STIHL MS 400

[MustangMike]

Honestly, with the new light weight 362 and the 462, I don't really think we need it!

 

[huskyboy]

Stihl has never really had a mid 60cc saw since the days of the 038 and 038 super. There was always a gap between the 60 and 70cc since. Which is why I was surprised to see them come out with the ms400. Could be interesting... could be a flop. Time will tell.

 

[Cobby08]

I agree with Mason, I would agree with you Mike spec wise but the aspect of Stihl NEEEEEEDSSSS a saw more than 4.8HP and less than $1000 retail. Price point I think is going to be the key make or break factor.

 

[RI Chevy]

Maybe they will be doing away with some of the other saws?

 

[MustangMike]

Maybe they will be doing away with some of the other saws?

The 362 Ver II and 462 are both relatively new. IMO, the new 362, which is more than a 1/2 lb lighter than Ver I and has the same power S/B getting more traction than it gets and suffers from an image problem. It is like when Ford fixed all the issues with the Pinto in 79/80, it was just too late.

The 362 V II, at about 12.5 lbs, would make an excellent all around saw for someone who wants just one saw that can both limb and buck. It may not run as strong as a 562, but it is a good deal lighter.

I think Stihl should promote how much lighter the 261 and 362 Ver II saws are a bit more … it could help and they are both great power/weight saws.

 

[BonScott46]

The 400 is not available in sweden.

 

[RI Chevy]

The weight is negligible Mike.

 

[Cobby08]

Maybe they will be doing away with some of the other saws?

I don't know for sure. I'm sure like the 441/461 transition to the 462 they will want MOST of the bugs worn off then phase out the old. I feel like as long as this 400 comes out smoothly then eventually it will phase out of the 362. Time will tell for sure.

 

[00wyk]

It looks like it's based on the 362 chassis, so most of the trouble shooting is already done?

https://www.stihl.co.uk/STIHL-Produ...for-forestry-work/2107810-130/MS-400-C-M.aspx

 

[stihl livin]

Honestly, with the new light weight 362 and the 462, I don't really think we need it!

Thats your opinion and most don’t care what you think

 

[taplinhill]

As a long time user of the Jonsered 670 family of saws, a saw of the same displacement is very interesting to me. The 2171 was the replacement for the 670 and while it had more power and weighed less it balanced and handled like a bigger saw. Any of the 60cc class saws had the balance and handling but lacked the torque. As the 70cc class saws seem to be getting bigger I think the market has gap that this saw can fill. If I actually needed another saw I would take a serious look at this one.

 

[MustangMike]

And, that's just your opinion. Seems that a lot of people care what I think, even when some of them don't agree with me.

 

[Cobby08]

It looks like it's based on the 362 chassis, so most of the trouble shooting is already done?

https://www.stihl.co.uk/STIHL-Produ...for-forestry-work/2107810-130/MS-400-C-M.aspx

I was told looks are deceiving. Transfer channels on the front not on the side. Mag piston. They should be fairly similar but still plenty different non the less.

 

[RI Chevy]

I'm anxious to see it and give it a run. [emoji106]

 

[MarcS]

Anyone know the price difference back of the 044 and 038 Mag back in the day?

 

[MarcS]

Ok, asked my old man if he remembered. He said the late 80’s was already a damn long time ago but the 044 was definitely priced higher and made a difference on buying decisions. Said he sold a lot of 038 Mags to guys still hand cutting pulp and the 044 to the hardwood loggers. Could’ve been a very local thing too...

 

[huskyboy]

If the 400 pulls/oils a 24” bar, weighs close to a 362 and undercuts the 462 pricing significantly it could be something interesting. Basically a stihl equivalent to a husky 365 special... firewood guys would buy it.

 

[huskyboy]

I’ve used the 462 for a week last year and it is very lite for 72cc on paper, but fueled and oiled up with a bar on it... it feels really similar to a 372xp or 044. Not a bad thing at all. Good saw. But it’s not a 4 cube (60cc class) replacement like people hype it to be. It’s realistically a 044/440 replacement. Imho.

 

[Woodpecker]

I’ve used the 462 for a week last year and it is very lite for 72cc on paper, but fueled and oiled up with a bar on it... it feels really similar to a 372xp or 044. Not a bad thing at all. Good saw. But it’s not a 4 cube (60cc class) replacement like people hype it to be. It’s realistically a 044/440 replacement. Imho.

I've said this a couple times. It's the saw a 441 always should have been. A legit modernized version of the 044/440. It basically combines all the best features of those saws and the 372. It's pretty hard to find anything but nitpick type stuff to complain about.

Edit to add: The 400 probably feels more like a 362 than a 462

 

[MustangMike]

So, if the 400 needs to cost noticeably less than a 462 to be viable, but it has a Magnesium piston … I donno!!!