The 500i requires an operator who understands it. Dont hit max rpm before burrying the bar. The computer thinks you are limbing and then suddenly its got a huge load. With heavy hands you can stall the chain before the computer adjusts. With soft hands, it adjusts and really digs in its heels. Apply the throttle with the chain already touching the wood and you will see what i mean.
This makes sense and is good information, I’m going to try this. I watch a lot of 500i videos and sawing, why am I just now hearing about this? Thanks!
Very interesting, thanks for the comment. Do you know what the computer is doing/changing about the saw when you wait until the bar is buried? As in what it does to brace itself for a dense load. Cheers!
My understanding is that it uses fuel as a way to limit revs. It makes the 4 stroking sound without a load really bad because it's dumping extra fuel in to slow it down, thereby retarding output. When you burry the bar under those conditions, it can stop the chain before it leans back out to a normal mid range fuel/air mixture. The effect is illustrated quite well on the dyno joe 70cc comparison where he addresses the odd shaped power curve made by the 500i.
I agree with this comment. I have a 400c and have used a 500i aswell, you need to ease in the wood. That 500i is a savage. All saws tested are savage but you need to have some finesse to get the most out of then
Yep...500i is fir real large wood ...462 can do both...never had a 400 but chainsaw and tree work professionally isn't like cookies . If you just cut firewood just 90cc ..and 462 for everything below that size wood..simple..realy..all these guys on internet just trying get views and saws are not that simple..and situations vary.the 500i needs to be ran certain way and make 5 consecutive cuts in a large log you'll see the difference. But you gotta cut consistently not jumping all over
Best comparison I've seen. Talking about what an everyday firewood guy is looking for. Very few of us are loggers, but want the same quality equipment.
My 400C is awesome for allround tasks. Felling, limbing and bucking. I usually run mine with 16-18'' bar which is more than enough for Finnish pine and birch (sometimes I use 25'' for fun). For basic tasks it is agile and very easy to run. Only con is that it doesn't feature heated handlebar for winter use. The American upgrades are pretty fancy and love how they enhance the saw itself (WCS bark fox, Egan felling dogs and WCS foam air filter). Also one last addition is full-wrap handlebar. Nice comparison video between these three great tools. Thank you guys for that!
Great video guys! Nothing like some real world testing and non-biased reviews. I hope to buy one of these 3 saws within the next bit so this really helps 👍🏻
Great vid. I would make the same recommendations. I own all three and use the 400c more than the others. I humped the 500i down in the woods to fell a 28" white oak and it made it easy, but it was plenty heavy to carry around. The weight of the 400 makes it attractive and it will pull 25" of hardwood.
Nice comparison. I think the 400 is the best overall value in this lineup. Does it all and lightweight with the least cost. The 462 is the max power/value, but your paying for that extra hp. The 500 is a hell of a saw just not great value. Personally, I think the 572 is the best overall value for power/cost if being lightweight is not a concern. This is if you ignore Echo options. The question is if the 462 is worth the extra cost over the 572? Depends on your brand preference. All great choices!!
I couldn't decide between the 400 or 462. So I got one of each. The 400, sharp chain with a high raker. Let it eat, don't dog in. I like the lighter weight. 462 has the pull to do what you feel like doing.
Great real world test! Looking forward to your upcoming 500 vs 661 video. As someone who owns a 261 and 462, the 500 really seems too close to the 462 but the 661 may be a big enough step up for pulling long bars in large diameter hardwood.
When you dog its to help you use the saw to cut not to make it cut faster per say. If you have to power through a knot or make a felling cut where you have NO weight on the saw thats why you dog in. Felling dogs. So on your felling cut or back cut you can dog in. Bucking firewood its not as important unless you hit a knot and need some help to power through. This is why I have found anyways. AND yea the 3 point dogs gordy sells are AWESOME I have a 462 with the westcoast upgrades and its a BEAST. Like wow... The air filter is also awesome.
Great video guys. I've had my 026 Pro w/ 18" bar for 24 years. I live on 10 acres in upstate NY. In the last five years or so, I now have hundreds of dead ash trees...thanks to the emerald ash borer. Rather than kill my terrific 026, I'm looking at a standard carbed 462 w/ 25" bar to work alongside the 21 ton excavator with its grapple. Good time to get another saw.
Great video! I agree it depends on what your main use for a chainsaw is gonna be! I love my 400 with no regrets but I believe the best of both worlds happy medium is definitely the 462!👍🏻👍🏻
The 500i likes to be loaded down, it adjusts real time so on a dyno when ypu load down the bar its power curve doesnt like to drop off because its trying to adjust to the load on the saw. The 500i is a different animal. I see down the road stihl going to i models on all of their saws once they get the tech down and I could even see them offering ecm upgrades that make the adjusts real time even faster than it is currently. I love my carb saws but the 500i is something. I love the 400C saw in addition to the 462 and 500 models, I bought a 362 and wish that I had bought the 400 instead to be honest. Great video!
500 definitely like to be loaded down, I hope they don’t go to fuel injection on all the saws unless they dial it in a lot better. I really dislike using the 500i to stand and buck because it doesn’t run 100%. 400c, 462c, 661c will all run right without being dogged in and loaded.
