All these people talking about how their homeowner saw has lasted them 10 years... Because you use it once a year! You're a homeowner. The pro models are designed for every day tree work, they just work longer.
I fully support that the Pro saws are a better saw in EVERY way, but here is a real fact, I have had an MS 290 Farm Boss fit with a 24" bar for 20 years this year, and it gets used A LOT! We burn 10-15 chords of Ash Maple and Oak to heat our home every year and I have had ZERO trouble with that saw. My Dad has 3 of the smaller home owner saws and we cut his wood together nowadays. Those home owner saws are always giving him issues, so I think possibly the real difference is from the Farm to the Home owner versions. I cut and split it all by hand and have every year... at 12/year, that's approximately 240 chords of wood on my old saw. used up 3 bars and countless chains over the years. I literally didn't even have a back up until this year, and that is nothing but an electric Milwaukee for camping. I don't know if I am lucky, take better care of it or what, but it has been a great saw, sadly they stopped making them quite a few years ago. The huge difference to me is, the Pro is a lot lighter and I know my old Farm Boss is going to give up some day, so that is why I'm watching these comparison videos. I like the weight savings, at the end of a day of cutting, my old back feels that Farm boss. Thanks for making this video, you did a great job explaining the differences.
I appreciate the clear info on the differences between the farm and pro versions. Not easy to find this information in such a specific way that you presented it.
Your comment about the compression release reminded me of my co-worker trying to kick start his Harley. As I mounted my Honda CB750, he muttered, "If it's not worth starting, it's not worth riding". I just smiled at him, pressed the start button and rode away. Am purchasing 20 acres in God's country that needs a little tidying up. Hmmm, gonna need a chainsaw. The last chainsaw I handled was my dad's Homelite, 45 years ago. Thanks for this review. You just helped me narrow my search down to the MS261CM. I will smile every time I use that compression release.
A really excellent, thorough review on the reasons why to buy a "pro grade" ms261 over the " home owner/farm range". I've got both and the ms261 is heaps better in every way - easily well worth the additional cost. Many thanks for making the video....and wishing you a full recovery very soon !
Neat review, great to see how these saws now look under the hood. I have an 038 Super that was made in the mid 80s I think, I am second owner of her, and she still eats wood like a new saw. Looking at this video, it appears that the 038 has a mix of what are now pro parts and homeowner parts. Stihl makes a great product, I do wonder though if these new electronic components will have the durability / lifetime to last as long as my 038 has.
Have an 026 purchased in the late 80's that mirrors what you said. I've used it a LOT and It has been pretty much flawless. I wish every thing I bought was made with this saw.
Clear presentation, great video, I love that you included real stats. Would have been even clearer if the stats were put up in screen as you said them (in text)
Well, you convinced me. I was debating between the MS391 Farm/Ranch and the MS362 Professional. It seems like the extra cost is well-worth the hassle in rebuilding the engine, lighter weight, better frame design, and general build quality.
I'm 23 years old and I also trim trees and fall them.. I have a lot to learn but I used a big 261 today for a climbing job on a pine and it was tough.. been watching your channel for quite some time and I have to say your my idle. I enjoy your work as well as your info and input in your work. I can only hope to be as good as you some day. But being low income I'm stuck with terrible equipment and a big trim saw lol. But thanks for your videos
Human. It's going good. I am running a 85' boom lift these days putting up hotels. I don't get to work in the trees but I am up about as high. You're content is great. Hope to see you around St. Louis some time.
Hey thanks for making this video! I always wondered the differences between the home/ranch vs. pro saws. I knew about the magnesium vs. plastic construction and about the clam shell though I was not certain what clam shell meant but you really spelled it out here. I have 25 year old Stihl 021 that just keeps running with basic maintenance but this is great info as a look for a second larger saw. The 261 is looking good and I think the newest version of it is a bit lighter and more powerful (10.8 lbs and 4hp) to match the Husky XP 50cc saw.
We recently "1 1/2 months or so" picked up a new 261, though it's not the latest version you're talking about. I love that saw, runs like a champ. Though honestly I hear the Husqvarna XP's are damn nice as well. I'd love to get my hands on some to run, just don't know anyone around here with one. Especially the 395 XP, from what I hear it outperforms my new 661. Likely would still have gone with the 661 as I'm more familiar with, and knowledgeable of the stihl line. Maybe I'll buy an XP next and start getting used to those saws as well.
