Stihl® 500i - 7 Month Overview, Stock vs. Psy-Ko Saw-Off

[@andrewwatkins2886]

Without a doubt my favourite chainsaw commentary is Hotsaws 101. Down here in Australia we have trees which are as hard as rock. Ironbark, Redbox, Yellow box and Redgum. Absolutely as hard as hell. I'm not sold on the 500i at all. Something goes wrong in the bush, you're stuffed. In the end, I hope to be buried with my 461. It's absolutely stock, but it's tough as nails. P.S Love my MS 380 as well. 16 yo and still flying❤️

[@Hammerback0]

I married a woman that was a Redbox once. Weird. Here in the states we call em redheads. 😂

[@Born2doom]

The 461 is the best saw Stihl has ever made’

[@victoriousvictor7978]

I mean...your kinda hooped if anything mechanical goes wrong g with any saw. If a carb messes up..what yea going to do? Take it apart on the stump? I just wish on the 500i there was a way to pull up error codes. Be it over your phone or a light that flashes a code.

[@markbunyan9092]

I have a 500i here in Scotland and really like it, mine came with very small felling dogs so changed them last night for some westcoast saw ones and fitted one of their bark boxes as well, looking forward to cutting some wood tomorrow, I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for posting them.

[@geoffhill3835]

I’m also interested in what you think of these off the shelf mods 👊😎great content as always have a great day

[@stn7172]

is the bark box worth it?

[@markbunyan9092]

@@stn7172 aye 😁

[@treemenders]

Hands down the best saw commentary on the internet. Thanks for humbly passing on your wisdom Jack. Nu 6:24-26.

[@Brian2bears]

I second the motion.

[@ianmoone2359]

Had the 500i over 12 months, along with a 660c & 880. The 500i is the go to saw, it’s the one you instinctively reach for out of the 3 - like a favourite rifle in the gun safe - your hand just goes for the one that’s lightest but still does the job. Downunder here on average our timber is 50% - 100% harder on the Janka scale than most anything you deal with stateside. We work saws pretty hard compared to most.

[@markatkinson9963]

Notice any wear on the saw we should be aware of? Springs mounts wearing out,...that kind of thing?

[@ianmoone2359]

@@markatkinson9963 Depends how hard you work it, the suspension springs can soften up with a lot of use. When you flip it on its side there seems to develop “lateral slop” in the springs allowing an “interference fit” between the saw body and the plastics of the cover.. Biggest disappointment with it, because we run the 880 & 661C - both with 404 pitch chain, we bought a 100ft roll of 404 chain & the Stihl make & break tools to make our own chains. But. The 500i ONLY runs 3/8th chain - you can’t buy a drive sprocket to run 404 pitch chain also on the 500i That’s just plain stupid on the Stihl engineers behalf’s. Someone should kick their butt with a size 12 steel cap boot, until their nose bleeds. 😡👎 So the only option? Buy another $1100 + x 100 ft roll of 3/8th chain just for the 500i When your out bush and have to get a job done, you don’t want to be carrying “double of everything” including spare bars and chains in different pitch. It makes no sense at all. This is the issue where Stihl designers and engineers have never fallen a tree in their life or had to earn a living as a professional working a saw in the Forest or at wildfires. You haven’t got time to frig around with different sized this or that, everything needs to be “interoperable” between saws”. What absolutely “sh!ts me to tears” with Stihl, is that they have known about this since we first bought the 500i & pointed out the shortcoming and asked them to design & make a drive sprocket for the 500i to allow it to run 404 pitch chain & bars. More than a year later? Nothing! They clearly don’t give a flying feck about commercial / professional users needs, THEY DONT LISTEN! I bought my first pro saw in 1982. (An 034 AV) that was still running 35+ Years later. I’ve worked for Forestry Department buying dozens of new Stihl saws for our Fire crews EVERY budget year, for decades. Not to mention for my own timber company another 20 years after that. I doubt anyone individual has bought as many Stihl saws as I have from the company over 40 years. But they don’t want to listen to me? One phone call & I can change the Forest departments buying policy from Stihl to Husqvarna! The guys these days who make those purchasing decisions are all Foresters that I trained in their formative years! Stihl unfortunately don’t think their own sh!t stinks just like everyone else’s! They would do well to shut their mouths about the new 500i & give their feckin ears a go. 😡🤬👎

[@markatkinson9963]

@@ianmoone2359 so,... sounds like you don't like it either. I am not saying it's perfect but, sound like you have different priorities that make this saw, "not a good fit" for you.

