A good quality chainsaw is one of those purchases that you will never regret. I struggled for years trying to keep bargain chain saws running. Finally bought a Stihl to help clean up after Katrina. Man what a difference! It is still running like a champ.
A few years back, my neighbor and I were clearing our yards of a bunch of dead Ponerosa Pine trees. We had a total of about three acres between us. He had a Stihl MS290 and I had just bought a Husky 450. I could never get my saw to run properly and I found out it had a recall for the carburetor. It went into the shop twice, but it never ran great. I ended up getting rid of it and picking up a Stihl MS291, which worked great. Since then we have moved to a new place and my MS291 is only used for occasional tree trimming work, but I am still very happy with its performance.
not sure about anybody else but the sound of that saw reminds me of my Grand daddy....and man how I miss him. I brings joy to my heart remembering the GREAT times we had.... Granddaddy and Grandson......Thanks for the video #TheMorgans
Good morning all, Phil from Kansas City here.Truck day at the Stihl store, so I will be spending my day sharpening chains. Had approximately 20 chains come in over the past few days. Have a Day.
I bought an MS271 a handful of years ago and it was a great saw, but I always wished I had spent a little more and gotten a pro model. Earlier this year, I decided to do so, but was trying to decide between the 261 and 362. Finally pulled the trigger on the 362 and I am very happy with it. The biggest thing that swayed me is that it was the same weight as the 271, with a ton more power. The 261 would have been a weight savings. I’d love to grab a 261 some time down the road though.
I've had an MS 290 Farm Boss with an 18 inch bar for about 20 years now. Its cleared at least 20 or 30 acres and cut hundreds of cords of firewood. I've gone through 2 bars and at wore out at least 10 chains. Its truly been a beast of a saw and done me so well. Starts every time no matter how long it has sat. Too bad they stopped making them! I don't know what I'll do if this ol' girl calls it quits. The only (negative?) i can say about Stihl...You'll never get to buy a new Stihl because the old ones just dont wear out. My dad still uses his original 015 top handle from 1973. The only thing we ever did to it was change it over to the new bar and chain drive style so he could get chains for it.
I have two of the 290 Stihl Saws. First one i bought in 2004. The other is a couple years old. They are very reliable saws. I have cut many cords of wood. Bucked up 36inch Red oaks from Hurricane Michael. Really like the 261 as well.
Good morning Morgan's! I'm a Husqvarna guy but you can not go wrong with either brand. I picked up a 395XP for my big wood saw and it is a beast! I always go to my 455 Rancher as it work well for most my needs. Plan on purchasing another XP series in the future to compliment my other saws. Great videos! Keep them coming!
Just purchased a ms 261 and I really like it. Due to my age (69) I bought the Easy Start. Still learning the nuances of it but I like it very much. It’s light enough yet has good power. I enjoy your channel and watch it a lot. I’ve learned a lot about operating a tractor (I have a Kioti CK 2610). Thanks for your helpful insights.
I'm cutting softer wood (Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir and Cedar). My "go to" saws are Stihl 036 for heavier work and MS 170 for limbing and small stuff. Both are great saws.
I just bought a farm property and found MS261 under the bench in the shed. Had it professionally serviced and its fantastic. Now its got the Mike Morgan tick of approval. Makes great work of the Candlebark gum trees here. Keep up the great work Morgans! Have a day.
For me it’s the MS261 also the power to weight ratio & other pro features I feel are well worth it.....just mostly cutting cabin firewood here in Northern Wisconsin but it is a dynamite saw for my needs to Mike👍
Bought a Stihl 028 in 1984 or 1985. That saw was never in a repair shop. I used it anywhere from 10 to 50 gas tanks a year depending on what I needed or was helping others with. That saw lasted until 3 years ago when I finally replaced it with a 271. 16" and 20" bars do all I want or care to do. Don't forget the Stihl Forestry Helmet System and matching Chaps! Steel toes and safety glasses are recommended too.
Morning Mike, On May 1st i had a tri axle truck load of logs delivered and on the 3rd i bought an ms 261. Love that saw and having a great time making my own firewood. I set up my log splitter under my carport to keep out of the sun and rain. :).
I have a ms250 been using it for 8-9 yrs now. The only thing I've had to replace is carburetor and muffler it was overheating it's been a really good saw for me cutting firewood.
Every time I think I know what you are going to do with your tractor, I'M always wrong. You really know what your doing. You have a great channel, and a wonderful family, and fun to watch.
Good morning from MidMo. Foggy out this morning and a little cooler. Neighbor reports 3.5” of rain these last few days. That’s a welcome event! Might be able to lay off the watering for a few days. I got an MS180 with 16” bar for cleanup and fence maintenance on the farm, and then decided to try to rejuvenate Dad’s old Homelite XL12 with 22” bar. Surprisingly it worked, despite not being run since he died in 1980. New spark plug and presto. Got the chain sharpened and now I have two saws. The XL12 is about 50% more HP and 50% more usable bar, so it’s helpful. It also meant when one day when I lost the drive gear on the MS180, I still had a working saw. And it’s not too heavy to wield, so it didn’t wear me out too bad. It does mean I need to have two mix ratios - it is 1:32. I made a carry box for it, both gas cans, bar oil, files, and tools. It is made with 1x6 salvaged oak, and that saw looks good in that weathered oak box. Box goes in my FEL bucket just right, next to the MS180 case. We do what we do!
You are right Mike, the 261 is an all round good multi-purpose saw. Good combination of weight, power, and balance. Someday I might get one when my old 029 wears out but I don't think that will ever happen. I had it over 25 years and (stihl) works great. I bought it used. Whenever I go out on a job, I always bring at least two saws so that if one gets pinched, (it will happen, no matter how good you are), you can cut your saw loose with the backup.
You brought out several key points about selecting "the" saw that you use most. It needs to be an extension of you, and not something you have to wrestle with, and are constantly in re-adjustment mode because of weight. The one thing that you mentioned that everyone should really consider (that most don't) is power-to-weight ratio. That is huge! The way I can tell the MS 261 is your go-to saw is how fluidly you move with it. That saw is almost constantly working as you limb, and buck. 'Good video, old boy!
I bought a MS170 as my first saw. Just for general purpose around the house. I bout a MS311 for cutting firewood because it was on sale for almost as cheap as a MS271 so I jumped on it. Absolutely LOVE it with the 25” bar
I agree with you, and it’s the best money I ever spent to buy a stihl. I went through so many cheap chainsaws it was a joke, a couple electric and two or three gas and every time it was the same thing, after a while it just got impossible to start and once it would get hot it would die end it got impossible to tune. My neighbor but an MS 280 and both of us use that for about a year and a half and it was perfect started every time ran and ran restarted easily, there were no drawbacks. When he moved I went out and bought an MS 250 and have had it for a few years now and I think I’ve only replaced a chain and a spark plug spark plug. They just start every time and work amazingly well.
