I’ve gotten by with an Echo 16” 352 for a couple of years. I can’t badmouth the thing, it does well for it’s designed purpose, homeowner stuff. The chain is kept v sharp, and it’s damm light - always a consideration at my age - fatigue is dangerous. But about a year ago my ex-cordwood guy about flat-out ordered me to buy the 18” 261, and who am I to.... Anyway I can’t afford this thing on SS yet I simply decided today, that come hell or high water I’m bringing one home. So here it is. I tested it on a couple of oak 4x6s figuring to cut halfway through then flip it over. Both cuts went all the way thru before I could spit. All things being relative, to me this is an absolute monster. To those who own one as their ‘minor’ saw I just gotta say I’m astounded. The chaps will be here tomorrow at which time I will noodle wet American elm for stacking. It shouldn’t take long.
I have a 261 with a 20" bar. It is my smallest saw though I don't have any huge ones. In my opinion, it hits above it's weight so it is my "go to" saw unless I am cutting very large stuff or lots and lots of it. Also easy on my old back! You made a great choice!
Good to hear. I know that I could’ve easily gotten by with the 251 but I simply wanted something from their pro line, probably my last chainsaw. Thanks.
Pro saws are leaps and bounds more powerful compared to their farm and homeowner counterparts. I started out with a ms250, then went to a 290 because I felt like I needed a bigger saw. I bought my 024 as a backup and it feels like it has about the same power as the 290 in a smaller package. My 362 has 3cc more displacement and weighs the same 13 lbs as the 290, but there is no comparison when it comes to power! Pro is the way to go!
I'm certain that the 261 Stihl is the most popular saw on FHC. Seems everyone who has one really loves it.
Nice! IMO the 260/261 is the best all-around saw out there - really love my 260. That I got well-used and just keeps on doing what I want it to.
I predict you will absolutely love that saw. It is a worker especially for the size and weight. Our 261 replaced a 290 and there is a world of difference between the two. Be nice to it.
Ive just begun a love affair with my 261. Three tank fulls through it. Im cheating on my 290 SHHHHH! Nothing bad about the 290. You will LOVE the saw! Had i only known! BTW mine is a normal 261 without the Mtronic.
I did see your Asplundh stepping out on the 290 post - great stuff. I at first wanted the standard 261 (and still do, never have had a threesome) but opted for the Mtronic thinking it’d be useful for big jumps in elevation, and also my dealer is just a mile or two away should a reset become necessary. Speaking of dealers, when I first starting looking at the 261, they were out of stock. So I went to Ace Hware to check their 261CM out. I have never suffered such poor, uncoordinated, misinformed service. I walked out and went to my dealer and ordered one there, preferring to wait a week rather than give that Ace my money.
My 260 pro, which means adjustable oiler, is my goto saw.. If and when I need bigger.. Time to call Lil brother.. Who thinks a 461 is a limbing saw
I would love to have a 261, it has a fantastic reputation, about as good as there is in chainsaw world. I would like to have cm version as I have no mtronic saws.
We went in & got my son an MS 261 CM for his birthday last year. It's his only saw & He loves it. I ran it over the weekend & was very impressed. 18" bar with .325 chain it cuts very well. It will almost run with my huskihl ported 026 with 16" 3/8 chain. All the saw most firewood cutters would ever need. I limb with my 026's cause we usually get into the stupid big stuff after the tree guys have chipped all the nice firewood. Congrats on a great new saw!
