Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw Reviews
Latest Reviews
“overpriced disappointment”
Written on: 27/11/2011 by jimej
was told that a stihl would probable be the last last saw i would have to buy to clean up around my farm.the last saw, a poulan lasted 22 years and i'm 52 and do noot cut firewood or cut timber either. however my 361 has spent more time at the repair shop than in the woods. stihl will not stand behind their saws. i am going to have to buy another saw to trim up with and no oneat stilh gives a damn. (read more)
“love the 361, its a real workhorse, gets real heavy...”
Written on: 30/01/2011
love the 361, its a real workhorse, gets real heavy use in the summer and it needs relatively little maintenance. i run an 18" bar and is my favourite for all medium size stuff, for the size and weight it cuts medium/large timber very quickly and i only take out the 660(with 25" bar) if theres two guys cutting or its a large tree. balance with 18" is good but probably also good with 20" and should think that although a little slower it will still be powerful. change the air filter once a... (read more)
“ I bought my 361 five years ago. I have a ms260 also...”
Written on: 08/10/2010
I bought my 361 five years ago. I have a ms260 also that I purchased in 2002. I purchased the 361 for larger wood and have a 20 inch and 25 inch bar for it. I use the 20 inch bar most frequently. This saw is awesome. I cut almost all hardwoods and large ones at that. You get what you pay for when it comes to chainsaws. I have had zero problems with either saw and cut on average 25-30 cords of wood a year. Maintenance is important on any piece of equipment. As long as you take care of this... (read more)
“I've used this saw for three years now and let me tell...”
Written on: 15/03/2010 by blackbart83 (1 review written)
I've used this saw for three years now and let me tell you as long as you keep her sharp she'll destroy anything it touches. This saw is very well balanced and for the money I've had no issues at all. Starts cold or hot. I cut around ten to fifteen cords per year with this saw. I've got two friends who regularly cut with me. One uses a 455rancher Husky, the other an Echo (not sure, but it's the biggest one they make)and they both like mine. The Echo is so heavy and the 455 can't keep up.... (read more)
“We use several saws in daily use (as an Arborist). We...”
Written on: 29/12/2009 by Treeclimber57 (8 reviews written)
We use several saws in daily use (as an Arborist). We have primarly saws from Husqvarna and Stihl, with a few Echo's in the mix.
We run Stihl's from the 200T up to the MS660 (we used to have 2 X MS880's and years ago had an 090 as well) However this is about the smaller end of the lineup.
The MS361 is an excellent saw, and one you can run all day long, every day of the week. Like any saw, they do require some care and maintenance, but nothing beyond what might be expected. These saws are...
(read more)
“ive had 3 ms361 saws now and there quality is top...”
Written on: 10/12/2009
ive had 3 ms361 saws now and there quality is top notch.i traded one saw for a ms441 but i can tell you that the extr weight isn;t worth the little extra power it puts out unless your line cutting only... (read more)
“I run this saw with 16" & 20", I really, really rate...”
Written on: 30/11/2009
I run this saw with 16" & 20", I really, really rate it...... Bullet proof & NOT a problem starting it. 4 tugs max, then flick it to the run symbol tug again and there she goes. (read more)
“great saw! will last a lifetime!”
Written on: 22/10/2009
great saw! will last a lifetime! (read more)
“I bought this saw because i heard nothing but good...”
Written on: 16/10/2009
I bought this saw because i heard nothing but good things about them. I used a 270 once and was impressed with its abilities. I bought the 361 because i did want a whippy saw and this saw cranks aim very impressed with its abilities. (read more)
“I have only had this Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw for 4 days...”
Written on: 10/08/2009
I have only had this Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw for 4 days and have run 5 tanks of gas through it!