[@charlesmckenna6164]

Top three stock saws ever out of the box, makes me pretty happy I have one. Great video as always. Thanks again for your help on the 880

[@timgordon6160]

This is the exact video I’ve waiting for!!!the 500i did pretty damn good!! Thank you jack!!! You are the man!! BUT The torque monster 461 I think is still a little more of a beast!! At the end of the day, great saw and great job on zipping it!!! Thank you for the content Have a good night Jack’

[@sethhaun4440]

I guess I'm thec102' comment my old man was 101'st ranger.thanks Jack.for your insites- as per usual ..God bless ..seek him always..

[@billybowen3023]

Thanks really enjoyed watching this. Great information!👍

[@ChippyOutdoors]

Pretty new regular viewer lately but liking your reviews and tests you conduct keep up the good work!

[@Infinite81023]

Video and audio are excellent!!! Thank you.

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

First of all, I really like your approach! I feel like I'm hanging out with a buddy discussing chainsaws and performance. I'm an old guy, I guess in this field. 55 years old, been falling and cutting for years at this point. Maybe I'm out of my mind, but I've never gotten my panties in a bunch over two or three seconds of difference between one saw and another. I'm much more about reliability when I am out "in the bush". I can totally get it with the frustration that occurs when something fails and you have to stop your production to deal with it. I totally agree with you that the keep it simple stupid principle applies with a lot of chainsaw work. Most of my saws are the old school Stihland Husqvarna's that are carb saws that I can deal with right in the field. I see this as more of a novelty type saw. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I might just buy one just to play around with it! Regarding the primer bulb, the same thing would apply to what I call my favorite "little" Saw, which is the Husqvarna 346 XP. It has a primer bulb. Yep, you are right! It could fail at any time. But, using ethanol free fuel helps to give it a little more life. I would not avoid that saw just because of that. That little beast behaves like a saw much bigger than its true size. This 500 I, will be priced by Stihl appropriately to recoup the cost of production from the fact that it is, indeed, a novel tool. I am in no rush to get it, as I am not in a rush for much of anything these days, lol! Thank you for a thorough and exhaustive review. 👍

[@speedandmarine9066]

1980 C500 Kenworth vs 2020 Freightliner Cascada. Heavy iron vs lightweight technology. Both have their strong points and the EFI on a saw is pretty cool but I'm curious to see how they hold up over the long haul. The 461 might turn out to be the last "real" medium duty saw we were able to buy. It was a cool comparison to watch.

[@hotsaws101]

Mr Speed, always a pleasure. Nice illustration from the "real" truck, world. Not a saw for those that knock the undercut out with the dawgs imho. One faller said his was "spongy". I wouldn't recommend using a 3' hw bar as a result of the 3 flimsy spring mounts lest you tear one out. Uber light weight but they suck up the fuel once zipped. The only "big kid" Stihl pro saw to be mated with a lw bar at the retail level that I know of. If that doesn't say something about the mounts, not sure what would. No arboists should be without one on the other side of all that. I'm curious about the longevity factor also. Trade-offs as we have discussed a multitude of times... Thanks for stopping by.

[@grantoyamaha]

I’d be interested in seeing your chainsaw warm up routine as I’m a novice , just interested in your advice on this . Thanks, love the channel.

[@garyogreen6958]

All I can tell you is I like mine more and more everytime I use it.

[@hi4429]

Nice to see an honest unbiased review of the 500i instead of a obviously biased fanboy video.

[@dan-dan-da-treeman]

Real world in depth review!

[@petecrabtree6734]

I have a 500i and really like it. One of the things I've noticed is . You don't have to prime it to start even on a cold morning. So what I found out you don't have to do it . So maybe my primer bulb will last longer. I did open up the muffler a little bit more than stock. Yeah I think the mounts could be better and yeah could get better gas mileage. So far I really like the saw . Great out of the box saw time will tell the real truth.

[@MrThenry1988]

Can you get around it if you had to in the woods? Could you delete it?

[@petecrabtree6734]

I'm not sure if you could delete it I just don't use the primer button. What I did find out today is my kill switch sticks in the off position. I have to mess with it to pop out

[@hotsaws101]

Gentlemen hi. I've found that they will not start when cold at 3/4000' without being primed. Tim - I mentioned in the other post a way to get around it to finish out the day if yours will not start if cool/cold. Thanks for watching.

