Here is a comparison between the 500i and a cheaper alternative th-cam.com/video/MKKfDE5GG-o/w-d-xo.html Check out more of our chainsaw and Saw Mill videos here: th-cam.com/play/PLmYnhJtNUq7cxcDizOh4LbhabyvbU1uAN.html Rockhill Farm is a daily equipment and rural living vlog. We mainly focus on tractors and working outdoors. I really appreciate you taking time to watch this video. If you enjoy this type of content Check out some of the following links to support our channel. If you are interested in a rock Hill Farms T-shirt check out our merch store rockhill-farm.creator-spring.com/listing/rockhill-farm-logo Please subscribe to our channel here: th-cam.com/users/Rockhillfarmandhomes Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/Rock-Hill-Farm-102050688356056/ You can now support the channel by buying us a coffee at the following link: www.buymeacoffee.com/rockhillfarm
That bark box makes a pretty significant difference actually. Dyno joe mods had it all on video. Makes like .5 more hp. So yes it in fact will make a difference. The 500i is the next woods beast of its time.
Got a stihl 044 I bought back in the early 90’s when I was a teenager to cut logs on our ranch. It still runs great,love that saw but I just went out and bought 500i as a back up saw haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. Looking forward to using it. I live in Wyoming the snow is still a foot and a half deep.
500i as a "back-up saw"? Haha, the ultimate insult for what's essentially a super-premium chainsaw. If saws had feelings that 500i would be crying itself to sleep on its shelf in the shed over being second string.
MS661s in my opinion were under rated saws. They had issues with them early on with the coils but with the updated coil, they are hard to beat. I do however prefer my ms500i because that 3lbs or so makes a huge difference when you cut a lot of wood. Another favorite of mine is the ms462, but still prefer the 500i over them. The ms500i also seems to be the most durable case wise... the 661s I see a lot of broke cases in the bar stud/upper spike area.
Thank you for noting those durability observations you made. As an operator mostly familiar with magnum MS660 saws for this power and weight class, really useful to hear those comparisons.
A better test would be your 500i against a single man crosscut saw cutting ten cords of firewood. The point there being that one tests the saw, the other tests the man. If you keep your saw sharp and running well, it will get the work done no matter which saw you choose. Each man has a technique that will favor one saw over another, but unless you're chasing the good ol' days, I can't see someone choosing an old crosscut saw over a chainsaw. Comparisons are entertaining and a great help when choosing a saw, but I'm not going to get rid of a saw I own and buy another because of the results of a comparison. I will admit that I prefer a big saw for felling just because it makes that back cut quicker when you need it quicker. And a big saw will buck a stack of firewood poles quicker than a small saw. But the saw I carry on my tractor is not my big saw. In that scenario, convenience overrides power. And I'll be seventy years old this year and constantly starting a big saw can takes its toll on my old shoulders. I could guarantee you that if I had to start my big saw thirty times in a single day, I'd be hurting. So, what is good for one man, may not be good for the next guy. I'd be happy with either one of the saws you had in the video, but only if I had two saws to pick and choose from. But here I go, using way too many words to explain a simple point. Winner or no winner, I really enjoyed the video, Brock. I think you could make a video about peeling potatoes, and I'd enjoy it. I just seem to enjoy your outlook on things and your attitude. Keep it up!
Well said. Everyone cuts different. Some guys just don't understand that. A 70cc 440 will cut circles around a guy running a 661 if he doesn't know how to sharpen square filed or understand rakers
There both great saws I have the 500i and the 661 M-tropic the latter version model of the 661 both have barkbox . The 661 is a beast with the barkbox same bar and chain it will outperform the 500i if I was cutting all day the 500i would be my choice lighter and easy on my body.If I was cutting big logs and longer bar the 661 really shines
Nothing to do with this video but I just saw that you have 51.5k subscribers. You're getting there Brock; congrats!! I think I started watching when you had around 10 or 12 thousand if I remember right.
I agree with you on the new saw's cutting faster than the old saws. But there are a couple old saws that will whoop most new ones in there cc class 394xp. 066 red light. McCullough 125sp.
@@miketyson8658The Big Mac The baddest saw ever made. We had one years ago at our old shop, for cutting down giants. Only had one bar, and one chain. The idiots didn't get a second shot at running that saw.
After a year of using a 500i, I'm confident that I could replace my 661 and 392 with it. The 661 does have a slight edge in torque, but it can hard to find scenarios where it's noticable. And when you consider that the 500i has that kind of power in the same size as a 392, it's really a no brainer
The torque advantage of 661 can be negated by porting them both. The 500i will pull just as hard thanks to the injection system (it doesn't rely on Bernoulli's principle to pull fuel, which hurts a carb at lower rpms), while having a lighter saw.
It was nice to see you didn't throw sawdust all over the 500i or knock it over with a chunk of the log. It would have been a lot easier for you when you were end cutting if you'd have raised the log.
Good video Brock. I have a Stihl 362 that I've cut with for about 11 years. Carrying that around in the woods all day will wear your arms out. I can't imagine carrying something heavier but on that occasional very large tree it sure would be nice to have more power.
I’ve had a 362 for a similar time and a 500i for two years. I can tell you the 500i with 25” bar is more balanced and feels lighter than my 362 with a 20” bar and I love my 362
I agree newer engineering going to have more power than older engineering. Compare old V8 to new V8 in vehicles even just naturally aspirated HP is way higher in newer vehicles. Newer stuff can run higher compression ratios without detonating.
I just bought a 500i at race brothers. Absolutely love it! I’m logging a few acres on my property and it’s just a beast. Btw my 039 doesn’t even touch the 500i. Great video.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I would say that mine has run better and stronger as I’ve had it longer Do you live near me? We have race brothers here.
@@RockhillfarmYT15 mins east of Springfield. I usually go to the Springfield location. But visit Carthage and Monett as I work for a pipeline company that is along 44.
