So I’ve sold my 026 and 260. Now to decide on getting a 261c soon, or wait till the 400i gets here. No telling when the 400i finally gets here, I would guess a year or more. I’m pretty sure the 400i will be light and nimble enough to limb/trim for hours, but it’s hard to tell without actually doing it! mom sure there’s no insight when the 400i will be available! and btw I’m not getting both!
Good luck getting a 261 , None available around here and was at the dealer yesterday ; they do not expect any for a while. Tired of waiting so I ended up with a Husky 550xp , they claim that is comparable to the 261. Actually some you-tube videos comparing the two.
Was in a local dealer and while I didn't actually look a passing glance showed some pretty empty looking shelves.
Congrats on getting both saws. The 261 is a great saw as I’m sure the 400 will be. Hopefully your dealer can get a 261 in.
Dakota Hoarder, If you can’t find a 261 up there, I can look around here to for one. The last time ( couple weeks ago ) I was into the True Value they had 2 & AgriVision had one. My wife wants to go up again & eat at that Brazilian Grill & browse the downtown.
All be darn SAWMIKAZE ! It sure looks like the 400 ism-tropic! MS 400 C-M - The first chainsaw with a magnesium piston I just assumed it was injected because I’d the new numbering! Well serves me right to try and make rhyme or reason of Stihls numbering system!
Yep & I'm a 100% sure I'm not gonna die of old age waiting for one either. Have JimBear grab ya a 261 & get on with cutting. That's a really nice offer btw.
Well to muddy the waters a bit I ran a comparison of some Stihl saws. Looks like the 400 comes in at 12.76 lbs and the 261 at 10.78 lbs. I think. 2lb difference would be pretty significantly for a trim/limb saw. What surprised me the most was the 500i only came in 1lb more than the 400 at 13.64 lbs. Still not sure what saw to go with. I know one thing. I won’t have time the carb!’
Thanks for the offer. You must be pretty close to my in-laws! I’m pretty sure there are a 261’s around here, I haven’t “shopped” yet. I’d prefer to get it at Ron’s saw shop in Watertown which is a way better shop than in town. boy that Brazilian grill sure is good, but for the price of dinner you could darn near get yourself a new saw! Hope your going for lunch, much cheaper!
I did some looking into the 400 and it isnt EFI as i thought as well. 261's are scarce on shelves around here as buzzsaw stated. What exactly are you looking to use the saw for? Just limbing and cutting smalls? A year ago i bought a 170 on sale. Impulse buy. It was much lighter than any saw i had ever used. Took a bit getting used to it, but once i did i was hooked. (recently sold) Easier than my 261 wearing a 16" bar. I had my 194 top handle which is also great for limbing but i didnt want to get too lax in ""one handing" a saw. I ended up with my 201 rear handle. Great for limbing and smalls. Bought it used with 14" bar (Mtronic). A new 201 is pricey in the $700 range. Have you looked into a 194 rear handle?
I have an echo 271t so the top handles covered. Considering get another 271t that’s listed for $150 just because it’s a really good deal at that price. I was thinking the 400 could be a do everything saw 20” and under, drop, trim/limb and buck without ever turning the saw off. Now I’m thinking it might be a bit heavy???
I hear you on the good deal. I wasnt considering a second top handle but the 201TCM came up for sale at $350 and i couldnt say no. I just fixed the pull rope as it was frayed and there was almost no sawdust or chain saw schmutz inside. Still has the OPE $689.99 sticker on it. I ran a tank of gas through the 201 rear handle today and it kicks azz for limbing/cutting smalls. (thread shortly) Once you get your 261 it will be your go to saw. Run a 16" bar on it and you will be in love. Its light enough for limbing and can cut with the bar buried. Ive buried the 20" bar (mine came with one) in oak and it handled it. With you talking about this 400 now i want one. I'm lacking in the 60-70cc range.
That’s why I ended up with the 261 and 462. I think the 400 could be an all in one firewood saw. It sucks when you start looking at specs, “the 462 is a touch heavier...oh look at that 500i I’ll just get that etc..”
I stopped by one of the Stihl dealers in my area today to check their saw inventory. Only one 261 (which surprised me) and a 194 rear handle the only pro saws. Bunch of homeowner models the rest. I asked about the 500i and they didnt know when they'd be getting more.
