I bought one of these as my first chainsaw. Everyone said I was spending too much money but I wanted a saw for life, since I'm not a full time user. Happy with it so far. Never lets me down.
Bought this as my first chainsaw after using 261’s at work for almost 3 years. Such a good saw and worth the extra money compared to the ms271 if you care about the added benefits to a pro saw vs a homeowner saw. Great video
Grate chainsaw ! Few months ago as you all know we got hit with hurricane Ian down in Florida. I was in need for new chainsaw. Did a lot of research and consumer feed backs before I made decision. Went to local dialer asking for MS 261. I expected that they will offer me a one with electronic carburetor... I was trilled to find out they had one with just a regular carburetor :) Boy, I tell you.... Works as charm. Big enough to take down some serious size trees. Yet light enough to do trimming and everything I need. I use non ethanol fuel with Stihl 2 cycle oil. Stihl bar oil. keep it clean. Chain sharp.... Can't be happier! Came with 20" bar and chain( green mark). I got extra chain with yellow mark, Stihl sharpening kit, 1 gal. bar oil and 1/4 of 2 cycle oil... cost me around $650. Worth every penny!
I have the plain 261, love it. Have been using it for the last 2 years, 18" bar and .325 carbide chain. I still have an 026, since new. I think that one I am taking along when I depart this lifetime.
I had a MS261CM years ago and sold it because I didn’t need it anymore at the time. Bought a house and needed chainsaws for wood processing and bought a 550XP and a used 562XP. When they ran they RIPPED but started having issues with the auto tune having to reset constantly and the saws bogging upon throttling them up. Sold them off and went back to a new MS261CM again and 0 issues. I am very happy with stihls electronic saws. When Husqvarna gets their auto tune quirks fixed I might just give them another try. I WILL NOT be a test dummy for Husqvarna again.
My biggest issue with Husqvarna was the service. But all mine were all old enough so I never dealt with their version of auto tune. A friend of mine has the 550xp, and it seems to be about the same as my MS261. I also ran Jonsered for years too, but they’re pretty much gone now.
I have a 261 and love it, no issues. Great review, I agree with everything you said. Bought a Stihl because we had a dealer in the area, could easy have been the other way around with a Husky. A friend got a great deal on a dealer demo Echo 501P pro saw (50cc), it has a mag. crankcase (10.6 lbs.) and the power feels close to the 261. I was impressed.
Echo is starting to come back as a “brand” around here now. Not many professionals use them around here, but I’m sure some will. The MS261 and the Husqvarna 550xp are very closely matched. As I’ve said many times, I always run Husqvarna and Jonsered pro saws, but my dealer had kind of slacked off as he got older. So the service just wasn’t there.
The Stihl Ms261 is one saw I keep for myself. I have loaned my ms180, my ms210 and my ms250 out. I don't and won't loan out my Ms261. It is my go to saw..... Enough said. Great video
hadn't seen comment about pressure in the fuel tank anywhere . we just got a wood boiler a few weeks ago and i need to get a chainsaw and the 261CM is at the top of my list . thank you sir .
Your reviews and others encouraged me to get this saw over the 250 and 271. I got it last week and I am happy with my decision. “Great little saw.” Thanks
I own this saw (the C / chipped-carb model) and a 271, and so I've had the benefit of using the two saws side by side / back to back. The 271 is a solid saw -I like it- but the 261 is just pleasanter to cut with. Easier start, lighter weight, better balance, wider power band, less vibration... this thing is just a treat to use.
I am in my late 60's. My whole life I never have gone to the gym. I get my workout daily on the farm. I have actually run saws until they need refueling then hand them off for a fresh one and just keep going all day. I have owned different brands and a few clones. I frequently run my MS 660 on my sawmill but the MS 261 is far and away my best and favorite saw. I used it today for a few hours. FLAWLESS. It is everything Off Grid Whiskey said that it is.
Thank you for the review. I just bought a new one of these for my first chainsaw. I’ll be sure to slowly open the gas cap before every start in the hot weather!
