Which is Faster, Well that Depends Stihl 661 or 500i?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- New Stihl MS661 vs My Favorite MS500i, Sawing up some big oak at the wood yard cleaning up and organizing. #stihl #smallbusiness #sidehustle
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I got the thank you letter you guys sent. I wasn't expecting that! You guys must spend so much time each week just responding to your viewers. I've been watching you guys for years and it is no wonder your audience keeps growing. You really do go the extra mile. Thanks again Mike, Melissa, Hunter and Daughter Eva for the thoughtful thank you card!
Good morning. Winter's back here in NE Uzebeckasota. -10F. Birds are fed, stove is fed, life is good.
G'day Mike, I'd say you're spot on with your analogy, Ironhorse talks about the bore and stroke combination on the 066/661 variants and refers to them as tree eaters. I purchased my first unit in 1994 my second the following year and the 660 a few years ago, they advise a 25 inch bar for Oz conditions I have a 28 on mine and it's noticeably slower in big logs, I've been asking them to inject the 661 for a couple of years now they test their saws here so I keep asking the dealer fingers crossed 👍.
I'm a music man and even tho somewhat retired I still make music for my youtube channel. But my second love is wood. I think I like your channel because I get to experience cutting wood that I would never be able to get now at my age. It's always interesting when you get new equipment to see how technology advances over time. I do enjoy your channel!
Good morning from SE Wisco. Ran 661 a lot. I love using it, even on smaller wood. Simply a beast of a saw. Speed and power.
I have the big 330 gal IBC totes for sale for $35 each. The cages are all like new, but they had chemicals used to make vinyl siding, so I wouldn't reuse the tanks. I'm in the Kansas City area for anyone interested.
Hello! 😊 My "go-to" saw is the Stihl 462. It is super fast and easy to start. I use a dremel tool with a diamond bit to sharpen chains with excellent results.
I use a dremel and the regular bits they sell at Lowe’s and for speed you can’t beat it gets my saws cutting great - if I don’t mind how fast I get it done I’ll go with hand file Buckin style haha getting the raker height correct is really the key
@@danbaker3525 Hi Dan, I started out with those regular stone type bits but they don't hold their shape and get smaller with use. I checked online and got some 7/32" bits that are diamond impregnated. They last a really long time, maintain their diameter and even do a better job. Check it out. You can lower the rakers with them too if needed.
Hey David!
@@johnsadler8637 Hi John!
Outdoors with the Morgan’s and Arms family homestead are the 2 best content creators out there! Thanks Mike!
Arms has turned into a hunting channel.
I have several big Stihl saws & I just got tired of having to pull stat them & maintain them so now I use a GOPROW electric saw soooooo much easer & faster!
I know this was a video and sound quality can vary but the 661 sounded like it wasn't taching up as fast on the second (pine) cut. Almost like it wasn't quite warmed up. In the oak it was screaming. The pine sounded like it was stumbling, just a little.
Finally, when you find a sharpening jig that works on your chain....Protect it with your life. My dad bought a jig, for his Echo, that some one recommended. It looked janky as crap, but it worked like magic. 30 years old and I'm still using it today. A couple over seas companies are copying it today, but it's no where near as nice as the older version. It has a file you crank as you slide it back and forth over the teeth. File looks like its carbide or diamond. Still cuts as good as it did 30 years ago????
Yes, to me it sounded like it was running rich. Was a big difference when it was cutting the hardwood. I think should test them again in the softwood when the 661 gets over the flu, lol.
Good morning Morgans and good people. A beautiful 79° in the Florida Keys this morning. Two more weeks, and we head North to the Villages. Lol .
Good morning Mike, great comparison video of these two saws. I really like how detailed you are when comparing chainsaws. I not a wood guy by any means, but I have used chainsaws when I was young. I am a retired butcher/meatcutter, by spent 46 years in the industry with two years in the United States Army. I am a loyal follower of your channel here for ten years.
Hey Mike. I really enjoy your channel. I noticed a difference in the sound of the 661 from hardwood to soft. Sounds like it slightly fouled the plug or something. I replayed it twice, sounds like it not opening up on the Pine. Have a great day!