When you cut length wise like that and run the saw level it will pull long shavings and plug the saw. If you rock the saw some as you're cutting it will help eliminate that. Being too close to the log has no bearing.
If my old 036 would ever die I would probably replace it with a 500i with a long bar. I'm getting too old for kneeling and bending over while bucking. The 500i weighs about the same as the old 036 but should be near double the power. I haven't seen any other saws that compare in that weight class.
@@Travis444-v2p I'm sure a 462 could be tuned up to be more umph than a 500i but stock v stock... nah. Both great saws though!!! I'm sure I would be happy with either. I'm just ready to graduate to that sort of ~6HP territory on a long bar. I think 32-36" would be nice for firewood processing.
Really need to go bigger bars for these bigger cc saws to start to see a noticable difference. And the bark box can definitely make a difference as the mufflers tend to be a restriction.
Husqvarna and Sthil both make excellent saws I prefer the Sthil. I had a tree pinch my bar as it was falling and had to abandon it the tree bounced and fell on my saw and it survived. I bought a MS460 and it was a beast I eventually I wore it out. I was so impressed with Sthil I bought a 500i and like everyone else it was hard starting until I figured out you need to prime it 8 times let it run for a few minutes some say 15 minutes to let the computer auto tune itself to the fuel ,atmospheric conditions and altitude. It's been running great ever since.
For me it would be out of the 462 or 500i, The 462 is a little lighter with better fuel economy. And I've used both these saws and can't really tell any difference in power with there standard bar lengths. But the 500i will be able to use a bigger bar More easily.
That 661 looks like it has a BARK BOX? I have a 30+yr old 034, but I only use it on really special occasions, it was my uncles. One time I tried to trade the 034 in (on the 391) and the guys at the Rolla Family Center looked at me like I'd lost my mind. Been running mostly the 462C for stumps, and the 391 and 250 on other work. No doubt the 500i is an amazing saw.......even BBR seems to keep going back to it one week he loves it the next he's not sure...haha. Great video and realistic conclusions. For the young guns that want raw power, I think the 661 has more to offer...it's just bigger and will likely hold up better to long term hard "long bar" use. But again "I think" isn't scientific....haha....for us older wiser folks, that 500i sure is attractive at so much power to weight WIN! Have a safe and fantastic EASTER Brock and family! Cheers
Thanks for the feedback on it. Billy Ray has been cracking me up because he has announced multiple times that he doesn’t like the saw and then he goes back to it and says he likes it again
@@RockhillfarmYT In his defense, he was kinda done with it (500i) then one of his buddies who modifies saws, sent him this most recent one he's been using (I think) with several modifications. And again he's been hot an cold with it, but seems like most recently he's settled in on it indeed being a saw he could see having in his "go to" arsenal. I'm not following him real closely, as such, I'm not claiming to be any "authority" on his content ....haha.
And he is really in tune with his saws and notices every little thing. He shares his thoughts in the moment. I haven’t run 200 other saws to compare this to, but it feels pretty hard to beat to me. I’m not criticizing him at all. I’m a big fan of his videos even though I don’t watch them all.
@@RockhillfarmYT Right on! these last 2 videos you did are great parallels to BBR and his pretty consistent theme "Get out in the wood and make your own experiences!" (or something to that effect) ....Your humble approach to this resonates with most of us watching, who actually DO WORK 😇😀😎
You actually could have trimmed the log with perhaps the 661 to make it so the bars would go all the way through the log then put the new chains on both chainsaws I'm a huge fan of newer Stihl chainsaws and I'm a Stihl man.... super fun video thanks man
Here is what I have found. I own a 661 and I own a 462 that is upgraded. The RPM and chain speed is Faster on the 70cc saws. When you get to 90cc they are set up for LONG bars and MORE Torque. Put a 36inch bar on it and cut a 30 inch log. The 500i will do it but it will struggle more where the 90cc saw will just chug along and not struggle as much. IF you run a 20 inch bar on both saws the 500i will edge out the big beefy torque monster. HOWEVER my buddys 395xp seams like it revs just like a 70cc saw and it cuts man... The 395 is a real screamer and like the number says its a 95cc saw. I honestly think they are ALL Amazing. Unfortantly the 50cc and 60cc saws after all get the short stick. I find my 261 and 362 are kinda eh now... They feel like a toy compared to the Hotrod 462. I run my 462 with a 25 Light bar and full skip full chisel chain. and it cuts. Ill have a video soon of me bucking up some 25 inch 30+ inch logs with it on a few tree jobs I did. Keep in mind the 462 is only 1lb more then the 362. and I want to say its almost twice as fast cutting in bigger logs. Thats a HUGE energy saver.
I think the 462 is a great choice for an every day saw The 500i weighs less than the 462 and has more power. The only modification I have done is replacing the stock muffler with a bark box.
@@RockhillfarmYT POWER SOURCE Gas 462 Specs from STIHL POWERHEAD WEIGHT 13.2 lbs. GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 25 in. OILOMATIC® CHAIN 3/8" RS3 CHAIN OIL CAPACITY 11.5 oz. ENGINE POWER 6.0 bhp FUEL CAPACITY 24.3 oz. DISPLACEMENT 72.2 cc 500i Specs from STIHL POWER SOURCE Gas POWERHEAD WEIGHT 14.8 lbs. GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 25 in. OILOMATIC® CHAIN 3/8" RS3 CHAIN OIL CAPACITY 11 oz. ENGINE POWER 6.7 bhp FUEL CAPACITY 26.05 oz. DISPLACEMENT 79.2 cc The 500i is 1.5lbs more with .7 more HP. About the same from the 362 To the 462. I will get a 500i at some point not because I need it. I just want one to have and try. Thanks for the Reply. I just found your channel and im interested in the MILLING I just saw. This could cost me my whole rainy sunday lol... Cheers from up here in the North east New Hampshire!!!
if the bark box doesnt make a difference theres no point in having one, if you took two stock saws the 661 wins every time in big wood. also with the bigger saw you can cut the rakers to get the use of the bigger motor, most cutting people the 500i is a better choice just for the weight, as for the guys that say ive had my 038 for 20 years thats good but how much have you cut in that time? if my saw lasted 20 years 0n what i cut a year that would really be impressive.