This is my 6th chain saw and 4th in the 55 to 60cc range. This is Aug 9th temp. is warm and this saw is a SOB to start cold. With that said once you get the saw running you got your hand's full with probably one of best power house saw's in it's class. I dropped a 20" Elm with apprx. 20' to branch log and had it completely cut into fire wood length in around 40 min. and 1 tank of gas. I could have...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 47 Reviews
“Best chainsaw I have ever owned or used. Outstanding...”
Written on: 26/07/2009
Best chainsaw I have ever owned or used. Outstanding power to weight ratio. Starts easily, cuts extremely well. It doesn't bog down, even in large logs that are just as long as or longer than the bar. The power is outstanding. The chain oil comes out steadily.
No parts on it have broken and I have used it very hard. The air filter is a simple design that is easy to clean, which is a big bonus for me. It doesn't get clogged with sawdust or chips like the filters on some other saws....
(read more)
“Professional user, using the Stihl MS361 for the past...”
Written on: 15/07/2009
Professional user, using the Stihl MS361 for the past 2 years. The saw has plenty of power but seems happier with the 18" bar. Today we were clearing fallen trees out of the Rancocas Creek, when a 10-15 ton section of Beech (read 42" diameter) fell and took the saw completely underwater while performing a very precarious under cut. The saw was fully submerged for about 20 minutes, 4ft underwater (it went in running) After recovering the saw, we emptied the water out of the cylinder through... (read more)
“Purchased my stihl chainsaw on a 50% sale 6 months...”
Written on: 14/07/2009 by oj cruiks (4 reviews written)
Purchased my stihl chainsaw on a 50% sale 6 months ago. Normally these are very expensive but if you manage to get one on a offer you cannot go wrong.
Will last a lifetime with a great performance.
(read more)
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw overall, is a great saw”
Written on: 06/07/2009
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw overall, is a great saw (read more)
“run Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw off and on all mmy life I...”
Written on: 11/06/2009
run Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw off and on all mmy life I am now 56
use around home and pro
(read more)
“Big dissapointment for the money. I've been running...”
Written on: 11/05/2009 by Bluesourgrass
Big dissapointment for the money. I've been running old saws for a lot of years and I expected this new Stihl MS 361 to really perform. As much oil comes out from the filler cap as on the chain, and the air filter doesn't even seal up well. It surely won't be a long term saw. (read more)
“Wow, i heard great things about the Stihl MS 361 Chain...”
Written on: 28/04/2009 by nickg123 (1 review written)
Wow, i heard great things about the Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw, finally purchaced one at my local Stihl dealer... they were great.. The saw is absolutly a screamer.. cuts my 10 inch to 14 inch maples and oaks like a hot knife through butter,, solid,,, Great Saw.. professional grade components.. it will be my everyday saw.. for sure.. Balance is wonderful,, Keep the chain sharp and it will out work some bigger saws.. Great for all day in the woods.. (read more)
“This is my second Stihl. I have a 029 Farm Boss also....”
Written on: 24/04/2009
This is my second Stihl. I have a 029 Farm Boss also. I've had the 029 for 6 years and started getting into larger trees and needed a more powerful saw. The MS 361 is outstanding. It handles better with a 25" bar than the 029 with a 18". I still have the 029, runs great, but I only use it for branches and light work now. Cutting 15 Plus cords per year. (read more)
“This Stihl MS chainsaw is a cutting fool. I bought it...”
Written on: 15/04/2009
This Stihl MS chainsaw is a cutting fool. I bought it to work up a large chesnut in my back yard is was about 32" through at the base . During falling or any cut I made it did not bog out or stop the chain ( cool) (read more)
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw cuts 50% faster than my 10...”
Written on: 24/03/2009
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw cuts 50% faster than my 10 year old Stihl 036- this saw is an amazing engineering achievement- the very best saw I've ever used, and I have used dozens of older Stihl saws including the 032, 036, 038, 041, 034, etc.
Very smooth, and just rips through the wood with the fast cutting chain, I got it with an 18" bar since most of my cutting is for firewood, I have cut about five cords in the first three weeks of owning this saw.
