Stihl 251 or 261 cm

My Stihl 025 Took a turn for the worse so I need a new trim saw. Looking at a 251 or 261, not sure if I can justify the price difference.

I cut a large amount of firewood and this saw will probably get most of the use. Once I feel and buck up the large rounds with my bigger saws this saw will be in my hands for most of the day trimming and bucking smaller rounds. I Cut 10 times or so a year, but for many hours a day. I need a saw that can keep up for 5-6 hours a day.

The question is will a 251 be able to take many hours a day of use, but not be used everyday? I know the 261 will, but is it worth the extra $300?

 

How long did the 025 last you? Did you like it? The 251 isthe newest version of that saw, I believe. Presumably it's better than the 025...so it might be a straight upgrade vs your old saw.

Alternatively...how long do you expect to use the new saw? If 10 years, then the 261 is only 30/yr extra to get a pro saw that is about same weight with an extra bit of power.

 

Go for the 261, for sure. I've owned and used both and there is just no comparison. The 261 will definitely get more work done much faster, more comparable to a 391 or 311. Don't get me wrong, the 251 is a fine saw and it can take the use you are describing, but definitely apples to oranges in performance.

 

261 All the way I say.

 

You cant go wrong with the MS 261 CM-just check the reviews-I will have one before months end-I have a mint Farm Boss 290 for sale...I want and will have the pro saw-Stihl has just lowered the price base from 609. to 559. for the 16" bar, my only decision is 16" or 18"...I cut my wood to 16 so it should be a no-brainer but I'm gonna have one soon.. unclefess had one for sale on the classifieds but hasnt responded...guess I'll go new...

 

I'd go with the 261 between the two. Similar but cheaper options would be the husky 545 or dolmar 5105.

 

You should be able to get a MS250($300) which is nearly identical to your 025. The 261 will have way more power.

 

First off, welcome to FHC Dakota Hoarder !!Post pictures. We love 'em. I'd like to know what "took a turn for the worse" means. Won't start? Won't stay running? Bad compression? I'd look at the price to fix that saw then make a decision from there. Never hurts to have an extra saw or 20. If I was spending my money, I'd get the 251. If I was spending someone else's money, I'd get the 261. If I was in your situation, however, I might splurge and get a 261 for myself. Little faster cutting to save time.

 

If the 261 is even on your radar, I say go ahead and get it. Or the 241, it still probably makes more power than the 251 and probably weighs less.

 

And yes btw, Dakota Hoarder- Welcome to the wood hood-You're gonna like it here, I guarantee it-We like pics, dogs, beer and spending others money...We'll help counsel your addiction so you've already got that going for you....

Again-nice to meet ya!

 

While the 251 can take a beating, I'd still go for the 261 in your higher volume situation. Great saw with an excellent power to weight ratio! I mean your talking about a 1 h.p. difference in power for the same weight. In the saw world that's a big deal. Welcome to the FHC family!

 

What other saws do you own?

 

Just an aside...but the $300 price difference seems pretty high. Here in Canada, they just dropped the price on the MS-261 to $630 (or US$475). So it's less than $US200 higher than the MS 251.

 

because its cost 300 extra this is why it worth , if not it have the same price with the other ( i mean the plastic toy )

 

Buy it, buy it, buy it.... LOL.... am I helping any!!!!!

 

I have a 261CM. Its my go to saw. Light but powerful enough to cut with the bar buried. Like someone else said, you are talking 20-30 bucks a year over the life of the saw.

 

What is your big saw? If you are in a 660, I would say a 362 or 261 would make sense. On longer days I travel with a 310 and 461. I struggle with the small saws now, but it works for limbing.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, looks like I will have to save up and splurge on the 261. I'll just have to "borrow" my father in laws 251 in the mean time, and wait till my wife's not looking to sneek the 261 by her.

The price at the dealer is 629 with 18" bar and chain. Little cheaper at Ace hardware, but not much dealer support there.

Has any body had any luck with getting your dealer to throw in an extra chain or carrying case?

I currently run a Stihl 025 (broken) Stihl 391 20", Stihl 441 25" and Stihl 460 30" and split everything with a Fuskars X27

 

Some dealers will give a better price if you pay cash.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

Is there a thread where I can write a review of my Fiskars X27? That thing is amazing!

I'm new here still trying to figure everything out.