I just acquired a 661 to compliment my 462. I purchased it with the 36” light bar for a big 4’ elm that needed to come down at a friends house. I’ve only got a couple hours on it, but man is it a beast! I first learned of that 2n1 sharpener on one of your videos, I e been using it ever since. 2-3 swipes per tooth and a chain is ready to go again. Saves time and really gets a lot of life out of a chain. I’m not sure what id do without it!
Good Morning Morgan Family 🌞- Have a Wonderful and Blessed Day 🤠. I think your assessment of the 500i and 661 is correct. Great video 👍
Holy crap. 363,000 subs !!! You are set for life !!!! No wonder Mellissa stays in now !!! Well gotta like that eh!!! Nice to see
I have one of the Stihl sharpeners for my MS 180 and a different brand/size for my Echo Timberwolf. Yes they work great, especially for the person who doesn't need to sharpen often enough to get really good with a single file. Plus, no need to file the rakers separately.
Good Morning Mike from cold and windy ontario.....
Pete 🇨🇦
Hi Pete, 57° F here this morning with light rain.
Good morning Pete 😸
@davidmorse8432 hey David, trade you, don't think we are getting past 32 today, might even snow a bit...
@@badcat4707morning BadCat... I would like the warm weather to return....
Good morning Pete...from cool and snowy Alberta....Steve
Mike, I’ve got that same exact MS661 and you’re right; it’s a beast… and it’s heavy!! I recently decided to take off the 36” bar and purchased a Light 28” bar with a skip-tooth chain. Just that change made a noticeable weight difference along with better balance. Unfortunately, I have not tried out the new combination yet.
Mike, I have been using that Stihl chain sharpener tool for the last 2 years and it is one of the best tools invented. I have been cutting wood for 30 years. It is simple, fast & efficient. Love it.
Mike I expected some Dueling Chainsaw music? You are right that 661 is a beast. I couldn't lug it around for long but the 500i is a pretty sweet saw itself.
Love the sounds of stihl saws especially buzzing through a big oak I got 3 stihl's and they never disappoint keep the video's rolling and can't wait for some from west Virginia🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Both Are Very Nice Saws!! I Think I Would Settle With The 500 and Go For The Lighter Of The Two!!
Keep Smiling On!!
😅👍👊❤️
Good morning from Upstate South Carolina. Comments to follow viewing. Have a productive day.
Yup, that 2-in-1 sharpener is legit. Mike, you might consider throwing a Max Flo air filter on the 500i. I suspect that the 500i air filter is the achilles heel for that saw. I really like the filtration (plus the performance gain) of the Max Flo filter on mine. I also think it will be less expensive to run over the life of the saw. Cheers!
Mike, I'm not a tree guy, I'm not a wood guy, I'm not a firewood guy, I'm a Commercial Lending guy. The 2 in 1 sharpener changed my life! I've nicknamed mine the "Mr. Idiot-proof" because it can make most idiots look like a pro sharpening guy!
The 2 in 1 sharpener works so well because it also addresses the chain RAKERS which are over looked when hand filing.
Rakers should be about .025 below the teeth.
@@lonniechartrand Thanks for the information Lonnie. I never knew what that specification was just arbitrarily dropped mine down. They have a gauge that you can place over the tooth to check it. Never used it though.
Mike, your sharpening test was objectively conclusive; hand sharpening isn’t really as effective as the combo’ tool. I rediscovered it too last year & use nothing else!
hi there have a old 66 nice old saw , nothing like a big block , i found most the time the dogs are in the log so the weight lessons , i also like the 2 in one sharper. best to all john
Good afternoon Mike! Love any of your comparison videos! Not sure this has been mentioned yet, but what about a metal detector to locate the position of metal in the logs. I realize you wont need it mich, but its nerve racking guessing where the metal will be in the wood. Even an inexpensive detector will find an object 8inches deep. You're also spending time and/or money on the chain. Just my two cents for the day😊.