@@RockhillfarmYT if you compared to different saws of the same models it could be different also. I’ve bought two that were the same model number and one definitely had more power than the other. As for the bark box I have no proof either it’s just what I’ve heard.
Bar length matters. Without both using the same bar length with the same mods it can't be a true test of torque for stock saws. If you would have done both tests just using the big bar and chain, then the test would have been a good comparison between those two specific saws as they are right now. It maybe for most guys falling trees that the 500i would be plenty of saw without the extra weight. The 500i also didn't clear the longer chips as well as the 661 on the last test going with the grain. The truest test of the 500i will be how it holds up over time. Say after 10 years. But if I wasn't likely to be cutting huge trees all the time, I'd pick the 500i because it's lighter and works great, even if it turned out that isn't as fast as the 661 on equal testing.
@@RockhillfarmYT I was referring to the long bar being swapped to the 500i to make the test even. If it can use the 661's bar. Basically run the 661 and then put the bar off the 661 onto the 500i and run it. Then it would be a more even test of torque. I haven't checked if the 500i can use a 661 bar, but if it can then you could test them with both saws using the longer 661 bar.
I do a lot of chainsaw comparisons and I always put the same bar on both saws. About two weeks ago I did one between a heavily modified big bore 660 clone saw and the 500 with both saws running a 36 inch bar
@@RockhillfarmYT oh, my apologies. I thought you said the bar on the 500i was shorter. I thought it looked shorter, maybe I was just mistaken and misheard.
If it’s been pulling a bar long enough to drink it’s a damn good saw, custom tolerances have been built up and worn away from all the years of running it. 😂
Haven’t come across the opportunity for that, but I did compare to a 460 magnum in this video Old School Chainsaw Vs Modern Fuel Injected  th-cam.com/video/f8DEW4ZGLw8/w-d-xo.html
On the ripping cuts, the stringy chips would not have blocked up the chain if you had just used your skid steer to lift the log higher up off the ground so the chips could fall away under gravity & not block the chain guard. And you did the same thing on both saws. So “controlling the variables” was all down to operator error. Same with the cross cut testing. The log was oval shaped not round. Had you rolled it back on the forks so the oval was vertical, both bars would have reached right through on the narrower cut and the uncut corner block in your tests eliminated. Look it’s admirable to want to test the both saws, but you had all the equipment you needed to make the tests fair, ie the skid steer sitting parked there, but you didn’t use it to even out the variables, when you could have. Lifting the log would have meant you didn’t spend half your time bent over during the tests, you could have stood up straight & eased your back as well as creating controlled conditions so the results were meaningful.
Fifty-some seconds for the crosscut and seven hours fifteen minutes for the rip cut - at least that how it always seems when you have to make those cuts LOL
Fantastic video Brock, great content, The 661 will waltz down through that log with a 36in B&C all day long, the saw is not under optimum load with a short ( 25 in ) B&C, this saw loves to pull the compatible 36in B&C which it was designed for, put a 36in B&C on the 500i , then you got a real comparison, These two saws are different animals built for different cutting circumstances, their IS no comparison, but for my money, I got both, and they work together in perfect harmony !!!
Yes correct, time will tell on how long the modern saws will last compared to the saws from 20 years ago or more. I have a 1980 76cc 048 which I re-conned 10yrs ago & what a strong saw, altho they don't rev as fast as modern saws, & just the weight is the problem. Come on Stihl, upgrade the bad designed filtration setup & suspension on the 500i. Buyers are paying top dollar for this professional saw & shouldn't be expected to pay to improve it for longevity.
Thanks for the vid, appreciated Unfortunately the control of variables was such that I didn't get any reliable knowledge from it. pretty standard on YT sincerely david
Hi@@RockhillfarmYT and thanks for the interest. One chainsaw has ported muffler other doesn't seem to. One cut shows 2 planes showing it did extra cutting Different physical motions by user each time ... To the extent variables are controlled one has a fair test ... good that some variables were controlled and good on you for sharing to increase knowledge ... that's what I'm doing. My feedback is honest, like your video. The truth of a matter is not something to fight about but to seek together and openly acknowledge. Variables were not tightly controlled to give valid knowledge in my view. sincerely david
I have respect your opinion. I expected the result of this video to be that the 661 was a lot faster. My experience running these two saws is the 500 starts easier, requires no warm-up, is lighter, and cuts at least as fast. Maybe my saw in better shape than the other one, or maybe the bark box helps but I can’t find a reason between these two saws to choose the 661
@@RockhillfarmYT must have took a bite of my hotdog and missed that lol Sorry bout that but an honest mistake so don't get too riled up. Thanks for pointing that out to me
I think Husqvarna is loosing a lot of customers to Stihl. The 500i and MS462 are lighter saws than the Husqvarna 572. I enjoy your comparison and a couple seconds in a cut is not that noticeable in the real world.
I have videos using both of these chainsaws for chainsaw milling. I did not record a time test, but that’s actually what I got them for Why This Logosol Mill is Awesome...And Why it Isn't th-cam.com/video/2fuLqZcQOTk/w-d-xo.html
on 25inch bar 500i is winner lighter and cuts fast on 36inch bar i gues 661 shows its superiour torque power. This 90cc power saws are made for 32-42 inch bars there is their natural habitat. I have 462 and it runs 25inch bar flawlesly.
"Hopped up" or modified huskys are insane.. out of the box stihl wins every time. Those old saws are boat anchores. They should get thrown in the trash. Heavy slow cutting and they aren't even in the same category.
