Every STIHL MS 261 Owner Should Watch This! | Complete overview, tips and more.

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  • Опубліковано 20 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 128

  • @bryonkennedy1863
    @bryonkennedy1863 2 місяці тому

    I bought my 261 yesterday...I have put it thru its paces today and so far I love it!

  • @paul.tuttle
    @paul.tuttle Рік тому +3

    I can not thank you enough for pointing out the ppe which most of your fellow US folks neglect ... maybe I’m a little too germanish, but this is really so important !!!!
    Tell your customers to always fill up oil first, and we'll be friends ... The way you do explain things would even pass the German chainsaw license over here (yes, we do have a chainsaw license over her...) Thank you ever so much !!!

    • @jeffgood1580
      @jeffgood1580 10 місяців тому +1

      Hah I just bought this saw yesterday and for a split second I considered skipping the chaps but I did get them and ear muffs. I was so glad I bought the chaps. They’re so nice to have and peace of mind is a great thing

    • @paul.tuttle
      @paul.tuttle 10 місяців тому

      @@jeffgood1580 Amen!!!

    • @paul.tuttle
      @paul.tuttle 10 місяців тому

      @@jeffgood1580well done, man well done: For your own safety!

    • @boobrowsky
      @boobrowsky 3 місяці тому

      Dude did you tried to work 8 hrs in chaps when outside is 25+*C it's more danger due to heat exhaustion than just working without them and keep thinking wtf you doo 😅

  • @twobeards6714
    @twobeards6714 2 роки тому +16

    I have two 261 cms.
    One runs an 18 inch full chisel chain. The other is set up with a 24 in bar and foll chisel skip.
    Both saws have cut upwards of 250 face cord and are super runners.
    I pulled the top end on one saw and ported it and the performance was greatly improved.
    I'd recommend this to anyone seeking a smaller sized pro quality tool.
    If you have any level of experience toss that low kickback chain that stihl supplies and you will cut faster and there will be less wear on the saw.

    • @saltrock9642
      @saltrock9642 Рік тому +2

      My 261 went from “just a saw” to a beast with a full chisel (yellow) Stihl chain. And get a good raker gauge like the ones put out by Husqvarna.

    • @hnchmen34
      @hnchmen34 Рік тому

      How does it handle that 24" bar...?

    • @enim83
      @enim83 Рік тому

      What chain is the full chisel chain. My dealer keeps telling me that the blueish link chain is the only one available

    • @saltrock9642
      @saltrock9642 Рік тому

      @@enim83Stihl full chisel chains have a yellow mark on the box. You will notice a difference when you change over.

    • @michaelbradley770
      @michaelbradley770 10 місяців тому

      ​@@saltrock9642 you can get full chisel in green and yellow. The only thing different between green and yellow is green is low kickback and yellow is not

  • @noturbizz1
    @noturbizz1 10 місяців тому +8

    storage season for my 261 isn't an issue, I run it year round because it starts so easy in winters in Maine. the mTronic is a game changer, I don't adjust carbs my saw does. 0 or 90 degrees it runs ghe same.

  • @brucelavender
    @brucelavender 5 місяців тому

    Great video! All questions answered. Thank you for covering all the details of a saw I am considering purchasing.

  • @paulherzmann6237
    @paulherzmann6237 2 місяці тому

    thanks for the video! this was very helpful today. :D

  • @HPCthulhu2011
    @HPCthulhu2011 2 місяці тому +1

    The 261 has the .325 chain rather than the 3/8 plus the winter setting allows exhaust air to blow in your face and the summer setting blocks that bad air. Wear a face mask if you have it in winter mode. I believe too that if it pops in Cold Start than just leave it in Cold Start and pull again because it will help to get it to warm up since Cold is a higher idle than Ready setting. If it fails to keep running in Ready, people start to hold down the trigger and the engine will than flood. It is better to take advantage of the Cold Start. That is my experience as a newbie with this saw.

  • @danielmatthews3420
    @danielmatthews3420 10 місяців тому

    Thanks and I love my Stihl MS 261 CM!!!!!