Great saw, I run mine with a 20" bar, full comp chain and it rips. Hard to beat the power to weight ratio but, as you said, the 550XP (which i also own) is very close - but the 261 is my go to saw. I have taken down ~32" white pines with it (not ideal but does the job) and many ~14-24" hardwoods (maple, birch, cherry, etc). I'm sure it would struggle a bit with Oak at that size but since i dont have any on my property here in northern VT not an issue for me. Looking at picking up a 400c in the spring to run a 25-28" bar for the bigger stuff.
I don’t run anything longer than 20” bar ever. My 261 has an 18” most all the time. Full comp. I like the 18” because it oils better. We have a lot is red oak here, it shouldn’t bother it.
I'm new to chainsaws so I'm learning a lot. I forget what I've got but it works well. This looks like a quality saw and one that can work hard and keep going. Great review!
Buddy of mine has an older 260, which I liked very much, but I found out they were no longer in production, so I went and got the 261. I agree with the cover thing. Was easier before, and also the little spring function back to run after you turn it off is nice. Mine has the heated handle, which I didn't really want but I got it for the same price as the one without, so why not. It's kinda nice when you're working with wet gloves in rather cold temperatures, but otherwise don't see the point. I'm glad I went for something powerful enough that isn't too heavy. I also have an old little 023 with a short bar for cutting branches, very nice saw that as well.
For me, the 261 is still a small saw. But for the homeowner/homesteader, I can’t imagine anything better. Some are close, maybe some “as good” but none better. They’re very light, and very fast.
I have the Stihl MSA300 witch Stihl compares with 261, I wonder if really is. I never have a problem with mine and works great but I not know if it is really fast as the 261.
Thanks for this review, been using successfully a battery Roybi here in North Central Florida after the storms but could use a bigger one & see this one is recommended allot, BUT I am very confused about which chains to use & why
There are several different types of chain that will fit a 261. With Stihl, they are usually color coded. The green is more of a homeowner/safety chain. The yellow is a professional chain, or what’s known as “full chisel”. The reason there are so many options for the MS261, are first, it’s actually a professional saw, and second, it about the most popular small saw that Stihl makes.
Team Rubicon, a veteran led volunteer disaster response organization, uses the MS261 series as its standard chainsaw. Our standard Saw Kit is three MS261 saws, one MS461 or MS462 saw and one HT131 polesaw.
It funny, I just bought a MS291, and it came with that new bar/chain. Still the same tooth, same pitch, just smaller drivers. The new ones are .010 thinner. Same as the Husqvarna used to put on their 50cc saws like the 346xp. It seems to cut good, but it seemed like it pinched while I was limbing. I can see a comparison video coming…….
Good review. Love my 261. Not a fan of the fuel and Oil Caps sometimes. The locking mechanism in the caps like spins and you got to screw with it to get it to lock. Had a Echo 400 and it’s a PoS. Can’t even compare it. Again awesome review.
8ve had 2 Echo cs400 and I ran the dog piss out of them and I can go to either one if them and they will start in the second or 3 rd pull every time .my 590 is a beast and starts on the 3rd pull every single time and she eats anything I put in front of her. .
I heard you refer to 50:1 and 40:1 ratio but which one do you prefer and which brand of oil for this saw? I've got a pretty good Stihl dealer in my town and may pick one of these up soon. Great review!
The premixed fuel that you’ll find in most stores is either 50:1, or 40:1. I most cases either is fine. But, I only use the premix stuff from Sthil, Husqvarna, or VP. Same with 2 cycle oil, only buy the good stuff, from a reputable company. People will tell you that it’s all the same, but why risk it? I’m mixing my own fuel, I mix closer to 40:1, and I only use ethanol free gas in all my small engines. You can skimp, and use a cheaper bar and chain oil, just shake the jug first. Sometimes the paraffin will settle to the bottom, and you don’t really want to get a glob of that in your saw, all at once. Overall, I’m very impressed with the Mtronic system. It seems to keep the saw running at pretty close to peak performance.
That depends on you. I was in the same situation, and chose the Mtronic. This is far from my first saw, and I know how to adjust a carburetor too, but I guess I was curious. I wouldn’t be afraid of either one. My shop told me that if you do have a problem with the Mtronic, it usually happens pretty quickly, and is covered by warranty. I’ve had zero issues with mine.