I’m aware. That makes you expect a certain result but when trying to do an unbiased test, I can’t share the results towards what I think is going to happen.
I know your trying to be as even on both machines as you can, but truthfully a cut with the grain inside a log isn't a good test. Not to mention the biggest variable here..... is you, the operator. You'll never be exact. Honestly I own both and like them both there is no comparison. Buy the one you like and use the one you like.
Nothing like borrowing someone's $1500 saw & potentially damaging it. Whoever suggested u cut long wise? Why, didn't u just rotate the log on yr skid to allow both bars to go through?
I haven’t personally been able to compare it against any Husqvarna saws but I’ve heard that the 592 is faster. It definitely should be faster because it is 92cc vs 79 cc That saw also weighs an extra 3 pounds . Rebound doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up if you’re carrying it around all day.
Since this video was taken, I’ve had two guys who fell trees for a living contact me, and want to compare their saws to mine. I’ve done the test four different ways and haven’t found a saw yet that cuts faster than the 500i
The 661 had a a/m muffler on it not stock, but 500i looks stock and still beats it even though it has over 10 cc less capacity. The 500i with a Egan straight shot muffler and an Egan air filter, is a absolute screamer !
ROTATE the log 90 degress so you can cut through the narrow section in one go would be a much better way to go, sorry seems logical to me...maybe us Aussies think differently !!
Ur all forget about d man behind d saw ur big saw ur big bar shes oiling shes cuttin slow shes cutting fast shes nt as fast Stihl is better no husqvarna is better my 500 is better than ur 592xp all fine til they stop get Ur bushman out all counter talk at d pub 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Don't worry about that whole Stihl vs. Husky crap Brock. You know it's the internet and people still get caught up in that whole stupid Ford vs. Chevy mentality, and it's just moronic. Run what you run, as long as it works well for you. P.S. I'll take all of those noodles to make fire-starter as well! LOL 🙂
Comparing a saw from 20 years ago is pointless. They wear out and people need to buy new ones, and what they're going to buy is, hey, guess what, the current model. And just like a car, truck, moto, etc, hopefully it's better than the one before,, and if not, hopefully it's good enough.
90% of the comments I get would disagree with you. Usually they say the old saws are Superior. This is one of about 10 comparisons. I’ve done between different chainsaws and similar class ranges I think the 500 is the best saw on the market, but it’s also really expensive.
Here is a comparison between the 500i and a cheaper alternative
th-cam.com/video/MKKfDE5GG-o/w-d-xo.html
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I have a Stihl 07 that I purchased in 1974 used and still use it to this day
That bark box makes a pretty significant difference actually. Dyno joe mods had it all on video. Makes like .5 more hp. So yes it in fact will make a difference. The 500i is the next woods beast of its time.
I would like to see the stock muffler on the 661. and is it the 661c or regular 661?
Got a stihl 044 I bought back in the early 90’s when I was a teenager to cut logs on our ranch. It still runs great,love that saw but I just went out and bought 500i as a back up saw haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. Looking forward to using it. I live in Wyoming the snow is still a foot and a half deep.
How you liking it so far? Should be about firewood season.
500i as a "back-up saw"? Haha, the ultimate insult for what's essentially a super-premium chainsaw. If saws had feelings that 500i would be crying itself to sleep on its shelf in the shed over being second string.
How about milling? Do they both perform about the same there too?
MS661s in my opinion were under rated saws. They had issues with them early on with the coils but with the updated coil, they are hard to beat. I do however prefer my ms500i because that 3lbs or so makes a huge difference when you cut a lot of wood. Another favorite of mine is the ms462, but still prefer the 500i over them. The ms500i also seems to be the most durable case wise... the 661s I see a lot of broke cases in the bar stud/upper spike area.
Thank you for noting those durability observations you made. As an operator mostly familiar with magnum MS660 saws for this power and weight class, really useful to hear those comparisons.
A better test would be your 500i against a single man crosscut saw cutting ten cords of firewood. The point there being that one tests the saw, the other tests the man. If you keep your saw sharp and running well, it will get the work done no matter which saw you choose. Each man has a technique that will favor one saw over another, but unless you're chasing the good ol' days, I can't see someone choosing an old crosscut saw over a chainsaw. Comparisons are entertaining and a great help when choosing a saw, but I'm not going to get rid of a saw I own and buy another because of the results of a comparison. I will admit that I prefer a big saw for felling just because it makes that back cut quicker when you need it quicker. And a big saw will buck a stack of firewood poles quicker than a small saw. But the saw I carry on my tractor is not my big saw. In that scenario, convenience overrides power. And I'll be seventy years old this year and constantly starting a big saw can takes its toll on my old shoulders. I could guarantee you that if I had to start my big saw thirty times in a single day, I'd be hurting. So, what is good for one man, may not be good for the next guy. I'd be happy with either one of the saws you had in the video, but only if I had two saws to pick and choose from. But here I go, using way too many words to explain a simple point. Winner or no winner, I really enjoyed the video, Brock. I think you could make a video about peeling potatoes, and I'd enjoy it. I just seem to enjoy your outlook on things and your attitude. Keep it up!
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Well said. Everyone cuts different. Some guys just don't understand that. A 70cc 440 will cut circles around a guy running a 661 if he doesn't know how to sharpen square filed or understand rakers
Boy Marvin you should consider writing a novel after this production. The 500i is dominant and it is what it is
There both great saws I have the 500i and the 661
M-tropic the latter version model of the 661 both have barkbox .
The 661 is a beast with the barkbox same bar and chain it will outperform the 500i if I was cutting all day the 500i would be my choice lighter and easy on my body.If I was cutting big logs and longer bar the 661 really shines
My favorite saw is one that starts easy . I have a lot of stihl saws
Never more than 3 pulls on the 500
Nothing to do with this video but I just saw that you have 51.5k subscribers. You're getting there Brock; congrats!! I think I started watching when you had around 10 or 12 thousand if I remember right.