Paul for CT
I run a 661 with a 41" bar, full chisel full comp chain, barkbox muffler, 3 point felling dogs, and maxflow air filter. My latest tree was a 41" wide white oak that was leaning over a barn. I've been running that saw since 2019, and it has never let me down. I've also got an 881 with 47", 59", and 84" bars and chains. I still need to buy a roll of full chisel skip tooth .404 chain, but I do have a roll of granberg ripping chain for the .404 pitch bars/sprockets. Also, your thinking on the cut speed in hardwood vs softwood is correct.
Hi Mike, good video as always. I have the 2 in 1 sharpener for all my saw chains, they are fool proof. It's mostly because of the rakers if you hand file and don't knock the rakers down it won't cut as well. That 661 is a beast I don't think the pine loads it enough, you can hear it four stroke. Just a old guys opinion!
Hi Mike and all
I have a 661 had it for 6 years now love it
I love the 661 for the bigger stuff. Sold one last summer w/36" bar. Was fun to set it up. It sounds like it has a Race cam in it when it Idles..
I need to get me a 500i; I really like what you are showing with that saw. Have a 661 and it is great in big hardwood felling, bucking or milling, but heavy for normal work. I get a lot done with my 461 and 362 cutting firewood.
I’ve done this comparison a couple times. I’ve done it on Bigwood and Smallwood. My 500. I does have a bark box but they come out the same for me.
Mine was actually a 660 not a 661
I think the lightest one would win in my book being they are close to being fast. Also, looks like Levi has been very busy filling up the shed. You will need to resupply him so he can fill the last bin! Great job all!
All I use is the 2 in 1 file....takes the guess work out of raker height. Three swipes on each tooth on both sides - easy-peasey. GOD Bless
Nice Mike. Had to be something with the chain on the 661 in the pine. That thing is an animal in oak! Wow.
We also love the Stihl jig. Just make sure you don’t push down , it will take the raker down too much. I try to push into the tooth.
Thanks
Love the smell of Red Oak in the Morning!😊
Hi Fred, Where have you been?
@@davidmorse8432,
Sick with a 7mm kidney stone and two urinary infections for five weeks David, No Bueno!
I am recovering but still have some of the getting up in the night symptoms.
Interesting saw comparison. I don't cut a ton of wood and will stick to my Stihl Farmboss (026) with 24 inch bar. It is about 20 years old but still starts and runs like a champ.
Have a Day Morgans! God Bless You all!😊🙏❤️
661 rips through the yellow box here in Australia 🇦🇺👍 that 2 in one chain sharpening tool is worth its weight in gold as well 👌
Love the MS661C I have a 36 inch light bar on my saw thing is a wonderful saw I use it as my felling saw. The MS881 is just too heavy for a felling saw but I’m sure it would work great for a saw mill. Thanks for the post always love your Stihl reviews
Good morning from Michigan!
Michigan boy here too!😊
I have one of the 2 in 1 sharpeners too, and although it's a little awkward to get used to it does a nice job. I always have it when I cut along with a few other files, I still like the round file for quick in use touch ups though. If I can clamp the bar in my sharpening vise, the 2 in 1 is hard to beat for the semi skilled.
Nice video I got to try the 500I few weeks ago wow I love it
cold and very windy in NH this morning.
We got about 4 Inches of snow where I live in Northern New Hampshire 😮
Excited to see the lumber from the saw logs!
“Project Farm” does an excellent job of demonstrating a variety of saws.
Lol sure. He does homeowner saws😂
So, what is so funny about that. No bias demonstrations that produce honest results.
Good morning Morgan family from Troy, OH! 🇺🇸
Hey your not to far from me lol I’m over around Greenville / Union city Ohio area
Speed and everything is great. My question I how are they on fuel and bar chain oil consumption?😊
I agree with the torque vs. hardwoods and speed vs. softwoods.
What is run time on a chain between sharpening, without hitting metal?
Would agree with your hypothesis on 500i vs 660 differences in hard and soft woods.
Hello Mike, I really enjoy your videos, I used to burn wood when I lived in Iowa for many winters but down here in Florida we don't need fire wood, maybe farther up north.