The C and CM mean different things. As I understand it, the original saw was a MS261, then they added the option of Mtronic automatic carburetor adjustment. I believe that’s when they started with the MS261c. Also available with the easy start option, and I believe that’s the MS261cm. I may be off on which letter means what as far as which change is indicated by which letter, but that’s how the system works. They make a substantial change, or offer a different option, that model gets more letters.
That’s not a bad idea! Yes, I use Stihl Ultra, and also the Husqvarna oil too. I like to mix my fuel one gallon at a time. That way it stays fresh. Also, I only use non ethanol gas in all my small engines. I try to use a little of the ready mixed fuel from Stihl, Husqvarna, or VP in my 1st and last tank of the season. Helps keep things from gumming up.
The original MS261 didn’t have the Mtronic system that adjusts the carburetor automatically. When they added the Mtronic the model changed from MS261c to MS261cs. I believe you can still buy both models.
@@Orefamilylawncare The 261, and 361 are entirely different. The 261 is only around 50cc, where as the 361 is around 60cc. The ms361 also uses the full size 3/8 pitch chain. The 361 is a much older saw, and was replaced with the MS362. All that being said, I will not be trading in my old 361 for a 362. I haven’t heard much of anything good about the MS362. I guess they’re ok, but people seem to have a hard time keeping them running. Now, the smaller MS261 is a great saw. Mine is the CM, and has the Mtronic system. It works very well. Going on 3 years now, with no issues whatsoever. So, I’m wondering if the problems people have with the Mtronic system may have more to do with the saw itself, an not the Mtronic system itself. I just see no reason to take the risk on a 362, where I already have a perfectly good 361. More power, same weight, vs more money, and potential problems. I’m sure they’ll get it straightened out eventually.
Don't miss our next awesome video! Click Here -> ua-cam.com/users/WhiskeynSunshineOffGrid **
I bought one of these as my first chainsaw. Everyone said I was spending too much money but I wanted a saw for life, since I'm not a full time user.
Happy with it so far. Never lets me down.
Good choice!
I’ve had my 261 for 5 years ….. not a single issue ….. I love it !
Bought this as my first chainsaw after using 261’s at work for almost 3 years. Such a good saw and worth the extra money compared to the ms271 if you care about the added benefits to a pro saw vs a homeowner saw. Great video
As long as you have the extra money, it’s almost a “no brainer”.
Grate chainsaw ! Few months ago as you all know we got hit with hurricane Ian down in Florida. I was in need for new chainsaw.
Did a lot of research and consumer feed backs before I made decision. Went to local dialer asking for MS 261. I expected that they will offer me a one with electronic carburetor... I was trilled to find out they had one with just a regular carburetor :) Boy, I tell you.... Works as charm. Big enough to take down some serious size trees. Yet light enough to do trimming and everything I need. I use non ethanol fuel with Stihl 2 cycle oil. Stihl bar oil. keep it clean. Chain sharp.... Can't be happier! Came with 20" bar and chain( green mark). I got extra chain with yellow mark, Stihl sharpening kit, 1 gal. bar oil and 1/4 of 2 cycle oil... cost me around $650. Worth every penny!
Wow, that's great! Sounds like you are all set for quite awhile.
I'm so glad it's working out so well.
I have the plain 261, love it. Have been using it for the last 2 years, 18" bar and .325 carbide chain.
I still have an 026, since new. I think that one I am taking along when I depart this lifetime.
Nice!
I had a MS261CM years ago and sold it because I didn’t need it anymore at the time. Bought a house and needed chainsaws for wood processing and bought a 550XP and a used 562XP. When they ran they RIPPED but started having issues with the auto tune having to reset constantly and the saws bogging upon throttling them up.
Sold them off and went back to a new MS261CM again and 0 issues. I am very happy with stihls electronic saws.
When Husqvarna gets their auto tune quirks fixed I might just give them another try. I WILL NOT be a test dummy for Husqvarna again.
My biggest issue with Husqvarna was the service. But all mine were all old enough so I never dealt with their version of auto tune. A friend of mine has the 550xp, and it seems to be about the same as my MS261. I also ran Jonsered for years too, but they’re pretty much gone now.
I have a 261 and love it, no issues. Great review, I agree with everything you said. Bought a Stihl because we had a dealer in the area, could easy have been the other way around with a Husky. A friend got a great deal on a dealer demo Echo 501P pro saw (50cc), it has a mag. crankcase (10.6 lbs.) and the power feels close to the 261. I was impressed.