It has been a journey. Thanks for following along
Brock, thanks for sharing! Maybe use the mill to create a log that is just under the bar length to get a good test?
nice video mate, I agree always let the saw do the work and not bog it down.
You should have put the same bar and the same chain on both, it is not possible that the 661 works worse than the 500, it is not logical.
it could be. I thinkg, that the testing bar was too short to utilize the 661 torque . I'd test it with a 36 bar.
I think the 500 has a faster chain speed
I agree with you on the new saw's cutting faster than the old saws. But there are a couple old saws that will whoop most new ones in there cc class 394xp. 066 red light. McCullough 125sp.
Yep. the McCullough 125C super was built for BIG timber. Nothing built today compares!
Looooove macs!
@@miketyson8658The Big Mac
The baddest saw ever made. We had one years ago at our old shop, for cutting down giants. Only had one bar, and one chain. The idiots didn't get a second shot at running that saw.
Would you place a 32 or even 36 inch bar on both saws?
I run a 36” on the 500
@@RockhillfarmYT thanks
After a year of using a 500i, I'm confident that I could replace my 661 and 392 with it.
The 661 does have a slight edge in torque, but it can hard to find scenarios where it's noticable.
And when you consider that the 500i has that kind of power in the same size as a 392, it's really a no brainer
The torque advantage of 661 can be negated by porting them both. The 500i will pull just as hard thanks to the injection system (it doesn't rely on Bernoulli's principle to pull fuel, which hurts a carb at lower rpms), while having a lighter saw.
That’s BS, the 461 has more low end power than a 500i and it’s a carb saw
I have compared the 500 to a 461 and a 460. 500 cut better than either of them for me.
The 500 does have a bark box on it.
@@em4703 That’s BS, the 461 has more low end power than a 500i and it’s a carb saw
@@RockhillfarmYT yes. My 461 will bog our way before my 500. And I've rarely bogged the 661
Both good saws l cut a lot of big oak with them both 👍🏴.
Interesting result, and thanks for making this video. I'm in the market for a saw, and I'm thinking the MS 500i ia the best way to go.
Which uses more fuel?
Could the electronic fuel injection perhaps make that big a difference also?
Hangisi daha iyi 661 mi 500 i mi hangisini alalım .
I wonder how that test would look with 28, 32, or 36” bar.
i bet 661 + 36 bar = kickass
Yes , me too ......
If they cut similar wouldn't the 500i use a bit less fuel to do the same work?
The 500i is a serious drinker.
It was nice to see you didn't throw sawdust all over the 500i or knock it over with a chunk of the log. It would have been a lot easier for you when you were end cutting if you'd have raised the log.
Good video Brock. I have a Stihl 362 that I've cut with for about 11 years. Carrying that around in the woods all day will wear your arms out. I can't imagine carrying something heavier but on that occasional very large tree it sure would be nice to have more power.
I’ve had a 362 for a similar time and a 500i for two years. I can tell you the 500i with 25” bar is more balanced and feels lighter than my 362 with a 20” bar and I love my 362
I agree newer engineering going to have more power than older engineering. Compare old V8 to new V8 in vehicles even just naturally aspirated HP is way higher in newer vehicles. Newer stuff can run higher compression ratios without detonating.
That's what the 500i was designed to do ! Power of a 90cc and the weight of a 80cc!! Did someone miss the memo? Lol. Good fun video. I enjoyed
I just bought a 500i at race brothers. Absolutely love it! I’m logging a few acres on my property and it’s just a beast. Btw my 039 doesn’t even touch the 500i. Great video.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I would say that mine has run better and stronger as I’ve had it longer
Do you live near me? We have race brothers here.
@@RockhillfarmYT15 mins east of Springfield. I usually go to the Springfield location. But visit Carthage and Monett as I work for a pipeline company that is along 44.
@@82ndpara21 small world. I’m about 20 minutes from Joplin.
Grew up near Mount Vernon.
When you cut length wise like that and run the saw level it will pull long shavings and plug the saw. If you rock the saw some as you're cutting it will help eliminate that. Being too close to the log has no bearing.
Makes sense. I’ve never had my Saul do that before but I don’t normally plunge down the length of a log like that either.
If my old 036 would ever die I would probably replace it with a 500i with a long bar. I'm getting too old for kneeling and bending over while bucking. The 500i weighs about the same as the old 036 but should be near double the power. I haven't seen any other saws that compare in that weight class.
I would go with the 462 over the 500i……. The 500i is slower and heavier than the 462
@user-xo5vw9gk3x I’ve used a 462 had to head on the same log and it definitely does not cut as fast as the 500
They’re both 13 pound chainsaws
@@Travis444-v2p I'm sure a 462 could be tuned up to be more umph than a 500i but stock v stock... nah. Both great saws though!!! I'm sure I would be happy with either. I'm just ready to graduate to that sort of ~6HP territory on a long bar. I think 32-36" would be nice for firewood processing.
Really need to go bigger bars for these bigger cc saws to start to see a noticable difference. And the bark box can definitely make a difference as the mufflers tend to be a restriction.
All u had to do is rotate that oblong log & u could go thru it w/a 25". U have a skid. Use it!
Sweet video! Very nice saws!
Husqvarna and Sthil both make excellent saws I prefer the Sthil. I had a tree pinch my bar as it was falling and had to abandon it the tree bounced and fell on my saw and it survived. I bought a MS460 and it was a beast I eventually I wore it out. I was so impressed with Sthil I bought a 500i and like everyone else it was hard starting until I figured out you need to prime it 8 times let it run for a few minutes some say 15 minutes to let the computer auto tune itself to the fuel ,atmospheric conditions and altitude. It's been running great ever since.
Cool test. That looks like a sawmill log.
It is going to be. I’ve heard that hackberry makes good lumber, but it likes to twist as it dries.