If money was no object, I would have a 462 and a 261. The power to weight ratio of the 462 is amazing. The 261 is just the right size for 90% of home owner jobs. But, since I can't have both, I have gone with the 362. I do a lot of trail maintenance and the extra pound and a half adds up, but the better power to weight ratio makes it worth it. I tried to offset that with a light 20" bar and couldn't be happier.
I LOVE my MS261c-m and my MS462c-m, I also have the HT103 and love it but it’s a specialty use saw for a specific purpose. I have other saws as well but none worth mentioning other than something new I’ve stumbled into via hot sawing. I took an old MS170 and tore it completely down and turned it into a hot saw via mods I won’t list here but one of the last things I did do that any MS170 owner can have done at their local dealer is I got the 1/4p sprocket and threw on a 12” bar with 1/4p chain and man that thing screams. The mods I made with a tuneable carb made a difference but honestly I took the same sprocket, bar, and chain setup and slapped it on a repaired MS170 I did for someone and it made a huge difference. If you haven’t tired some of the newer MS193 or MS194 and switched it to 1/4p chain setup for limbing and trail maintenance you are missing out. I take that setup with me into the creek in the Spring with a crew to help cleanup and I was out cutting the guys running bigger saws left and right even when I had to double cut. The great power to weight ratio really shows at the end of the day too when we are sitting around the trucks. Give me a high power to weight ratio saw with a narrow kerf any day of the week for limbing and cleanup jobs.
Couldn't agree with you more on the MS261. It's my go to saw especially for trimming but in a pinch it will do it all. I use my MS362 for bigger bucking and hardwood. My biggest saw is the MS462 and I use it with a 25" bar for felling and sometimes put a 16" bar on it for bucking. Try the 462 with a 16" bar and be amazed! Love the Kubota! I recently got a new MX6000 as soon as they became available.
I have both the 261C and 170 as well and use them for 95% of my cutting. I also have a MS250 (best quality/power for the money you can buy!) and the MS362C for when I get into a pile of larger logs. Honestly though, I could probably just get a 20” bar for my 261C (I normally run an 18”) and sell the 362C and 250. But........ no. Gotta keep the toys 😏 Which is exactly why I also still have an 028 Wood Boss! Don’t use it except just to give it a spin now and then, but I can’t let it go LOL!
I loved the ms170 so much, I went back and bought 2 more. Cheap to buy. Cheap to run. Faithful as the bigger saws. 1/2 the weight. Only cuts 1/2 as fast but at least I can.
My Go to saw is a MS 241. Love it! light and powerful. I seldom break out the MS 460. My dad ran a tree business for years using a MS 024 AV Super with an 18" bar as his primary saw.
My dad had the MS 026 for 25 years which was the equivalent to the MS 261 back in the day and loved it. I have the MS261 with 18 inch bar. Great saw. I agree the power to weight ratio of this saw will allow you to cut all day and not wear you out.
Cut fire wood with my dad have a 025 n a 066 blew both up in the same day bad gas too much ethanol. Now we have 660, 251 361 stihl love them ... The sound of the 660 what a animal of a Saw
@@dmacwv I got my 261 last year, after they revamped it alittle. It's a great saw, and my side coveris predrilled, which made it really easy to install dual dogs on it.
Not to mention you burn a ton less fuel in a smaller saw. I’ve noticed a huge difference in fuel consumption between my 55cc saw and my 71CC saw. I didn’t think it would be that drastic but it makes sense. More power = more fuel
I have the 017, 025, MS262, MS462 and the 064. My go to saw is the MS462 with a 16" bar for firewood cutting. I can always swap out to a longer bar for bigger trees.
Mike glad to see that you are making good headway clearing the footprint for your new addition. Sthil makes very nice saws, however I tend to favor Husqvarna saws. I had some trees harvested on my land one year and the timber cutter left me all of the tree tops to cut for firewood. I was neck deep in oak & hickory treetops for over a year. I cut as many as I could get to and sold 100 ricks of firewood that year. My Husky 268xp got a real workout as did my shoulders & back did splitting all of that wood with a maul.
I've had my ms 261 for about 3 years being 68 years old lighter is better. I also have a ms 192 for trimming the small stuff. I have had one bad problem with it when you run for a while and shut it off for two minutes some times it won't start. Give it 5 minutes and will start again. I cut about 14 cords a year to heat my home and barn here in northern Michigan. Love your videos Mike
Never sold wood but heated my house for years with firewood, used an 028 with 20 inch bar! Bought mine in the 70s. Loved it, but I'm too old to use it like you do.
Good morning Mike, good to see you outside enjoying yourself with the cutting and chipping away for the new building going up. Great job with the explanations for your choice of the best chainsaw for you. I like your style of explaining that it’s what suits you the best, and others can have their preference of chainsaws.👍👍!! Thanks for sharing with us and keep up the good work and videos, Fred.
Thanks for the MS261 info! I’m thinking about getting another saw. I cut a lot of firewood as well and my son is helping me more now that he’s old enough. Have a great evening. Jason from Indiana.
@@ΗΛΙΑΣ.ΧΑΝΤΖΗΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ Yes I did. I have it right here beside me now. I have put on a tank guard, WCS filter, WCS dogs, upgraded the roller to Brass and changed the sprocket to 3/8ths and a 16 inch 3/8th bar. Awesome saw.
I own a stihl 026 pro never eny big problems great middle wheight saw and a stihl MS 201 C-M its really nice in the woods its light and it packs a punch! And then i have a homelite c7 that my grandpa bought brand new in 1962 love that saw but not a practical saw enymore but back then it was a beast of a machine!
Always find myself reaching for my 261 without even thinking about it even though i have bigger saw's . Love the power to weight ratio , heck i just love the saw period .
I aggree with you that the 261 is a great all around saw, and it was my first saw I bought. I have installed dual dogs and swapped their bar for a sugi. Lately, I have been using my 660, 661, or 440/044, but I have been cutting up orange osage at 18 to 25 in diameter. It was alittle too much for my 261. I aggree with you on the weight, especially if running the larger bars! Honestly your video is making me want to go out to the garage and fire it up!
I have had a MS290 for a lot of years needed something a little more powerful than my 024. Just purchased a MS180 for trim work and places the 290 is just a little too much saw for. Love Stihl products. Nothing beats a Stihl with a sharp chain!
greg newlin you obviously haven’t ran a husky. Your 024 us sick if the 290 out cuts it. The 029/290 saws are the most overrated saw ever made. Their power to weight ratio sucks. It has the power of an 024 but weighs as much as a 440/044.
@@Freakingstang that is true I have not. My 290 is a brute of a saw. That is true. But cutting all oak, ash, cherry, and locust fire wood. It has proven itself over and over. For nearly 20 years. Where my friends with Husky's have had to replace them more than once.. I don't have to run it as hard as a husky and it cuts quicker. Just my experience. Not saying anything bad about Huskys. They are just not for me.