@@765Guys I think they will drop the adjustable carb models first and offer the M-Tronics still but continue the fuel injected R&D. So I dont think we have anything to worry about for a while yet. But 20 years more and we might see nothing but the i models. Not 100% sure if they can have a base gasket delete without jug machining or not, but that would probably help.
@@765Guys Doing a factory recalibration might really help the 500i also after adding the bark box and foam air filter. I knkw guys say just run them and that does work however, I think doing an actual factory recalibration is best once you mod or add anything to them. The ripsaw guys are doing alot with them and seem to have great luck with recalibrating the 500s.
@765Guys my first saw was a craftsman s1800 i needed a budget saw at the time so I picked up the craftsman the tree infront of our house had finally fallen and I needed a saw to help clear it out I didn't expect it to last long though it did because it was a godd saw i didn't want to get rid of it but for some reason I allowed my dad to talk me into letting him pawn it i regret that decision to this day I got the 450 to add to the line up as a back up though if I had known about the oiler I probably would have either saved up some more and bought either a 455 or a 562 mk ll
Those are stihl top 3 saws if I were to guess and they are all very close and all great saws I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them I personally have the 400 and the 500 and the 500 is an animal but most people don’t need a saw like the 500! Most people could do anything they need with the 261 but these 3 are if you’re going to get serious about cutting!!
Ive used both 500i and 462, Both great saws. I think the only advantage with the 500i powerwise, is if you're going to be using a longer bar than say 28inch, Otherwise with a shorter bar they feel about the same. If i was going to buy one for personal use, it would be the 462 , haven't tried a 400 so can't comment on it, but looks real good.
That 400 c probably be the choice for cutting firewood out the 3 for me. Less wait makes big difference at end the day. Now cutting in log pile. Give me a big dog. Great video keep up the good work.
You guys are great, fantastic no nonsense look at the three saws in action, l run MS400 with 20in light B&C, MS 462, with 25in light B&C, MS 661 with 36in rolomatic guidebar. the 500i is definitely a super saw, I would not purchase one, l believe l have all the bases covered, keep up the mighty work, I have just subscribed, greeting from Ireland !!!
Hi Guys, thanks for running the test on these 3 saws. I’ve been thinking of a 400. I didn’t realize that the weights are really close all around. Different areas must have price differences. I just priced a 400 at 1019. Just thought about this it has a 20 inch bar, not 25. That must be the difference. Thanks you guys.
Thanks for the comparison, i have a 391 it does a great job for the 15ish cord per yer i do. Wanting to go with a pro saw in 24 this definitely helped.
Cool video on the comparison. I love my 500 buy do wish it was lighter when cutting smaller wood . None of my other saws are pro saws so maybe I need to stop & check out a 400 to add to the collection.
G'day 765 Guys, you just need a 200T a 660 and a 881 and you will have the six best hardwood saws on Earth. I have the 400C maximum bar length in Oz is 20 inches market leading top end speed due to the Magnesium piston oil on demand oil pump so it's not wasting oil they've also redesigned the total relationship between the piston and drive to minimise negative centrifugal forces as you noticed . The closest thing the competition can come up with is the 572 XP which I'm sure will work fine in your medium density woods as they're designed for the Northern hemisphere. Stihl on the other hand make saws for Australian hardwoods and some of our wood is to hard for them especially in 100 degree temps. The 572 is 4cc bigger .4 hp more output and packing 2 pounds more dead weight than the 400C, like you said you just want to pick up the lighter unit 👍.
I've never used a 044 I had a 064 30 years ago that was a very good saw i cut a couple of thousand tons with it then I traded it on my first 066 that's when the love affair started with me and those tree eaters, the 044 is over 70cc the 400 is a sub 70cc saw, all the best Carl.
Couple of things...in my experience....my 500i has the run for a bit then jt seems to "come alive" running that saw for 10 minutes it suddenly acts like it has a turbo, not sure why. Mine has a bark box and a max flow intake, however I live at 7,500' which is relevant because my 291 barely works for firewood even tuned, its been back to stihl 3x.