Echo is starting to come back as a “brand” around here now. Not many professionals use them around here, but I’m sure some will. The MS261 and the Husqvarna 550xp are very closely matched. As I’ve said many times, I always run Husqvarna and Jonsered pro saws, but my dealer had kind of slacked off as he got older. So the service just wasn’t there.
The Stihl Ms261 is one saw I keep for myself. I have loaned my ms180, my ms210 and my ms250 out. I don't and won't loan out my Ms261. It is my go to saw..... Enough said. Great video
Right on!
hadn't seen comment about pressure in the fuel tank anywhere . we just got a wood boiler a few weeks ago and i need to get a chainsaw and the 261CM is at the top of my list . thank you sir .
ended up getting a stihl 400c .
Your reviews and others encouraged me to get this saw over the 250 and 271.
I got it last week and I am happy with my decision. “Great little saw.”
Thanks
Great saw for sure!!
I own this saw (the C / chipped-carb model) and a 271, and so I've had the benefit of using the two saws side by side / back to back.
The 271 is a solid saw -I like it- but the 261 is just pleasanter to cut with. Easier start, lighter weight, better balance, wider power band, less vibration... this thing is just a treat to use.
Yep, 261 is my go to saw and i put the West cost saw kit on mine..
Just got my 261 , been waiting since February. Have a 362 ,and 400 m tronic and have never had to reset them
GREAT advice on pressure releasing the fuel cap. Thanks!
Glad to be of help!
I am in my late 60's. My whole life I never have gone to the gym. I get my workout daily on the farm. I have actually run saws until they need refueling then hand them off for a fresh one and just keep going all day. I have owned different brands and a few clones. I frequently run my MS 660 on my sawmill but the MS 261 is far and away my best and favorite saw. I used it today for a few hours. FLAWLESS. It is everything Off Grid Whiskey said that it is.
Although I don’t look forward to running a saw, the 261 does make it easier. The power to weight ratio is awesome.
I appreciate your honest and unbiased review,
. Well done,. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I just bought a second and (261) 18" definitely use the yellow chain.
Thank you for the review. I just bought a new one of these for my first chainsaw.
I’ll be sure to slowly open the gas cap before every start in the hot weather!
Glad I could help
Great saw, I run mine with a 20" bar, full comp chain and it rips. Hard to beat the power to weight ratio but, as you said, the 550XP (which i also own) is very close - but the 261 is my go to saw. I have taken down ~32" white pines with it (not ideal but does the job) and many ~14-24" hardwoods (maple, birch, cherry, etc). I'm sure it would struggle a bit with Oak at that size but since i dont have any on my property here in northern VT not an issue for me. Looking at picking up a 400c in the spring to run a 25-28" bar for the bigger stuff.
I don’t run anything longer than 20” bar ever. My 261 has an 18” most all the time. Full comp. I like the 18” because it oils better. We have a lot is red oak here, it shouldn’t bother it.
I'm new to chainsaws so I'm learning a lot. I forget what I've got but it works well. This looks like a quality saw and one that can work hard and keep going. Great review!
They are a tough saw, but most can be good if kept up.
Thank you for watching Rich!
Yes it’s a great running saw! Love mine as well! 18” bar, muffler mod
I got 12 years. Out of the 1st year and I got a ms 461 25" also
Buddy of mine has an older 260, which I liked very much, but I found out they were no longer in production, so I went and got the 261. I agree with the cover thing. Was easier before, and also the little spring function back to run after you turn it off is nice. Mine has the heated handle, which I didn't really want but I got it for the same price as the one without, so why not. It's kinda nice when you're working with wet gloves in rather cold temperatures, but otherwise don't see the point.
I'm glad I went for something powerful enough that isn't too heavy. I also have an old little 023 with a short bar for cutting branches, very nice saw that as well.
For me, the 261 is still a small saw. But for the homeowner/homesteader, I can’t imagine anything better. Some are close, maybe some “as good” but none better. They’re very light, and very fast.
I have the Stihl MSA300 witch Stihl compares with 261, I wonder if really is.
I never have a problem with mine and works great but I not know if it is really fast as the 261.
@@sirvozelo1 That’s a question I can’t answer. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen a MSS300.
