New Stihl saws vs older Stihl saws (2024)

I did not run yours, but I've owned a ported 460.

What category do you consider the 044/440s in?

70 cc vs 77 cc. The weight difference makes them more of an all around saw rather than a bucking saw (for many people). Of course, my next door neighbor is 6'6" and over 300 so for him they are both limbing saws!

But for most of us mere mortals, we notice the weight difference rapidly.

Both my ported 460s have 046-D jugs on them, and I think they are on the strong side of the ledger.

MustangMike said:

70 cc vs 77 cc.

Both my ported 460s have 046-D jugs on them, and I think they are on the strong side of the ledger.

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70.7 vs 76.5, so not even 6 cc different between 044/440 & 046/460/461. Again, too close to tell much difference.

There's not enough difference to argue about: I think that pretty much sums it up.

Yeah, so did mine.

My 461s have the 460 I had beat, same builder.

hseII said:

70.7 vs 76.5, so not even 6 cc different between 044/440 & 046/460/461. Again, too close to tell much difference.

There's not enough difference to argue about: I think that pretty much sums it up.

Yeah, so did mine.

My 461s have the 460 I had beat, same builder.

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Less than 10% in weight and displacement. I still always end up selling the 44s since more people seek them and have kept my 46. It's milled a ton of lumber after I sold all the big boy saws.

The displacement is less than 10% difference, but not the weight. (Generally 14 lb to 15.75 lb dry power head).

For milling, the 77s are definitely better. (Bigger is generally better for milling).

If you want to gauge the difference in weight, just look at Marcello's face when he picks up my 044 (w/28" light bar) at the CT GTG after using his ported 461. He immediately comments on the weight difference.

MustangMike said:

The displacement is less than 10% difference, but not the weight. (Generally 14 lb to 15.75 lb dry power head).

For milling, the 77s are definitely better. (Bigger is generally better for milling).

If you want to gauge the difference in weight, just look at Marcello's face when he picks up my 044 (w/28" light bar) at the CT GTG after using his ported 461. He immediately comments on the weight difference.

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I've had about 8 of each. For the small weight penalty to me I'll take the added power and better oiler. I run a 34" normally on it any way.

MustangMike said:

There is no replacement saw out there right now that will give you the performance of an 044 at the same weight.

A 460 or 461 is an excellent bucking saw, but fully fueled is is almost 2 lbs heavier than an 044/440. Limb some large branches that you have to reach for and you will notice that difference very fast.

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372.

bwalker said:

372.

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Or a 562..

mdavlee said:

I've had about 8 of each. For the small weight penalty to me I'll take the added power and better oiler. I run a 34" normally on it any way.

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It all depends on your intended purpose. For running a long bar or milling, there is no debate, but for other stuff, each one has it's benefits. That is why I have both (and plan to have both for the foreseeable future).

If I added a new saw, a 064 or 661 would be nice! I do plan to use the 046/460s to do some milling in the near future.

Evanrude said:

How are the spring mounts holding up on the big Stihls with big bars?

I know when the 441 came out they had a mushy feel, my C-RM felt nice though. However, I didn't run it much then sold it. I just couldn't get used to the bulky feeling over my 440's.

As for @Deets066 question above, I don't think I'd trade my 440 for a new 461. Mostly for the reason stated by @MustangMike above. Well that and the simplicity of a 440 is a dream to work on.

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A 461 is just as easy to work on as a 440. 461 is still a 1128 series saw, with simplicity in mind.

IMHO a 461 is a more refined 460, with better fit & finish.

mdavlee said:

If I want to drop down in weight the 562 does it. Still enough power for a 24" or 28" and has a wrap handle. Really I'm using it for 90% of what I do. I'm kind of over using a 90cc for anything short of milling with 30" of wood or using the 50" for bucking.

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They are very nice saws, but any time you want to compare it to my 044 with a 28" bar at a GTG, just let me know.

bwalker said:

372.

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bwalker said:

Or a 562..

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thought it was a stihl thread

dall said:

thought it was a stihl thread

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You must not have read the post by Mustangmike that stated "there is no replacement saw out there".

MustangMike said:

They are very nice saws, but any time you want to compare it to my 044 with a 28" bar at a GTG, just let me know.

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Can I use my own chain?[emoji6]

I would run more stihls but they sell so easy I have trouble keeping them.

junkman said:

My thread has been tainted with Husqvarna .

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Trying to improve you poor stihl heads lives[emoji1]

bwalker said:

You must not have read the post by Mustangmike that stated "there is no replacement saw out there".

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you read into alot of things because he did not mention a husky anywhere maybe your smelling to much of your saw gas

dall said:

you read into alot of things because he did not mention a husky anywhere maybe your smelling to much of your saw gas

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Pretty plain what he said.