Awsome video thanks. I’m looking at replacing my ms461 soon (as the crankcase is very thin after the chain brake snapped , snagged the clutch and blew the clutch apart). I need something for climbing with (for the bigger timber) so your test of drop cutting and dogging in is really important. there is a mix of cutting styles in the tree so the 462 seems a better choice than the 500. i think for a smaller saw, id go the 261 over the 400 for weight
Tasteful Test on those saws……I have yet to get a MS 400c…….chose the MS 462 about 6 months ago, over the 400C……but for different reasons, already having a MS 362c, that I really like, I think the 462c just felt better in my hands and can handle just about any wood, bar or purpose. Having the MS 500i…… which I think is Stihl the best saw that one can purchase……considering ALl the Facts…..I will always end up saying….”One must select a saw and bar combination based on the job at hand.” If one can have many saws…..then equip each for a purpose and enjoy. Thus is also why I picked up a MS 261c. So, I’m sure I grab either the 400c or a 661c next, but only to fill in the slots. Actually would grab a 044 or066 next if I can find either in decent condition. So, I keep a 18” on the 261c, a 20” on the 362c, a 25” on the 462Rc and a 28” on the 500i. These cover just about any situation that arises IMHO. I have a number of older saws just for the fun of collecting……just because I like saws. I look forward to the MS 500i and the MS 661c comparison Genin !! Excellent Video……Thanks 🪵⛓🪚👍👏🇺🇸 Rick
I have all three saws and I am with you fellers. Hump that 500 a quarter mile down in the woods and humbolt facecut a 25 incher over top a barbed wire fence. Then you will learn to appreciate that magnesium piston all the more. I agree with all your comments. Very well thought out. Honestly, the weight is a BIG factor. Also the Light bar should be mandatory. It improves the balance dramatically. I have the 25" on the 400c and 28" on the 462. The saws can handle them full wood even in oak and other hardwoods. Speed is important, but there are a 1000 vids comparing speed. You need to make a vid where you are climbing a hill and then handling the saw.
I have a 261, 462, and 661. I don't run lite bars because I want the durability of the regular bar. The 462 with a 25 inch bar is my go to saw. I can run it all day whereas the 661 with 36" bar wears me out. Im seriously thinking of getting a ported 500i
Nice video boys. For what we’re doing the 400 is tough to beat. However I will agree with Genin…side by side I think the 462 and 400 are really similar when you’re dropping it through firewood logs. KNL out.
Great review, very interesting results and discussion. Im a bit confused about the 28" on a MS400, i have more the idea that the 400 is great with 25" but thats a bit of a limit but i respect that we all have different oppinions. :)
Great video- I have a 400 and 500i. I like the 400 the best, but as a logger where I live in Montana, I mainly cut Lodgepole Pine and Douglas Fir. I also run a 550XPG, 562XPG, and 572XPG which are great saws with the benefit of heated handles.
I just picked up a 500i, and it’s way overkill for what I need it for but I just had to have it. I’ve also got a couple Husqvarnas and Jonsered too. Next saw will probably be the 400 - again don’t need it but want it. 😂 Nice video, I just subscribed.
New sub, thought I already subbed. Watching @toddsoutsideagain I commented that watching him run his 400c that I was pretty sure it would be my next saw. Todd said you did a comparison that I should see. Seeing your comparisons I think I will still go with the 400c. Money savings, lighter saw and I'm not concerned with 2 or 3 seconds here and there. I love cutting firewood it is my peaceful place. lol !!!! Thanks again.
The reason the 400 feels like it's got huge power to weight, is because the power head is also physically smaller. It also fits perfectly in a Husqvarna Powerbox.
I’m really interested in trying it. being that the 400 is 67cc and is real competition with the 572, I don’t think think the 562 mk2 will be real close to it. Stihl set the bar high with the 400..
Interesting review ..@johngardener 3020 below is right on the money ...my 2cents...I have an old 460 that's a screamer ..with a barker box and max flow running square ground chain its my favourite bucking / limbing saw and close to my 500i ..however a 28" bar on my 500i and its chain speed with square ground is impressive. My advice if you're buying a new saw get the 500i ( unless you are very short don't get the 20" bar ..go the 25" or better if you're above 6ft tall the 28" or a very good second hand 460 /461/462 ...don't get an ex logger saw ..get 1 from someones who's been doing their firewood every year ... maybe 3-4 cord. ..that saw will go to your grandkids
My purchase ended up being an 064 a few days ago. Would have loved a 500, 462, 400 but it cost too much. I happen to have a 25” light bar on it so now I’m curious how much it weighs fully fueled and oiled after seeing that 500 being weighed. Thanks for a real world weight!
@@765Guys after saying that, curiosity got the better of me. Fully fueled and oiled, the 064 weighed in at an impressive 21 lbs with a stihl 25” light bar. That would make it just at 18.4 lbs without the bar and chain fully fueled and oiled. It is an early model 1987 with a standard half wrap and it is missing the inside bucking spikes. I was told that it weighed the same as a 660 by the saw mechanic that sold it to me
My question is why did he not cut the same way with all 3 saws? The 1st and 3rd saws he cut with the bar horizontal the whole cut. The 2nd saw he cut with tipping the nose of the bar down. So if your going to do a comparison the make it as consistent as possible with all the saws.
7:32 you can so clearly hear the 500i start the cut off four stroking, and you can hear and see the exact moment that the computer starts injecting a different fuel/air mixture into the engine
500i is the king for me, absolute animal and a pleasure to use. I run a 28 light bar and i feel it could pull a 30 or 32 no prob. Thanks for the video and comparison,
I borrowed a 400 once and once was enough to dissuade me from owning one. I own a 500i but have heard it said, that the only problem with the 500i, is that Stihl already make the 462. There is however another problem with the 500i. It drinks fuel quicker than a big fish gulps water.
Im coming from having used a ms441c m the last 12 years and im frustrated with the overengineeering and trying to work on it. Its been a great saw,but ive been trying to replace the throttle cable and its ridiculously hard to work on. Are the ms462 and ms400 eadier to work on than my 1st gen mtronic saw? Im thinkin about giving up on my 441 and just buying a new saw.
