Help me decide

Having to run a different ratio mix may be a deciding factor. As mentioned all my others are Stihl , don’t like the sound of having a special can for the Husky.

 

I’m kinda the same way. Hard to justify a mixed stable.

 

250-300 hours bearings start going out using the 50:1 recommended oil ratio. There is well known and respected porter that has a customer running 550 saws using 32:1 Belray H1R and he has over a 1000 hours on them without failure.

 

mkI saws?

 

The bearing failure still exists on version 2 as far as I know.

 

My pick is neither saws but that stance fits my needs and wants. If I buy a 50cc saw its going to be an Echo 501P. Its the lighter of the three. I prefer their ergonomics. Echo products have been the most durable / reliable of any ope Ive owned. That makes them the "best" for me. I care less if they are down on power compared to the other two out of the box. I know after their lengthy break-in and they have the muffler opened up they run well. Once they get the XS treatment they are very impressive.

 

Appreciate all the feedback. Went to dealer on the way home. Weighing it all out , settled on the Stihl 261. They had an offer going on , a case , a hat and an extra chain. The free stuff didn’t factor in but also didn’t hurt. I don’t think I will be disappointed, as they haven’t let me down yet. Thanks again compadres !

 

Excellent choice! I hope it gives you many years of dependable and loyal service. I use my 261 more than any of my other saws. Light enough for smalls and power for the bigger stuff.

 

Very nice. Enjoy the new toy... I mean tool for hard work.

 

Sweet!

 

I've had one at work for a year or so now...not a ton of time on it yet (less than 10 tanks?) but it seems to be a very nice saw, no regrets of spending their money on it
Congrats MKD!

 

Great choice , I don't think you will regret it.

 

I bought one last year. They seem very anemic out of the box. Remove the exhaust tube and cut out a couple squares on the deflector and they come right to life. I can't compare to a 261 as I've not ran one. Compared to a Mki 550 you feel more vibration. The 550 will get through a log faster than the 501, but you have to pay attention. The 501 can actually be leaned on a bit. I've reefed on it hard several times and been surprised that I did not stall the chain. Excellent torque compared to the 550. Yep, long break in. I'm going to say about 10 tanks before it stopped getting better. I do have one gripe with the 501...it could have better air filtration. That's it though.

 

The air filter deal is odd to me. They have other saws with the round pleated automotive style filter. Time for an update to the 501 filtration system I'd say. If I end up with a 501 it could have something sticking out its hood eventually. Lol

 

Seems to me that they engineered the saw and then thought...crap...we need a filter and just crammed what they did in there, not having to change the outside lines of the power head. I mean, a slightly high top cover would have allowed a better system. It's the dang seal point that lets fines by rather than the filter itself. I've used grease, tried the teflon tape deal, switched to a Shindaiwa nylon mesh. Still getting some fines. I normally wouldn't fret much about it, but I expect this thing to last 25 years, like another Echo saw I own has.

 

It looks very similar to the Zenoah design my 543 and 4350 have. They have an O-ring for a seal though that the filter fits over vs setting against like a rubber gasket. Does the 501 have the O-ring or a gasket?

 

A ribbed flat gasket. I have considered trying to place an oring there instead. Probably will need two smaller diameter to sit beside each other. To cover the width with just one would make it too fat to get the filter back on, I think.

 

Mykidsdadd what kind of warranty di it come with? I think w/ Hookie, you buy the mix oil and you get 5 years.

 

Standard 2 year. I think they have a deal you can extend by buying a can of their gas or something but I did not do that.

 

I am in love I think…. holy crap this is a nice saw ! Handles well, light weight, and it rips at half throttle. Noodled a couple rounds juts to check it out and man , this will be my go to for sure.