This has to be absolutely one of Mike's favorite things..... Talkin' about chainsaws, cutting firewood, and using the MX 5400!!!!! I know some people dream about exotic vacations, fancy cars and clothes, but I am right there with you, Mike!!!🪓🪓🪓. I tell my wife what a cheap "date" I am! So far, I have not found a chainsaw that is more expensive than a sports car! 🤣🤣🤣
Mike - saw choices are also dependent on the wood being cut. The hardwoods need the extra power especially with larger diameter and fresh cut trees with high moisture content. Love my 391, but could see the benefit of the lighter 261. These saws go forever when taken care of. Great share!
MS261c owner here. My first chainsaw! I've owned it here for about 5 months now. Excellent saw. I don't know anything else! Not yet anyway! Bucking Oak, Black Walnut, Southern Yellow, and Cedar. I take excellent care of it, as any good saw owner should! My favorite thing to do right now with my saw is freehand Milling! Like they do it on the jungles of the Amazon. Lmfao
I don’t have a 261 but I have a 026 and a 260. Absolutely love them. For bigger Doug Fir like I have out here in the PNW, I use a 441 or 361. If I had it to do over again, I would have bought a 461 rather than the 441. I use an 052 for the Alaskan Mill. I use a 029 for clearing brush mostly because I got if for cheap and I wouldn’t be too upset if I ran it over with the tractor when I am dragging brush in and out.
Wait until you get your hands on a ms500i it will be your pick up saw of choice. I have about 15 saws to pick. And it's pretty much all I pick up. It's quick it's light and it makes you smile ear to ear. It has cut down my cutting times by 1/3 for a trailer load.
I really like the way you kept saying " best saw that Sthil makes." I have always found the stihil to be better for those who cut wood by the hour. The big saw just started on the sixth pull. Very good for a Sthil. I have cut an amazing amount of wood in my life. I've used the Sthil saws when that was all there was. In that case they were the best. I still can't cut firewood without a chainsaw.
@@wallacesmith865 I cut firewood with the Husky 65, that was the first husky available in the US. It was a hard tail saw before the anti- vibe came out. I used that saw for about 4 years. I them got two matching 162s (husky) id fill both up and cut for two tanks before I had to stop. If one part broke or wore out I was still able to cut wood. Huskies win all the speed cutting composition. If you are getting paid by the amount you cut rather than the hours it takes you you want the saw with the fastest chain speed, the quickest start and the most reliable. The cost of the saw really dosn't matter if you can make it up by chatting more wood.
Agreed, the 261 and even 361 are arguably the best firewood saws you can get. If you can only have 1 saw the 261 would be it. I have an 026 that is a great old saw that has never failed me or needed repair. I have used many sizes, but the 026/261 is always what I like best.
Love the info mike. my weapon of choice is the ms461 with the 28 inch bar. i can cut three logs at once save time. i also have a 20 inch bar for smaller jobs but i do about 6 cord a year solo. wish i had some more room. my lot is only .39.
Greetings from Highgate,VT. I would like to express my enthusiasm for watching your videos. We share many of the same outdoor activities up here in Northern Vermont as you folks do in Western Pennsylvania.I own two Husqvarna chain saws for the purpose of cutting trees and making firewood. I’m awful tempted to go out and buy a Stihl chainsaw, especially after watching your most recent video.
I bought the MS170. I only cut small wood for my fireplace and fire pit. I live in Florida. Don't need a big saw. Mine is also good for trimming my hedge.
Yup I was looking too and then chuckling to my self the use of the tractor to lift the log waist high. Is Mike getting a bit chunky in the mid section! 🍔
Yah Markus we knew about not hitting the dirt. That is why we don’t saw all the way through and then turn the log. It is funny because I am use to working in the woods where the tractor would not make it. Peeled a lot of aspen for paper and we always tried to keep out logs off the ground to make peeling easier. We useed a spoon shaped spud and could get 8 feet or more of the bark off all the way around the log. Could do a whole tree in a couple of minutes when conditions were good.
Nice chainsaw collection, I now have seven at my disposal. Not because I just love chainsaws, but being one of those very old Baby Boomers, I try to use the lightest one I have that will do a particular job. I still have my first chainsaw, a Stihl 041AV that I purchased new in 1976. It is hard to believe at 17 lbs. I used this saw for every thing. Now days, I only make a few cuts a year, just to keep everything moving and those cuts are made with the grapple holding it about waist high. Oh to be young again.
First saw was a Homelite Super EZ, then a Jonsered 49SP, then the Husky 181, and now have a Husky 288 and a Husky 372. Cut firewood for the shop and house, saw logs for my MSG mini mill(band saw mill) and 8 hand crafted scribe fit log homes.
I still use an old stihl 029 Farm Boss with 16 and 20" bars I've had for over 20 years for my firewood. It's heavy but built well and runs great. It's only been in the shop one time! Bought it new on a promo deal and got a hard case and a sweet USMC Blitz fuel and tool caddy. I use a 201T for small stuff.
Ha! 101cc - my first motorcycle was a Sears 124cc - but it was 4 cycle - lol. Have you thought about blowing the stumps up / out? You being a former blaster. Missing my MMS - morning Melissa smile 😊
I have 2 saws. Ms311 and a ms461.. I just bought the 461 this year and love it. In face I think i will start the 311 this weekend as I have not started it in 3 months..
Just now found out how to comment on my phone. I leave comments when on the Computer. Wanta give you a shout out from Lockbourne Ohio, Columbus suburb. I been watching you Mike since you built that wooden carrier for your tractor, long time ago. Wife and I don't miss an episode of you, Melissa, and the whole Morgan clan. Gwen and Marv Young.
I agree on the weight of a chainsaw. That MS261 coming in just over 10 lbs seems great. I bought another brand and have no complaints but it came in at about 13+ pounds and I do notice the difference in two areas, reaching out or turning saw sideways to cut limbs and just holding onto that extra pounds over the course of an hour... does make a difference.
Great video, Mike. My favorite Stihl chainsaw is still my MS290 Farm Boss. With a 16” bar, it does outstanding. I’ve never had the opportunity to try the MS 261 though.
I have bigger and smaller but more often than not I grab the 455! In my opinion it's kind of legend in the husqvarna line up! I'm glad I have it in the stable!
Mike- I agree. 50cc is all one needs to cut firewood in the northeast. I have a dolmar ps5100 w/18”. Essentially the same as your 261. I worked a couple years for a tree service when I got out of high school. I’ve run them all. If you really know how to sharpen a saw, 50cc is just right!
