Stihl MS 261 w/ 20” a “do all”?

So….was at my local Stihl shop today and got to talking with the main saw sales guy. When I mentioned my dream setup of a MS 261 with 18” bar and a MS 400 with 25” bar, he said the local tree guys here (Northern WI) run the 261 with a 20” bar for cutting, bucking and limbing most of their work. Some have a MS 500 for the big stuff but nothing a woodstove guy need worry about.

While I know that’s totally reasonable, as I’ve done just that with my Dolmar PS5100S and an 18” bar, would I be missing out on the 400 and a 25” bar? I was thinking I’d grab the 400 now and run my Dolmar for smaller work until I can justify adding the 261 as well. However, I’d save a ton of money adding the 261 to my little Dolmar and calling it good.

Anyone got $0.02 and some experience to help me spend my hard earned dollars wisely?!

 

I would get the MS400 now, the get the MS261 later, send it to huskihl for some XS (xtra sausage) and you would have a dream setup then.

 

What is a hawdaw? Google no help.

 

I own a 400 and a 462. The 462 weighs barely more than a 400 and is much more powerful. Maybe $200 more? Something to think about. I might thin my own flock at some point.

 

I wouldn’t run a 261 with a 20” bar.
My setup is
261 16” bar
400 20”
462 25”
The 462 feels perfect with the 25” light bar as does the 400 with 20” light bar
My 400 was ported by Kevin and could easily run a 25” bar.
Always go for the most power your wallet can handle. I’ve never heard anyone say “gosh this dagum saw has too much power for this tree.”

 

Thanks for all the replies, y'all! Yes, the 261 and Dolmar are both 50cc saws and similar horsepower... I think it does makes sense, considering, to go bigger and see if the 261 is ever even needed.

If you thin, sounds like you would stick with the 462 over the 400?

 

This is helpful. Thank you! I think a 400 with a 20" light bar sounds like a sweet setup to accompany a 50cc saw running a 16-18" bar. Especially considering 20"+ trees will be far and few in-between for me in the wood I access.

 

How many CC's is your Dolmar? If 50-60cc get the 400.
EDIT: read other replies and see its the same as a 261.

My first 261 was from 2019. Bought new with a 20" bar. Im the type who doesnt like to use "more bar than needed" type of cutter not minding to bend over to cut with a 16" bar. I used it for a while with the 20" and liked it. I did bury the bar a few times and it did cut without bogging. I ended up going back to the 16" bar and having a second (or third) saw with me at the cut.

My advice: Get the 400 with 25 & 20" bars. Run it normal with the 20 and have the 25" for bigger wood, unless bigger wood is your norm. A 400 can take a 28" bar as well. Regardless of which saw you buy (i own both) you wont be disappointed.

Just me mind full of CAD (Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder). When i joined FHC i had three saws and now own A LOT MORE! Just bought one last weekend.

 

FHC slang for "hoarder" I believe thats the ways its said with a Southern accent meaning no disrespect to any folks from there.

 

Just to add. If i was to own one chainsaw a 261 would be it. My go to saw most of the time.

 

Holy signature, Batman!

Thanks for all the input. Since I have a 50cc saw in the Dolmar, and it runs like a r*ped ape, I think a 400 with 20 and 25 inch bars will be the logical add.

 

Now another question....since I don't change elevations and will run the saw generally same temp range... M-Tronic or not? Or is the 400 even available in both like the 261 is....???

 

Christmas is coming. Have you been good this year?

Wanna see pics of whatever you end up with!

 

400 only comes Mtronic

 

can you run a ms261 with a 20” bar and chain? Sure you can, but I wouldn’t regularly. A 16-18” set up would be less wear and tear on a 261.

The 400 is not offered both ways. It’s mtronic or nothing there. I’ll echo what has already been said that since you have a great 50cc saw already I’d focus on buying your “big” saw part of the 2 saw plan equation.

The ms 400 is a great saw that balances best for me with a 20” bar and chain. If you have the budget I’d consider a ms462 as your big saw. The extra power and stronger chassis will handle a longer bar should it ever be necessary for you. You never know when you might need a longer bar. Even if a longer bar isn’t necessary the extra power could help the saw work easier and last longer.

Don’t get me wrong I love the 400 so much I have 2, but I also have larger saws (including 3 excellent Dolmar ps7910s) to better run longer bars when I need to.

 

The 261 with 20" bar is my go to.
I like the power and the weight. the 20" bar is good on the back for bucking on the ground and limbing up and down from the opposite side.
I also have a 362 and 250 with 18" bars and I gravitate toward the 261 most of the time. I have a 20" setup for the 362 but never seem to install it as the 261 does the job.
my two cents.
Lenny

 

Wish I had bought a 261 about a year ago when I was shopping.
Ended up with a Husky 550xp MK2, as soon as I bought the Husky the dealers started getting 261 back in stock.

Maybe someday.

 

I'm just your average firewood burner and only a 261 w/ a 20" bar (or 50cc saw) would make me turn away the biggins like this: Honey locust. Go big or go home
I get em a lot, so if you never saw bigger tree's, maybe it would be fine. Lotsa variables.

 

You already have a great 50cc saw. Buy a 400 or 462 if you’re stuck on Stihl