For me it would be out of the 462 or 500i,
The 462 is a little lighter with better fuel economy.
And I've used both these saws and can't really tell any difference in power with there standard bar lengths.
But the 500i will be able to use a bigger bar More easily.
I have the 462cm with bark box and love it!! She really cuts!!
@timtorkelson7201 I think it helps
@@RockhillfarmYT Dyno Joe on the tube has them @ .5 hp
According to Stihl , 500 i would take up to 36 " bar.
I have a 36 inch bar that I use on it
That 661 looks like it has a BARK BOX? I have a 30+yr old 034, but I only use it on really special occasions, it was my uncles. One time I tried to trade the 034 in (on the 391) and the guys at the Rolla Family Center looked at me like I'd lost my mind. Been running mostly the 462C for stumps, and the 391 and 250 on other work. No doubt the 500i is an amazing saw.......even BBR seems to keep going back to it one week he loves it the next he's not sure...haha.
Great video and realistic conclusions. For the young guns that want raw power, I think the 661 has more to offer...it's just bigger and will likely hold up better to long term hard "long bar" use. But again "I think" isn't scientific....haha....for us older wiser folks, that 500i sure is attractive at so much power to weight WIN!
Have a safe and fantastic EASTER Brock and family!
Cheers
Thanks for the feedback on it.
Billy Ray has been cracking me up because he has announced multiple times that he doesn’t like the saw and then he goes back to it and says he likes it again
@@RockhillfarmYT In his defense, he was kinda done with it (500i) then one of his buddies who modifies saws, sent him this most recent one he's been using (I think) with several modifications. And again he's been hot an cold with it, but seems like most recently he's settled in on it indeed being a saw he could see having in his "go to" arsenal. I'm not following him real closely, as such, I'm not claiming to be any "authority" on his content ....haha.
And he is really in tune with his saws and notices every little thing. He shares his thoughts in the moment. I haven’t run 200 other saws to compare this to, but it feels pretty hard to beat to me.
I’m not criticizing him at all. I’m a big fan of his videos even though I don’t watch them all.
@@RockhillfarmYT Right on! these last 2 videos you did are great parallels to BBR and his pretty consistent theme "Get out in the wood and make your own experiences!" (or something to that effect) ....Your humble approach to this resonates with most of us watching, who actually DO WORK 😇😀😎
I think my original comment I had it backwards......is it your 500i that has the Barq/Bark Box? That does help lift it up if the 661 does not.
You actually could have trimmed the log with perhaps the 661 to make it so the bars would go all the way through the log then put the new chains on both chainsaws I'm a huge fan of newer Stihl chainsaws and I'm a Stihl man.... super fun video thanks man
500i for sure. The chain speed is madness. 0 to 100kms/hour in .25 seconds
It is a 500
Here is what I have found. I own a 661 and I own a 462 that is upgraded. The RPM and chain speed is Faster on the 70cc saws. When you get to 90cc they are set up for LONG bars and MORE Torque. Put a 36inch bar on it and cut a 30 inch log. The 500i will do it but it will struggle more where the 90cc saw will just chug along and not struggle as much. IF you run a 20 inch bar on both saws the 500i will edge out the big beefy torque monster. HOWEVER my buddys 395xp seams like it revs just like a 70cc saw and it cuts man... The 395 is a real screamer and like the number says its a 95cc saw. I honestly think they are ALL Amazing. Unfortantly the 50cc and 60cc saws after all get the short stick. I find my 261 and 362 are kinda eh now... They feel like a toy compared to the Hotrod 462. I run my 462 with a 25 Light bar and full skip full chisel chain. and it cuts. Ill have a video soon of me bucking up some 25 inch 30+ inch logs with it on a few tree jobs I did. Keep in mind the 462 is only 1lb more then the 362. and I want to say its almost twice as fast cutting in bigger logs. Thats a HUGE energy saver.
I think the 462 is a great choice for an every day saw
The 500i weighs less than the 462 and has more power. The only modification I have done is replacing the stock muffler with a bark box.
@@RockhillfarmYT POWER SOURCE Gas
462 Specs from STIHL POWERHEAD WEIGHT 13.2 lbs.
GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 25 in.
OILOMATIC® CHAIN 3/8" RS3
CHAIN OIL CAPACITY 11.5 oz.
ENGINE POWER 6.0 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY 24.3 oz.
DISPLACEMENT 72.2 cc
500i Specs from STIHL POWER SOURCE Gas
POWERHEAD WEIGHT 14.8 lbs.
GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 25 in.
OILOMATIC® CHAIN 3/8" RS3
CHAIN OIL CAPACITY 11 oz.
ENGINE POWER 6.7 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY 26.05 oz.
DISPLACEMENT 79.2 cc The 500i is 1.5lbs more with .7 more HP. About the same from the 362 To the 462. I will get a 500i at some point not because I need it. I just want one to have and try. Thanks for the Reply. I just found your channel and im interested in the MILLING I just saw. This could cost me my whole rainy sunday lol... Cheers from up here in the North east New Hampshire!!!
462 is 1.6 lb more than 362
@@RockhillfarmYT 500i is .9 lb more than 462
@@RockhillfarmYT the 462 is lighter than the 500i .
The 661 is all stock and had approximately 10 hours on it when you picked it up, I’m sure your 500 has a lot more time on it 👍
So you’re so might not even really be broke in yet
@@RockhillfarmYTthose saws are so awesome and they sound awesome 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😍
The last test the 661 had a duller chain. The machines don’t get as sharp as out of the box or especially hand filing.
Rip a slab off the back side of the log the lemgth of the bar so that the thickness is the same for the tests.
That's what I would have done
With ripping ik that a WCS clutch cover would b ur best friend
Yer im using 25 YO Stihl s. They still feel nice to me...