Best feature for me is the redesigned...
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 47 Reviews
“ Excellent power to weight ratio. Powerful and cuts...”
Written on: 21/03/2009
Excellent power to weight ratio. Powerful and cuts smooth. Anti-Vib is second to none.
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Sawsaw is exceptionally smooth, cuts fast and has no trouble with hard wood. Purchased mine w/a 20" bar when I needed to cut up a 26" live oak trunk. It had no trouble with the trunk and made for a good break-in of the saw. It cuts soft wood so fast with the aggressive 33RSC chain that I sometimes feel the need to hold the saw back...it cuts that fast.
The only negative for...
(read more)
“My first Stihl lasted over 25 years. The MS361 is my...”
Written on: 11/03/2009 by bdelong
My first Stihl lasted over 25 years. The MS361 is my second Stihl. I bought about a year ago. It is a workhorse and I would buy again. Looked at all the competition. Stihl was certainly not the cheapest, but I think it is the best value. (read more)
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw has lots of power, smooth...”
Written on: 07/03/2009
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw has lots of power, smooth acceleration, easy start. I had a Farm Boss 290 for years. It was a good saw but a little under-powered. The 361 is more powerful and the professional quality is easy to feel. I had a 24 inch bar buried in a tree and it had power to spare. It is a beautiful piece of engineering. (read more)
“I use this saw from felling until wood is stacked,I...”
Written on: 01/03/2009 by Spitfire79
I use this saw from felling until wood is stacked,I have a wood boiler, so I depend on this saw to heat my home. I upgraded to this last fall, I have owned several Stihls and this is by far the best.If you want one saw to do it all, the MS 361 is the saw for you.I have ran huskies and dolmars and I would take this saw over either of them. Kind of expensive, but so is down time. (read more)
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is fast and quiet.I have...”
Written on: 12/02/2009
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is fast and quiet.I have had a half dozen Stihl saws, Olde farm bosses and 026s this is by far the poorest of the lot, been working in wood lots for 40 years and I would not buy another one. Poor witch design, it is too small and is hideen under the body plastaic, .nearly imposible to use with heavy gloves, hard to start with an apparently poorly designed choke system. Gas and oil caps are a real pain and it is easy to overfill. Tends to throw chains. Most of... (read more)
“this Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is one whoop butt saw! ...”
Written on: 11/01/2009 by woodchuck (1 review written)
this Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is one whoop butt saw! bout as big as you need to get before jumpin into the 440 class. I live in up state WI and depend on my saws to heat my house. This saw is everything it has been talked up to be. I also almost went with the 390 but sooo glad i spent the extra 100 bucks for the 361 w the 20" bar.
that 100 bucks steps you up into the "pro" class and the difference is very noteable.You will NOT BE disappointed and the money spent for this saw is money...
(read more)
“I have own or have owned several Stihl saws in the past. ”
Written on: 10/01/2009 by Arnt100
I have own or have owned several Stihl saws in the past.
Big fan of the new "White" bottle mix that Stihl came out with last year. It's amazing how after a tank of the "White Mix" oil I could feel the power come back to all my saws & leaf blower.
I traded up to this saw. If you are on the fence when shopping for a saw, I would highly recommend you by one size bigger. I know it's more money, but the bigger saw will save you time, you can always put a shorter bar on the saw if you...
(read more)
“The air filter element doesn't seal correctly and the...”
Written on: 25/10/2008 by paul1f
The air filter element doesn't seal correctly and the carb fills up with sawdust. paint pealed rapidly from the machine. Not on par with the stihls of old.
Replaced it with a Husquvarna 357, heaps better than the stihl, other option is to consider an 026/ ms260 or 044/ms440 these do not have the air filter problem.
(read more)
“An all-around nice saw. Decent power for most cutting...”
