Stihl 261

[northwinds]

Well, my Husky 350 bit the dust after about five years of fruitful production. Yesterday, picked up
the Stihl 261 for $509 from the local dealer, minus another $50 for the Husky trade-in. I'm anxious
to try it out, but we've got high winds and rain today, so probably not a good day for cutting wood.
Anybody else have this saw? Tips? It started right up last night when I got home. Controls, particularly
the choke, are a bit different from the Husky, but seems to have a nice feel for operation.

I thought hard about the Stihl 362, but I don't cut a lot of big stuff and the weight of the 261 felt more
comfortable to me. I'm not getting any younger.

 

[smokinj]

Its a great saw and should last you a couple life times.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

I believe it's an update of the 260 with better "mileage". If so, it's a killer. I have a 260 and love it. The way I've abused it for 10 years- it's amazing how reliable it is.

 

[northwinds]

I believe it's an update of the 260 with better "mileage". If so, it's a killer. I have a 260 and love it. The way I've abused it for 10 years- it's amazing how reliable it is.

I'm glad to hear the predictions for durability.

Unfortunately, problems with the muffler bolts/threads on my Husky 350 did the saw in. Looking
forward to compare and contrast with the Stihl saw.

 

[smokinj]

State of the art 50cc saw....Give it 5-6 tanks of fuel before making any real opinions on it.

 

[MasterMech]

I believe it's an update of the 260 with better "mileage". If so, it's a killer. I have a 260 and love it. The way I've abused it for 10 years- it's amazing how reliable it is.

I'm glad to hear the predictions for durability.

Unfortunately, problems with the muffler bolts/threads on my Husky 350 did the saw in. Looking
forward to compare and contrast with the Stihl saw.

Gonna be a night and day difference.

 

[Joey]

Good luck with the new saw. When I get tired of my MS250,,think i'm gonna pick up a 261, but it may take a while to burn out the 250,,,i'm just sayin... :smirk:

 

[Village Idiot]

My 261 may be the best birthday/father's day/etc. present my wife has given me. After having 2 Homelite 46cc 20" units crap out on me (1 was a warranty replacement) she surprised me with a new saw and all kinds of accessories.

She's a keeper. And I think my wife is pretty great too.

I have a 20" bar on mine and it gets the job done, I find it is not worth trying to rush the saw. Let it do it's thing and it will do a great job. Mine has cut up a 6' x 40" log without missing a beat. I am seriously thinking about getting an 18" bar as I think it may be a bit ether balanced compared to the 20".

 

[northwinds]

I started off with the 18" bar and cut a face cord yesterday. I was pretty happy with the balance
and feathered a few cuts on a tricky white oak that had partially fallen. I love this time of year
when the air is crisp, and the undergrowth is starting to die off.

 

[wendell]

I think you will really like the saw. The 350 is nice but is only a homeowner saw so you just took a nice step up.

I find the 261 a bit heavy for a 50 cc saw but it is nice for bucking and if it is the only saw you are using, I think it is a good choice.

And if you need anything bigger cut up, you can give me a call. ;-)

 

[northwinds]

And if you need anything bigger cut up, you can give me a call. ;-)

I'll keep you on my short list, wendell, for the big ones. In fact, I know there are a couple
of big ones on the ground on the Roxbury property. Let me know if you have any room
in your yard for more wood.

 

[wendell]

I always have room for more wood, especially if it is your gourmet hickory!