Hey guy you’re videos are great! I went a bought this saw after seeing this vid! I bought a ms291 4 years ago and it’s a amazing! So despite the opinions of some of the haters thankful for guys like you who lay it on the line
The fasteners are "Camlocks", straight off airplanes- very cool. BTW, compression release is to minimize pressure on starter pawl mechanism thereby making it last longer altho it is a very tough mechanism esp for a "plastic" part. Stihl rox. Been a saw tech since 1984.
Thanks for a great review! I have many saws and none electronic! 066...early 361, early 310, 170 just naming a few stihls and I have put the home/ranch saws through the same misery that my pro saws go through on a daily basis and as long as you keep ethanol away from them and use good oil about 40 to 1 or so and dont gittem with a skidder, dozer, or drop em hard and far they all seem like perty dern good saws. I have saws that I've retired from about 1970 and before that are still good saws...point being....I like em all, just have no need for autotune yet!..Many Blessings, Kev
Kynan Milo Funny, I just sold my 29 year old 038 AV Super to buy a MS170. 😃. That was after I bought a Farm/Ranch MS311. MS311 starts easy, runs great, is a lot lighter than the 038 and cuts with a full chipper much longer than I can hold it. I spent 3 hours cutting red oak recently, the largest pieces being about 24”. It isn’t as powerful as the 038 but powerful enough.
Excellent comparison that spans time and models. They cost more but they do more, both are great, just depends on level of use. One extra note, pro saws / big saws cut faster, but that can be a mixed blessing. Unless you use a saw a lot you may need / appreciate those extra seconds, pro saws make deep face cuts fast, cut through hinges, pinch faster etc. Everything is speeded up so experience and anticipation are needed. Ranch models are awesome and run forever so no shame there, still have mine. Lastly - pro saws with Mtronic carbs do better with varying quality of gas, like older gas. I have let gas get stale (more than 15 days) and my old saws would not run right at all, but the Mtronic adjusted and kept on. Obviously always using fresh premium fuel is the way to go but again, for the occasional user, that would be a plus of an Mtronic. Safe travels...
I'm still running my old Stihl 029 with a 20 inch bar and a Stihl 009 with a 12 inch bar. Even have an old all metal Homelite that has more compression than any saw I've ever tried to pull start. I grew up working with my dad's tree service. We had over 40 different saws. All Stihl and Husqvarna. We had Stihl: 009, 029, 036, 044, 066 and many more. They only Husqvarna I can remember the number of is a 394XP with a 4 foot bar. It has 9+ horsepower. We had a 6 foot bar that we would run on it sometimes.
Thank you for showing me the things that Stihl should have made clear. Great video. First thing I realized as a rookie, watching pro lumberjack videos, or arborists, they all use large double dog spikes and a full wrap handle. Why isn’t that standard on all their pro saws? I saw one model that did come with those but my 362cm didn’t. Stihl sells an upgrade kit for $300. That pushed an 800 dollar saw up to a 1000 dollar saw. It should have been included.
Excellent video. I have a 461, and it performs well with my 28" and 20" bars. However, I am looking at a smaller, lighter weight saw that will cut smaller trees and limbs yet last me for years to come. Your in-depth maintenance, repair, and construction differences between the two saws convinced me.
I ended up getting a 261 with 18" bar, and I love it. I used a carbide tip chain, and I cleared a creek of trees and brush. it took me a while though.@@stevenbrown5210
Excellent comparison video. Its very difficult for most new chainsaw buyers and users to understand the difference as both looks very similar on the outside, devils in the hidden details.
Great video, thank you, I plan on sending my MS261C to West Hill Saw House for, compression increase, port maping, reshape and retime the ports, muffler mod, tear down clean, reaseal, replace any bad parts at the time, new rings, and then retune. This will vastly make this model really shine. I almost have the money saved up 😁
I own a 271. Have had it three years. Runs like a champ and is so powerful it will get away from you if you’re kid careful. Only cut wood for personal firewood so I saw no need it hundreds more for a pro level unit. Got mine for $349 and am totally satisfied.
Same here 18" bar with full chisel (yellow chain) cuts everything,oak,ash,elm(yuck)hard maple and locust at about 7 cord a year.Keep the chain sharp and she's a champ love it.
