Looking for a backup saw

I have a stihl 311 with an 18" bar on it. Used my saws for cutting firewood. Looking for a solid backup saw incase my 311 goes down. Thinking i want something a little smaller with a 16" bar. Also wanting to stick with stihl. Looking to spend no more than $400.

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Only one back-up?

 

The stihl guy was trying to sell me on the 250...he loves his....anyone else have experience with the 250?

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MS 250 with a 16” bar running .325 yellow Stihl chain would be a good choice.


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MS 250 is my main saw. I run it with the 18” bar and the Stihl yellow chain. I had it a little over 4 years and I’ve probably put 14 gallons of fuel through it. No real problems. I try to clean it good after each use and I drain the fuel and run it out.
I have abused it some, cutting dirty wood etc. I cut some 16” black locus rounds with it, stumps close to the ground etc.


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If you can find a used MS261C you will be a very happy camper. It's a pleasure to use. I upgraded from a MS250 and im still kicking myself in the azz for not doing it sooner.
It's a 50cc pro grade saw and it will cut more wood faster than the MS250 ever dreamed of.

 

Does it seem to bog down much? I will have a 16" bar on mine if thats what i go with

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How is the 261 weight wise?

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10.8lbs powerhead only.
The antivibe system is great, sips fuel and it's twice the saw my MS250 was.
I get the same amount of wood cut in much less time.

 

I was looking at a 026...buying used saws scares me but would love to have one

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I have an 026 and love it. I look at want ads constantly, partly for entertainment. I see plenty of 026 saws for sale and plenty are in great condition, like mine was when I bought it used. If the budget could swing it, I would buy a 261cm. Those can also be found used, just not as many. I would say that the 261cm (yes, with mtronic) has about as good a reputation of any saw I've seen in the numerous forums I am on. People just love that saw and more experienced saw people, not less, say good things about the mtronic 261.

 

Hahahaha! Perfect response for someone with CAD.
To the op, 261CM is a very good saw, we got my son one for his birthday last year & he easily makes all his firewood with it. Nothing against a 250/251, they're good saws, but not in the same league as the pro saw. I've got two 026's that I'd use over the 250 just for production purposes.

 

If i were to get a new 261...what are the different models and what do you guy recommend?

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MS 261 CM with 16 or 18" .325 full chisel chain & I'll guarantee a smile on your face. Then after the warranty expires send it out for a nice woods port & you'll soon be headed down the rabbit hole of cad like some of the rest of us.
I am serious about the first part though.

 

MS 261 CM with 16 or 18" .325 full chisel chain & I'll guarantee a smile on your face. Then after the warranty expires send it out for a nice woods port & you'll soon be headed down the rabbit hole of cad like some of the rest of us.
I am serious about the first part though.

 

Awesome....you guys have me leaning towards the 261...even tho its more money. Is a 16" bar good for it...not to small?

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I would say yes to 16" since you have the bigger saw available. I'll bet you'll find the 261 becomes the "go too" saw.

 

I would say 16 inch and I am a fan of porting. If u do that, go 18 inch. U will luv 261cm I think.

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My vote is either a MS261 or a ported 026 with .325 16" either will run circles around the 311, 026/261 ported is a different animal altogether. Ported = bigger grin.