Stihl ms500i or ms661cm

[Snedding_J]

Sorry if this question has been asked before. I'm going to be in the market for a new saw in the near future.

Not sure whether to get a 500i or 661cm. It'll be used mainly to cut up hardwood logs and to fell the occasional big tree.

 

I've had a go with a 500i (felled a couple of big'ish outsiders) which isn't enough to form a proper opinion. Although the throttle response was fast. What's the new injection system/electronics like?

 

Not used the 661cm. I owned a ms660 a few years back, if was a great saw - never any problems. Is the 661cm as good?

 

anybody that's using them a lot - thoughts? Pros/cons?

[chrism3513]

I own both. Albeit in different countries.

 

The 500i is noticeably lighter. Almost the same power. Unless you are doing a lot of big timber id go the 500. Much better all round saw

[Rough Hewn]

Big weight difference between a 500i and 661.
A 661 is considerably more powerful than a 660.
If you're cutting up to 30" I'd probably go 500i as it will pull a 36" bar.
over 30" I'd use a 661 just because it's faster with a 36" bar.
[emoji106]