Ms500i or still 661?

[snltree]

Thoughts on this if you had to choose obliviously the 661 has more power but never seen the ms500 in action yet and I’m going buy one of these chainsaws soon

Let’s hear your opinions?

[lux]

Depends what it’s for. Quite different saws.

[snltree]

Just needing a saw that’s powerful enough for a large bar so far I have the ms150 and the husky 560 so need a big saw

[Dan Maynard]

Are you going to climb with it? If so I would go 462, or 500i if you feel it's worth the extra money, on 25".

If you're on the ground doing lots of big stems, and/or want something you could mill with, then maybe 661 is right choice. Heavy though.

[spuddog0507]

What do you class as a large bar thou ? my thoughts are 661 is a proven saw been out there several years now and i dont hear many complaints about them, will run a 36" bar and proberbly a bit more robust than a 500i ? Guy who works with me had a go with a 500i last week end at a collage open day and said it was a very impressive saw and was up for buying one, till he took the airfillter cover off and saw all the wireing, he then suddenly changed his mind and said he just saw problems ahead, Ok its got a very good write up and has been out in europe for a while but for me it would be 661 all the way,

[Rough Hewn]

Stihl 661 brilliant saw.
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[snltree]

Thanks for the feedback guys my instinct was the 661 as I’ve used that many of times at other companies and it’s my favourite large engine saw to use but just with this new 500 I wanted hear a few opinions to make sure I don’t regret it 28” or more I’m classing as a large bar.

[Stubby]

My 2p worth . 661 or keep it in the family and go 395 . There are some still about .

Edited June 15, 2019 by Stubby

[Gray git]

I'd go 661 for that length bar, if you were thinking 22 so you could fell and sned and climb then the 500 as a fast all rounder, for running a big bar and sinking into big timber there's no replacement for displacement!

[Jim0685]

Own both, 500i is just awesome I run it on a 20”, anything bigger than that I use the 661. Personal preference really but if you already have a 560 I would get the 661.