Very Informative Video, I like the power to weight ratio and was questioning. If a pro saw was worth the price and Yes, They Are
Glad it was helpful!
I got the 311, looking to get this saw for a second one
Thanks for this review, been using successfully a battery Roybi here in North Central Florida after the storms but could use a bigger one & see this one is recommended allot, BUT I am very confused about which chains to use & why
There are several different types of chain that will fit a 261. With Stihl, they are usually color coded. The green is more of a homeowner/safety chain. The yellow is a professional chain, or what’s known as “full chisel”.
The reason there are so many options for the MS261, are first, it’s actually a professional saw, and second, it about the most popular small saw that Stihl makes.
Team Rubicon, a veteran led volunteer disaster response organization, uses the MS261 series as its standard chainsaw. Our standard Saw Kit is three MS261 saws, one MS461 or MS462 saw and one HT131 polesaw.
Very cool!
Just got mine. Only used it once and dont like the new light bar they are putting on them now. Going to switch it to a better bar
It funny, I just bought a MS291, and it came with that new bar/chain. Still the same tooth, same pitch, just smaller drivers. The new ones are .010 thinner. Same as the Husqvarna used to put on their 50cc saws like the 346xp.
It seems to cut good, but it seemed like it pinched while I was limbing.
I can see a comparison video coming…….
Yeah not a fan of the smaller drivers, had enough of it getting pinched when limbing.
Good video. Great real world video. I learned a few things also. Best video on the 261 I have seen!
Well thank you. As always, just one old, fat guy’s opinion. They really are a great little saw though.
I enjoy your style and your content. Thank you.
Glad you enjoy it!
Good review. Love my 261. Not a fan of the fuel and Oil Caps sometimes. The locking mechanism in the caps like spins and you got to screw with it to get it to lock. Had a Echo 400 and it’s a PoS. Can’t even compare it. Again awesome review.
Those caps can be a pain. Glad it was helpful.
8ve had 2 Echo cs400 and I ran the dog piss out of them and I can go to either one if them and they will start in the second or 3 rd pull every time .my 590 is a beast and starts on the 3rd pull every single time and she eats anything I put in front of her. .
Afternoon…. I love my stihls . Got 4 or 5
They are a good rig for sure.
Great review my ex husband only used this brand chainsaw always worked good for him.
Thanks! They are a good quality saw. Thank you for watching!
Stihl makes great products. Great review!
Yes they do Thank you!
Great video, credible and comprehensive review.
Glad it was helpful. Thank you
I heard you refer to 50:1 and 40:1 ratio but which one do you prefer and which brand of oil for this saw? I've got a pretty good Stihl dealer in my town and may pick one of these up soon. Great review!
The premixed fuel that you’ll find in most stores is either 50:1, or 40:1. I most cases either is fine.
But, I only use the premix stuff from Sthil, Husqvarna, or VP. Same with 2 cycle oil, only buy the good stuff, from a reputable company.
People will tell you that it’s all the same, but why risk it?
I’m mixing my own fuel, I mix closer to 40:1, and I only use ethanol free gas in all my small engines.
You can skimp, and use a cheaper bar and chain oil, just shake the jug first. Sometimes the paraffin will settle to the bottom, and you don’t really want to get a glob of that in your saw, all at once.
Overall, I’m very impressed with the Mtronic system. It seems to keep the saw running at pretty close to peak performance.
Great review! I'm definitely getting one.
Good choice!
The reason they build pressure is cause the tank vents are a one way valve so it lets air in but no fumes are allowed out
Good to know. Thank you!
It adjusts 33 times a second, it only adjusts the fuel, it can't adjust the timing. M-Tronic is something else though. Glad they make them carb only.
I have a 261cm since 2015. It has one issue: after WOT it slowly returns to idle.
Yes, that can happen.
That is usually a sign of a lean condition. Should pressure/vac test it for leaks. If no air leaks a new fuel solenoid may help
Shop has both models in-stock should I go mtronic or non-mtronic? Same price.
That depends on you. I was in the same situation, and chose the Mtronic. This is far from my first saw, and I know how to adjust a carburetor too, but I guess I was curious. I wouldn’t be afraid of either one. My shop told me that if you do have a problem with the Mtronic, it usually happens pretty quickly, and is covered by warranty. I’ve had zero issues with mine.