Good video. Husky guy here. Grew up working tree service with stihl saws, then huskys. My all time favorite firewood saw was an ms 361. Until I got a 550xp and 562xp. ( husky). The 261 I had didn’t live up to the hype. I felt it was under powered for a 16” bar in hardwood compared to a smaller cc 346xp. The 550xp (same size cc as the 261) is lighter (once full of fuel) revs quicker for limbing and has the power of a 361/362. I realize different strokes for different folks. For years my firewood saw was a 044 mag or 372xp with a 20” (hardwoods country). I still love it, but technology and age says you don’t need a big block to go to the grocery store. Have you used that 880 much? I used my 088 for milling for years. It’s a beast. People have no idea what one weighs with a 42-48” bar. Regardless the 261/260 is 10x the saw the 029/290/291 was. That 455 rancher you had was equivalent to the ms290/029/291. Very heavy low power “farm saw”. 036 pro was also one of the best firewood saws ever made. I used to climb with one for years.
My 3 Stihl saws are "old school" Stihl. My everyday saw is the 023 with a 12" bar, next up the ladder is the 028 Super with the 16" bar and my big boy is a 038 Magnum with a 24 or 28" bar. Run Stihl chisel 1/2 skip tooth chain on the 028 and full skip tooth chain on the 038 saws.
You should try the MS 194t, it's my new favorite saw, only seven pounds! It's a top handle saw, cuts through thick 20 inch logs amazingly well, I was shocked. And you can use it with one hand, so easy to cut up the small stuff by using it one handed. I think it cuts even faster than that 261 and won't wear you out, it's amazing. I wish I could try all the Stihl and Husky saws over a couple week period, use each saw for an hour or two to really get a feel for them. I have my eye on the Stihl 500i, the fuel injected model.
I've had a 026 w/18" bar since the mid 90's. Great saw! It has been cutting anything from 4' trees from a heavy wind storm to small stuff. I actually priced a MS261 about a month ago that will be my next saw.
Great video Mike . These kind of videos can be very valuable to people looking to get a chain saw . With so many different companies selling all different saw sizes it can be mind boggling in choosing which saw to get . It's a jungle out there . It would be sad in paying big money for a saw and finding out you don't like it . Thanks Mike for your thoughts .
I have the Stihl ms880 magnum with the 59" bar. Strictly for milling slabs. Awesome saw. Big price tag too. Have to be careful though very easy to burn the needle bearing out of the clutch.
Started with a Homelite and that was a joke. Got a Stihl 038 Magnum with a 20 inch bar most of the time but a 25 inch bar for the bigger stuff. Hello Hunter, stay cool when it gets to hot. From west central Illinois have a great day and tractor on
I am retirement age and weight of saw does matter. I have a Husky 445 that I use 75 percent of the time over my Stihl ms280 because of weight. Both great saws, but love throwing the light Husky around instead of heavier Stihl. I cut roughly 12 cord of wood per year and weight does make a difference. Say hello to family and have a day.
I have a 500i I use for big wood. For cutting firewood my go go saw is the ms362. Great saw and power. In general I think people put too big of bars on saws dropping their chain speed.
I use the 391 with 20 chain. my next saw will be the 261 for sure. the 391 is the biggest saw in the residential /homeowner line if I am remembering correct. the 261 in in the pro series. a very nice saw
Can't say I agree with you on your assessment of the HV 455. Mine has been absolutely great! I bought a smaller Stihl ms 180c for cutting smaller branches and limbing; and has been nothing but a disappointment. Smokes horribly, even after the dealer "adjusted" it and won't stay running (even after the dealer worked on it). Not likely to buy another still
I have a ms261 as well. I find it to be a fantastic saw. I had an old 023, and it's like going from driving a ford tempo to a Corvette. Nothing bad to say about the saw at all.
My Favorite Saw Is The Stihl 026 & The 029 Lots & Lots Of Hours With Them But I Like The Big 880 With a 4ft Bar Also But It Takes A Real Man To Run The Big 880 With a 4ft Bar All Day Long Cuting Timber.. ! The 260 & the 290 Took The Place Of My Older 026-029 Saws ! Thair Is Just Something About Running A Chain Saw That Is Very Enjoyable For Me As I Have Sense I Was probaly 7-8 Years old ! Cool Video
Hey Mike, great channel. Been a subscriber for a while. I've had the MS261 several years & love it. It's definitely worth the extra money to get a pro series saw. My neighbor borrowed it to trim some limbs up in his tree that had some storm damage & dropped my saw. No damage to the saw; I don't think the polymer body would have held up. He doesn't get to borrow stuff anymore...lol
I tend to agree about the 261 a really good combination for firewood is a ms660 for big trees and a 261 for the limbs and smaller trees. the little saw is great on fuel
The people that say the weight of a saw doesnt matter have never ran a saw all day long.
4 hours of running a MS660 straight will change their minds for sure.
I have an old 045 super 20 lbs with a bar that would change any ones mind haha
I've ran a 661 all day before. It's not that bad.
I think one can 😂🦵🦶🤣
A good quality chainsaw is one of those purchases that you will never regret. I struggled for years trying to keep bargain chain saws running. Finally bought a Stihl to help clean up after Katrina. Man what a difference! It is still running like a champ.
A few years back, my neighbor and I were clearing our yards of a bunch of dead Ponerosa Pine trees. We had a total of about three acres between us. He had a Stihl MS290 and I had just bought a Husky 450. I could never get my saw to run properly and I found out it had a recall for the carburetor. It went into the shop twice, but it never ran great. I ended up getting rid of it and picking up a Stihl MS291, which worked great. Since then we have moved to a new place and my MS291 is only used for occasional tree trimming work, but I am still very happy with its performance.
Totally agree with your choices Mike. I have the 261 and the 462 and use them just as you do. Great saws for firewood. :)
not sure about anybody else but the sound of that saw reminds me of my Grand daddy....and man how I miss him. I brings joy to my heart remembering the GREAT times we had.... Granddaddy and Grandson......Thanks for the video #TheMorgans
Good morning all, Phil from Kansas City here.Truck day at the
Stihl store, so I will be spending my day sharpening chains. Had approximately 20 chains come in over the past few days. Have a Day.
PHIL!!!
@@oldmanfred8676 Morning Fred what is going on.
Phil Rogers
Goin’’ to the Chiropractor at 9:30, hopefully some relief!
I bought an MS271 a handful of years ago and it was a great saw, but I always wished I had spent a little more and gotten a pro model. Earlier this year, I decided to do so, but was trying to decide between the 261 and 362. Finally pulled the trigger on the 362 and I am very happy with it. The biggest thing that swayed me is that it was the same weight as the 271, with a ton more power. The 261 would have been a weight savings. I’d love to grab a 261 some time down the road though.
I've had an MS 290 Farm Boss with an 18 inch bar for about 20 years now. Its cleared at least 20 or 30 acres and cut hundreds of cords of firewood. I've gone through 2 bars and at wore out at least 10 chains. Its truly been a beast of a saw and done me so well. Starts every time no matter how long it has sat. Too bad they stopped making them! I don't know what I'll do if this ol' girl calls it quits. The only (negative?) i can say about Stihl...You'll never get to buy a new Stihl because the old ones just dont wear out. My dad still uses his original 015 top handle from 1973. The only thing we ever did to it was change it over to the new bar and chain drive style so he could get chains for it.
