MS 661 or 395xp

[NFG]

TBH they both cut fast, the inboard/outboard clutch may be a personal preference although I understand for milling the 395s outboard clutch is desirable to assist cooling on extended cuts. The slightly smaller 390 (88cc) has an inboard clutch. So whats your local dealer support like?

 

Might be tedious if you have to do a long round trip to get service.

[outinthewood]

It was bothering me that I was incorrect on the inner spike removal so just had a quick look at my 394 and you can get at the bottom bolt but would be some job to get at the top one ! I've done it a couple of times over the years but it would appear not on a 394 !!

[chopalog]

Used both, don't see much different between either to be honest.  They are both a good professional saw that does what it says on the tin, destroy big wood!

[NickinMids]

Thanks all...I'm looking around at prices. Then I will decide.

 

[Floatlikeabutterfly]

I find the 395 clears sawdust from the kerf better than the 661 and 660. Also I find I don't get tingling fingers from prolonged use of the 395.

 

But the 661 is noticeably lighter wet than the 395 with a 36" bar on. And you might find the chain tension adjuster a bit of a ballache especially if you are going to do any milling with it.

 

Personally I love the 395, try and get a second hand 394. It's better.

Being a freelance climber means I've been lucky to have spent alot of time on all of them.

[Stubby]

6 hours ago, Floatlikeabutterfly said:

I find the 395 clears sawdust from the kerf better than the 661 and 660. Also I find I don't get tingling fingers from prolonged use of the 395.

 

But the 661 is noticeably lighter wet than the 395 with a 36" bar on. And you might find the chain tension adjuster a bit of a ballache especially if you are going to do any milling with it.

 

Personally I love the 395, try and get a second hand 394. It's better.

Being a freelance climber means I've been lucky to have spent alot of time on all of them.

Have had 2 X 394 . Super saw . I very much doubt you would find one with any life left in now though ...

[NickinMids]

Well Well....ended up getting a MS441 with a 25" bar. The 661 with a 30" was too heavy for me to handle up a tree for chogging down bigger stems.  Just have to take longer when I'm ringing up bigger stuff on the deck.

 

Might just keep it for looking at lol 

[stihlmadasever]

49 minutes ago, NickinMids said:

Well Well....ended up getting a MS441 with a 25" bar. The 661 with a 30" was too heavy for me to handle up a tree for chogging down bigger stems.  Just have to take longer when I'm ringing up bigger stuff on the deck.

 

Might just keep it for looking at lol 

441 with a 25 will be slow...

Id have plummed for a 461 

[Rough Hewn]

A 440 will pull a 25" bar happily all day. Haven't tried a 441.
The 461 is a cracker, but I love my 661 more.
Not much weight difference. A 30"+ bar is quite unbalanced on all saws.
Can't put anything over 25" on a 440, it will bog.

[billpierce]

A 440 will pull a 25" bar happily all day. Haven't tried a 441.
The 461 is a cracker, but I love my 661 more.
Not much weight difference. A 30"+ bar is quite unbalanced on all saws.
Can't put anything over 25" on a 440, it will bog.

Wait till your climbing with it and you'll reach for the lighter one every time! But agreed on the deck 660!