Something to consider is which one is easier to get parts for locally. I'm lucky as our local dealer sells both Stihl and Husqvarna, so I chose Husqvarna, now if they would have only sold Stihl that's what I would have bought.
Good chainsaw for firewood!
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Something to consider is which one is easier to get parts for locally. I'm lucky as our local dealer sells both Stihl and Husqvarna, so I chose Husqvarna, now if they would have only sold Stihl that's what I would have bought.
Well I guess this AM was my lucky morning. I snagged a Stihl MS-261 for $120 off the classifieds. It appears to be in good shape and it has a powersports rental sticker on it. So I'm assuming it was a rental unit that was ran hard. I figured for the price it was still worth the gamble. I will test it out when I get home this evening. Worst case, I can sell it or have it tuned up and re-freshened.
Are the Stihl MS-261 capable of being completely rebuilt, cost effectively? I'm assuming it's worth it considering the following and it being a pro grade saw?
Are the Stihl MS-261 capable of being completely rebuilt, cost effectively? I'm assuming it's worth it considering the following and it being a pro grade saw?
Good for you enjoy it, I'm sure it'll work well for you. Their 50cc is the 490, that would be the match cc-wise to the 261. I personally don't think it's worth having two saws if they're only 10cc's apart in displacement.
I agree. I couldn't pass it up and jumped on it. I will mess with it this weekend to see how she runs. If it's a good running saw....off the Echo CS-590 goes!
Ashful
Minister of Fire
You guys make me sick! Where’s the fun in a CS-590 or MS261? Go big or go home: MS660. 
Medic21
Minister of Fire
With all the saws I have if I had to only have one...
I have 261, 271, 279, 362, 462, 201
Husky
460, 562
Echo
301 and 590
if I could only keep one to use it would be the Stihl 462. Very light for a 70cc class saw, plenty of power and so far very reliable.
I have 261, 271, 279, 362, 462, 201
Husky
460, 562
Echo
301 and 590
if I could only keep one to use it would be the Stihl 462. Very light for a 70cc class saw, plenty of power and so far very reliable.
Dima1973
Member
I have Echo CS-590 with 18" bar. It is my first and only saw. I used it for last 3 years without any problems. I'm 5'10 and 175lbs and have no problems using it.