I know y'all said you didn't touch the chains at all but I'd be willing to bet that you're leaving a lot of the 500i's TQ on the table with the out of the box raker height. Take 2 or 3 swipes off the rakers and it'll eat better on the drop test....
500i is absolutely outstanding. I’m cutting live oaks from hurricanes in Florida, they usually take forever and dull chains like beasts. The 500i goes through them like butter. An amazing piece of equipment. Saves time and effort.
400c is completely stock besides bark box. They all have brand new stihl chains, none had been modified at all. This is not crazy results, I’ve ran several different 400c’s and they all perform like this.
Sorry I’m not into stihl . I’m into jonsered or husqvarna with my old stuff , like my 100cc and more for logging. The key 🔑 into chainsaw is how there chain is file to cut wood 🪵. I try the 500i it’s not that great off a saw , little bigger them a bread 🍞 saw in my review in big timber. My old 2195 jonsered twice the saw in timber 😊.
@@765GuysMS 382 Petrol Chainsaws MS 382 Great for working in low-density and medium-density stands. Side-mounted chain tensioning for safe and easy chain tensioning, tool-free fuel caps for simple and safe refuelling.
Everything is overrated. Has to be. That being said a chainsaw in particular,is only as good as the operator, depending on his level of knowledge, skill, wisdom, physical ability and most importantly HONESTY!
The 500i requires an operator who understands it. Dont hit max rpm before burrying the bar. The computer thinks you are limbing and then suddenly its got a huge load. With heavy hands you can stall the chain before the computer adjusts. With soft hands, it adjusts and really digs in its heels. Apply the throttle with the chain already touching the wood and you will see what i mean.
This makes sense and is good information, I’m going to try this. I watch a lot of 500i videos and sawing, why am I just now hearing about this? Thanks!
Very interesting, thanks for the comment. Do you know what the computer is doing/changing about the saw when you wait until the bar is buried? As in what it does to brace itself for a dense load.
Cheers!
My understanding is that it uses fuel as a way to limit revs. It makes the 4 stroking sound without a load really bad because it's dumping extra fuel in to slow it down, thereby retarding output. When you burry the bar under those conditions, it can stop the chain before it leans back out to a normal mid range fuel/air mixture. The effect is illustrated quite well on the dyno joe 70cc comparison where he addresses the odd shaped power curve made by the 500i.
I agree with this comment. I have a 400c and have used a 500i aswell, you need to ease in the wood. That 500i is a savage. All saws tested are savage but you need to have some finesse to get the most out of then
Yep...500i is fir real large wood ...462 can do both...never had a 400 but chainsaw and tree work professionally isn't like cookies . If you just cut firewood just 90cc ..and 462 for everything below that size wood..simple..realy..all these guys on internet just trying get views and saws are not that simple..and situations vary.the 500i needs to be ran certain way and make 5 consecutive cuts in a large log you'll see the difference. But you gotta cut consistently not jumping all over
Shop around. Last week one dealer had a new 462C for $1299.99, other dealer 5 miles away had the 500i for $1309.99! I spent the extra 10 dollars.
Wow! 500i runs over 1600 $ around my way
Best comparison I've seen. Talking about what an everyday firewood guy is looking for. Very few of us are loggers, but want the same quality equipment.
Thank you!
My 400C is awesome for allround tasks. Felling, limbing and bucking. I usually run mine with 16-18'' bar which is more than enough for Finnish pine and birch (sometimes I use 25'' for fun). For basic tasks it is agile and very easy to run. Only con is that it doesn't feature heated handlebar for winter use. The American upgrades are pretty fancy and love how they enhance the saw itself (WCS bark fox, Egan felling dogs and WCS foam air filter). Also one last addition is full-wrap handlebar.
Nice comparison video between these three great tools. Thank you guys for that!
Thanks for watching!
Great video guys! Nothing like some real world testing and non-biased reviews. I hope to buy one of these 3 saws within the next bit so this really helps 👍🏻
Glad it helped! They’re all great choices. Thanks for watching!
Great vid. I would make the same recommendations. I own all three and use the 400c more than the others. I humped the 500i down in the woods to fell a 28" white oak and it made it easy, but it was plenty heavy to carry around. The weight of the 400 makes it attractive and it will pull 25" of hardwood.
Nice comparison. I think the 400 is the best overall value in this lineup. Does it all and lightweight with the least cost. The 462 is the max power/value, but your paying for that extra hp. The 500 is a hell of a saw just not great value. Personally, I think the 572 is the best overall value for power/cost if being lightweight is not a concern. This is if you ignore Echo options. The question is if the 462 is worth the extra cost over the 572? Depends on your brand preference. All great choices!!
I agree with all the statements you made, we have a video coming up with the 572,462 and 400. Results suprised us! Thanks for watching!
You guys have no issue with air leaks on the 400 intake design?
@@KevinsDisobedience I’ve never heard of anyone having that problem.
I couldn't decide between the 400 or 462. So I got one of each. The 400, sharp chain with a high raker. Let it eat, don't dog in. I like the lighter weight. 462 has the pull to do what you feel like doing.