Written on: 22/09/2008
An all-around nice saw. Decent power for most cutting up to 24". Well balanced. I have used the Stihl MS 361 to cut many cords of soft wood and I'm pleased with the performance except the starting aspect. (read more)
“Looked at MS 390 but went with the Stihl MS 361...”
Written on: 13/09/2008
Looked at MS 390 but went with the Stihl MS 361 because saw is less weight and has more power. Cuts super fast with yellow chain. Air filter stays cleaner longer. Easy to adjust side chain screw.Saw is very easy on hands with almost no vibration. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 47 Reviews
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is great for a firewood...”
Written on: 09/09/2008 by cutwood441
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is great for a firewood saw, maybe some light professional work very reliable. (read more)
“Had 11 trees across driveway in march. this babyu...”
Written on: 05/08/2008 by JHR22002
Had 11 trees across driveway in march. this babyu made the job easy although my back was tired. (read more)
“In addition to the poor quality of this Stihl MS 361...”
Written on: 05/08/2008 by NDtreehugger (1 review written)
In addition to the poor quality of this Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw the dealer support is poor, the dealer repair knowledge is poor and warranty is minimal at best.
Saw has much plastic parts, which are a pain to acquire and its getting worse. It's overpriced for the performance. I think it is best to avoid the Stihl product line especially the consumer line. Before you buy ,carefully shop and compare and I'm you will see that Stihl offers less then all the rest at a higher price.
(read more)
“I purchased the MS 361 from Weingartz in Farmington...”
Written on: 22/06/2008 by exmark93
I purchased the MS 361 from Weingartz in Farmington Hills it runs great. I wanted it because my dad has an ECHO CS3450 with a 16 inch bar, it was always used and was never enough for me. I will never buy a different brand of chainsaw again i love my STIHL! (read more)
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is the best I've ever had....”
Written on: 05/05/2008
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is the best I've ever had. Been working on the road for 2 years now up here in Alaska. From Mississippi. Haven't cut any trees in a while. Don't have much longer. Great saw. If it will hold up to me, it's a great saw. (read more)
“I have 3 Stihls: 1985 028S, an '98 029, and a '06 390....”
Written on: 27/04/2008 by Eldest
I have 3 Stihls: 1985 028S, an '98 029, and a '06 390. With each purchase I tied to find a better saw, but stayed Stihl. The last time, I called repair shops, talked to only experienced mechanics, each one said that Stihl saws break down less, and give them less repair business. The 029 fell out of my truck...2 years later I found it my field. I did some cleaning, lubricating and derusted the chain break. All 3 saws still work very well. The 390 needed 19 seconds to cut a a slice of... (read more)
“I purchased a Stihl ms 361 chain saw and could not get...”
Written on: 17/04/2008
I purchased a Stihl ms 361 chain saw and could not get it started then it seemed like it wanted to go and something broke and that was it? I had some problems getting it replaced from the manufacturer (dispute between dealer and manufacturer and which one covers the defective part which caused the problem) so I bought another chainsaw (Husky 350) and have had no problems with it thus far! Maybe Stihl is a good brand but my experience has not been good thus far? I have to recommend a Husky or... (read more)
“When I run my Stihl MS 361 I usually put about two and...”
Written on: 08/04/2008 by nscott4 (1 review written)
When I run my Stihl MS 361 I usually put about two and a half tanks of fuel through it and never have any trouble with it. The saw runs like a champ even in cold weather. Medium sized trees are no match. It is made from Stihl which means it is not sold in your large retail stores like some other brands. Go to your local Stihl dealer and tell them what you do and what you might be looking at and you will discover that the quality of the saw goes way beyond the powerhead and bar. The... (read more)
“Just bought this saw a week ago (Friday) and it...”