Thank you... that was a super informative comparison... much more details than other reviews comparing the MS261 to MS271.... as you say they are still both great chainsaws but it's really interesting to understand why the MS261 is higher cost. I likely will get a MS271 or MS251 when it's time to get a new saw as they will easily meet my needs while being very good saws... although the MS261 has some nice weight saving magnesium on it :)
I was looking at the XP550, but I keep reading that it bogs down as did the one I tested. No reports so far on the 261 CM. I think I'm sticking with my Stihl and getting the 261
I've always looked at it like this: if you're just doing basic chores around your property and/or you cut only small diameter trees for firewood, then a farm/ranch saw will serve you just fine. If, however, you want the best bang for your buck then buy a pro saw up front. It will still be serving you long after you've forgotten about the price. If you live in the western states, where the trees grow BIG, then a pro saw is absolutely worth the money. The smaller pro saws are a great buy for the guy that even just cuts a little bit a year. Pro saws are built better, with stronger internals and components. They're also worth rebuilding when they do give out. A STIHL MS261 or Husqvarna 550XP would be my first choices if I was looking for a smaller saw that could handle 90% of what the average woodcutter is going to throw at it. Smaller saws are also less tiring to operate and quicker to maneuver for limbing operations. The STIHL MS241 would be an absolute gem if you can manage to find one.
One of the biggest sellers at our local dealerships is also the MS170. Great little saw for basic cleanup. You can get a thicker bar and chain, and metal felling spikes, and it improves the saw a lot. I am considering buying one to carry in the trunk during the winter months in case I come upon a fallen tree across the road. I know guys who do this, carry them in their gear for camping and also strap them down on the back of a 4 wheeler when riding through trails and clearing out hunting land.
You'd never catch me with a 170, that front chain adjuster makes me want to bash my head against a wall, lol. 171 I'll go for though, well worth the extra $20
Man its insane! My 2nd favorite saw. I can hold the rear handle with my arm straight out like a freakin lightsaber. I can make full bar length cuts without the engine even slowing down. If someone could only ever buy one chainsaw, the 261 is it.
MiniM00se couldn't have said it better. If you make a living with a chainsaw, STIHL either way is the way to go, but that new 261 slaughters the competition by far
you are a Beast I have followed your channel for a long time.I just bought a nice ms 261..not cheap from flebay..still using my 026 and 024 love your videos
When replacing my 51 Husky(badass saw for size) I chose the same pro saw you viewed. Well worth the extra cost. I heat with wood, so it gets used a lot. Three seasons now. So far the carb is working fine. The saw is a screamer. I remember when FI came out on cars,folks were scared of it,too.
The 362 dont use fuel injection. Just a processor that adjust the carburator automatically.. the 500i is fuel injected. And theres no comparison in performance of the 500i and a similar sized carburated chainsaw
Decent overall comparison. Thought it was funny when you discuss a top end swap as a field fix! I don't know many guys who carry and extra top end into the field! Cheers!
I too thought that was funny..." All set.. got my bar oil, fuel, files, sledge and wedge". "Oh! almost forgot my tool chest, top jug, gasket kit, and rings".. lol
Wow. I didn't realize they considered these small saws to be a " pro saw ". I figured the smallest " pro saw " would be something like a 461. Learn something new every day!
Just for perspective, I’m seeing this video 7 years after it was posted. In 2000 I bought a new Stihl Farm Boss 029 Super. It’s now 23 years old and I just took down a triple tree for a relative last week with it and It ran and cut perfectly. The only thing I’ve replaced is the fuel line and chain. They keep trying to improve what was already pretty much perfected and naturally, they change the model numbers to sell the “latest and supposedly greatest” I’m stihl happy with my old 029!
No offense, but common sense would indicate to most people that if a saw is better in every single capacity, it's going to be more expensive. Moreover, every dealer has their own pricing so the prices where he works might be different from your local dealer.
Stihl has several different "tiers" of pricing, so not necessarily the same across the board, but most dealers use the same tier to try to remain competitive.
@@HankTheTank23 Doubt he'd be offended because his comment didn't say "err is it gonna be more expensive for the nicer one?", just that he covers price...Which I fully agree with, would be nice to know if going from homeowner to pro is ~25% price-increase or a 100% price-hike, regional price variances do *nothing* to dissuade inclusion of some rough metric "they're ~25% more expensive" or "they're usually twice-as expensive" so people have an idea what some minor improvements are costing in relative terms ;)
Can the 261 keep its self in needle bearings now? Bloody great Saw but I sent mine back and rebuilt my old MS260 as the needle bearing kept collapsing every 2-3hours.