  • @williamgrissom1995
    @williamgrissom1995 8 місяців тому +1

    My only issue with my 261, back when I had it years ago, was that it wasn't tuned very good from the dealership. It bogged down way too easy.
    So I would recommend learning how to tune your saw. I was inexperienced back then and trusted that the dealer tuned it up the way it was supposed to be and just thought it was a gutless model. So I just used my 361 instead, even when the 261 should have been perfect for the wood size I was cutting.
    Now I realize my saws weren't tuned for optimum performance by my dealer and it caused me to work harder than I needed to if my saws were tuned right.
    Maybe it was just my local dealer that did this type of thing. But I would now retune it if I had a Stihl saw underperforming, because Stihl makes really great saws and these saws I bought especially shouldn't have been running the way they were because my saws were all pro saws.

  • @dwainetyncompany
    @dwainetyncompany 2 роки тому +6

    I own an MS261C. Really enjoy it too. I’ve put a lot of hard hours on that thing. Clearing storm downed trees, bucking firewood for side work, slabbing logs of various hardwood species, even blocking out carvings right down to where I can take my angle grinder and go from there!
    Very versatile saw.
    I’ve never ran anything other than Motomix. I don’t run my saw for my career so the weekends and evenings throughout the week here and there are when I use it.
    Motomix lasts so much longer. I find a gallon of Motomix lasting me more than several months at the rate that I cut.
    Haven’t had a single issue with my saw, period. Not one!

    • @Carlsmower
      @Carlsmower  2 роки тому

      Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff thanks for the feedback and keep enjoying the incredible chainsaw

    • @dwainetyncompany
      @dwainetyncompany 2 роки тому

      @@Carlsmower The videos that you make really helped me out a lot in the decision making process. It's my first chainsaw so I had no expectation and no standards!
      Your videos are actually quite valuable to a potential consumer. A good voice for the industry too. You are phenomenal

    • @Carlsmower
      @Carlsmower  2 роки тому

      @@dwainetyncompany thank you for that we are doing our best to not only give our customers the information they need but ultimately to bring value to other dealerships around the country And heck even the world

    • @valqueenofValhalla
      @valqueenofValhalla 2 роки тому

      I just got one is it really that great of a saw a lot of people rave about it I hope I like it as much it seems to be great 👍

    • @dwainetyncompany
      @dwainetyncompany 2 роки тому

      @@valqueenofValhalla You definitely made a good decision in your purchase. I couldn't be happier. Honestly.

  • @justmedontknowdoyou7860
    @justmedontknowdoyou7860 Рік тому

    EXCELLENT ,,,,EXCELLENT ,,,,EXCELLENT video and VERY informative. I JUST bought this saw today. And can't wait to start to use it, 'GOOD PRESENTATION"

  • @damodoesall6240
    @damodoesall6240 Рік тому +1

    Great introduction Carl !

  • @richardjura7044
    @richardjura7044 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent presentation! Way to go! I have a MS261 CQ

  • @markclark1605
    @markclark1605 2 роки тому +3

    Very good saw with reasonable power also. The weight is nice with very good balance. Good demo on the saw.

  • @thomasgronek6469
    @thomasgronek6469 2 роки тому +3

    thanks for the video. Questions: The MS362, AND 261 have similar control module / fuel solenoid issues, in that, when the original black solenoid fails (It is designed to fail between 100, and 200 hours (Thanks Stihl), and only the white solenoid is available, what control module should be used? I started with a 4705 A, I was told by Stihl that a 4706 would work, and it didn't, then I used a 4705B, and a white solenoid, (And an orange filter, an important but subtle change that one is supposed to have infused knowledge about I guess). It works for now. More importantly where can we find the information about such issues, the Stihl phone customer service folks rarely know the answers to such questions, , , , and the bigger saws also have issues with change overs, so it would be a million questions for every saw, and different reset procedures with different control module / solenoid combinations So here I sit, with an $800 saw, and another 250 into the saw (It has less than 150 hours on it), which I no longer trust. Which calibration or reset procedure does one follow when these parts are changed ?

    • @jeffreyrudolph5061
      @jeffreyrudolph5061 Рік тому +1

      Reply
      Thanks for sharing .
      Try an Echo ... for that perfect back up .

  • @robinverbridge4900
    @robinverbridge4900 Рік тому

    Carl l really appreciate you covering several things l need to know about my MS 261! Thank-You ..... mine is NOT
    m tronic but very useful still.

