Author Topic: Stihl MS 261, experiences or opinions? (Read 4150 times)

gspren · « **on:** October 23, 2011, 07:37:02 pm »

I bought an 041 new about 32 years ago and an 044 about 16 years ago, they both still run well. I have my 60th birthday coming in about a month and thought maybe I would buy myself a lighter weight saw for the smaller stuff. I have an OWB for heat plus cut some for the fireplace at our hunting camp. I live on a farm with about 25+ acres of woodland so most of my cutting is close to home. After 40 years in a machine shop I like quality cutting equipment but my nearest dealer pushes the 250, I don't think he deals with serious wood cutters. What do you think of the 261 or is it too close in size/weight to my 044?
Gary

kenskip1 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2011, 08:51:52 pm »

Gary, you are in the wrong forum. Plenty of good things to say on this saw, Kene

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/179690.htm

gspren · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2011, 09:08:50 am »

Quote from: kenskip1 on October 23, 2011, 08:51:52 pm

Gary, you are in the wrong forum. Plenty of good things to say on this saw, Kene

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/179690.htm

Thanks for the link, they seem to like the 261 but what makes this the wrong forum? Anti Stihl?

Jeff · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2011, 11:42:44 am »

Quote from: gspren on October 24, 2011, 09:08:50 am

Thanks for the link, they seem to like the 261 but what makes this the wrong forum? Anti Stihl?

Good Question. kenskip1, why in the world would you tell him this is the wrong forum and send him somewhere else?

We are hardly anti Stihl. Look to the left. Stihl is a Forestry Forum sponsor. One of the reasons my Wife bought me my first Stihl for my birthday this year. Never had a new saw before. Only used ones. Under recommendations from members of THIS Forum, she bought me a MS 362. After running over 5 gallons of fuel through it this last couple months, I'm satisfied that it is the best present I have ever received for any birthday.

doctorb · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2011, 12:17:27 pm »

From somebody who admittedly knows little about the great universe of chainsaws, except whether they are working well or not, I own a 261 and think its the best saw I've ever had.

superwd6 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2011, 06:58:14 pm »

Seems to have a good reputation from what I've read. Some think the Husqvarna 346xp is a little better but in Ontario the 346xp Is $778 with two chains & the Stihl 261 Is $599 with hat,chain & box

. I'd go with the 261 if you don't have a favorite

gspren · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2011, 07:03:39 pm »

Thanks for the info, I was more than a little surprised when told this was the wrong forum. Why do some dealers try to push the ocasional use saws without even asking how much wood you cut? My wife says its because I often wear old tee shirts and worn jeans that make me look poor, I think that should just show I'm not afraid to work. When I bought the 044 there was a local dealer that sold saw mill supplies and they catered to serious cutters, I never regreted getting the 044.
Gary

T Welsh · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2011, 07:20:15 pm »

Anti Stihl. I am a tied and trued orange and white fan. I will not bash huskys,johnnie,s or any other saw. (my father taught me,that if you do not have something nice to say!!! say nothing at all) Tim

kenskip1 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2011, 08:56:22 pm »

Forum? Well I guess that I put my foot wear it is not suppose to go.I just meant that the other site had just recently did a review on this saw.Hope that I did not ruffle to many feathers, Ken

kenskip1 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 24, 2011, 09:46:57 pm »

Anti Stihl? Hardly, Just ask my O25, O28,O41.All stihl working, although an upgrade may be in the cards sometime soon.
Any yes I am human and I have been known to make a foe"paw from time to time.Who doesn't, Ken

acco1840 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2011, 05:02:31 am »

I had an earlier 026 and it went well untill I flattenned it with 518 Cat skidder

The bar fell off, The fuel fell out and it stopped.

BobR · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2011, 11:20:10 am »

I'm 53 and had an 024 for 20 years. It was a great saw for use around our farm acreage/woodlot. In February, I gave it to my son who needed a saw and grew up with that 024 and really wanted it.
When I went to the local Stihl dealers (my original dealer retired and closed shop years ago) most of them also pushed the MS 250 - in their defense, there are not many pro loggers in southern MN.
I have friends and family who have 250s and they are fine saws for the money, but do not really compare to the pro saws. I was also now looking for a saw that will hopefully last me the rest of my chainsawing life.
One dealer in the area had one MS 261 in stock. l had read good reviews on it, it felt good in my hands, and 20 years of trouble-free service with the 024 clinched the deal. I've been running the 261 for eight month now and LOVE it. Mine has a 16" bar with RMC yellow chain on it. It's such a joy to run that I'm on the look out around the acreage for opportunities to use it. My wife thinks I've gone a little saw crazy. I tell her that I'm making my $560 investment pay for itself cleaning up the acreage. I've offered to let her use it (she has never ran a saw) and she declined. I think if she tried it, I would never get it back. Anyway, I think you made a great choice with the MS 261 and that it will serve you well.