[@MrThenry1988]

@@hotsaws101 Awesome. I haven't looked at the saw in that way yet. I will get some parts and I will look at your get around. I figured ots just moving a couple hoses if they give us wiggle room.

[@joshmullinnex5113]

Saw rips pretty good! I don't like primer bulbs. First saw i bought with one was the t540 husky. Fell 3ft and broke all the bulb crap to pieces. Nice work Jack

[@Ebaybow]

Great breakdown!

[@joepesci8930]

Be good to see some detailed videos on grinding chain and hand filing and how to do it properly for various types of wood and conditions

[@isaaccarter6255]

Yes! I second this. Would love to see the difference in your grinds and how you achieve them.

[@travisgilbert8416]

Gets my vote.... especially for hardwoods in dirty conditions

[@danclas5983]

I'm probably pretty far from sthil's target customer for this saw . I'm just a guy that loves chainsaws and cutting firewood and ya buying saws i really don't need . But oh well , i'm enjoying every cut so far with the 500i . I like hearing your impression of the saw and can see some of the things you critique . Not much of a fan of the primer bulb and the air filtration system . But on my end this saw will never get the workout a professional cutter will put it through .

[@michaelpatterson6678]

Informative info Jack. Thanks

[@jamesmooney5348]

This helps, thanks! That plastic wrap looks weak.

[@stevet8121]

Jack's friend Dave is a real hustler. He cuts them trees like he's killing snakes. He might do well to slow down just a tad.

[@outinthewood3578]

Steve T, that was a straight forward with the breeze tree... when time needs to be taken it is. A lot of my work is in front of harvesters and when $500,000 machine is sat waiting you learn when to let them go and when to say hold on boys this will take a while. After 30 years of this work I can assure you my and those working with me safety is the most important thing in my day

[@stevet8121]

@@outinthewood3578 Thanks Dave. I truly admire your work ethic and understand. I didn't mean to offend you. I worked in the woods and seen many men fall.

[@jeffhemsworth4220]

Great video. Thanks for the comparison. I would like to get mine zipped up. Any ideas on where I can send it.

[@njblanchard2618]

Hey Jack long long time no chat with you, Greetings from the Philippines,,,,,,, I kind of get the feeling that you aren't totally sold on the new 500

[@phi376]

Hi Jack. Have you had a chance to try the saw with West Coast Saws heavy duty spring kit? Wondering if that helps improve the manners with the longer bar.

[@hotsaws101]

phi376 hi. Nope, and no need to either. I upgraded the 500i spring mount system last year (after having used my buddy Dave's 500i) and did testing late last year along with early this year. My interpretation is a little more involved. They handle more like the "old stuff" resultantly. My version absolutely improves handling with a long bar. Thanks for watching.

[@joshuanickerson1108]

Very interesting hear your point of view on the 500i. Just heard Husqvarna is releasing a new 90cc saw for 2021 can’t wait to see what it is. They are say new technology too.

[@davewyatt1468]

I also can not wait for the new big huskys. !

[@ianmoone2359]

Husqvarna? That’s Mexican for lawnmower ain’t it? 😜😂😂

[@davewyatt1468]

@@ianmoone2359 haha nah, it’s Mexican for “stihl eater” 😉

[@ianmoone2359]

@@davewyatt1468 You wish! 😂😂👍🇦🇺

[@benharman3003]

@@davewyatt1468 im with you on that one stinky stihls and that dirty air system just aren't as nice to handle around the base of a tree

[@michaelcanterbury9445]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Do you have a tach you would recommend?

[@njblanchard2618]

Hey Jack that sounds much better than a stock saw

[@eoinprendergast8703]

Super stuff Jack

[@wednesdar452]

Nice work. Your zip job makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE! I wonder if there's a way to epoxy in some rubber bumpers to stiffen it up laterally.

[@noclass2gun342]

west coast saws fallers suspension kit

[@mattm9621]

Top of the night to ya😉 I've been wondering, What do you really think about the m tronics and these new fuel injection saw in regards to the future of saw tuning? you seem to be the very few that have messed with them and done so successfully.

[@Smokey66s]

Sounds like 500i is leaning more towards high end “home” use than a Pro’s Pro saw?🪚

[@smithtradfallning]

Maybe running an 8 pin would help keep the revs down and in turn help with the fuel mileage if the control unit dumps fuel when it hits the limiter.

