Stihl MS500i

[CR888]

In 20"-30" Aussie hardwoods I'll take a bigger saw every time. 5cube 80cc saws do alright, 90cc saws do better. The larger saws have stronger AV, bigger clutch, dawgs & oiler. But it depends on the wood and how much rainfall its been grown in.

 

[MustangMike]

Just replace the 441 with a 462 … Lighter, and more powerful, and unlike the 500 the air filter will stay cleaner!

 

[huskyboy]

Just replace the 441 with a 462 … Lighter, and more powerful, and unlike the 500 the air filter will stay cleaner!

A 462 isn’t quite as “torquey” as a 441, but it is faster. I’d choose the 462 over the 441 as well.

 

[MustangMike]

He has the 661 for torque, I would not get rid of that for a 500!

 

[huskyboy]

He has the 661 for torque, I would not get rid of that for a 500!

Agreed

 

[markds2]

He has the 661 for torque, I would not get rid of that for a 500!

It's an extremely interesting debate chaps, if none of you have ever cut Aussie hardwoods you would be in for a real shock. The Sydney Blue Gum that I'm cutting has a density of 850kg per cubic metre (Osage orange is 775kg per cubic metre) and although it isnt as dense as it is when it grows in its native habitat (we have a far higher rainfall than Australia - parts of the West coast of the South Island get over 20ft of rain annually) it still is incredibly hard and heavy. Then, if the choice is between the 462 and 500, regardless of the 661, I think the 500 is better suited. I want to keep one 90cc saw and this will be the 660 (for personal reasons beyond this debate) and would like a saw between it and the 261c. I'd love to get a ported one but Randy doesn't have access to them at the moment unfortunately. The 500 is also readily available here too and my friendly dealer has given me an offer of $400 off retail with an out the door price of $2100nz ($1290usd).

 

[markds2]

Just replace the 441 with a 462 … Lighter, and more powerful, and unlike the 500 the air filter will stay cleaner!

The 500i is still lighter than the 441 and has waaaaay more power, on paper at least.

 

[markds2]

@MustangMike have you tried a 500i? I know you have a ported 462 (I think by the good doc?) which would be some saw!

 

[lehman live edge slab]

The 500i does have way more power than a 441 stock vs stock but 7-8cc and fuel injection should count for something

 

[dall]

The 500i is still lighter than the 441 and has waaaaay more power, on paper at least.

the 500i has good torque
alot on here have only ran stock 500i and that was limited to less than a day
some also want full rpm or higher rpm

 

[HYPERSAWS]

It's an extremely interesting debate chaps, if none of you have ever cut Aussie hardwoods you would be in for a real shock. The Sydney Blue Gum that I'm cutting has a density of 850kg per cubic metre (Osage orange is 775kg per cubic metre) and although it isnt as dense as it is when it grows in its native habitat (we have a far higher rainfall than Australia - parts of the West coast of the South Island get over 20ft of rain annually) it still is incredibly hard and heavy. Then, if the choice is between the 462 and 500, regardless of the 661, I think the 500 is better suited. I want to keep one 90cc saw and this will be the 660 (for personal reasons beyond this debate) and would like a saw between it and the 261c. I'd love to get a ported one but Randy doesn't have access to them at the moment unfortunately. The 500 is also readily available here too and my friendly dealer has given me an offer of $400 off retail with an out the door price of $2100nz ($1290usd).

If I had to pick between the 500i and 462 it would be the 500 everytime. Way better bang for your buck in my opinion

 

[markds2]

If I had to pick between the 500i and 462 it would be the 500 everytime. Way better bang for your buck in my opinion

I know you ported yours, but how did you like it stock? You had problems with it running rich didn't you?

 

[CLEARCUT]

I know you ported yours, but how did you like it stock? You had problems with it running rich didn't you?

It ran way too rich in stock form IMO. At least the one I had.

 

[markds2]

It ran way too rich in stock form IMO. At least the one I had.

What Octane rating is the fuel you use? Do you reckon that might make a difference?

 

[huskyboy]

They shoulda put the 462 filter setup on the 500i and stronger AV mounts. The AV is rather floppy on a 500i compared to other offerings imho. I probably wouldn’t run longer than a 28” on it with that AV, which is about right for a saw that size anyway. It’s not a 90cc saw in long bar capability. Just something for the OP to take into consideration.

 

[markds2]

They shoulda put the 462 filter setup on the 500i and stronger AV mounts. The AV is rather floppy on a 500i compared to other offerings imho. I probably wouldn’t run longer than a 28” on it with that AV, which is about right for a saw that size anyway. It’s not a 90cc saw in long bar capability. Just something for the OP to take into consideration.

Yes, I thought about that, but I think it will be less of a problem when clambering around piles of wood bucking than it would be if I was felling on steep slopes. I soon get sick of the weight of the 661C but love how smooth it and the 441 are.

 

[huskyboy]

Yes, I thought about that, but I think it will be less of a problem when clambering around piles of wood bucking than it would be if I was felling on steep slopes. I soon get sick of the weight of the 661C but love how smooth it and the 441 are.

Think of the 500i as a 462 with a big bore kit and fuel injection. That’s pretty much what it is. If that’s what your after and you want to run a 28” bar on it... it should be a good fit. Just get ready to take out a second mortgage on your house to afford it... lol jk... they are a good saw but very expensive and the technology is still new.

 

[markds2]

Think of the 500i as a 462 with a big bore kit and fuel injection. That’s pretty much what it is. If that’s what your after and you want to run a 28” bar on it... it should be a good fit. Just get ready to take out a second mortgage on your house to afford it... lol jk... they are a good saw but very expensive and the technology is still new.

Don't worry, I'm selling my 288xp, MS661C and 441 which should easily cover the cost

 

[dall]

only muffler modded in the video its been ported by @huskihl and was ran by some at his gtg

only time mason ran the 500i was at the ct gtg before either of the 2 500i that was there was broken in
but some think they know all about all

 

[huskyboy]

Don't worry, I'm selling my 288xp, MS661C and 441 which should easily cover the cost

I would personally choose a ported 461R with max flo and HO oiler for a 5 cube stihl if I was buying a new one today. Just my opinion, nothing more.