Hey bro? were you the guy that fell trying to prune a pin-oak? Man I hope you healed up good. Customers need your skill and knowledge as well as the industry. I have climbed for 20 years. God Bless you buddy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Especially stuff like this... I sometimes refer to your videoes to fix a saw in the field. Good info that future tree guys will refer to for the next generation! God Speed and God's Blessing to you. We put it on the line every day!
I did a couple of sweet videos of the MS 271. I like the saw. I was able to buy the 271 and the 180 cbe for the same price as the 261. I love the saws. I wanted the 261 But, the 271 is fine.
I purchased the MS250 and got it because it was worth the cost of the saw and it would last a long time. Instead, my saw have been nothing but a pain in the butt with me spending over 5 trips to the local repair shop where I got it new. The main problem I am having is cranking the saw. The rope only comes out part of the way and quits with it not being able to crank. I now have another saw (Poulan Pro battery saw) which is doing what I want it to do, and I am a happy camper. The other saws which I have is a Poulan, and a Poulan Pro and the Poulan Pro was purchased this past Summer and had to be repaired before I could use it. The old Poulan saw have been with me since 2000 when I got it to deal with the snow and ice we received that Winter.
I bought a MS 261. I will never wear it out. One or two tanks of gas a year, but it is what I wanted. A serious step up from the Echo CS-400 that I was using before.
Theirs only one other career that I could compare the level of...danger,heroics, life saving, harm's way. A SeaShepard- helicopter repelling divers who rescue people from sinking ships in storms, 20 foot waves n cold cold water. The type of Men who were born different, and they know it in their bones. The kind of person who reaches into hell, 30ft wave, 4 story blaze. Bible verse, Isaiah 6:8 "And Then I heard the voice of the Lord, Saying, Who shall go for us, and Whom shall I send? 'And I said. Here Am I , Send Me' ".
Just saying, we have an old Husky 42 Special which is a 2.9hp saw from the late 80's and it has pretty much all the things that pro model has... Magnesium body and bar cover, compression release valve and an adjustable bar oiler... It also has holes drilled through the cooling fins so you can access the screws at the bottom of the cylinder... The only things it doesn't have are the self-retaining bar nuts, the quick-release screws for the top cover and the automatic carburetor. As far as i'm aware, our 42 Special is not a pro saw. Probably more of a mid-range home owner's saw for de-branching and light felling. So how come the modern Stihl Farm/Ranch saw, which is a much bigger model than our old 42, doesn't have any of these things? Kinda makes you wonder... :)
Karl The Fragr My dad’s Husqvarna 55 is the same way, built like a pro saw but not sold as one. The new Husqvarna saws in the same class (455, 445, etc) are as bad as the 271, 291, etc. They’re almost all just cost-cutting moves. Both manufacturers make good saws. I really like Stihl’s master control lever, but the 372XP is my favorite saw ever built. Picking sides for pro saws is asinine. They’re both good enough to make you money. I picked based on dealer service. Where I live Stihl’s service is much better... Und zo I own a 441 and a 460. It’s not worth getting worked up over.
Im debating between the ms261 cm and the ms391, with 20” bar. Would be used as a homeowner for occasional taking down a tree and cleanup. Any thoughts?
I've been using 100:1 synthetic Amsoil 2 cycle mix in my firewood business and absolutely love it! Less smoke, still great protection. I recommend it to everyone.
me too. i have the older version which is a touch heavier but I don't care. love that saw. deep down I actually wanted the husky 550xp but the local husky dealer was never open on weekends! Stihl dealer was closer and open weekends. big deal for me. either saw works tho, they both cut wood pretty fast :)
IVE OWNED 2 HUSKY460s both were took back for busted pistons whithin a week of each other.oil and gas mixture was right too dealer checked it after second piece of shit husky blowed up within a week of using it I got my money back bought a 390 stihl with a25 inch bar freakin damn what a BEAST..460 dosent have shit on a stihl ms390 cuts twice as fast that has been two years ago-hasn't blown up yet..my moneys on STIHL..LOVEM..
Connor Sporich I was going to buy one in a week have you had problems out of your ? I will be buying a new 2018 model would like to know is it with buying? And is it easy to work on ?