Regards, Bob R.

CT Trapper · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2011, 10:13:46 pm »

A great saw, you will LOVE the air filter.
I have an 18" on mine.
If I needed a 2nd 50CC saw, I would by the same thing.

DandB Mack · « **Reply #13 on:** October 26, 2011, 07:30:44 am »

Great saw. If you've ever run a 260, then you will notice the air filtration difference. Captured bar nuts are nice as well. Great limbing and firewood saw.

quietrangr · « **Reply #14 on:** October 28, 2011, 09:55:27 pm »

The 261 uses a large mount bar, which is about a quarter pound heavier in the Oregon narrow kerf line. It also is .6 pounds heavier than the 346, for a total of .85 pounds heavier than the 346 Husky.

gspren · « **Reply #15 on:** October 31, 2011, 05:41:24 pm »

Quote from: quietrangr on October 28, 2011, 09:55:27 pm

The 261 uses a large mount bar, which is about a quarter pound heavier in the Oregon narrow kerf line. It also is .6 pounds heavier than the 346, for a total of .85 pounds heavier than the 346 Husky.

I have read good things about the Husky but there aren't many dealers around and they tend to be hardware stores without dedicated small engine mechanics, at least around here the Stihl dealers tend to be mower shops with mechanics.

gspren · « **Reply #16 on:** November 11, 2011, 09:57:07 pm »

Well I guess I'm done looking, went out today and bought the 261 that I asked about, tomorrow I'll give it a workout. I hope it doesn't give me too much of a workout.
Gary

ladylake · « **Reply #17 on:** November 12, 2011, 04:37:32 am »

That's the only minus about the 261, it's not as light as the old 260 . The 250 would be quite a bit lighter and i think Stihl is coming out with a 241?? that's quite a bit lighter than the 261. Getting close to 60 also I find myself using my 40cc 13# ready to cut saws a lot, with that nk chain they cut good. Steve

SawTroll · « **Reply #18 on:** November 12, 2011, 11:51:13 am »

The MS261 is just too large and heavy for a 50cc saw, to be of any interest at all. The handling in the woods will be very far from the state-of-art 346xp!

kenskip1 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 13, 2011, 07:40:56 pm »

Here is what others are saying about this saw, Ken

http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/185254.htm

STIHLFULLSKIP · « **Reply #20 on:** November 18, 2011, 10:00:04 pm »

the 261 is one of the finest firewood saws on the market, extremely well built, and durable. it is the first 50cc saw that i have owned that handles a 20" well.

ladylake · « **Reply #21 on:** November 19, 2011, 06:52:10 am »

I dont get it, everytime Stihl or Husky comes out with a new model everyones acts like it's the best thing since sliced bread, sure it's a good saw but I just watched some vids on youtube where the little bit lighter 346xp and ms261 were neck and neck far as cutting speed and the old ms260 was a little behind but no night and day difference. Certainly the 261 is a good saw but it doesn't blow the others away . I might be inclined to run a muff modded ms260 or 026 as they are lighter. Steve

quietrangr · « **Reply #22 on:** November 19, 2011, 08:10:07 am »

Quote from: gspren on October 31, 2011, 05:41:24 pm

Quote from: quietrangr on October 28, 2011, 09:55:27 pm
The 261 uses a large mount bar, which is about a quarter pound heavier in the Oregon narrow kerf line. It also is .6 pounds heavier than the 346, for a total of .85 pounds heavier than the 346 Husky.

I have read good things about the Husky but there aren't many dealers around and they tend to be hardware stores without dedicated small engine mechanics, at least around here the Stihl dealers tend to be mower shops with mechanics.

I don't think you can go wrong buying a Stihl. They are definitely good products. I'm seriously looking at buying a 261, despite it's weighing more than my 346. I was very impressed with the construction and design when I looked at one at the dealer.

