New saw 462 vs 500i

[StihlMagnum440]

I have an MS290, but have been needing a more powerful saw for years. It is for storm clean up and maintenance on 40 acres of mainly hunting land. Debating between ms462 (c if I can get it or cm) and 500i. Will put a 28 or 32 bar on it use it for larger tasks and leave the 290 for limbing and other small tasks. Any problems with those saws that should steer me one way or the other?


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I would get a saw smaller saw than the 290 for limbing and light work. I use my Stihl 192C for light work and my MS250 hardly ever gets used. Using a 462 or 500i for limbing (unless large branches!) makes little sense to me. I think felling and limbing should be using two different saws which is usually possible. Saves fuel, wear and tear on you, and wear and tear on your 462/500i (wallet).

 

[MustangMike]

My 044 goes through Pine like it is paper Mache!

 

[Brown8417]

Welcome to the site (our nuthouse)!

There are advantages and disadvantages to each pick. IMO, the 462 will handle a 28" light bar just fine.

They both have VG power to weight, and in stock form the 500 is not much stronger (ported it comes alive more).

The 462 is a little lighter and has the advantage of keeping the air filter cleaner much longer. There are also reports that the 500 is a fuel guzzler, often needs the springs replaced with longer bars, and may have some "cold start" issue when the temps drop.

If you are cutting mostly softwoods, I would go with the 462. If cutting hardwoods with over a 28" bar, then go with the 500. Either one will be a huge step up from your 290. I think if you are used to using a 290 you will be blown away with a 462.

I have 2 ported 462s and they are my go-to saws. Good luck with your decision, hope you can find one.

How does the ported 462 compare to the stock 500i? I bought a 462 and it is away being ported now, my goal is to run like or better than a 500i with a 28inch bar. Weight and price were my reasons, I also love ported saws.

 

[MustangMike]

How does the ported 462 compare to the stock 500i? I bought a 462 and it is away being ported now, my goal is to run like or better than a 500i with a 28inch bar. Weight and price were my reasons, I also love ported saws.

Generally, the 500 will have more torque and the 462 will have more speed, so depending on your chain and cutting style, the 462 should do just fine as long as you don't horse it too much. I added the factory outer dog to both my 462s.

The other big advantage of the 462 is the clean air filter technology. You don't have to clean it every few hours like a 500. It also has instant throttle response, which is nice when using it for limbing.

I'm guessing where you are that you will be cutting more softwood than hardwood, your 462 should do just fine! Since the powerhead is light, I would also go with a light bar, they make a big difference in the saw's balance.

Who is doing the port work?

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Generally, the 500 will have more torque and the 462 will have more speed, so depending on your chain and cutting style, the 462 should do just fine as long as you don't horse it too much. I added the factory outer dog to both my 462s.

The other big advantage of the 462 is the clean air filter technology. You don't have to clean it every few hours like a 500. It also has instant throttle response, which is nice when using it for limbing.

I'm guessing where you are that you will be cutting more softwood than hardwood, your 462 should do just fine! Since the powerhead is light, I would also go with a light bar, they make a big difference in the saw's balance.

Who is doing the port work?

Let’s be honest no matter what he picks if that’s all he’s got is a 290 a ported 400 would be a huge jump.

 

[Woodpecker]

Let’s be honest no matter what he picks if that’s all he’s got is a 290 a ported 400 would be a huge jump.

Just for clarification Mike was talking to Brown8417 not the OP. But yes if I was looking for an upgrade to the 290 a ms400 would be great! Heck a ms261 or Husky 550 would fit that bill as well.

 

[Brown8417]

Generally, the 500 will have more torque and the 462 will have more speed, so depending on your chain and cutting style, the 462 should do just fine as long as you don't horse it too much. I added the factory outer dog to both my 462s.

The other big advantage of the 462 is the clean air filter technology. You don't have to clean it every few hours like a 500. It also has instant throttle response, which is nice when using it for limbing.

I'm guessing where you are that you will be cutting more softwood than hardwood, your 462 should do just fine! Since the powerhead is light, I would also go with a light bar, they make a big difference in the saw's balance.