  • @stokermeister3
    @stokermeister3 8 місяців тому

    When switching from winter to summer mode does a person need to do a reset of the saw or when putting on a 20” bar ?

  • @monahantp3767
    @monahantp3767 6 місяців тому

    Excellent videos-- Thank you!! Shopping for our first saw, as we had our first maple fall recently... Wish y'all had a store in Olympia WA(!) We do however have a good Stihl dealer nearby. Thanks to your videos we've decided on the 261 without the digital M-tronic,-- too many digital things in our lives already... at least for this over-50-guy :D

  • @OnTarget100
    @OnTarget100 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much for an excellent explanation of how to use my STIHL chainsaw. Cheers from Sydney Australia

  • @jamesford9917
    @jamesford9917 2 роки тому

    Thank you very much for the awesome video on the ms 261

  • @bldrmtnman
    @bldrmtnman Рік тому +1

    Do you need to clean this saw's spark arrestor?

    • @AnthemBassMan
      @AnthemBassMan 9 місяців тому

      Should be part of your regular maintenance. Only takes a minute to pop out the screen to check if it’s getting a buildup of carbon on it.

    • @barondavis5692
      @barondavis5692 2 місяці тому

      If you use leaded fuel, motomix, it has less build up.

  • @jeffcoulter7181
    @jeffcoulter7181 Рік тому

    Great review and fantastic safety advice.

  • @johnsweeney3060
    @johnsweeney3060 2 роки тому

    Great saw features demo, thanks for the info… keep up the good work.

  • @harryharry3193
    @harryharry3193 5 місяців тому

    great presentation. subbed.

  • @ericplatt3390
    @ericplatt3390 Рік тому

    Do these have gas vent tube? And where the heck is it located?

  • @2010bigfathen
    @2010bigfathen Рік тому +1

    You are supposed to hold it at full throttle until you hear it change sounds, it tells all about it in the owners manual. That’s only on the first start up

  • @ReggieChump
    @ReggieChump 10 місяців тому

    Can anyone help, please? The Ms261-c ( "18 Light 04 bar) states a 4.8mm file... But, when sharpening, I'm finding that the aforementioned file barely fits in the gullet? Seems too tight and awkward to sharpen, but it states it's the correct file? Any advice, please? From "England'istan".

    • @LE_GRATIN
      @LE_GRATIN 9 місяців тому +1

      4.8 mm is right file for .325 chains. I think you need to use a special tool for attach your file and that tool "slide" on the flat chrome gauge when you work, it's help a lot.

    • @ReggieChump
      @ReggieChump 8 місяців тому +1

      ​@@LE_GRATINThank you. Yeah, it seemed way too tight to start with... Almost as if upon withdrawing from the sharpening stroke, it was rubbing on the tooth. After quite a few sharpenings, it seems easier now. Just thought someone might advise a smaller file, a trick/hack, or something. Might try the 2-in-1 file, but I don't like the fact with the aforementioned, that it's only one part of the file in contact... I mean you can't rotate the file, or tap/clean it without removing it.
      Take care out there 👍

    • @LE_GRATIN
      @LE_GRATIN 8 місяців тому +1

      @@ReggieChump my methode : a simple file-holder sthil ( specific to .325, be carreful to choice this one) it's cost 12€ / $ . and a small oregon tool magnetic fixing on the bar, in red plastic, with visual-lines, for maintain 30/25° angle. Simple fast, easy and very efficient for me. flat-file by hand for the racker.

    • @ReggieChump
      @ReggieChump 8 місяців тому

      @@LE_GRATIN 👍

    • @ReggieChump
      @ReggieChump 4 місяці тому +1

      ​@@LE_GRATINThank you so much... You're awesome! Been using the magnetic-file-plate and the saw is cutting brilliantly. That and the file in a handle is all I'm using now.
      THANK YOU 🙏

  • @Timijim
    @Timijim 2 роки тому

    I’ve had one for a couple years. Not bad for a little guy.