I feel the same about my 290. Not one issue.
I have two of the 290 Stihl Saws. First one i bought in 2004. The other is a couple years old. They are very reliable saws. I have cut many cords of wood. Bucked up 36inch Red oaks from Hurricane Michael. Really like the 261 as well.
Purchased an O28 super in mid 1980. Still going strong. Never needed any major rebuild or big expense to keep running. Love it.
Mine went for 30 years . Best saw for big and little wood!
Good morning Morgan's! I'm a Husqvarna guy but you can not go wrong with either brand. I picked up a 395XP for my big wood saw and it is a beast! I always go to my 455 Rancher as it work well for most my needs. Plan on purchasing another XP series in the future to compliment my other saws. Great videos! Keep them coming!
Just purchased a ms 261 and I really like it. Due to my age (69) I bought the Easy Start. Still learning the nuances of it but I like it very much. It’s light enough yet has good power. I enjoy your channel and watch it a lot. I’ve learned a lot about operating a tractor (I have a Kioti CK 2610). Thanks for your helpful insights.
I'm cutting softer wood (Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir and Cedar). My "go to" saws are Stihl 036 for heavier work and MS 170 for limbing and small stuff. Both are great saws.
I just bought a farm property and found MS261 under the bench in the shed. Had it professionally serviced and its fantastic. Now its got the Mike Morgan tick of approval. Makes great work of the Candlebark gum trees here. Keep up the great work Morgans! Have a day.
For me it’s the MS261 also the power to weight ratio & other pro features I feel are well worth it.....just mostly cutting cabin firewood here in Northern Wisconsin but it is a dynamite saw for my needs to Mike👍
Bought a Stihl 028 in 1984 or 1985. That saw was never in a repair shop. I used it anywhere from 10 to 50 gas tanks a year depending on what I needed or was helping others with. That saw lasted until 3 years ago when I finally replaced it with a 271. 16" and 20" bars do all I want or care to do. Don't forget the Stihl Forestry Helmet System and matching Chaps! Steel toes and safety glasses are recommended too.
Morning Mike, On May 1st i had a tri axle truck load of logs delivered and on the 3rd i bought an ms 261. Love that saw and having a great time making my own firewood. I set up my log splitter under my carport to keep out of the sun and rain. :).
My 261 is my go to saw. The 461 is a beast but a armful to run all day. The 271 is okay but down on power and heavier than the 261.
I've been square filing my chains for 5 weeks now and can't imagine going back to a round file!
I have a ms250 been using it for 8-9 yrs now. The only thing I've had to replace is carburetor and muffler it was overheating it's been a really good saw for me cutting firewood.
Every time I think I know what you are going to do with your tractor, I'M always wrong. You really know what your doing. You have a great channel, and a wonderful family, and fun to watch.
Good morning from MidMo. Foggy out this morning and a little cooler. Neighbor reports 3.5” of rain these last few days. That’s a welcome event! Might be able to lay off the watering for a few days. I got an MS180 with 16” bar for cleanup and fence maintenance on the farm, and then decided to try to rejuvenate Dad’s old Homelite XL12 with 22” bar. Surprisingly it worked, despite not being run since he died in 1980. New spark plug and presto. Got the chain sharpened and now I have two saws. The XL12 is about 50% more HP and 50% more usable bar, so it’s helpful. It also meant when one day when I lost the drive gear on the MS180, I still had a working saw. And it’s not too heavy to wield, so it didn’t wear me out too bad. It does mean I need to have two mix ratios - it is 1:32. I made a carry box for it, both gas cans, bar oil, files, and tools. It is made with 1x6 salvaged oak, and that saw looks good in that weathered oak box. Box goes in my FEL bucket just right, next to the MS180 case. We do what we do!
You are right Mike, the 261 is an all round good multi-purpose saw. Good combination of weight, power, and balance. Someday I might get one when my old 029 wears out but I don't think that will ever happen. I had it over 25 years and (stihl) works great. I bought it used. Whenever I go out on a job, I always bring at least two saws so that if one gets pinched, (it will happen, no matter how good you are), you can cut your saw loose with the backup.
You brought out several key points about selecting "the" saw that you use most. It needs to be an extension of you, and not something you have to wrestle with, and are constantly in re-adjustment mode because of weight. The one thing that you mentioned that everyone should really consider (that most don't) is power-to-weight ratio. That is huge! The way I can tell the MS 261 is your go-to saw is how fluidly you move with it. That saw is almost constantly working as you limb, and buck. 'Good video, old boy!
Coffee and the Morgan’s, what better way to start hump day? 👍 Love from Northwest Indiana! 🙏🏻👏👍💗🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I bought a MS170 as my first saw. Just for general purpose around the house. I bout a MS311 for cutting firewood because it was on sale for almost as cheap as a MS271 so I jumped on it. Absolutely LOVE it with the 25” bar
I agree with you, and it’s the best money I ever spent to buy a stihl. I went through so many cheap chainsaws it was a joke, a couple electric and two or three gas and every time it was the same thing, after a while it just got impossible to start and once it would get hot it would die end it got impossible to tune. My neighbor but an MS 280 and both of us use that for about a year and a half and it was perfect started every time ran and ran restarted easily, there were no drawbacks. When he moved I went out and bought an MS 250 and have had it for a few years now and I think I’ve only replaced a chain and a spark plug spark plug. They just start every time and work amazingly well.
If money was no object, I would have a 462 and a 261. The power to weight ratio of the 462 is amazing. The 261 is just the right size for 90% of home owner jobs. But, since I can't have both, I have gone with the 362. I do a lot of trail maintenance and the extra pound and a half adds up, but the better power to weight ratio makes it worth it. I tried to offset that with a light 20" bar and couldn't be happier.
I LOVE my MS261c-m and my MS462c-m, I also have the HT103 and love it but it’s a specialty use saw for a specific purpose. I have other saws as well but none worth mentioning other than something new I’ve stumbled into via hot sawing. I took an old MS170 and tore it completely down and turned it into a hot saw via mods I won’t list here but one of the last things I did do that any MS170 owner can have done at their local dealer is I got the 1/4p sprocket and threw on a 12” bar with 1/4p chain and man that thing screams. The mods I made with a tuneable carb made a difference but honestly I took the same sprocket, bar, and chain setup and slapped it on a repaired MS170 I did for someone and it made a huge difference. If you haven’t tired some of the newer MS193 or MS194 and switched it to 1/4p chain setup for limbing and trail maintenance you are missing out. I take that setup with me into the creek in the Spring with a crew to help cleanup and I was out cutting the guys running bigger saws left and right even when I had to double cut. The great power to weight ratio really shows at the end of the day too when we are sitting around the trucks. Give me a high power to weight ratio saw with a narrow kerf any day of the week for limbing and cleanup jobs.