Can you show in one of you videos how to use that chain sharpener. Thank You
The 2 n 1 is the only way i can sharpen a chain. I just cant seem to get any better with the file. I have tried and tried. The 2 n 1 is the ticket for me. Im glad you introduced it to me. Stay safe everybody
When we got our company 500i we ran it with a 25” bar and standard full chisel chain vs my personal 660 with a 36” bar and “full skip” chain. We cut an ash log that was 24”. Both of us rockin the dogs trying to win. The 500i won by about 7-8 seconds. Obviously all because of the bar and chain set ups, but we were still very impressed. I wouldn’t of chosen that bar and chain set up on my 660 for that tree but it was already on it and prior to the race I only had to make a felling cut and one bucking cut. I had done the rest of the tree with my 201T from our lift. We raced them a few days later with matching bars and new chains and our results were similar in the ash as your results in the red oak.
What is the idea about a skip tooth chain. Fewer teeth means slower cutting but maybe it has to do with wood cuttings clogging up the kerf when the log is very large. What is your take on that?
@@davidmorse8432 longer bar so it’s less teeth cutting at a time means a faster cut. Think of how hard a normal bar (say 20”) and saw works to cut an 8” log, then put it in a 20” log. You flew through the 8” because you rpm’s and chain speed were higher with only 3 teeth cutting at a time. It also help you push the saw into you dogs which helps with fatigue. A normal long bar chain would stall the saw out.
@@mitchjones2821 Ok, I get it now. Thanks for the explanation. 👍
👍👍👍👍👍👌Very interesting and comparison videos were excellent side by side great camera work and editing very slick and made it easier to understand !!!
Thanks for your information on the big boy saws really enjoyed. Thanks for all your information very very informative.
I think the 661 was running rich for some reason in the pine.
Like Buckin Billy said...with the 661...Stand up and buck...
Hi Mike, great video, do you have a link for that 2 in 1 sharpener. I can certainly use one.
Mike thanks for showing that still 2n1 sharpener. Will check it out. Frank
Do you feel like you could use that sharpener every time or every 3 times you touch up the chain.
That was a very interesting comparison. I’ve run those big saws and I just love Stihl chainsaws. I do love that 661 but that 500i is a nice saw!👍❤️
Great video Mike thanks for sharing remember i always say if it not a still its not a deal
Had a 660saw,went through wood like butter, fast saw. 😊😊
Mike, consider taking that white oak that is split and quarter sawing it. It would be perfect for that. We have 1/4 sawn white oak floors we love them.
Now Mike you have the best saw the 66
I got 1 066 and 3 of 661's and got 2 of the 088's.. i love em all.. the 088 tho will kill your hearing unless ya use plugs and muffs..
All I use now to sharpen my saws is the Stihl 2 in 1 sharper. Hands down best sharper I've ever used.
There are SO many YT videos of "MS500i verses (fill in the blank)". Reminds me of the old Western movies where the young guns are always out to try their best against the gunslinger with the reputation.
Many of those "tests" are so obviously fixed for the favorite to win: favorite gets worked hard leveraging against the dogs, Stihl cuts with just the weight of the saw. SEE, SEE! MY SAW IS BETTER! So sick of it. Good job staying objective, Matt.
That said, although I really like my 500i (I should - I had it on order for over a year), after watching this video I need to dust off the 661C that only has two tanks of fuel through it to do the majority of my hardwood bucking. I had been ignoring it, mostly because of it's weight. I can't imagine how those loggers in the PNW hump those things up and down the steep hills all day!
Top of the morning to y'all ! Have a great day, and hello from beautiful British Columbia.
if you do get a 36 inch bar for the 500i id recommend getting the fallers suspension kit from gordy at west coast saw's it really stiffens up the bar mount because the 500's stock are super floppy with a long bar.
My 661 is getting ported as I type. The 661 will be faster in both types of wood after porting. It’s amazing what a good port job does to a power saw.