@@EricChmelarskyif u were to only get one of those which would it be? Mostly for felling
Great real world test! Looking forward to your upcoming 500 vs 661 video. As someone who owns a 261 and 462, the 500 really seems too close to the 462 but the 661 may be a big enough step up for pulling long bars in large diameter hardwood.
Thanks! In the 661 500 video we run them with 36” bars as well as 25”!
When you dog its to help you use the saw to cut not to make it cut faster per say. If you have to power through a knot or make a felling cut where you have NO weight on the saw thats why you dog in. Felling dogs. So on your felling cut or back cut you can dog in. Bucking firewood its not as important unless you hit a knot and need some help to power through. This is why I have found anyways. AND yea the 3 point dogs gordy sells are AWESOME I have a 462 with the westcoast upgrades and its a BEAST. Like wow... The air filter is also awesome.
His uni filter is my next purchase.
Great video guys. I've had my 026 Pro w/ 18" bar for 24 years. I live on 10 acres in upstate NY. In the last five years or so, I now have hundreds of dead ash trees...thanks to the emerald ash borer. Rather than kill my terrific 026, I'm looking at a standard carbed 462 w/ 25" bar to work alongside the 21 ton excavator with its grapple. Good time to get another saw.
You’ll love the 462!
Great video! I agree it depends on what your main use for a chainsaw is gonna be! I love my 400 with no regrets but I believe the best of both worlds happy medium is definitely the 462!👍🏻👍🏻
400 sure is tough to beat for the price. Thanks for watching Todd!
The 500i likes to be loaded down, it adjusts real time so on a dyno when ypu load down the bar its power curve doesnt like to drop off because its trying to adjust to the load on the saw. The 500i is a different animal. I see down the road stihl going to i models on all of their saws once they get the tech down and I could even see them offering ecm upgrades that make the adjusts real time even faster than it is currently. I love my carb saws but the 500i is something. I love the 400C saw in addition to the 462 and 500 models, I bought a 362 and wish that I had bought the 400 instead to be honest. Great video!
500 definitely like to be loaded down, I hope they don’t go to fuel injection on all the saws unless they dial it in a lot better. I really dislike using the 500i to stand and buck because it doesn’t run 100%. 400c, 462c, 661c will all run right without being dogged in and loaded.
@@765Guys I think they will drop the adjustable carb models first and offer the M-Tronics still but continue the fuel injected R&D. So I dont think we have anything to worry about for a while yet. But 20 years more and we might see nothing but the i models. Not 100% sure if they can have a base gasket delete without jug machining or not, but that would probably help.
@@765Guys Doing a factory recalibration might really help the 500i also after adding the bark box and foam air filter. I knkw guys say just run them and that does work however, I think doing an actual factory recalibration is best once you mod or add anything to them. The ripsaw guys are doing alot with them and seem to have great luck with recalibrating the 500s.
I bought a husqvarna 450 almost 2 months ago now i can't stop watching chainsaw content
@@fireflyraven2760 the chainsaw bug has got you! 450 rancher was my first saw
I bought a ms 271 at the end of July because a tree in the front yard fell.... Now I also have a ms 660 clone saw. lol.
@765Guys my first saw was a craftsman s1800 i needed a budget saw at the time so I picked up the craftsman the tree infront of our house had finally fallen and I needed a saw to help clear it out I didn't expect it to last long though it did because it was a godd saw i didn't want to get rid of it but for some reason I allowed my dad to talk me into letting him pawn it i regret that decision to this day I got the 450 to add to the line up as a back up though if I had known about the oiler I probably would have either saved up some more and bought either a 455 or a 562 mk ll
Those are stihl top 3 saws if I were to guess and they are all very close and all great saws I don’t think you could go wrong with any of them I personally have the 400 and the 500 and the 500 is an animal but most people don’t need a saw like the 500! Most people could do anything they need with the 261 but these 3 are if you’re going to get serious about cutting!!
Ive used both 500i and 462,
Both great saws.
I think the only advantage with the 500i powerwise, is if you're going to be using a longer bar than say 28inch,
Otherwise with a shorter bar they feel about the same.
If i was going to buy one for personal use, it would be the 462 , haven't tried a 400 so can't comment on it, but looks real good.
That 400 c probably be the choice for cutting firewood out the 3 for me. Less wait makes big difference at end the day. Now cutting in log pile. Give me a big dog. Great video keep up the good work.
Thanks! I agree with you on the 400c.
ms500i or ms462 is what I dream of but never have, wish you a lot of success thanks for sharing
Thanks!
You guys are great, fantastic no nonsense look at the three saws in action, l run MS400 with 20in light B&C, MS 462, with 25in light B&C, MS 661 with 36in rolomatic guidebar. the 500i is definitely a super saw, I would not purchase one, l believe l have all the bases covered, keep up the mighty work, I have just subscribed, greeting from Ireland !!!
Hi Guys, thanks for running the test on these 3 saws. I’ve been thinking of a 400. I didn’t realize that the weights are really close all around. Different areas must have price differences. I just priced a 400 at 1019. Just thought about this it has a 20 inch bar, not 25. That must be the difference. Thanks you guys.