I was gifted a brand new 261C (I know, what a gift), otherwise I don't think I could have justified buying one over the 271. I'm sure the 271 is more than enough saw for most people. I know it would be for me. I was a bit wary of the computer adjusting carb but it's awesome. It makes sense though, considering we all have computers in our cars and we never give our carburetors a second thought. The 261 has been awesome.
Nice Not to be mean or envious But can you tell me if you gave yourself a 👍 Because most people are jealous of someone else's good fortune. Anyways I gave you a 👍
I’m trying to decide between the stihl ms391 or the ms261cm to add with my ms250. Currently have an 18” bar on the 250. Would like to put a 14” on the 250 and get an 18” in the 391 or 261. Tough call both 391 and 261 about the same price
Can i drill my muffler baffles on my 271 like you did on your saws to get more ass out of it? Or is that for pro saws with electronics in em? Also do you reccomend that i let my dealer adjust carb? They said they do it free and i havent bothered since i bought it, seems to be running good but im not sure how much more potential it might have. Or if im just cooking the rings haha im not really a 2 stroke guy.
You mention how those bolts let you "easily remove the cylinder in-field" - when&why would you be wanting to open the jug on a job site? Genuinely curious, so far as I knew the only time you'd do this would be on your work bench, hell on most job-sites I'd be super cautious just exposing the plug-hole to the cylinder if a plug needed swapping mid-job (can't imagine *why* that'd ever happen though...back-up saw failed and you're now doing repairs in-field to be able to wrap the job? Would be buying more backups the following day if I ever needed to do saw-work to get through a job would be such a waste to have to break-down everything for a day so you can go running around local brick&mortars finding the best-in-area :P )
Love my new Farm Boss. Best Saw ive ever used. All my buddies have them which is what sold me on buying this model. We use firewood for heat so we cut anytime a tree falls and for need and these Farm Boss models are bullet proof so far. We all use the premix Stihl Gas 93 octane non ethanol. Cuts like butter..
All these people talking about how their homeowner saw has lasted them 10 years...
Because you use it once a year! You're a homeowner. The pro models are designed for every day tree work, they just work longer.
I fully support that the Pro saws are a better saw in EVERY way, but here is a real fact, I have had an MS 290 Farm Boss fit with a 24" bar for 20 years this year, and it gets used A LOT! We burn 10-15 chords of Ash Maple and Oak to heat our home every year and I have had ZERO trouble with that saw. My Dad has 3 of the smaller home owner saws and we cut his wood together nowadays. Those home owner saws are always giving him issues, so I think possibly the real difference is from the Farm to the Home owner versions. I cut and split it all by hand and have every year... at 12/year, that's approximately 240 chords of wood on my old saw. used up 3 bars and countless chains over the years. I literally didn't even have a back up until this year, and that is nothing but an electric Milwaukee for camping. I don't know if I am lucky, take better care of it or what, but it has been a great saw, sadly they stopped making them quite a few years ago. The huge difference to me is, the Pro is a lot lighter and I know my old Farm Boss is going to give up some day, so that is why I'm watching these comparison videos. I like the weight savings, at the end of a day of cutting, my old back feels that Farm boss. Thanks for making this video, you did a great job explaining the differences.
Amazing... most other people take 3 times as long to go over it... quick and full of all the things I needed to know!
I appreciate the clear info on the differences between the farm and pro versions. Not easy to find this information in such a specific way that you presented it.
Thank you for finally posting a knowledgeable review of the differences in the lines
Most awesome Stihl video I have ever seen; and I've seem many! Great job! Thank-you
Good objective review... thanks. This will help me decide which saw to buy.
Your comment about the compression release reminded me of my co-worker
trying to kick start his Harley. As I mounted my Honda CB750, he
muttered, "If it's not worth starting, it's not worth riding". I just
smiled at him, pressed the start button and rode away.
Am purchasing 20 acres in God's country that needs a little tidying up.
Hmmm, gonna need a chainsaw. The last chainsaw I handled was my dad's
Homelite, 45 years ago. Thanks for this review. You just helped me
narrow my search down to the MS261CM. I will smile every time I use
that compression release.
A really excellent, thorough review on the reasons why to buy a "pro grade" ms261 over the " home owner/farm range".
I've got both and the ms261 is heaps better in every way - easily well worth the additional cost.