So are you not following thru with your contest that put out there for the ms400 saw ?
will you please provide a link to the chain sharpener you were talking about? As someone else mentioned, I don't have to sharpen chains enough to get good at doing it by hand with a file. I am actually not good at it at all, but maybe having the sharpener would save me some money on chains in the long run
Thanks Mike for the comparison! I have been back and forth on whether or not a 661 is my next saw or not. I have a 500i & 362, both are great saws. I mainly cut ash and soft maple in my wood yard. Guessing the 661 would be better in the ash and the 500i better in the maple. Do you have an either a 400 or 261? Do you have an opinion on the smaller saws? Have a great day Around the Yard! Take Care, Brent
Hi Mike. Great video. 3 foot bar is for larger width in the logs.I used file my electric chainsaw w/ special round file. They have electric chainsaw sharpeners in the markets. They're $100.00 & up. If I was in the firewood business. Maybe? Say Hi to Melissa, Eva, & Hunter. 😍😊😉👍❤️💜🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🌲🌳🪵
Love my 500i, running it here in New Zealand on green willow with a 25” bar. Run a Dewalt Flexvolt saw with an 18” bar beside it for limbing etc (saves my back in multiple ways).
Interesting to see how the 661 compares: can’t say I would love that extra weight.
Hi Mike! I enjoy your channel. Do you think you could split that round and see what that piece of metal is? I need closure.
good job!...Hi Buckin!
Mike I'm not a Stihl chainsaw guy but it seems like they are trying to match the speed that Husqvarna had for years. I watch a lot of you guys in TH-cam and on of my saws is a 372XP it's a beast and I think if you ported one and keep one stock you could do anything you ever wanted. Love mine.😊
The best saw is the one that's running. Quote from Chris, from In the Woodyard.
Good Morning from Central blizzardy New York
How do you square up a log using a chain saw and what is the best way to always get the same length on each cut? Can you explain this in one of your videos? I tend to cut them at a slight angle and never seem to get a consistent length. Thank You!
Nice saw Mike good comparison.
How'd ya break the chain brake on the 500i?
❤😊😅😮Yes Mike you naied it on the head.Yes you are correct .soft speed hard is 4:26 torque. Take it from a cray Canadian that did recommercial pulp mill harvesting ln the 90's with a huskivarna Se 181 with 36" bar???
P
Both Are Great saws but that fuel Injection is still Crazy lightweight and fast. So try a Max Flow Filter and bark box on the 500i vs Stock 661 to See a difference in hardwood
Grettings ✌️
Morning outdoors fam👋👋
In listening to the tune for the 661 on the red pine it was running rich so not optimally running, since it is also new it needs a couple more tank full of gas run thru it…then compare it and let’s see if the 500 is still faster….she’s a beast but the weight really will wear you out on a full day of woodwork.
the Stihl 2 in 1 was a rebranded Pferd sharpener. It will save you a few bucks if you can put up with blue instead of orange.
I have a Husqvarna 592xp, would be an interesting comparison to the 661 in both hard & soft wood.
Good morning. 661 sounds like a race car .
Hey Mike, when are you gonna do more work at the cabin? I bet it’s beautiful up there already. Take care.
Hey Mike the 661 seemed like it wasn’t running well or not high rpm in the pine from a use to be a firewood guy.
Mike,it’s going to be go real quick with Levi helping you out with getting the slabs and boards off the woodmizer 😮😊❤
16 to 20 inch bar is all I need!
The 500i has a little whip at the end of bar being fuel injection and I consider that saw to be a little more dangerous for kick back.Back in my younger days I never felt that with the 088 magnum stihl.Jonsered 2095 turbo 6.8 cubic inch had a special feature while being pinched would accelerate.I haven't been using the Husqvarna 3120xp but have a 3/8s chain on it.I have some work for the 880 magnum but that has 404 and also use the 2188 jonsered
Not sure but thought it sounded like the 661 sounded inconsistent at wot in the red pine while pulling strong at wot in the oak. I know nothing but just a thought on the time differential. 661 my dream big saw.
I think the chain type, is different for a soft wood, verses hardwood! I worked at Carlton Chain Company for a few years and we has different tooth structure for different wood!