400 is a great saw! You’ll love it. Stay warm up there in Minnesota!
Thanks for the comparison, i have a 391 it does a great job for the 15ish cord per yer i do.
Wanting to go with a pro saw in 24 this definitely helped.
It’s all about the budget for me! Love my 400💪💪👍👍
That’s right! Thanks for stopping by, I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist a 400 video 🤣
Good comparison, my self I don’t like to force my saws it stretches the chain.
That is a good point!
Cool video on the comparison. I love my 500 buy do wish it was lighter when cutting smaller wood . None of my other saws are pro saws so maybe I need to stop & check out a 400 to add to the collection.
You’d definitely love the 400 for cutting smaller wood opposed to the 500, so smooth and light!
G'day 765 Guys, you just need a 200T a 660 and a 881 and you will have the six best hardwood saws on Earth. I have the 400C maximum bar length in Oz is 20 inches market leading top end speed due to the Magnesium piston oil on demand oil pump so it's not wasting oil they've also redesigned the total relationship between the piston and drive to minimise negative centrifugal forces as you noticed . The closest thing the competition can come up with is the 572 XP which I'm sure will work fine in your medium density woods as they're designed for the Northern hemisphere. Stihl on the other hand make saws for Australian hardwoods and some of our wood is to hard for them especially in 100 degree temps. The 572 is 4cc bigger .4 hp more output and packing 2 pounds more dead weight than the 400C, like you said you just want to pick up the lighter unit 👍.
You forgot the 044!?? Lol love me a 044
I've never used a 044 I had a 064 30 years ago that was a very good saw i cut a couple of thousand tons with it then I traded it on my first 066 that's when the love affair started with me and those tree eaters, the 044 is over 70cc the 400 is a sub 70cc saw, all the best Carl.
Couple of things...in my experience....my 500i has the run for a bit then jt seems to "come alive" running that saw for 10 minutes it suddenly acts like it has a turbo, not sure why. Mine has a bark box and a max flow intake, however I live at 7,500' which is relevant because my 291 barely works for firewood even tuned, its been back to stihl 3x.
Awsome video thanks.
I’m looking at replacing my ms461 soon (as the crankcase is very thin after the chain brake snapped , snagged the clutch and blew the clutch apart).
I need something for climbing with (for the bigger timber) so your test of drop cutting and dogging in is really important. there is a mix of cutting styles in the tree so the 462 seems a better choice than the 500.
i think for a smaller saw, id go the 261 over the 400 for weight
Tasteful Test on those saws……I have yet to get a MS 400c…….chose the MS 462 about 6 months ago, over the 400C……but for different reasons, already having a MS 362c, that I really like, I think the 462c just felt better in my hands and can handle just about any wood, bar or purpose. Having the MS 500i…… which I think is Stihl the best saw that one can purchase……considering ALl the Facts…..I will always end up saying….”One must select a saw and bar combination based on the job at hand.” If one can have many saws…..then equip each for a purpose and enjoy. Thus is also why I picked up a MS 261c. So, I’m sure I grab either the 400c or a 661c next, but only to fill in the slots. Actually would grab a 044 or066 next if I can find either in decent condition. So, I keep a 18” on the 261c, a 20” on the 362c, a 25” on the 462Rc and a 28” on the 500i. These cover just about any situation that arises IMHO. I have a number of older saws just for the fun of collecting……just because I like saws. I look forward to the MS 500i and the MS 661c comparison Genin !! Excellent Video……Thanks 🪵⛓🪚👍👏🇺🇸 Rick
Thanks Rick!
I have all three saws and I am with you fellers. Hump that 500 a quarter mile down in the woods and humbolt facecut a 25 incher over top a barbed wire fence. Then you will learn to appreciate that magnesium piston all the more. I agree with all your comments. Very well thought out. Honestly, the weight is a BIG factor. Also the Light bar should be mandatory. It improves the balance dramatically. I have the 25" on the 400c and 28" on the 462. The saws can handle them full wood even in oak and other hardwoods. Speed is important, but there are a 1000 vids comparing speed. You need to make a vid where you are climbing a hill and then handling the saw.
Excellent points you made! If I’m climbing a hill or working in the woods, I’d choose the 400 or my Husqvarna 545xp.
I have a 261, 462, and 661. I don't run lite bars because I want the durability of the regular bar. The 462 with a 25 inch bar is my go to saw. I can run it all day whereas the 661 with 36" bar wears me out. Im seriously thinking of getting a ported 500i
Nice video boys. For what we’re doing the 400 is tough to beat. However I will agree with Genin…side by side I think the 462 and 400 are really similar when you’re dropping it through firewood logs. KNL out.
Great review, very interesting results and discussion. Im a bit confused about the 28" on a MS400, i have more the idea that the 400 is great with 25" but thats a bit of a limit but i respect that we all have different oppinions. :)
Love my 462cm!! Set up same as yours,at least for me she's a beast!!
It’s a beast for me too! Thanks for watching!