Many thanks for making the video....and wishing you a full recovery very soon !
Thanks, appreciate it =)
Thanks for video. I never knew the difference in saws. I have never needed a pro saw until now. The information was very useful.
I have an older MS 361 and absolutely love it. The new type of air filter is really nice though. Thanks for the video.
Neat review, great to see how these saws now look under the hood. I have an 038 Super that was made in the mid 80s I think, I am second owner of her, and she still eats wood like a new saw. Looking at this video, it appears that the 038 has a mix of what are now pro parts and homeowner parts. Stihl makes a great product, I do wonder though if these new electronic components will have the durability / lifetime to last as long as my 038 has.
Have an 026 purchased in the late 80's that mirrors what you said. I've used it a LOT and It has been pretty much flawless. I wish every thing I bought was made with this saw.
Clear presentation, great video, I love that you included real stats. Would have been even clearer if the stats were put up in screen as you said them (in text)
You helped me with my next chain saw purchase with this video! Thanks!
what did you get?
Just picked up a MS362 CM w/ 20" bar about a 1/2 hour ago! I can't wait to shred some wood! Thank you for your videos!
That is one badass saw! I'm saving up for an MS241CM or an MS261CM.
I really want a 261. I have an 018 that's over 20 yrs old and still runs great. Thanks for information that I couldn't even get from Stihl.
Well, you convinced me. I was debating between the MS391 Farm/Ranch and the MS362 Professional. It seems like the extra cost is well-worth the hassle in rebuilding the engine, lighter weight, better frame design, and general build quality.
I'm 23 years old and I also trim trees and fall them.. I have a lot to learn but I used a big 261 today for a climbing job on a pine and it was tough.. been watching your channel for quite some time and I have to say your my idle. I enjoy your work as well as your info and input in your work. I can only hope to be as good as you some day. But being low income I'm stuck with terrible equipment and a big trim saw lol. But thanks for your videos
year later that saw is climbing to in price
Super clear and helpful. Thanks for putting this video together.
You sold me a ms261cm at arts about a year ago and I love it!! No problems with it at all. Keep up the good work.
Hey! Yeah, that was right before I started working in tree service. Saw you and your buddy up there a little while after that, how's it going?
Human. It's going good. I am running a 85' boom lift these days putting up hotels. I don't get to work in the trees but I am up about as high. You're content is great. Hope to see you around St. Louis some time.
Excellent job, on the details! Please keep it going.
Hey thanks for making this video! I always wondered the differences between the home/ranch vs. pro saws. I knew about the magnesium vs. plastic construction and about the clam shell though I was not certain what clam shell meant but you really spelled it out here. I have 25 year old Stihl 021 that just keeps running with basic maintenance but this is great info as a look for a second larger saw. The 261 is looking good and I think the newest version of it is a bit lighter and more powerful (10.8 lbs and 4hp) to match the Husky XP 50cc saw.
We recently "1 1/2 months or so" picked up a new 261, though it's not the latest version you're talking about. I love that saw, runs like a champ. Though honestly I hear the Husqvarna XP's are damn nice as well. I'd love to get my hands on some to run, just don't know anyone around here with one. Especially the 395 XP, from what I hear it outperforms my new 661. Likely would still have gone with the 661 as I'm more familiar with, and knowledgeable of the stihl line. Maybe I'll buy an XP next and start getting used to those saws as well.
Hey guy you’re videos are great! I went a bought this saw after seeing this vid! I bought a ms291 4 years ago and it’s a amazing! So despite the opinions of some of the haters thankful for guys like you who lay it on the line
The fasteners are "Camlocks", straight off airplanes- very cool. BTW, compression release is to minimize pressure on starter pawl mechanism thereby making it last longer altho it is a very tough mechanism esp for a "plastic" part. Stihl rox. Been a saw tech since 1984.
Thanks for a great review! I have many saws and none electronic! 066...early 361, early 310, 170 just naming a few stihls and I have put the home/ranch saws through the same misery that my pro saws go through on a daily basis and as long as you keep ethanol away from them and use good oil about 40 to 1 or so and dont gittem with a skidder, dozer, or drop em hard and far they all seem like perty dern good saws. I have saws that I've retired from about 1970 and before that are still good saws...point being....I like em all, just have no need for autotune yet!..Many Blessings, Kev
I'm a major novice but I did my research and am glad I got the 261. I love it it runs great aand cuts very well. As long as I keep the chain sharp.