[@magnumtreefalling6400]

Hey folks, any word on top cover rattling loose? Seems like they shake around quite a bit. One of my falling partners bought his second one today after using his first a couple of weeks

[@brendanforshee221]

Hello all, I just had my new 461 stolen today. I loved it and am very sad . My stihl dealer still has a couple 461s left and there is the 462 and now the 500. I will replace it with one of three and was hoping for some feedback to help me with the purchase. I really liked the 461 and ran it with a 25 inch bar and would run the new saw with that too. The price isn't a whole lot different between the three

[@hotsaws101]

Brenden hi. Bummer. Sorry for your loss. Make sure the local dealer knows the serial number. It will go in the system. If it shows up at a Stihl® shop in the USA and they check the serial number, it will get impounded. We had a saw that was stolen in Florida show up in the PNW. Went into the local shop for repairs. The mechanic "ran the plates". Confiscated the saw and sent it back. You might get lucky there. Thanks for watching.

[@brendanforshee221]

Thank you, I' did get the serial number,filed a police report and visited all the local pawn shops. I am keeping hope alive hehe. Thank you for all you do.

[@HubertofLiege]

I don’t like the springs either, when they fail they pull a hole where they’re attached instead of ripping the rubber mount.

[@MrThenry1988]

My 572 has the rubber bulb. I'm ookie on it.

[@vkarabin]

If you had one professional saw to use what would it be.. i was thinking the Husky 390?

[@kelseysheakley6316]

572xp

[@seakadventurer1330]

What model was that old school saw you had out there Jack? Seems like an 064 is a fairly apples to apples weight/displacement comp to the 500.

[@hotsaws101]

SeAk hi. My Torque Monster 044. Thanks for watching.

[@seakadventurer1330]

@@hotsaws101 nice!!! Got a couple old non running 044 heads I need to convert into 1 runner! 064 and 261 are a good 1-2 combo but be nice to have another option in the middle.

[@allenmccall5021]

Does some 461's run better than others? I've have one and never been super impressed with the power. It's just very dependable.

[@hotsaws101]

Allan hi I've ran a lot of clients stock 461s before the operation. They all seem to function pretty close to the same. But as you well know, every do often a "lemon" is the end product. Personally, I think that they are not a "snazzy" runner in stock form. They do have decent lowend for a stocker though and do seem to be a very reliable platform. Maybe like the tortoise & the hare where slow and steady wins the race. Thanks for watching.

[@billramsey4347]

I’ve owned 3 dropped one 40 feet picked it up started first pull the 046is my favorite still use it a lot the 460 is a great saw also but from personal preference the 461 has been a great saw there are slight differences but I have cut hundreds of cords of wood with them just got a 500 i it’s impressive but doesn’t quite run like a hopped up 461 when everything is timed and tuned like it should be the 500 i is a game changer though best out of the box saw I’ve ever cut wood with not a square top o66 but a lot lighter and with a sharp chain it cuts very well

[@cliffordwarren1723]

These saws are funny. They feel like a super car. They turn up and seemingly have high hp but they are low on torque. They don't like lugging like a 70cc+ saw should. Super light for their displacement. And I may be in thr minority here but they seem to kick chains at a higher rate then their counterparts

[@kelseysheakley6316]

What is your cycle level zip kit? Thanks

[@MrThenry1988]

Can you delete the primer bulb somehow? Or does it absolutely need it?

[@hotsaws101]

Tim - Not sure how. It doesn't take to long after running at 3/4000' for it to cool off enough to need a few squirts of fuel. I imagine that you could by-pass the bulb. "Wood" have to then take the air filter off and dump a little fuel down the intake tract and start cranking. Not ideal... Thanks for watching.

[@varmintman]

Just for myself I do not believe I will buy one. Not that they are bad but I am no longer lugging a saw in the woods anymore. Being a wood lot lizard my old 660 does plenty good.

[@andybecker2693]

Doesn’t really look like the 500i is holding up. If I gotta pull six times to start it, I’m gonna cut my $1400 loss gimmick saw and get something else. I expect better AV, filtration, and durability out of the flagship saw.It seems power to weight was the only consideration made when they designed it. Also you have to consider a gas can strapped to your waist when considering the light weight of the saw.