Couldn't agree with you more on the MS261. It's my go to saw especially for trimming but in a pinch it will do it all. I use my MS362 for bigger bucking and hardwood. My biggest saw is the MS462 and I use it with a 25" bar for felling and sometimes put a 16" bar on it for bucking. Try the 462 with a 16" bar and be amazed! Love the Kubota! I recently got a new MX6000 as soon as they became available.
My main goto is also the MS261C, I run it with either a 20" or a 16" bar. For bucking and dicing smaller trees, I use my easy on the arms MS170.
MS170 is my preferred saw for most of my firewood
I have both the 261C and 170 as well and use them for 95% of my cutting. I also have a MS250 (best quality/power for the money you can buy!) and the MS362C for when I get into a pile of larger logs. Honestly though, I could probably just get a 20” bar for my 261C (I normally run an 18”) and sell the 362C and 250.
But........ no. Gotta keep the toys 😏
Which is exactly why I also still have an 028 Wood Boss!
Don’t use it except just to give it a spin now and then, but I can’t let it go LOL!
Oh yes the ms170 is sweet. Very light and cuts like the big boys.
I loved the ms170 so much, I went back and bought 2 more. Cheap to buy. Cheap to run. Faithful as the bigger saws. 1/2 the weight. Only cuts 1/2 as fast but at least I can.
I’m stuck in the middle. Ms 250 aka stumpy. Lol
I agree with ya Mike. My saws are a little older but in order MS 026, 440 and 066.
I just bought a 261 (my own first chainsaw) about a month ago. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!
Just got my 261c a few days ago. Previously used hand me downs from my father. WOW,!
My Go to saw is a MS 241. Love it! light and powerful. I seldom break out the MS 460. My dad ran a tree business for years using a MS 024 AV Super with an 18" bar as his primary saw.
My dad had the MS 026 for 25 years which was the equivalent to the MS 261 back in the day and loved it. I have the MS261 with 18 inch bar. Great saw. I agree the power to weight ratio of this saw will allow you to cut all day and not wear you out.
Cut fire wood with my dad have a 025 n a 066 blew both up in the same day bad gas too much ethanol. Now we have 660, 251 361 stihl love them ... The sound of the 660 what a animal of a Saw
Love my 261. Only had the money to buy 1 saw and it hasn’t let me down yet.
Mtronic?
Yes. It’s great. I’ve had it 3 years now, never had a hiccup.
@@dmacwv I got my 261 last year, after they revamped it alittle. It's a great saw, and my side coveris predrilled, which made it really easy to install dual dogs on it.
@@dmacwv n nkslco
Best all around saw.
Not to mention you burn a ton less fuel in a smaller saw. I’ve noticed a huge difference in fuel consumption between my 55cc saw and my 71CC saw. I didn’t think it would be that drastic but it makes sense. More power = more fuel
I have the 017, 025, MS262, MS462 and the 064. My go to saw is the MS462 with a 16" bar for firewood cutting. I can always swap out to a longer bar for bigger trees.
I've thought about getting the 880 myself. So far, my 660 has done what I have needed. Agree on the 260, it's a great saw.
Mike glad to see that you are making good headway clearing the footprint for your new addition. Sthil makes very nice saws, however I tend to favor Husqvarna saws. I had some trees harvested on my land one year and the timber cutter left me all of the tree tops to cut for firewood. I was neck deep in oak & hickory treetops for over a year. I cut as many as I could get to and sold 100 ricks of firewood that year. My Husky 268xp got a real workout as did my shoulders & back did splitting all of that wood with a maul.
I've had my ms 261 for about 3 years being 68 years old lighter is better. I also have a ms 192 for trimming the small stuff. I have had one bad problem with it when you run for a while and shut it off for two minutes some times it won't start. Give it 5 minutes and will start again. I cut about 14 cords a year to heat my home and barn here in northern Michigan. Love your videos Mike
I picked up a MS 261 today after I broke my MS 310. Got to use it for about 1/2 hour today. I like it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Mine is the Stihl 462C with a 20” bar, superb saw!
Bought same saw last year. The weight was the biggest improvement, with vibration reduction second. Agree, best for firewood !
Never sold wood but heated my house for years with firewood, used an 028 with 20 inch bar! Bought mine in the 70s. Loved it, but I'm too old to use it like you do.
Good morning Mike, good to see you outside enjoying yourself with the cutting and chipping away for the new building going up. Great job with the explanations for your choice of the best chainsaw for you. I like your style of explaining that it’s what suits you the best, and others can have their preference of chainsaws.👍👍!! Thanks for sharing with us and keep up the good work and videos, Fred.
Thanks for the MS261 info! I’m thinking about getting another saw. I cut a lot of firewood as well and my son is helping me more now that he’s old enough. Have a great evening. Jason from Indiana.
I am about to pull the trigger on a 261. Perfect size saw.
Did you get it?
@@ΗΛΙΑΣ.ΧΑΝΤΖΗΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ Yes I did.
I have it right here beside me now.
I have put on a tank guard, WCS filter, WCS dogs, upgraded the roller to Brass and changed the sprocket to 3/8ths and a 16 inch 3/8th bar.
Awesome saw.
@@adelarsen9776 Glad for you man, i bought it 11 years ago. It's a lifetime saw.
@@ΗΛΙΑΣ.ΧΑΝΤΖΗΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ Nice.
My next saws will be a 362 with 28 inch Tsumura bar and then a 462 to replace my 460.
@@ΗΛΙΑΣ.ΧΑΝΤΖΗΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ I also put the WCS exhaust port on too.
The 261 us a great saw to custom and to be honest, make better with accessories.
I own a stihl 026 pro never eny big problems great middle wheight saw and a stihl MS 201 C-M its really nice in the woods its light and it packs a punch! And then i have a homelite c7 that my grandpa bought brand new in 1962 love that saw but not a practical saw enymore but back then it was a beast of a machine!
Always find myself reaching for my 261 without even thinking about it even though i have bigger saw's . Love the power to weight ratio , heck i just love the saw period .
I aggree with you that the 261 is a great all around saw, and it was my first saw I bought. I have installed dual dogs and swapped their bar for a sugi. Lately, I have been using my 660, 661, or 440/044, but I have been cutting up orange osage at 18 to 25 in diameter. It was alittle too much for my 261. I aggree with you on the weight, especially if running the larger bars! Honestly your video is making me want to go out to the garage and fire it up!
Yeah I have the MS-271 Farm Boss and I love it. Stihl is a great saw for certain and that big boy is a beauty of a saw.