Great video- I have a 400 and 500i. I like the 400 the best, but as a logger where I live in Montana, I mainly cut Lodgepole Pine and Douglas Fir. I also run a 550XPG, 562XPG, and 572XPG which are great saws with the benefit of heated handles.
Thanks! All those saws are great!!
I just picked up a 500i, and it’s way overkill for what I need it for but I just had to have it. I’ve also got a couple Husqvarnas and Jonsered too. Next saw will probably be the 400 - again don’t need it but want it. 😂 Nice video, I just subscribed.
Thanks for the sub Bob! Cant wait to see your 17 and 22rs videos. Chainsaws are an addiction and we can never have enough!
New sub, thought I already subbed. Watching @toddsoutsideagain I commented that watching him run his 400c that I was pretty sure it would be my next saw. Todd said you did a comparison that I should see. Seeing your comparisons I think I will still go with the 400c. Money savings, lighter saw and I'm not concerned with 2 or 3 seconds here and there. I love cutting firewood it is my peaceful place. lol !!!! Thanks again.
Yep! 400c is a tough one to beat! Are you the Tim stout we met at Paul Bunyon?
@@765Guys No I am not. Hopefully soon I'll get to Bunyon.
The reason the 400 feels like it's got huge power to weight, is because the power head is also physically smaller. It also fits perfectly in a Husqvarna Powerbox.
Out of all of these, overall, I still reach for my 462c first. 28" light bar, perfect balance. No mods needed.
Wonder how the new 562 mk2 would stack up against the 400?
I’m really interested in trying it. being that the 400 is 67cc and is real competition with the 572, I don’t think think the 562 mk2 will be real close to it. Stihl set the bar high with the 400..
love my 462! I have it set up exactly like that one there. Great video! Thanks!
Thanks! I love my 462 as well!
I also have a 28" light bar,does just fine as well.
Interesting review ..@johngardener 3020 below is right on the money ...my 2cents...I have an old 460 that's a screamer ..with a barker box and max flow running square ground chain its my favourite bucking / limbing saw and close to my 500i ..however a 28" bar on my 500i and its chain speed with square ground is impressive. My advice if you're buying a new saw get the 500i ( unless you are very short don't get the 20" bar ..go the 25" or better if you're above 6ft tall the 28" or a very good second hand 460 /461/462 ...don't get an ex logger saw ..get 1 from someones who's been doing their firewood every year ... maybe 3-4 cord. ..that saw will go to your grandkids
My purchase ended up being an 064 a few days ago. Would have loved a 500, 462, 400 but it cost too much. I happen to have a 25” light bar on it so now I’m curious how much it weighs fully fueled and oiled after seeing that 500 being weighed. Thanks for a real world weight!
064’s are sweet, if you happen to weigh it let me know. Thanks for watching!
@@765Guys after saying that, curiosity got the better of me. Fully fueled and oiled, the 064 weighed in at an impressive 21 lbs with a stihl 25” light bar. That would make it just at 18.4 lbs without the bar and chain fully fueled and oiled. It is an early model 1987 with a standard half wrap and it is missing the inside bucking spikes. I was told that it weighed the same as a 660 by the saw mechanic that sold it to me
From my experince on a 462 when the dogs tuch the log it will BOG within the first 3 nichers or I have a hungry chain.
My question is why did he not cut the same way with all 3 saws? The 1st and 3rd saws he cut with the bar horizontal the whole cut. The 2nd saw he cut with tipping the nose of the bar down. So if your going to do a comparison the make it as consistent as possible with all the saws.
7:32 you can so clearly hear the 500i start the cut off four stroking, and you can hear and see the exact moment that the computer starts injecting a different fuel/air mixture into the engine
I love my ms462, the best saw I own!
Me too!
Nice one fellas. I like real comparisons and talk between two opinions.
Thanks Kenny!
Myself if I was going to buy a stihl I would find an older 461 or 440
I’ve Never run either but I’d love to find a nice 461! Thanks for watching!
500i is the king for me, absolute animal and a pleasure to use. I run a 28 light bar and i feel it could pull a 30 or 32 no prob. Thanks for the video and comparison,
I borrowed a 400 once and once was enough to dissuade me from owning one. I own a 500i but have heard it said, that the only problem with the 500i, is that Stihl already make the 462.
There is however another problem with the 500i. It drinks fuel quicker than a big fish gulps water.
What did you not like about the 400? I'm looking hard at them but they're unobtanium up here in Alaska.
I love the comparison. As soon as you talked money I instantly wanted mumble covered mouth looking the other way coughing 372 lol.
Thanks! The 372xp is like 1100$ now so it’s up there with them as well.
@@765Guys yes at least they go on sale. Few months ago for like 850
@@stannelson2582 yes and $1225 out the door price on a 592XP with 24" tough lite b&c
I think the 46x series is the best buildable saw you can throw around all day 👍😎
Nice video guys so i am looking for a new saw and im stuck between the 400 and 462 for chunking up woukd witch would you recommend
@@joshnovak480 400 is a great choice, but if you want a little more power and ability to easily run a 25 and 28” bar, 462 is a good option too.
