Picked up a used Stihl MS261

[JeepHead]

MS400 before they stop making those. New model replacing them next year.

I ran 462 and 500 back to back a friend had with only 20" buried. I liked 462 way better.

I like the 20” on the 261, but that’s just to help save my back, but I know a 16” would be neat on a 261 or an 18”. my 500i does have a 25” bar which is awesome.
I was all set to start hunting another 261C, but I’m 7/8’s of the way to a 400.
I’m a Stihl guy, so a 400 is tempting…

I am a Husky guy for the most part but xyz has just about got me talked into a 400 as well.

 

[xyz123]

I wanted a 400 years back but then found this 670 champ local that needed gone through. Piston etc etc.
So same cc and little more weight with double spikes on if I recall when weighed. Not sure. . But dang great 20" saws.

Tried 24" it did that great too, but balance was off.

 

[dodge man]

I think what makes a MS261 good is its weight for its power. There are a lot of saws in its class that make just as much power but weigh more. 1 or 2 pounds isn’t a lot of weight but as you get older it makes a difference.

 

[xyz123]

550 mkII def best cutter stock but comes with that weight penalty. Just a tad over 12lbs PHO now days.

As I got older. I prefer the 50cc to stay in 10lb range or just nipping over 11lbs at worst case.

261 PHO weight. 10lb 14oz

Also why I like the echo 50cc saws. They give up some in the cut. But weigh like 10lbs 8oz.

 

[Hay Dude]

Love my 261C, it does bog a little with a 20” chain, but a good operator can compensate for that.
Honestly, it’s better with 16/18”

 

[Hay Dude]

I think I am going to start pursuing a 400 instead of a 261C.
It’s just money. I’ll never have much and I’m not getting any younger.

 

[xyz123]

This guy does a good comparison. 550 MKII and 261 Gen2 or later.

 

[xyz123]

I think I am going to start pursuing a 400 instead of a 261C.
It’s just money. I’ll never have much and I’m not getting any younger.

Ya MS400 with mag piston could even become sought after down the road too. Maybe even set a extra mag piston back.

Just so you see the new one that is replacement for 400 and 362 and smaller cc then 400 we have now. With use of regular piston again.

 

[Hay Dude]

So you think there’s some potential for value enhancement in buying a current 400c with mag piston.

 

[xyz123]

So you think there’s some potential for value enhancement in buying a current 400c with mag piston.

I think 400 now and 500 will down the road. JMO and what I have seen over the years. Those would be my WAG