I have had a MS290 for a lot of years needed something a little more powerful than my 024. Just purchased a MS180 for trim work and places the 290 is just a little too much saw for. Love Stihl products. Nothing beats a Stihl with a sharp chain!
greg newlin you obviously haven’t ran a husky. Your 024 us sick if the 290 out cuts it. The 029/290 saws are the most overrated saw ever made. Their power to weight ratio sucks. It has the power of an 024 but weighs as much as a 440/044.
@@Freakingstang that is true I have not. My 290 is a brute of a saw. That is true. But cutting all oak, ash, cherry, and locust fire wood. It has proven itself over and over. For nearly 20 years. Where my friends with Husky's have had to replace them more than once.. I don't have to run it as hard as a husky and it cuts quicker. Just my experience. Not saying anything bad about Huskys. They are just not for me.
This has to be absolutely one of Mike's favorite things..... Talkin' about chainsaws, cutting firewood, and using the MX 5400!!!!!
I know some people dream about exotic vacations, fancy cars and clothes, but I am right there with you, Mike!!!🪓🪓🪓.
I tell my wife what a cheap "date" I am! So far, I have not found a chainsaw that is more expensive than a sports car! 🤣🤣🤣
Mike - saw choices are also dependent on the wood being cut. The hardwoods need the extra power especially with larger diameter and fresh cut trees with high moisture content. Love my 391, but could see the benefit of the lighter 261. These saws go forever when taken care of. Great share!
I recently picked up a MS261c, the Mtronic version. It is an absolute ripper in the use you describe, so nimble and quick.
MS261c owner here. My first chainsaw!
I've owned it here for about 5 months now. Excellent saw.
I don't know anything else! Not yet anyway!
Bucking Oak, Black Walnut, Southern Yellow, and Cedar.
I take excellent care of it, as any good saw owner should!
My favorite thing to do right now with my saw is freehand Milling! Like they do it on the jungles of the Amazon. Lmfao
I don’t have a 261 but I have a 026 and a 260. Absolutely love them. For bigger Doug Fir like I have out here in the PNW, I use a 441 or 361. If I had it to do over again, I would have bought a 461 rather than the 441. I use an 052 for the Alaskan Mill. I use a 029 for clearing brush mostly because I got if for cheap and I wouldn’t be too upset if I ran it over with the tractor when I am dragging brush in and out.
Wait until you get your hands on a ms500i it will be your pick up saw of choice. I have about 15 saws to pick. And it's pretty much all I pick up.
It's quick it's light and it makes you smile ear to ear. It has cut down my cutting times by 1/3 for a trailer load.
My go to saw is the MS362 because its the only one I own
I really like the way you kept saying
" best saw that Sthil makes."
I have always found the stihil to be better for those who cut wood by the hour.
The big saw just started on the sixth pull. Very good for a Sthil.
I have cut an amazing amount of wood in my life.
I've used the Sthil saws when that was all there was. In that case they were the best.
I still can't cut firewood without a chainsaw.
So, what’s yer opinion of the best saw??
@@wallacesmith865
I cut firewood with the Husky 65, that was the first husky available in the US. It was a hard tail saw before the anti- vibe came out.
I used that saw for about 4 years.
I them got two matching 162s (husky) id fill both up and cut for two tanks before I had to stop.
If one part broke or wore out I was still able to cut wood.
Huskies win all the speed cutting composition. If you are getting paid by the amount you cut rather than the hours it takes you you want the saw with the fastest chain speed, the quickest start and the most reliable.
The cost of the saw really dosn't matter if you can make it up by chatting more wood.
Agreed, the 261 and even 361 are arguably the best firewood saws you can get. If you can only have 1 saw the 261 would be it. I have an 026 that is a great old saw that has never failed me or needed repair. I have used many sizes, but the 026/261 is always what I like best.
Mike, I hope you asked and received permission from Melissa to use her chipper lol. All the best and stay safe.
Love the info mike. my weapon of choice is the ms461 with the 28 inch bar. i can cut three logs at once save time. i also have a 20 inch bar for smaller jobs but i do about 6 cord a year solo. wish i had some more room. my lot is only .39.
Greetings from Highgate,VT. I would like to express my enthusiasm for watching your videos. We share many of the same outdoor activities up here in Northern Vermont as you folks do in Western Pennsylvania.I own two Husqvarna chain saws for the purpose of cutting trees and making firewood. I’m awful tempted to go out and buy a Stihl chainsaw, especially after watching your most recent video.
I bought the MS170. I only cut small wood for my fireplace and fire pit. I live in Florida. Don't need a big saw. Mine is also good for trimming my hedge.
When watching Mike cut wood through his helmet cam, how many are stuck on finding his next chalk mark on the log that he is going to cut?
Yup I was looking too and then chuckling to my self the use of the tractor to lift the log waist high. Is Mike getting a bit chunky in the mid section! 🍔
AugerHead Guilty!
I am!
I’m always watching for the chalk mark as well .
Yah Markus we knew about not hitting the dirt. That is why we don’t saw all the way through and then turn the log. It is funny because I am use to working in the woods where the tractor would not make it. Peeled a lot of aspen for paper and we always tried to keep out logs off the ground to make peeling easier. We useed a spoon shaped spud and could get 8 feet or more of the bark off all the way around the log. Could do a whole tree in a couple of minutes when conditions were good.
Nice chainsaw collection, I now have seven at my disposal. Not because I just love chainsaws, but being one of those very old Baby Boomers, I try to use the lightest one I have that will do a particular job. I still have my first chainsaw, a Stihl 041AV that I purchased new in 1976. It is hard to believe at 17 lbs. I used this saw for every thing. Now days, I only make a few cuts a year, just to keep everything moving and those cuts are made with the grapple holding it about waist high. Oh to be young again.
First saw was a Homelite Super EZ, then a Jonsered 49SP, then the Husky 181, and now have a Husky 288 and a Husky 372. Cut firewood for the shop and house, saw logs for my MSG mini mill(band saw mill) and 8 hand crafted scribe fit log homes.
I still use an old stihl 029 Farm Boss with 16 and 20" bars I've had for over 20 years for my firewood. It's heavy but built well and runs great. It's only been in the shop one time! Bought it new on a promo deal and got a hard case and a sweet USMC Blitz fuel and tool caddy. I use a 201T for small stuff.
Ha! 101cc - my first motorcycle was a Sears 124cc - but it was 4 cycle - lol. Have you thought about blowing the stumps up / out? You being a former blaster. Missing my MMS - morning Melissa smile 😊
I have 2 saws. Ms311 and a ms461.. I just bought the 461 this year and love it. In face I think i will start the 311 this weekend as I have not started it in 3 months..
Just now found out how to comment on my phone. I leave comments when on the Computer. Wanta give you a shout out from Lockbourne Ohio, Columbus suburb. I been watching you Mike since you built that wooden carrier for your tractor, long time ago. Wife and I don't miss an episode of you, Melissa, and the whole Morgan clan. Gwen and Marv Young.