When I get to the Pearly Gates I am praying there will be an MS 261 waiting on me...
I’m hoping there are no chainsaws needed in heaven.
good video well done .. also what does the "C M" indicate about this type model saw ?
The C and CM mean different things. As I understand it, the original saw was a MS261, then they added the option of Mtronic automatic carburetor adjustment. I believe that’s when they started with the MS261c. Also available with the easy start option, and I believe that’s the MS261cm.
I may be off on which letter means what as far as which change is indicated by which letter, but that’s how the system works. They make a substantial change, or offer a different option, that model gets more letters.
C = Comfort
M = M-tronic
OK I’m gonna say it. What a beautiful saw!
Hey It's the truth! It must be said. lol Thanks for watching Mark!
Pie in the sky review... Thanks!
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you for your review, well done,
Glad we could help. Thanks for watching!
CAn you do a video on the 2 stroke oil-mix you use? Are you using Stihl Ultra?
That’s not a bad idea! Yes, I use Stihl Ultra, and also the Husqvarna oil too. I like to mix my fuel one gallon at a time. That way it stays fresh.
Also, I only use non ethanol gas in all my small engines. I try to use a little of the ready mixed fuel from Stihl, Husqvarna, or VP in my 1st and last tank of the season.
Helps keep things from gumming up.
Thanks for the video sir!
I had mine 12 years! Mine has a x on the serial number
Thanks!
You’re welcome
Great review thanks so much.....top guy...
I have one that dies while cutting and dont want restart. Ive changed the chip in it and still does the same. Im getting rid of it.
The dealer couldn’t help??
I love mine
Good. Job
Thank u sir I will now get this
I have the Stihl MS 391- But I want upgrade I believe this will give me that extra oomf that I’m after 🤠
Actually sthils smallest pro saw is the ms 241 42cc
awesome video. good job on that
Thanks!
Another great review, Scott.
Thanks Rick!
Anyone ever told you that you sound just like DT
Or does he sound like me? 🤔 lol
You sound nothing like don. You sound like a good, honest, hard working man.
Great review man, nice and detailed about the features. I’m gonna pick one up, you for sure sound like trump and I love it. Lol
I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks!!
Jonsered essentually not out of business Husqvarna gave them the Redmax name
Why do you call is 261 c-s? Just curious.
I misspoke. To many numbers and letters. Lol
The original MS261 didn’t have the Mtronic system that adjusts the carburetor automatically. When they added the Mtronic the model changed from MS261c to MS261cs. I believe you can still buy both models.
I have the regular 261 it's fine. My 362c has been junk from day one. My suggestion is to get the regular carb version.
@@Orefamilylawncare The 261, and 361 are entirely different. The 261 is only around 50cc, where as the 361 is around 60cc.
The ms361 also uses the full size 3/8 pitch chain.
The 361 is a much older saw, and was replaced with the MS362.
All that being said, I will not be trading in my old 361 for a 362. I haven’t heard much of anything good about the MS362.
I guess they’re ok, but people seem to have a hard time keeping them running. Now, the smaller MS261 is a great saw. Mine is the CM, and has the Mtronic system.
It works very well. Going on 3 years now, with no issues whatsoever.
So, I’m wondering if the problems people have with the Mtronic system may have more to do with the saw itself, an not the Mtronic system itself.
I just see no reason to take the risk on a 362, where I already have a perfectly good 361.
More power, same weight, vs more money, and potential problems.
I’m sure they’ll get it straightened out eventually.
@@scottfromwhiskeynsunshine305 my 362 was junk from day one. Mine is the "m tronic" model. I would stick with your 361.
Husqvarna 550xp mkII all the way!!
You sound like Donald Trump
Thank you? 🤔
@@WhiskeynSunshineOffGrid no mate, not a compliment.
@@guly cringepost
@@guly, you’re a clown.
I love Trump he’s my President
I have one that never works... well starts up and runs only under full choke. I would not recommend it.
love my 261 micro crapo sucks
*👍супер и привет от тренера по футболу*
Hello and Thank you for stopping by!
Cm
👍
This guy sounds like Donald Trump
I'll take the ms 290 any day!
Not sure why you would. Only thing better about the 290 is the price.