Stihl 361 vs 390 Chainsaw

[mtpisgah]

I am looking to get a new chainsaw and need a 25" bar to cut a number of dead trees from my property and some rentals of my in-laws. I currently have a Stihl 250 which is great but with an 18" bar is just not enough for 36" trees I am cutting. I had decided on the Stihl 361 with 59cc and 4.4bhp and then I noticed that the 390 has 64.1cc and 4.3bhp. The 390 is about $140 less expensive also. Why does a less expensive saw have more bhp and larger enginer? How much difference would it make?

[WH401]

The 390 is a mid-range use saw, while the 361 is a true commercial saw. While the 390 may have more power and a slightly bigger engine, the 361 is made with slightly stronger components and extra features that will stand up to the day in and out use of a saw. That said, I have the 390 and think it's one hell of a saw and it's by no means a pansy. It cuts through tree's like a hot knife through butter (though a lot of that depends on how sharp the blade is), it's smooth, and it starts right up (it sat for 3 years after my father passed away, still had the same gas in the tank, and fired up on the 4th pull, that's pretty good if you ask me).

If I were you I would go with the 390. For what you say you want to do, it doesn't sound like you plan on cutting every day, nor does it sound like it will see "abusive" use. I like both saws so it's really about how much your willing to spend. If I had to buy over again I would probably lean towards the 361, only because I believe in "over-kill". Other wise the 390 has been an excellent saw.

[bluridge]

if money is a concern get the MS390. There are difference between the pro and homeowner saws. The pro saws have magnesium crankcase while the homeowner has plastic crankcase. A big difference here and this is why the MS361 can run 50 hours a week for a years with no problems. Typically people who timber for a living use pro saws. Should you apply this logic to your application? Sure why not...after all we do this with many other purchases.

I was originally looking at the MS260 pro saw...but and flipped to the Farm Boss MS290 and then MS390/MS270 and decided I would rather get something that is a little better quality and not have to upgrade or sell to upgrade down the road.

Another benefit is the 361 weights less and has AV (antivibration)...boy this AV makes it a breeze to work with. I cut for 5 hours straight and did not feel tired when I was done. I got mine with the 20" bar so it can theoretically cut a 40" tree. And I can get a 18" bar to cut smaller trees if that happens often. With an undersize saw...to get a bigger saw you'd have more saws on hand.

I think I will buy a place/land and want to be able to cut trees that have been down etc. I am also tired of junk saws ;)

So the choice is yours. IMO...spending $100 more for a pro saw is peanuts. Of course if you know you will be using the saw one time...see if you can borrow one.

I have the 361 and think its a good saw for the $$. These saws have heated handle switch and obviously if your cutting in all kinds of weather this is what you want.

BTW...you should not have to pay MSRP for a new one. They can be had for 10% cheaper. Typically the pro saws are discounted a bit more since folks always buy cheaper saws. Also you may want to check out the saws now as I hear the 361 is being phased out for a 362 and this will be more $$. The MS390 weights more than the 361 and fatigue becomes a factor if your sawing for a couple hours. The 361 is a good weight to power ratio saw.

Good luck. Buy the 361 and start :walking:

[mtpisgah]

Thanks for the input guys. I ordered a 361 today with a 25" bar. I will either sell me MS250 or put a shorter bar on it for cutting limbs when the tree is on the ground.

When I bought my last two blowers (BR550 & BG85) I decided to spend a little extra and get the better model than what I thought I needed and it has paid off. When I bought the 250 I did the same but my needs quickly out grew the saw. I only have a few trees on my property that would need a saw bigger than the 361 so I will just hope they don't die.

Now I need to decide which Stihl weedeater to buy so I can replace the Ryobi my dad bought me 8 years ago. Hopefully my wife will give me one for Christmas.

[tallguy]

Thanks for the input guys. I ordered a 361 today with a 25" bar.
I know its an old thread but just wanted to give you a big thumbs up for making the right decision there. Thumbs Up