Written on: 11/03/2008 by clinthaight (2 reviews written)
Just bought this saw a week ago (Friday) and it started right away. It was easy to adjust the carburettor and the oil and gas tanks are extremely easy to unscrew. I put a 28" bar on it and a full skip chain. The day after I bought it I fell five trees, delimed, and bucked them with no problems. Ran it an hour straight before having to refill and then I went right back to it for another hour with no overheating problems. (read more)
“Best saw ever, only thing thats bad is it sometimes...”
Written on: 04/03/2008
Best saw ever, only thing thats bad is it sometimes takes few pulls to start, if you call that bad. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 31 - 40 of 47 Reviews
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is well balanced, easy...”
Written on: 19/02/2008
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is well balanced, easy starting, powerful for the size of the saw. For overall general use you can't find a more durable hard working saw. (read more)
“This saw will transform you into a true woodsman. ...”
Written on: 13/02/2008
This saw will transform you into a true woodsman. Doesn't start well when its cold and wet outside. Sometimes the compression valve gets stuck. Get ready to cut lots of wood! This saw makes it so much more enjoyable. (read more)
“I found that the trigger lock on the Stihl MS 361...”
Written on: 20/12/2007
I found that the trigger lock on the Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is hard to get locked down to start it, and my foot does not fit in the handle space. Great saw overall if you use it daily. I found it easy to start and it cuts through wood like it was butter. (read more)
“very light saw, have used a 44 for a while before...”
Written on: 11/12/2007
very light saw, have used a 44 for a while before this. i used a skip tooth, which makes the 361 feel like a 44 and act like a saw with a 20" bar. (allthough mine is 28"). i will be getting another one very shortly as they are just too good to only have one of them around. (read more)
“Go buy a Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw today - I promise you...”
Written on: 14/02/2007 by Spearman86 (1 review written)
Go buy a Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw today - I promise you will be happy. (read more)
“The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is a great Saw! It has a...”
Written on: 08/04/2006 by hjbglass
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is a great Saw! It has a 25" saw blade and it cuts like butter. It also has low to no vibration at all. (read more)
“Holy smokes. I just bought the Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw....”
Written on: 08/10/2005 by evnglzr (1 review written)
Holy smokes. I just bought the Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw. It cuts like nothing I've ever used. And that's with the safty chain, I got a chissel chain for a spare it's faster yet.
I highly reccomend this saw.
4.3 hp
25" bar
13 lbs.
(read more)
Newguy7676's Response to evnglzr's Review
Written on: 20/11/2005
On the Stihl site, it recommends nothing larger than a 20" bar for the MS361. Any problems with the 25"? Could using it void your warranty?
Reply to this comment
Wcarp's Response to evnglzr's Review
Written on: 01/01/2008
On the Stihl's Web site, it gives a range of bar lengths from 16 to 25 inches for the saw. It's up the the owner's preference as to what length they want of course. A twenty inch bar seems to balance reasonably well. A longer bar on a saw will put more weight out front but of course allows a person to cut larger timber.
Reply to this comment
overview
Top 5 Chainsaws
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Husqvarna 455 Rancher
53 reviews read latest review -
2. Husqvarna 460
17 reviews read latest review -
3. Stihl MS 260
25 reviews read latest review -
4. Husqvarna 350 Chain Saw
69 reviews read latest review -
5. Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw
47 reviews read latest review
Latest Reviews in Chainsaws
-
Husqvarna 350 Chain Saw
"Husqvarna 350 muffler coming l..." Read More
-
Stihl MS290
"Strong,light and easy to use" Read More
-
Bosch AKE 40-17 S Chainsaw
"Very poor design" Read More
-
Husqvarna 455 Rancher
"Chain falls off" Read More
-
Dolmar PS-5105
"Screaming fast!" Read More
Latest items in Chainsaws
See more ▼
252776_Anonymous101's Response to Spearman86's Review
Written on: 21/02/2007
The Stihl MS 361 Chain Saw is a quality chainsaw; probably a bit too heavy duty for my needs, but nonetheless it is a quality bit of kit!