[@hotsaws101]

Andy hi. I did notice with Mr. outinthewood 's saw that I had better not stray to far from camp. I was surprised at the lack of fuel economy for what is considered a "smog" saw. They seem to hold up nicely mechanically speaking. And yah, the spongey-ness is off the charts. I have stiffened up a couple for the owners. Seems to be well received. One situation that we all face is the escalating movement toward environmentally friendly outdoor power equipment. I think it won't be to long before all saws are designed with raw, or nearly raw, air stratification as part of the system functionality. Thanks for watching.

[@mikeadams2339]

Any one have issues with starting 461 after shutting down with out letting it idle and cool down?

[@andyd9199]

Jack have you used the 400 i?

[@hotsaws101]

Andy D hi. No, not yet. Thanks for watching.

[@andyd9199]

I heard only some dealers have them, none in the Midwest yet. Not sure about left coast. Thanks buddy , be safe

[@thim8009]

Wondering if you can help me out with a couple 395 huskys sent you an email ,but don't know if you got it, thanks- Thim.

[@yunuskarakus6105]

This chainsaw 1600 unit currency with your currency 13,000 unit currency with our currency these chainsaws are 1,600 units of money with your currency, 13,000 units of money with our currency are such beautiful machines that we cannot get

[@99problemsbutafishaintone35]

Stihl's are like Porsche's

[@jkeips78]

First. Lol. After following since the early years.

[@jamiedalluge9472]

I'll stick with my husqvarnas

[@ericharris893]

I’m not a fan of new junk. Why is practicality gone to the wayside? Don’t make stuff better, just make it fangled cheap and just barely good eneough. If it’s not stronger faster lighter tougher and more economical, i thinks just more of the same in 2020

[@markatkinson9963]

Sounds like you don't like it, it feels sloppy, and nit-picked you like the old stuff better.

[@kevinj6954]

nice vid!! does anybody have a 064 av or a flat top 066 they want to sell? i have a hole shot for both saws and no saws to put them on ....

[@Firby1988]

Sach Dolmar 115i fuel injected carb

[@Gjmahn]

Choke injector for cold start. Not fuel Injected.

[@Firby1988]

@@Gjmahn have you ever had one of those carbs apart ?

[@Gjmahn]

@@Firby1988 It’s worse that you seem to have and yet don’t understand it’s function, the “injector” is just a needle valve similar in design to the needle and seat valve controlled by the metering diaphragm. You noticed these carburettors have no choke butterfly right? When you select the choke function this carb setup opens a passage direct from the diaphragm pump outlet and “injects” fuel into the carb throat for first start, once the choke is off this device is completely shut off and the carburettor function like any other diaphragm carburettor.

[@eagerlawncare3700]

Wow that was annoying

[@thomasgronek6469]

advertisements every minute. WTF

[@ericharris893]

Let the man make some money. Or pay him to make the videos with your own Personal money. I appreciate the vids and I let a few of the advertisements play so he can get some coin off my watching. The man deserves to earn something. Just in the same way you would want to earn income. Good day to you

[@thomasgronek6469]

@@ericharris893 It's not his fault: KZbin shoves them in to videos without the presenter's knowledge or voice in the matter. Yes, he could opt to have no ads, but that would compromise his income. I wasn't bashing him, the bash was against youtube.

[@ericharris893]

@@thomasgronek6469 understood. Respekt.

[@joescissorhands141]

I wanna be clear I am being super genuine here, and this is meant honestly & only w/ good intention-- Are you aware of @JOHNS CUSTOM SAWS here on KZbin? So far as I can tell, his newer videos make pretty clear that he is not a hack/noob, and he obviously specializes in 461's & 500i's..... Have you two spoken? It seems VERY silly to have great minds effectively 'reverse engineering' and modifying for new optima on these platforms and not collaborating, I mean you could probably share volumes with each other, so many tips/tricks, especially on the 500i..

[@hotsaws101]

J S hi. I was not. I did look. No. The first video I found was one where there was scuttlebutt regarding where someone else had "done a bad job". I have fixed, repaired, altered, had to round file and start over, etc. other well-known builder's work. For me, the difference is, I have not ever made a deal out of it other than a possible casual mention in passing. Not really sure we are coming from the same perspective. A little background - I busheled felling timber for most of the time that I was "out in this world". Some of the older guys double jacked back in the old growth days. I was, 99.9% of time, flying solo in my own strip. I use my channel to illustrate, show what I am capable of tuning wise, and do my best to help shed some light on some of the naunce - like the fact that the 500i is not the "World's First” fuel injected chainsaw that pretty much everyone is, and has been, misinformed and misinforming about. Thanks for watching.