durable as it is they’re kinda boring.

Wow, no kidding. I wonder what the specs will be on that 400.1 if they downsize the displacement.
I've always loved the 036-36X series due to their weight. For someone on a crew sawing all day in odd ball positions, or up in a tree it can be quite a refreshing to put down the 70cc saws & pick up a 12 pounder.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Wow, no kidding. I wonder what the specs will be on that 400.1 if they downsize the displacement.
I've always loved the 036-36X series due to their weight. For someone on a crew sawing all day in odd ball positions, or up in a tree it can be quite a refreshing to put down the 70cc saws & pick up a 12 pounder.

Thing is why carry a 362 when you can carry a 400 wirh more power and same weight basically. The 400 was based on the 362 so other than saving a few hundred dollars you’re not gaining anything with a 362. The 400.1 is supposed to be same power but lighter. And the 036/360, 361 and 362 share nothing in common other than same basic displacement.

 

[ManiacalMark]

I personally think after releasing a 68cc ms400 the 362 size version will be a big flop for people.

 

[stgdz]

Isn't that kinda the whole point of a.larger cc saw

Why get a 45cc when a 50 is just a little bit more. And if you are at a 50 then a 62 is really close. But why get a 62 when a 70cc gives you more. And if you are at a 70cc you may as well get a 90cc and just drop it on the log and pull the trigger.

Course you end up like me with a 50cc and a 92cc.

 

[bogieboy]

Isn't that kinda the whole point of a.larger cc saw

Why get a 45cc when a 50 is just a little bit more. And if you are at a 50 then a 62 is really close. But why get a 62 when a 70cc gives you more. And if you are at a 70cc you may as well get a 90cc and just drop it on the log and pull the trigger.

Course you end up like me with a 50cc and a 92cc.

Or you end up like me, with a pair of 35 cc, a pair of 50, a 62, a 70, and a 92 CC

 

[Woodpecker]

Isn't that kinda the whole point of a.larger cc saw

Why get a 45cc when a 50 is just a little bit more. And if you are at a 50 then a 62 is really close. But why get a 62 when a 70cc gives you more. And if you are at a 70cc you may as well get a 90cc and just drop it on the log and pull the trigger.

Course you end up like me with a 50cc and a 92cc.

Because ideally you have multiple saws spaced out with about a 20cc difference in displacement between them. Then you choose the saw you run based on the task at hand. Felling and bucking large wood choose the 90cc. Limbing then choose the 40-50cc saw, and so on. It’s not rocket surgery

I agree with others once you let the 68cc ms400 genie out of the bottle why take a step backwards and try to force it back in? If the news of the 400.1 being smaller displacement is true I may be in thr market for a couple more current gen 400s.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Because ideally you have multiple saws spaced out with about a 20cc difference in displacement between them. Then you choose the saw you run based on the task at hand. Felling and bucking large wood choose the 90cc. Limbing then choose the 40-50cc saw, and so on. It’s not rocket surgery

I agree with others once you let the 68cc ms400 genie out of the bottle why take a step backwards and try to force it back in? If the news of the 400.1 being smaller displacement is true I may be in thr market for a couple more current gen 400s.

From the German site it specs 63cc but same power and less weight. Still no ideal why unless two many were comparing rhe 562 vs 400 even though it’s bigger. 63 cc version would be right there with the light crank for acceleration. Guess time will tell

 

[Woodpecker]

From the German site it specs 63cc but same power and less weight. Still no ideal why unless two many were comparing rhe 562 vs 400 even though it’s bigger. 63 cc version would be right there with the light crank for acceleration. Guess time will tell

Yeah I’m not sure I like the combination of relatively heavy-er piston and lighter crank though. I guess time will tell how well they hold up if the rumors prove true.

For me the current 400 is a know quantity and I like my MMWS version a bunch! It has stolen run time from my 50cc saws and my 7910( which I like a whole bunch too).