Thanks for the info. It definitely help in making a decision on a new larger saw then my 170!
Kynan Milo Funny, I just sold my 29 year old 038 AV Super to buy a MS170. 😃. That was after I bought a Farm/Ranch MS311. MS311 starts easy, runs great, is a lot lighter than the 038 and cuts with a full chipper much longer than I can hold it. I spent 3 hours cutting red oak recently, the largest pieces being about 24”. It isn’t as powerful as the 038 but powerful enough.
Excellent comparison that spans time and models. They cost more but they do more, both are great, just depends on level of use. One extra note, pro saws / big saws cut faster, but that can be a mixed blessing. Unless you use a saw a lot you may need / appreciate those extra seconds, pro saws make deep face cuts fast, cut through hinges, pinch faster etc. Everything is speeded up so experience and anticipation are needed. Ranch models are awesome and run forever so no shame there, still have mine. Lastly - pro saws with Mtronic carbs do better with varying quality of gas, like older gas. I have let gas get stale (more than 15 days) and my old saws would not run right at all, but the Mtronic adjusted and kept on. Obviously always using fresh premium fuel is the way to go but again, for the occasional user, that would be a plus of an Mtronic. Safe travels...
Excellent overview. Very helpful.
This is the video I was looking for! Very informative thanks!
Glad to help
I'm still running my old Stihl 029 with a 20 inch bar and a Stihl 009 with a 12 inch bar.
Even have an old all metal Homelite that has more compression than any saw I've ever tried to pull start.
I grew up working with my dad's tree service. We had over 40 different saws. All Stihl and Husqvarna.
We had Stihl: 009, 029, 036, 044, 066 and many more.
They only Husqvarna I can remember the number of is a 394XP with a 4 foot bar.
It has 9+ horsepower.
We had a 6 foot bar that we would run on it sometimes.
I've got 029 super with 18 inch, 009 with 14 inch, ms170 with 12 inch
Nice detailed concise comparison. Thanx for this!
Great comparison. Much more detail than I've seen on other vids.
Thank you for showing me the things that Stihl should have made clear. Great video. First thing I realized as a rookie, watching pro lumberjack videos, or arborists, they all use large double dog spikes and a full wrap handle. Why isn’t that standard on all their pro saws? I saw one model that did come with those but my 362cm didn’t. Stihl sells an upgrade kit for $300. That pushed an 800 dollar saw up to a 1000 dollar saw. It should have been included.
Excellent video. I have a 461, and it performs well with my 28" and 20" bars. However, I am looking at a smaller, lighter weight saw that will cut smaller trees and limbs yet last me for years to come. Your in-depth maintenance, repair, and construction differences between the two saws convinced me.
For that use a 251 or even a 211 would be fine
I ended up getting a 261 with 18" bar, and I love it. I used a carbide tip chain, and I cleared a creek of trees and brush. it took me a while though.@@stevenbrown5210
Excellent comparison video. Its very difficult for most new chainsaw buyers and users to understand the difference as both looks very similar on the outside, devils in the hidden details.
Got a 271 been running great over 4 years now, also bought a MS 170 to go with it and still less than the 261 cost
The 170 is one of my favorite saws, but I paired mine with the 261!
I own a 271, I personally think it's a great chainsaw, never had any problems with it
Can you install dual dogs on the 271?
Im now on my way to trade in my ms251 for a pro saw. Thanks for swaying my opinion dude!!!
Great video, thank you, I plan on sending my MS261C to West Hill Saw House for, compression increase, port maping, reshape and retime the ports, muffler mod, tear down clean, reaseal, replace any bad parts at the time, new rings, and then retune. This will vastly make this model really shine. I almost have the money saved up 😁
Bryan Haugen
Have you gotten it back? If so can you say a few words about it? Price? Thanks.
This is great, so cool that you opened it up and explained the internals. Please let us know what you think husq / echo / stihl
I own a 271. Have had it three years. Runs like a champ and is so powerful it will get away from you if you’re kid careful. Only cut wood for personal firewood so I saw no need it hundreds more for a pro level unit. Got mine for $349 and am totally satisfied.
Same here 18" bar with full chisel (yellow chain) cuts everything,oak,ash,elm(yuck)hard maple and locust at about 7 cord a year.Keep the chain sharp and she's a champ love it.