@@765Guys ok cool thank you I got a 391 sthil it was cheap buy why I got it so teting to up grade it's a good saw but was looming for a uograde
@@joshnovak480 400 will have more power than the 391 and a lot lighter feeling
Im coming from having used a ms441c m the last 12 years and im frustrated with the overengineeering and trying to work on it. Its been a great saw,but ive been trying to replace the throttle cable and its ridiculously hard to work on. Are the ms462 and ms400 eadier to work on than my 1st gen mtronic saw? Im thinkin about giving up on my 441 and just buying a new saw.
I’ve heard similar stories on the 441. I can’t confirm the ease of working on a 400 or 462, haven’t had any problems with them.
I am not impressed with my 400! I think it sucks!
Red Bread sounds like hes way backed up....
You guys ever do a 250?
250?
The felt weight difference probably has alot to do with the weight/inertia of each engine, the 462 and 500 (obviously) with more inertia
ms500i is one of the best saws in the world, although I hear that not many people want to work with these saws because they have delicate hands 😂😂😂😂
It’s on the long bars you’ll notice the 500i take over the 462 pretty easily just because of the torque.
If you watch the video after this one you can see how the 500i handles the 36” bar.
70cc is best overall, Stihl makes a great saw. Can’t go wrong with a ms462
I agree!
Seen 2 500i in sthil shop getting rebuilt
Remember the boys on d-day when you run them uncle adolph specials.
@@ericfuller6326 what do you recommend we run?
I’m more of a fan of the stihl ms661 for felling and my go to is ms462 mid range then my ms261 for limbing
The 400 excels with a 20" bar like the 462 with a 24". The 500 is a beast with a 24" or 28", but also if you go up to 404 chain on a 20" bar.
Great video guys love my 462
Thanks!
I lovey stihl saws, i just love chain saws period.
I know y'all said you didn't touch the chains at all but I'd be willing to bet that you're leaving a lot of the 500i's TQ on the table with the out of the box raker height. Take 2 or 3 swipes off the rakers and it'll eat better on the drop test....
Very possible, for the sake of an even test, we decided not to touch any of the chains. Thank you for watching!
All three are awesome saws.
500i is like having four wheel drive for your truck. Sure the other saws will eventually get the job done, but come on man.
500i is absolutely outstanding. I’m cutting live oaks from hurricanes in Florida, they usually take forever and dull chains like beasts. The 500i goes through them like butter. An amazing piece of equipment. Saves time and effort.
I run 2 stihl ms 400C with 25 inch bars and I prefer light weight saw
Can’t go wrong with that!
Some good information fellas!! Appreciate it!
Thanks for watching Jacob!
Great video! I like the 462
Me too!
Great video fellas!
Thanks Bob!
Hm question … is the 400c stock power only muffler mode ? What chain is on this saw ? Because the 462c-m is not fare away from the power cut
400c is completely stock besides bark box. They all have brand new stihl chains, none had been modified at all. This is not crazy results, I’ve ran several different 400c’s and they all perform like this.
@@765Guys witch Chain did you use ?
@@Robin_Polarstern 33rs 84. Yellow chain
@@765Guys very very impressive 👍🏻
These saws all can do a days work . Humans are the weak link . Fun power saws .
Sorry I’m not into stihl . I’m into jonsered or husqvarna with my old stuff , like my 100cc and more for logging. The key 🔑 into chainsaw is how there chain is file to cut wood 🪵. I try the 500i it’s not that great off a saw , little bigger them a bread 🍞 saw in my review in big timber. My old 2195 jonsered twice the saw in timber 😊.
461 for grunt
Ms 382, any idea where.does this stand between those?..tq
I’ve never heard of a 382🧐
@@765GuysMS 382
Petrol Chainsaws
MS 382
Great for working in low-density and medium-density stands. Side-mounted chain tensioning for safe and easy chain tensioning, tool-free fuel caps for simple and safe refuelling.
Technical Details
Technical data
Value
Displacement cm³
72,2
Performance kW
3,9
Weight kg ¹)
6,2
Power-to-weight ratio kg/kW
1,6
The 500i chain saw loose af
Hhmmm, wonder if im not tuning my 400 correctly? Cause i am unimpressed with my 400.
I’ve never run a 400 and been disappointed
Man my older model 460 magnum would smoke all 3
572xp for the win
592 is the answer!
Chain brake bro
Cut logs, girl scouts do cookies
Cookies burn just as good as logs
Following
Everything is overrated. Has to be. That being said a chainsaw in particular,is only as good as the operator, depending on his level of knowledge, skill, wisdom, physical ability and most importantly HONESTY!
Echo 7310…..
Until u use the 880 don't even compare the other Stihl saws the 880 IS KING
@@bamajeff9041 I’ve used a 881 and 3120. For anything other than milling I don’t see the purpose in it.
500sounds terrible
The 500 needs about 10 tanks of fuel ran through it, and then it just all of a sudden wakes up. That’s a kick ass saw
Awesome comparison guys I’m on the fence between 400 and 462 this is great help 👍👍🪵
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!
You will be very happy going 462cm route!!
I am as well. Did you make a decision? If so which?
@@simd510 I settled on the MS 462 it’s a really good saw 👍