Here are some Specs and Testing info on the Chainsaws that were tested.
→ Stihl MS 261 Chainsaw
POWERHEAD WEIGHT 10.8 lbs.
OILOMATIC CHAIN .325″ RM3
ENGINE POWER 4.0 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY 16.9 oz.
DISPLACEMENT 50.2 cc
→ Stihl MS 362 C-M Chainsaw With M-Tronic engine management
POWERHEAD WEIGHT 12.35 lbs.
OILOMATIC CHAIN 3/8″ RS3
ENGINE POWER 4.69 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY 20.3 oz.
DISPLACEMENT 59.0 cc
→ Stihl MS 500i I with electronically controlled fuel injection
POWERHEAD WEIGHT 13.9 lbs.
OILOMATIC® CHAIN 3/8″ RS3
ENGINE POWER 6.7 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY 26.5 oz.
DISPLACEMENT 79.2 cc
→ Stihl MS 661 C-M Chainsaw With M-Tronic engine management
POWERHEAD WEIGHT 16.5 lbs.
OILOMATIC® CHAIN 3/8″ RS3
ENGINE POWER 7.2 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY 28.7 oz.
DISPLACEMENT 91.1 cc
→ Test Results on “smaller” log
-261
Cut #1 25.75
Cut #2 24.10
Cut #3 25.65
Average 25.16
– 362
Cut #1 15.71
Cut #2 16.65
Cut #3 17.11
Average 16.46
-500i
Cut #1 11.49
Cut #2 11.89
Cut #3 11.02
Average 11.46
– 661 Mag
Cut #1 9.20
Cut #2 8.43
Cut #3 7.99
Average 8.54
Cuts on the Larger Log
-500i
Cut #1 12.89
Cut #2 11.96
Cut #3 12.67
Average 12.51
– 661 Mag
Cut #1 11.05
Cut #2 10.84
Cut #3 9.13
Average 10.34
Obviously, there is more to a saw than it’s cut times in wood. Especially when we think about the MS261 as that is cutting at a much larger load than what the saw was designed for. With that said, if you were only going to buy one chainsaw, this testing might impact your decision.
The surprise for me was the 500i against the 661 Mag. I expected the fuel-injected 500i to come alive and take the 661 Mag in these tests, but it did not.
This was a blast to put together and I hope it helps people decide what to purchase.
#chainsaw #stihl #stihlchainsaw