That walnut tree would be great turning wood.
I agree on the weight of a chainsaw. That MS261 coming in just over 10 lbs seems great. I bought another brand and have no complaints but it came in at about 13+ pounds and I do notice the difference in two areas, reaching out or turning saw sideways to cut limbs and just holding onto that extra pounds over the course of an hour... does make a difference.
Great video, Mike. My favorite Stihl chainsaw is still my MS290 Farm Boss. With a 16” bar, it does outstanding. I’ve never had the opportunity to try the MS 261 though.
I have used my Husky 455 rancher for 20 years been a great little saw.
They truly, truly are! Had mine 16 years! Still running like a raped ape!
I have bigger and smaller but more often than not I grab the 455! In my opinion it's kind of legend in the husqvarna line up! I'm glad I have it in the stable!
You can never got wrong with the good ol husky
Mike- I agree. 50cc is all one needs to cut firewood in the northeast. I have a dolmar ps5100 w/18”. Essentially the same as your 261. I worked a couple years for a tree service when I got out of high school. I’ve run them all. If you really know how to sharpen a saw, 50cc is just right!
Good video. Husky guy here. Grew up working tree service with stihl saws, then huskys. My all time favorite firewood saw was an ms 361. Until I got a 550xp and 562xp. ( husky). The 261 I had didn’t live up to the hype. I felt it was under powered for a 16” bar in hardwood compared to a smaller cc 346xp. The 550xp (same size cc as the 261) is lighter (once full of fuel) revs quicker for limbing and has the power of a 361/362. I realize different strokes for different folks. For years my firewood saw was a 044 mag or 372xp with a 20” (hardwoods country). I still love it, but technology and age says you don’t need a big block to go to the grocery store. Have you used that 880 much? I used my 088 for milling for years. It’s a beast. People have no idea what one weighs with a 42-48” bar. Regardless the 261/260 is 10x the saw the 029/290/291 was. That 455 rancher you had was equivalent to the ms290/029/291. Very heavy low power “farm saw”. 036 pro was also one of the best firewood saws ever made. I used to climb with one for years.
My 3 Stihl saws are "old school" Stihl. My everyday saw is the 023 with a 12" bar, next up the ladder is the 028 Super with the 16" bar and my big boy is a 038 Magnum with a 24 or 28" bar. Run Stihl chisel 1/2 skip tooth chain on the 028 and full skip tooth chain on the 038 saws.
My first saw was a 1984 Husky 266 loved that saw (I still have it)
You should try the MS 194t, it's my new favorite saw, only seven pounds! It's a top handle saw, cuts through thick 20 inch logs amazingly well, I was shocked. And you can use it with one hand, so easy to cut up the small stuff by using it one handed. I think it cuts even faster than that 261 and won't wear you out, it's amazing. I wish I could try all the Stihl and Husky saws over a couple week period, use each saw for an hour or two to really get a feel for them. I have my eye on the Stihl 500i, the fuel injected model.
I've had a 026 w/18" bar since the mid 90's. Great saw! It has been cutting anything from 4' trees from a heavy wind storm to small stuff. I actually priced a MS261 about a month ago that will be my next saw.
Same with my 026, 30 years and still going strong.
I bought a Stihl 026 back in 1991, it is a pro grade saw. It still runs great. It’s the predecessor of the 261.
The 026 is still my saw of preference when not using the ms271 or ms170.
I run all husky I have the 455, 460, and 372xp.
I love all of them The 455 is 6 yrs old and still runs great.
I am definitely a STIHL guy! I have used many different brands and STIHL is definitely the best
Great video Mike . These kind of videos can be very valuable to people looking to get a chain saw . With so many different companies selling all different saw sizes it can be mind boggling in choosing which saw to get . It's a jungle out there . It would be sad in paying big money for a saw and finding out you don't like it . Thanks Mike for your thoughts .
I have the Stihl ms880 magnum with the 59" bar. Strictly for milling slabs. Awesome saw. Big price tag too. Have to be careful though very easy to burn the needle bearing out of the clutch.
Started with a Homelite and that was a joke. Got a Stihl 038 Magnum with a 20 inch bar most of the time but a 25 inch bar for the bigger stuff. Hello Hunter, stay cool when it gets to hot. From west central Illinois have a great day and tractor on
I am retirement age and weight of saw does matter. I have a Husky 445 that I use 75 percent of the time over my Stihl ms280 because of weight. Both great saws, but love throwing the light Husky around instead of heavier Stihl. I cut roughly 12 cord of wood per year and weight does make a difference. Say hello to family and have a day.
I have a 500i I use for big wood. For cutting firewood my go go saw is the ms362. Great saw and power. In general I think people put too big of bars on saws dropping their chain speed.
Jonsered CS2260 24" and a Husqvarna XP372 36" for cutting wood here.
The 261 looks a Great All Around Saw!! I had a 025 loved it!!👍👊
I use the 391 with 20 chain. my next saw will be the 261 for sure. the 391 is the biggest saw in the residential /homeowner line if I am remembering correct. the 261 in in the pro series. a very nice saw
Can't say I agree with you on your assessment of the HV 455. Mine has been absolutely great! I bought a smaller Stihl ms 180c for cutting smaller branches and limbing; and has been nothing but a disappointment. Smokes horribly, even after the dealer "adjusted" it and won't stay running (even after the dealer worked on it). Not likely to buy another still
I have a ms261 as well. I find it to be a fantastic saw. I had an old 023, and it's like going from driving a ford tempo to a Corvette. Nothing bad to say about the saw at all.
I love my 362 the best. Light weight with plenty power for firewood cutting.
My Favorite Saw Is The Stihl 026 & The 029 Lots & Lots Of Hours With Them But I Like The Big 880 With a 4ft Bar Also But It Takes A Real Man To Run The Big 880 With a 4ft Bar All Day Long Cuting Timber.. ! The 260 & the 290 Took The Place Of My Older 026-029 Saws ! Thair Is Just Something About Running A Chain Saw That Is Very Enjoyable For Me As I Have Sense I Was probaly 7-8 Years old ! Cool Video
Love my ms251. Never let me down yet. Man you have a lot of cool toys.
I've got an ms500i coming to take care of all my firewood needs, can hardly wait 🤩
Are you from EU? I buying a new saw and would like the 500i but my local u.s. dealer said maybe not till next year yet.
@@elliotboyer1041 Australia
Hey Mike, great channel. Been a subscriber for a while. I've had the MS261 several years & love it. It's definitely worth the extra money to get a pro series saw. My neighbor borrowed it to trim some limbs up in his tree that had some storm damage & dropped my saw. No damage to the saw; I don't think the polymer body would have held up. He doesn't get to borrow stuff anymore...lol
I tend to agree about the 261 a really good combination for firewood is a ms660 for big trees and a 261 for the limbs and smaller trees. the little saw is great on fuel