Nothing wrong with that
if the bark box doesnt make a difference theres no point in having one, if you took two stock saws the 661 wins every time in big wood. also with the bigger saw you can cut the rakers to get the use of the bigger motor, most cutting people the 500i is a better choice just for the weight, as for the guys that say ive had my 038 for 20 years thats good but how much have you cut in that time? if my saw lasted 20 years 0n what i cut a year that would really be impressive.
This test made me think the bark box makes a difference. Can’t really prove that though.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it
@@RockhillfarmYT if you compared to different saws of the same models it could be different also. I’ve bought two that were the same model number and one definitely had more power than the other. As for the bark box I have no proof either it’s just what I’ve heard.
I would never put a barkbox on my saw.
way to noisey.
I do ripping cuts like that all the time, Im a woodturner and I need to rip logs into bowl blanks.
The 500i is a beast. And i was skeptical
Bar length matters. Without both using the same bar length with the same mods it can't be a true test of torque for stock saws.
If you would have done both tests just using the big bar and chain, then the test would have been a good comparison between those two specific saws as they are right now.
It maybe for most guys falling trees that the 500i would be plenty of saw without the extra weight.
The 500i also didn't clear the longer chips as well as the 661 on the last test going with the grain.
The truest test of the 500i will be how it holds up over time. Say after 10 years.
But if I wasn't likely to be cutting huge trees all the time, I'd pick the 500i because it's lighter and works great, even if it turned out that isn't as fast as the 661 on equal testing.
I did use the same bar
@@RockhillfarmYT I was referring to the long bar being swapped to the 500i to make the test even. If it can use the 661's bar.
Basically run the 661 and then put the bar off the 661 onto the 500i and run it. Then it would be a more even test of torque.
I haven't checked if the 500i can use a 661 bar, but if it can then you could test them with both saws using the longer 661 bar.
I do a lot of chainsaw comparisons and I always put the same bar on both saws.
About two weeks ago I did one between a heavily modified big bore 660 clone saw and the 500 with both saws running a 36 inch bar
@@RockhillfarmYT oh, my apologies. I thought you said the bar on the 500i was shorter. I thought it looked shorter, maybe I was just mistaken and misheard.
If it’s been pulling a bar long enough to drink it’s a damn good saw, custom tolerances have been built up and worn away from all the years of running it. 😂
I would like to see the results of a 660 magnum Stihl I love my saw I know it's old but 92 CC. 25" bar great saw for me.
Haven’t come across the opportunity for that, but I did compare to a 460 magnum in this video
Old School Chainsaw Vs Modern Fuel Injected 
th-cam.com/video/f8DEW4ZGLw8/w-d-xo.html
See the new saws are computer junk.. I am old school.raw powerful.
On the ripping cuts, the stringy chips would not have blocked up the chain if you had just used your skid steer to lift the log higher up off the ground so the chips could fall away under gravity & not block the chain guard.
And you did the same thing on both saws.
So “controlling the variables” was all down to operator error.
Same with the cross cut testing.
The log was oval shaped not round.
Had you rolled it back on the forks so the oval was vertical, both bars would have reached right through on the narrower cut and the uncut corner block in your tests eliminated.
Look it’s admirable to want to test the both saws, but you had all the equipment you needed to make the tests fair, ie the skid steer sitting parked there, but you didn’t use it to even out the variables, when you could have.
Lifting the log would have meant you didn’t spend half your time bent over during the tests, you could have stood up straight & eased your back as well as creating controlled conditions so the results were meaningful.
I think a good way to do the test would be to cut four pieces with each saw then use averages.
That would dampen any variables.
Don't forget to pick up the bunny suit from the cleaners.
Best power-to-weight Stihl saws are 462 C-M and 500i at 0.45 hp/lb.
Fifty-some seconds for the crosscut and seven hours fifteen minutes for the rip cut - at least that how it always seems when you have to make those cuts LOL
Fantastic video Brock, great content, The 661 will waltz down through that log with a 36in B&C all day long, the saw is not under optimum load with a short ( 25 in ) B&C, this saw loves to pull the compatible 36in B&C which it was designed for, put a 36in B&C on the 500i , then you got a real comparison, These two saws are different animals built for different cutting circumstances, their IS no comparison, but for my money, I got both, and they work together in perfect harmony !!!
Yes correct, time will tell on how long the modern saws will last compared to the saws from 20 years ago or more.
I have a 1980 76cc 048 which I re-conned 10yrs ago & what a strong saw, altho they don't rev as fast as modern saws, & just the weight is the problem.
Come on Stihl, upgrade the bad designed filtration setup & suspension on the 500i. Buyers are paying top dollar for this professional saw & shouldn't be expected to pay to improve it for longevity.
Exactly !
My 661 shits on my 500i when i bearing them in wood
Thanks for the vid, appreciated
Unfortunately the control of variables was such that I didn't get any reliable knowledge from it.
pretty standard on YT
sincerely
david
Same bar, same chain, same wood
Hi@@RockhillfarmYT and thanks for the interest.
One chainsaw has ported muffler other doesn't seem to.
One cut shows 2 planes showing it did extra cutting
Different physical motions by user each time
...
To the extent variables are controlled one has a fair test ... good that some variables were controlled and good on you for sharing to increase knowledge ... that's what I'm doing.
My feedback is honest, like your video. The truth of a matter is not something to fight about but to seek together and openly acknowledge.
Variables were not tightly controlled to give valid knowledge in my view.
sincerely
david
Put a bark box on 661 only upgrade I saw was on the 500i 661 was stock no mods
Swap a rim sprocket to 8 on the 661 skiptooth chain full chisel chain vs the 500i stock with yellow chain
Belum pernah mencoba ms 500 , tenaga nya makin besar dr ms 381 apa?
500i sounds hotter but could be bark box
I was really surprised by this result. Maybe the bark box makes a big difference that I thought.
Have the bark box & their 3 point dawgs on my 462, love em!