Who is doing the port work?

Actually I cut about 95% hardwood. Very little softwood. I have a 25 inch Stihl light, and a 28 ordered for it. CFB does all my porting.

 

[MustangMike]

Actually I cut about 95% hardwood. Very little softwood. I have a 25 inch Stihl light, and a 28 ordered for it. CFB does all my porting.

You are in good hands! Both bars will be good on that saw, but it will balance a bit better with the 24". (Note: They used to call the 25 a 24" [which it is] and the 28" s/b called a 27"). 20" bars are the real deal.

 

[MustangMike]

Looking at what you have "in building", I would keep the 24 light on the 462 and put the 28" on one of the hybrids.

 

[Brown8417]

I have a 32 here as well, and I have ordered a 24 Cannon Duralite because I wanted to try one so I’ll have enough bars to dress them all

 

[Brown8417]

You are in good hands! Both bars will be good on that saw, but it will balance a bit better with the 24". (Note: They used to call the 25 a 24" [which it is] and the 28" s/b called a 27"). 20" bars are the real deal.

Yeah I’m great hands. @Canadian farm boy has been nothing short of amazing to work with. I have a thread 23 pages long to prove he is willing to answer any questions and help in any way he can. And trust me I have asked lots of stupid questions and bothered him way more than anyone should be bothered. He has thought me a lot and I couldn’t appreciate it more. I’d recommend him to anyone, but then they would take up porting slots I want hahaha.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Yeah I’m great hands. @Canadian farm boy has been nothing short of amazing to work with. I have a thread 23 pages long to prove he is willing to answer any questions and help in any way he can. And trust me I have asked lots of stupid questions and bothered him way more than anyone should be bothered. He has thought me a lot and I couldn’t appreciate it more. I’d recommend him to anyone, but then they would take up porting slots I want hahaha.

Thanks Colin, I try. Having a patient customer that’s easy to work with helps the process tremendously. I’m always willing to help and try to answer any question no matter what it is.

 

[MarcS]

462. You’ll likely find that your big trees are fewer than you think and you’ll be much happier with a more nimble saw with a 24” bar. Once you run the 462 you’ll park the 290. If down the road you still need a larger saw pick up a 90cc class saw.

 

[sawmikaze]

If this purchase is gonna be the biggest saw you plan to own, get a 500.

If you have plans to get a 90cc saw down the road..get a 462.

 

[hseII]

Yeah I’m great hands. @Canadian farm boy has been nothing short of amazing to work with. I have a thread 23 pages long to prove he is willing to answer any questions and help in any way he can. And trust me I have asked lots of stupid questions and bothered him way more than anyone should be bothered. He has thought me a lot and I couldn’t appreciate it more. I’d recommend him to anyone, but then they would take up porting slots I want hahaha.

You’ve got to ask him about trading toolboxes & working on the Volvos that the new Canadians drive.

He really loves talking about those topics.


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[hseII]

Actually I cut about 95% hardwood. Very little softwood. I have a 25 inch Stihl light, and a 28 ordered for it. CFB does all my porting.

He does a lot of tuning too.

Maybe @RI Chevy could take lessons.


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[Catbuster]

If you’re looking for a saw that runs a 32” bar most of the time, you want a 500i. If you want to save some scratch, have a saw that’s easier to live with, and run a 28” bar most of the time, get an MS 462.

 

[Funky sawman]

I've ran both the 462 and 500i, im curious which one revs up to max rpm quicker. It would be interesting to stop watch the two saws. They are both lightning fast, I can't tell them apart, but I've heard that the 462 is quicker

 

[Brown8417]

i would love to have a 500i, maybe once i sell some more saws i can save enough to buy one. That is my next saw to purchase.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

I've ran both the 462 and 500i, im curious which one revs up to max rpm quicker. It would be interesting to stop watch the two saws. They are both lightning fast, I can't tell them apart, but I've heard that the 462 is quicker

Honestly I’d say the 400 accelerates the fastest then the 500 but it’s very close with the 462 just behind