  • @dwhallon21
    @dwhallon21 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent video, only complaint is the starting sequence should have started the saw. PPE is extremely important. I have seen many saws tested or listed for sale where operator doesn't wear safety glasses, has shorts on, or wears open toe shoes. This is a saw folks, and mistakes happen fast. Where your PPE. I often wear my chaps as well. Yes they are a little bulky, yes in summer they are hot, but that saw chain doesn't know difference between wood and your legs, wear at least heavy pants with the other PPE equipment. Again , excellent video, and it's obviously that the demo person isn't doing this for first time, he is knowledgeable and excellent as well

  • @freddiebuckner912
    @freddiebuckner912 2 роки тому +2

    hi josh I hope you are well could you please do a video on the stihl ms151t, ms194t and ms201t

    • @Carlsmower
      @Carlsmower  2 роки тому +1

      Great idea! We'll try to work these into the mix!

    • @freddiebuckner912
      @freddiebuckner912 2 роки тому +1

      @@Carlsmower great thank you

  • @4kTrainVideos
    @4kTrainVideos 2 роки тому

    That was awesome, thanks! 👍🏼😎😀 I want one! What length bar is on that one? I noticed Stihl recommends a 16” bar. Do they all ship to dealers with a 16”? I want a 20” when I get one. I have a 170 -16”, 250 -18” and I’d love a 261 with a 20”. I do understand I can add one, just wondering how they arrive default from Stihl, thanks! 👍🏼😎

    • @jeffsmith1830
      @jeffsmith1830 Рік тому +1

      Bought one today. Came with a 20.

    • @4kTrainVideos
      @4kTrainVideos Рік тому

      @@jeffsmith1830 cool deal, I bought my MS 261 two weeks ago with a 20” bar, works great! Love that de-compression button! 👍🏼👍🏼🤓

  • @tonypavone9775
    @tonypavone9775 2 роки тому

    Wow, you nailed it!!

  • @EddieTM-gj3vt
    @EddieTM-gj3vt Рік тому

    Where could I purchase the helmet you use?

  • @jeffreyhall838
    @jeffreyhall838 2 роки тому

    Very good info...thanks

  • @barnyardbrio7597
    @barnyardbrio7597 Рік тому

    thanks for showing me where the gas goes

  • @jeffcarinda1719
    @jeffcarinda1719 2 роки тому

    Please(anyone), what his the best starting procedure for a warm MS 261 saw? I usually end up flooding it. It’s a new saw.

    • @aidansherry3890
      @aidansherry3890 2 роки тому +2

      The key to easy warm starting is to allow the saw to run at idle for 5 or so seconds before you stop it so the tuning gets back to tick over, if you stop it straight off high revs it will still be on hi rev tuning when you go to re start and will be difficult to get going, hope this will help

    • @fredd323
      @fredd323 2 роки тому +1

      I had an issue with a tank vent that would prevent the saw from being started easily once warm. the tank would sometimes fountain gas or spit a mist of air and gas if you popped the fuel cap open after running or sitting in the sun.

  • @benjaminleslie3155
    @benjaminleslie3155 2 роки тому +1

    Certainly a peppy little saw 💪💯

    • @Carlsmower
      @Carlsmower  2 роки тому

      Yeah for it size it is pretty awesome machine

  • @hankventurez
    @hankventurez Рік тому

    Based sales rep.

  • @ReggieChump
    @ReggieChump 8 місяців тому

    Which bar do you all prefer, the one in this video, or the new "Light 04" bar? The Light 04 bar looks rubbish compared to the old style, but does it cut better??

  • @turgus69
    @turgus69 2 роки тому

    great video, what length cutting bar is put on this saw? 50cm?

  • @MrDuffy81
    @MrDuffy81 10 місяців тому

    I’m looking at buying a new saw. Actually my first saw. I was looking at the 271 and the mechanic at the store was telling me that it was a decent machine for what I need. Then I watched an online review and they were talking about the 271 not being with the 261 is. I used to work for a tree company and he told me to get the 362. I’m probably only going to be using it Once in a while. I don’t have my own tree business or anything but I do plan on helping some neighbors cut down some broken branches if need be after I get the saw. I could always try to make money with it. Wondering if the 271 would even be feasible to use to do trimming and cleanups and small removals? Or do I need to go bigger? Thanks for any information you can offer.