I’d take 661 any day over 500i
I have respect your opinion. I expected the result of this video to be that the 661 was a lot faster.
My experience running these two saws is the 500 starts easier, requires no warm-up, is lighter, and cuts at least as fast.
Maybe my saw in better shape than the other one, or maybe the bark box helps but I can’t find a reason between these two saws to choose the 661
Yep the 500i is the go..its lighter by a lot.
Bark box definitely make a difference
Needed to roll the log 90 degrees counter clock wise and the bars would reach all the way through.
It's 2 lbs less, not 3. 661 6:31 to 7:22 ...51 seconds 500i 8:55 to 9:41 ...46 seconds. Of course as you said you did it differently with the 500i.
C'mon man......
Turn the log on its side!!!!!
Mesin kuat 💪💪💪
2 different length bars you'll never get a fair test. Put the short bar on the 66 and you'll see a big difference
What are you talking about. They have the same length bar.
Did you miss the part where I mentioned I was putting identical brand new chains on them
@@RockhillfarmYT must have took a bite of my hotdog and missed that lol Sorry bout that but an honest mistake so don't get too riled up. Thanks for pointing that out to me
I've got a 660 run a 28-36 inch bar on it cuts fast enough. But talk about brute power my 880 runs a 47 inch bar and it just eats the wood.
Work load is a better way of saying "the torque being used up"
I think Husqvarna is loosing a lot of customers to Stihl. The 500i and MS462 are lighter saws than the Husqvarna 572. I enjoy your comparison and a couple seconds in a cut is not that noticeable in the real world.
Throw an Alaskan saw mill on body and see which will mill faster. Real world test for something many will use these saws for
I have videos using both of these chainsaws for chainsaw milling.
I did not record a time test, but that’s actually what I got them for
Why This Logosol Mill is Awesome...And Why it Isn't
th-cam.com/video/2fuLqZcQOTk/w-d-xo.html
on 25inch bar 500i is winner lighter and cuts fast on 36inch bar i gues 661 shows its superiour torque power. This 90cc power saws are made for 32-42 inch bars there is their natural habitat.
I have 462 and it runs 25inch bar flawlesly.
I just want a light saw that works
"Hopped up" or modified huskys are insane.. out of the box stihl wins every time.
Those old saws are boat anchores. They should get thrown in the trash. Heavy slow cutting and they aren't even in the same category.
A 661 has a lot more power than a 500i a 500i is 4.8 cubic inch where a 661 is much larger 6.1 cubic inch
I’m aware. That makes you expect a certain result but when trying to do an unbiased test, I can’t share the results towards what I think is going to happen.
I know your trying to be as even on both machines as you can, but truthfully a cut with the grain inside a log isn't a good test. Not to mention the biggest variable here..... is you, the operator. You'll never be exact. Honestly I own both and like them both there is no comparison. Buy the one you like and use the one you like.
Nothing like borrowing someone's $1500 saw & potentially damaging it. Whoever suggested u cut long wise? Why, didn't u just rotate the log on yr skid to allow both bars to go through?
Well, we already know the 500i can't hang with the 592
I haven’t personally been able to compare it against any Husqvarna saws but I’ve heard that the 592 is faster.
It definitely should be faster because it is 92cc vs 79 cc
That saw also weighs an extra 3 pounds . Rebound doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up if you’re carrying it around all day.
turn the log up on edge
500i with 36 bar on my saw green chains friends
Stopping and starting during the test didn’t look to be an accurate test. Just saying.
Stop testing until u learn what you're doing to really do a real-world comparison.
Since this video was taken, I’ve had two guys who fell trees for a living contact me, and want to compare their saws to mine. I’ve done the test four different ways and haven’t found a saw yet that cuts faster than the 500i
The 661 had a a/m muffler on it not stock, but 500i looks stock and still beats it even though it has over 10 cc less capacity. The 500i with a Egan straight shot muffler and an Egan air filter, is a absolute screamer !
should have used a 36 bar. problem solved.
A 661 will eat a 500i
On paper it will, but I’ve done three different time test and I’ve done milling with both saws.
I see no difference in performance.
@@RockhillfarmYT I've got a g444 that will run with the 500
Is there a difference in fuel consumption?
500 doesn't impress me.
ROTATE the log 90 degress so you can cut through the narrow section in one go would be a much better way to go, sorry seems logical to me...maybe us Aussies think differently !!
Would have been closer but I think the log was about 28 One Direction and 38 the other end my bar was 25
Need a professional
Ur all forget about d man behind d saw ur big saw ur big bar shes oiling shes cuttin slow shes cutting fast shes nt as fast Stihl is better no husqvarna is better my 500 is better than ur 592xp all fine til they stop get Ur bushman out all counter talk at d pub 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
YOU TALK TOO MUCH
Lol what a dick
Don't worry about that whole Stihl vs. Husky crap Brock. You know it's the internet and people still get caught up in that whole stupid Ford vs. Chevy mentality, and it's just moronic. Run what you run, as long as it works well for you.
P.S. I'll take all of those noodles to make fire-starter as well! LOL 🙂
Stock for stock 661 wins by a lot. Not sure what's going on here, I don't see times or side by side video to make a proper judgement.
What a shitty comparison.
i only buy the Stihl i dont buy that husqvarna crap
i have the stihl 461 and the stihl 661 i luv both of them
Great saws
I have a 461 and I just got the 661 couple days ago. It's an absolute Beast. Can't stop bragging on it
Comparing a saw from 20 years ago is pointless. They wear out and people need to buy new ones, and what they're going to buy is, hey, guess what, the current model. And just like a car, truck, moto, etc, hopefully it's better than the one before,, and if not, hopefully it's good enough.
90% of the comments I get would disagree with you. Usually they say the old saws are Superior.
This is one of about 10 comparisons. I’ve done between different chainsaws and similar class ranges
I think the 500 is the best saw on the market, but it’s also really expensive.
Seratoru ne seri