STIHLFULLSKIP · « **Reply #23 on:** November 19, 2011, 12:26:06 pm »

Quote from: ladylake on November 19, 2011, 06:52:10 am

I dont get it, everytime Stihl or Husky comes out with a new model everyones acts like it's the best thing since sliced bread, sure it's a good saw but I just watched some vids on youtube where the little bit lighter 346xp and ms261 were neck and neck far as cutting speed and the old ms260 was a little behind but no night and day difference. Certainly the 261 is a good saw but it doesn't blow the others away . I might be inclined to run a muff modded ms260 or 026 as they are lighter. Steve

i happen to own 2 of the new echo cs500's as well. they are light for sure, but the build quality reflects that. they start very easily, and run good, but they won't run with a 261/346 for sure. i would rather have the 261 be a little heavier, and know it is more durable.

ladylake · « **Reply #24 on:** November 19, 2011, 01:41:35 pm »

The lighter 026, MS260 were plenty durable. I'd think the added wieght comes from the 261 being a strato saw, seems like most stratosaws gained wieght. Did you muff modd your CS500 as all Echo's come with clogged up muffs and will gain more . Steve

STIHLFULLSKIP · « **Reply #25 on:** November 19, 2011, 09:44:35 pm »

yes both mufflers have been opened up, and limiters trimmed. my only two real dislikes on the cs500, are the air filter and the spring in the recoil start. this saw would even be lighter with a regular recoil in it.

Al_Smith · « **Reply #26 on:** November 20, 2011, 05:00:28 am »

Quote from: kenskip1 on November 13, 2011, 07:40:56 pm

Here is what others are saying about this saw, Ken

http://www.arboristsit

Geeze of all forums on the net why pray tell would you link to that one ?

You try linking on that forum to this one or even mentioning another forum on that site it will get you a little banning because of how anal the adminstrater is about things .2 cents worth .

jimbarry · « **Reply #27 on:** November 20, 2011, 03:26:02 pm »

Just a newbie here in the world of logging, thought I'd throw in my 2 cents on the Stihl 261. I aquired two saws yesterday from the recent passing of my father in law. One is a fairly new Stihl 261 and the other is a yet to be identified Husq. See http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,54308.0.html

I personally own a smaller Stihl 230 after a recent cylinder burn out of a Husq 357xpg. I use it mostly for limbing and thinning.

So we were up in the woods yesterday chunking up recently felled white birch and some type of maple. 8 to 16 inch dia logs. I started with the Husq and it cut through with no ... problems ... at ... all. Even though the chain was filed unevenly resulting in the saw wanted to cut to the right, there was no effort other than slight pressure needed. Curiosity got the best of me and I started up the Stihl MS261 since it was a recent purchase. New chain, nice and sharp. Started up it, and cut into the same wood. DEFINITELY not the same performance. The 261 didn't have the torque. Not a saw I would want to buy if I had to buy one, neither would I recommend it IF the person had the option to buy the Husq. Now the Husq had a thin kerf chain and about half life left on the teeth. Maybe that makes a difference, don't know.

Even the sound comparison of the engines would like comparing sports car to a go kart. Could be a muffler issue.

Just my 2 cents.

gspren · « **Reply #28 on:** November 20, 2011, 05:14:33 pm »

Now that I have run the 261 a few times I like it, it doesn't cut as fast as my 044 but I wanted a lighter saw for limbing and smaller firewood logs. I think the 261 with a 16" bar will make a good companion to my 044 with a 20" bar. There are no good Husky or Jonsered dealers near me so I didn't consider them. On Thursday while traveling I stopped at a Husky dealer out of my local area and looked at a 346 just to see what was being bragged about and it has a cheap feel to it so I'm glad I got the 261.
Gary

STIHLFULLSKIP · « **Reply #29 on:** November 20, 2011, 08:52:53 pm »

Quote from: jimbarry on November 20, 2011, 03:26:02 pm

Just a newbie here in the world of logging, thought I'd throw in my 2 cents on the Stihl 261. I aquired two saws yesterday from the recent passing of my father in law. One is a fairly new Stihl 261 and the other is a yet to be identified Husq. See http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,54308.0.html

I personally own a smaller Stihl 230 after a recent cylinder burn out of a Husq 357xpg. I use it mostly for limbing and thinning.

So we were up in the woods yesterday chunking up recently felled white birch and some type of maple. 8 to 16 inch dia logs. I started with the Husq and it cut through with no ... problems ... at ... all. Even though the chain was filed unevenly resulting in the saw wanted to cut to the right, there was no effort other than slight pressure needed. Curiosity got the best of me and I started up the Stihl MS261 since it was a recent purchase. New chain, nice and sharp. Started up it, and cut into the same wood. DEFINITELY not the same performance. The 261 didn't have the torque. Not a saw I would want to buy if I had to buy one, neither would I recommend it IF the person had the option to buy the Husq. Now the Husq had a thin kerf chain and about half life left on the teeth. Maybe that makes a difference, don't know.

Even the sound comparison of the engines would like comparing sports car to a go kart. Could be a muffler issue.

Just my 2 cents you may want to check the tune on that saw, no saw will run right if it is out of tune. both of my 261's are nearly as strong as my 361. the new stihl stratos' make lots of torque, that is what the are designed to do.

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Author Topic: Stihl MS 261, experiences or opinions? (Read 4150 times)