    • @barondavis5692
      @barondavis5692 2 місяці тому

      Hi, don’t know if you got one yet, but the 271 would be enough. I was in a similar situation. I got the 261, because it’s a better made machine. Metal instead of plastic housing, lighter, more durable, easier to fix and start. If I didn’t get the 261 I’d have gone for the 250.

  • @bronzepodcast
    @bronzepodcast 2 роки тому +8

    Flip Flops are great for chainsaw work!

  • @hidhshsj123
    @hidhshsj123 6 місяців тому

    What about the Stihl 044

  • @ridehardny
    @ridehardny 2 роки тому

    Great video, however the starting procedure is improper for a “C” series saw. It needs to be calibrated as outlined in the manual.

  • @prestonfreeman8443
    @prestonfreeman8443 5 місяців тому

    1st thing you need to do is put some holes in the muffler.. Awesome power afterwards

    • @davidwatson7544
      @davidwatson7544 5 місяців тому

      Do you need to adjust the carburetor after doing so?

    • @prestonfreeman8443
      @prestonfreeman8443 5 місяців тому

      Nope, the saw adopts to the modification

  • @visa1960
    @visa1960 Рік тому

    How many cc

  • @grgygantz6760
    @grgygantz6760 Рік тому

    Here in hot azz Florida . We run Wession oil, since we also need oil to do our fries in the field.

  • @ggi7778
    @ggi7778 Рік тому +1

    This guy is the Gordon Ramsay of stihl world 🤣

  • @hamrochannel4891
    @hamrochannel4891 2 роки тому +1

    Price please

    • @bradleymaddy7380
      @bradleymaddy7380 2 роки тому

      I bought mine a week ago, $700 is the going price in Ohio with an 18” bar. Add $20 & you can get a 20” bar. With my research of reviews, the 18” seems to be the sweet spot for balance

  • @valqueenofValhalla
    @valqueenofValhalla 2 роки тому

    I run saws I have run them since 14 I wore chaps then while working I dropped due to heat stroke I will never wear them again. If I have to I wear arborist pants lighter comfortable and they breath a lot better they do cost half what a good pro saw cost though

    • @Patriot-pq1ku
      @Patriot-pq1ku 2 роки тому +1

      I grow up around loggers my dad was even one for a few years I never seen one wear all this safety crap like chaps only good pair of pants an boots its the world we are living in

    • @ciphercode2298
      @ciphercode2298 2 роки тому

      In reality accidents can happen,but learning about tension and compression in wood will greatly diminish the risk of injury. It's also good practice to offset your stance some and keep your bar and chain in excellent condition.

    • @Sgt.chickens
      @Sgt.chickens Рік тому +1

      ​@@Patriot-pq1kumy dad has been a woodsman for over 40 years. He never goes without safety equipment.
      Its not "the world we live in" its common sense. Seen plenty of cunts who say "oh i dont need that" end up sawing straight into their leg. All of a sudden the safe guy doesnt look so stupid

    • @rogerpowers3891
      @rogerpowers3891 11 місяців тому

      @@Sgt.chickens Nah it’s common sense do not do anything stupid. You can be safe without looking ridiculous with all the “safety” stuff all over you. So aka don’t be an idiot and be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine. End of story.

  • @jaydee2620
    @jaydee2620 2 роки тому +2

    I usually get 2 tanks of fuel for every tank of bar oil, in ALL of my chainsaws. Idk is that just me ??

    • @jimzeleny7213
      @jimzeleny7213 2 роки тому

      That's pretty much what I get too. And usually sharpen the blade after two tanks of gas.

  • @ARIANTOYanto-b9e
    @ARIANTOYanto-b9e Рік тому

    Bagus sekali aku suka... ❤...

  • @goldbuyer
    @goldbuyer 2 роки тому +1

    "You Own a 261" ? I wish. If I did, I certianly wouldn't run HP Ultra in it that's for sure. Other than that, great video.

    • @68fmj51
      @68fmj51 Рік тому +1

      What’s the problem with Ultra? That’s what I’ve been using in my MS 170 for years, and I just bought a 261 with a standard carb.

