Talk Me In/Out of the Stihl MS261

[snpower]

Looking to upgrade from my MS250. I've used it for seven years and loved it. However, it bogs down with some of my larger tree work. I have several acres, half is heavily wooded with mostly oak and some pine. I've slowly been clearing and plan on continuing to do so. I looked at the 271 and 291; the weight of the 261 is fantastic! I made a stop at our Echo dealer; the CS-590 seems great too but at the price point I wonder what might be missing? I'll be felling and sectioning 18" plus trees... The MS250 will live on and do smaller jobs (I think).

 

[Rockbadchild]

Go with at least a 60cc you wont regret it, you are at 45cc with the ms250 and it bogs down, 10cc will make a difference but barely, never mind 5cc. Spend the money for a noticeable difference, not more of the same... I was happy with my 60cc until I try my dad 70cc now I want a 70 or a 80cc.

 

[Jrasband]

I have said numerous times it is the best saw to have. Lightweight, will run a 20" bar, will cut through hardwood with ease all day - you must keep your chain sharp!

 

[sea2summit]

Go with at least a 60cc you wont regret it, you are at 45cc with the ms250 and it bogs down, 10cc will make a difference but barely, never mind 5cc. Spend the money for a noticeable difference, not more of the same... I was happy with my 60cc until I try my dad 70cc now I want a 70 or a 80cc.

The 261 has 33% more power to the bar than the 250…5 extra cc. That’s a fairly significant power increase, not really even comparable saws.

 

[newbury]

I have several acres, half is heavily wooded with mostly oak and some pine.

How big in diameter (DBH) are the trees?
If your cutting 30" oaks and up go with a 60CC saw. If it's like most of my woods that are regrowth from 40 years ago the 261 should suffice.

 

[jeff9366]

I have said numerous times it is the best saw to have. Lightweight, will run a 20" bar, will cut through hardwood with ease all day - you must keep your chain sharp!

I ran an 18" bar on my MS261. I am not quite as meticulous about chain sharpening as Jrasband.

Great saw!

 

[4570Man]

Go with at least a 60cc you wont regret it, you are at 45cc with the ms250 and it bogs down, 10cc will make a difference but barely, never mind 5cc. Spend the money for a noticeable difference, not more of the same... I was happy with my 60cc until I try my dad 70cc now I want a 70 or a 80cc.

I don’t necessarily disagree with the logic but a 261 is a lot more saw than a 250.

 

[Rockbadchild]

The 261 has 33% more power to the bar than the 250…5 extra cc. That’s a fairly significant power increase, not really even comparable saws.

how are you getting the 33%? the 261 has 50cc (4hp) the 250 has 45cc (3hp) that's 10% power increase not 33%

 

[sea2summit]

how are you getting the 33%? the 261 has 50cc (4hp) the 250 has 45cc (3hp) that's 10% power increase not 33%

4hp/3hp=1.33

 

[Rockbadchild]

4hp/3hp=1.33

yeah saw that right after I posted lol ...