261 CM v 550 XP v 545 XP

Don’t hate, I’m sure there are multiple posts on the virtues of each saw. However, I have some Christmas/Birthday dollars, and a hole in my saw line-up, to be filled by a 50cc ripper. Full disclosure, I live on an island with one AWFUL Sthilership, and one pretty terrible Echo dealer. I’m planing a trip to someone who carries the Big 3, and am looking for input. I am a very bad carb tuner, so Autotune/M Tronic is super attractive.

 

I’d keep a look out for a good used 261 or 362, depending on what you already have. Ported is better imo. I have two ported saws and seem to grab the ported 460 stihl most the time. I’m a stihl guy but partially because of a decent dealer/service guy. That said, I haven’t had to use their service. I love my mtronic 362.

 

No experience with the Husky's but I like my 261 CM and I am pretty sure it's about the lightest in it's power class. No problems so far. However, the choice is fairly easy for me, to stay with Stihl's, because we don't have any Husky dealers nearby that I know of; others that are better at working on their own saws, could probably get along just fine, without needing a dealer or saw mechanic, and just buy their parts on line.

 

Strictly Stihl here. Ive owned a 261 since Summer 2019 and its my go to saw. Also run 361, 460 for bigger wood and 194T for limbing. All non mtronic. Cant say a bad thing about my 261. Pricey...YES, but a dependable saw made for a lot of cutting. No knowledge of or experience with the others.

 

The 261 is a good saw that I use a lot. I’m a Stihl fan but would be willing to try a 550, because I like fast cutting small saws. Get whatever you can get the best deal on.

 

I got no real world experience with a 261. Though I must say that judging from the posts and comments I've seen and read on this site and others, a 261 is a great saw.

 

Is the Sthil dealer just high priced or a dealer that "forgets" that you purchased there? As far as Sthil pricing, it is what it is. You won't find much difference from dealer to dealer as Sthil doesn't allow for underpricing. Seems a lot here like the 261. I do love my Echo though.

 

I get the runaround at my Stihl dealer because I’m not a landscaper/contractor. I understand Stihl pricing, and certainly appreciate Stihl quality. I love my Echo too, just ordered a TsuMura bar and new full skip chain for her! It’s too bad Echo doesn’t have an electronic carb offering in the US. Thanks for all the replies everyone, I think I agree with what Chud said, go with the best deal.

 

Don't be afraid to buy an echo. The 590 and 620 have a very large following. Dollar for dollar the 590 is the best deal out there, for a new saw. And yes I plan on buying one sometime in the next couple months.

 

Count me in for the 620p cult! I love mine, she’s never let me down. I do find the chain tensioning screw a bit fiddly, but that could totally be operator error. As soon as I can, I’m getting her EU style flippy caps!

Previously, I was saying I was disappointed the US did not get the 3510AC (autochoke), as I am/was looking for a “medium” saw with all the electronic BS. It looks like this saw exists in the UK. If you’re serious about an Echo, definitely get the 620PW, or 7310p. I wish I had gotten a PW myself!

 

I don’t think you can go wrong with either the 550xp or the 261. I have the 550xp. All the problems I have had were due to user error. Otherwise I know how many pulls before it starts, every time. It goes up to speed fast and cuts nice. But I’m sure the 261 is great too. I just went Husky because I liked the dealer.

 

Surprise! It’s a 545 Mark II from our friends at Husqvarna! She had a long journey from the Mainland, a big thanks to my mother in law for providing transport. Thank you to everyone for their input, this forum is awesome. Just let me know when you find a cure for CAD........ Here’s a few pics from the Cookie Factory.

 

There is no cure! But there might be a 12 step program

 

VERY NICE!!!

 

That’s a sweet saw.

 

I didn’t know anyone was looking for a cure

 

Are there many wood burners on the island?

 

Probably more than I know of, always lots of people posting on FB looking for cord wood. I do know I’m one of only a few scroungers/hoarders!

 

Wow, if a saw can be good-looking, that 545 is gorgeous! I don't recall Huskys looking THAT good. Congrats!

What size bar/chain you got?

 

Sweet saw! That dark/black looks better than the silver I’m used to! Give it a couple tanks of fuel to break in and it should get a bit stronger.