    • @ReggieChump
      @ReggieChump Рік тому

      Been using HP Ultra for years. Ran a KM 131r for nearly 4 years (strimmer head, leaf-blower, hedge-cutter attachments). It did a massive amount of work, I wore the driveshaft out on it, inside those 4 years... The engine still ran fine when I sold it. I'm a gardener, so bought a new KM 131r. Don't use that cheap fuel.

  • @pietdeboer5008
    @pietdeboer5008 2 роки тому

    I like this saw.
    What sword do You use, 40 cm / 45cm ??
    I own the MS 211 / 35cm sword and the MS 251/ 40cm sword..👍👍
    Greetings from Germany
    Piet

    • @aussiehardwood6196
      @aussiehardwood6196 2 роки тому

      I use a big Sword...it makes it more powaful.

    • @ciphercode2298
      @ciphercode2298 2 роки тому

      Here in the states we usually run an 18" or 20" bar on the ms261.

  • @OldMotorcycleAdventures
    @OldMotorcycleAdventures Рік тому

    Someone told me this saw has a metal body, is that true?

  • @vascopires2045
    @vascopires2045 2 роки тому +1

    don't forget to install the air filter

    • @Carlsmower
      @Carlsmower  2 роки тому

      If you purchase from our dealership everything comes assembled, but good call!

  • @paulliberatore6199
    @paulliberatore6199 Рік тому

    No flip flops?? Tell that to the crews in Indonesia...they won't listen to a word you say. I've seen them practically naked trimming and removing trees...no safety harnesses, thread for ropes, no safety gear whatsoever, free climbing; insane, however...no injuries.

    • @Sgt.chickens
      @Sgt.chickens Рік тому +1

      No injuries untill their is. And when their is. Its not going to be a little ouchie.

    • @anthonyduffy1278
      @anthonyduffy1278 Рік тому +1

      Just instant death!
      Roll deceased to one side,dig grave, roll deceased into grave and backfill.
      Hey presto, job done, don’t bother with accident book lads. Nothing to see here, back to work, chop chop!

  • @em4703
    @em4703 2 роки тому +2

    HP ultra sucks, there are better synthetic oils out there. The carbon deposits with that oil even when running the best fuel, is crazy. Hard pass, just because its "bio degradable when spilled", that doesnt cut it when your piston gets scored to crap before 1000 hours of work instead of 3000+

    • @tonydalton8712
      @tonydalton8712 Рік тому +3

      What oil do you recommend?

    • @em4703
      @em4703 Рік тому +2

      @@tonydalton8712 Motul 800 offroad, Echo Red Armor

    • @AnthemBassMan
      @AnthemBassMan 9 місяців тому

      Amsoil Saber also. But regardless of any oil stating that you can run 80:1 or 100:1, personally I always run a 40:1 mix. That Stihl HP Ukraine is bad. Charging what they do for an oil that still has a JASO FB rating. Come on. Super Tech from Walmart is rated FB and costs a lot less.

  • @Jason-fg4jr
    @Jason-fg4jr 2 роки тому

    There is a channel redd flag works on saws and that hp ultra is jacking up exhaust port side of the piston... I have 7 saws and won't be running that caster crap anymore

  • @Red-c5l
    @Red-c5l 7 місяців тому

    Yaatik essaha

  • @matthewlarock3614
    @matthewlarock3614 Рік тому

    No one makes a pair of chaps for big guys.

  • @bradleysmith4649
    @bradleysmith4649 Рік тому

    Boots gloves

  • @uppertributaries
    @uppertributaries 2 роки тому

    Dirt and debri have entered your cylinder.

  • @seanhammer6296
    @seanhammer6296 Місяць тому

    Oh ffs dude!! I came here for info on the ms 261. Not a bunch of sanctimonious safety crap. Not even watching now.👎

  • @kellysahy2850
    @kellysahy2850 2 роки тому +2

    All you’ve done is describe the obvious by giving a “reader’s digest” version of the saw’s manual. So stupid. You give yourself a bad name by enticing “clicks” with the video description, but then just give a bland sales pitch.

  • @jbruins156
    @jbruins156 2 роки тому

    snoozer

  • @Thomas-xl5vk
    @Thomas-xl5vk 2 місяці тому

    Great overview, thank you!

  • @jeffberg9313
    @jeffberg9313 Рік тому

    very good video, thank you