I've never heard it explained better. Great job! +++
Great Video man love your vids. Please do a video of your thoughts of the Stihl VS Husqvarna saw's.
Thank you... that was a super informative comparison... much more details than other reviews comparing the MS261 to MS271.... as you say they are still both great chainsaws but it's really interesting to understand why the MS261 is higher cost. I likely will get a MS271 or MS251 when it's time to get a new saw as they will easily meet my needs while being very good saws... although the MS261 has some nice weight saving magnesium on it :)
Good review, I have the 271 and 029 super, the super seems to have more low end torque and the 271 seems to rev higher
My 261-CM is great...2 seasons on it so far!
I was looking at the XP550, but I keep reading that it bogs down as did the one I tested. No reports so far on the 261 CM. I think I'm sticking with my Stihl and getting the 261
Great video. Definitely explains the cost difference, and justifies it.
I've always looked at it like this: if you're just doing basic chores around your property and/or you cut only small diameter trees for firewood, then a farm/ranch saw will serve you just fine. If, however, you want the best bang for your buck then buy a pro saw up front. It will still be serving you long after you've forgotten about the price. If you live in the western states, where the trees grow BIG, then a pro saw is absolutely worth the money. The smaller pro saws are a great buy for the guy that even just cuts a little bit a year. Pro saws are built better, with stronger internals and components. They're also worth rebuilding when they do give out. A STIHL MS261 or Husqvarna 550XP would be my first choices if I was looking for a smaller saw that could handle 90% of what the average woodcutter is going to throw at it. Smaller saws are also less tiring to operate and quicker to maneuver for limbing operations. The STIHL MS241 would be an absolute gem if you can manage to find one.
One of the biggest sellers at our local dealerships is also the MS170. Great little saw for basic cleanup. You can get a thicker bar and chain, and metal felling spikes, and it improves the saw a lot. I am considering buying one to carry in the trunk during the winter months in case I come upon a fallen tree across the road. I know guys who do this, carry them in their gear for camping and also strap them down on the back of a 4 wheeler when riding through trails and clearing out hunting land.
You'd never catch me with a 170, that front chain adjuster makes me want to bash my head against a wall, lol. 171 I'll go for though, well worth the extra $20
Human lol, I had thought about getting one, but no...the ms271 does all I need. If I need smaller, I can go down to a 16 inch bar.
The latest 261 is the best saw I've ever owned over the past 35 years. I couldn't be happier with it.
Man its insane! My 2nd favorite saw. I can hold the rear handle with my arm straight out like a freakin lightsaber. I can make full bar length cuts without the engine even slowing down. If someone could only ever buy one chainsaw, the 261 is it.
The bottom line is if you make a living with a chainsaw get an echo
Tweak247 bahahahaha 😂😂😂
MiniM00se couldn't have said it better. If you make a living with a chainsaw, STIHL either way is the way to go, but that new 261 slaughters the competition by far
"The bottom line is if you make a living with a chainsaw get an echo".........LOL too funny!!! Good one.
you are a Beast I have followed your channel for a long time.I just bought a nice ms 261..not cheap from flebay..still using my 026 and 024 love your videos
When replacing my 51 Husky(badass saw for size) I chose the same pro saw you viewed. Well worth the extra cost. I heat with wood, so it gets used a lot. Three seasons now. So far the carb is working fine. The saw is a screamer. I remember when FI came out on cars,folks were scared of it,too.
The 362 dont use fuel injection. Just a processor that adjust the carburator automatically.. the 500i is fuel injected. And theres no comparison in performance of the 500i and a similar sized carburated chainsaw
@@no.step.on.snek.2423 Yes sir . Thanks for the clarification. Was just reading bout the 500, bet it is mean.
Man, you have two great saws sitting in front of you!
Decent overall comparison. Thought it was funny when you discuss a top end swap as a field fix! I don't know many guys who carry and extra top end into the field! Cheers!
lol, me either. but you can if needed!
I too thought that was funny..." All set.. got my bar oil, fuel, files, sledge and wedge". "Oh! almost forgot my tool chest, top jug, gasket kit, and rings".. lol
Someday I need to get a Farm Boss . Right now I got a Sthil MS 250c with a 18” bar on it . I love my Sthil !
Does the 250 c have the quick tension
Thanks! I was curious about what the extra cost purchased.
I have the same Gm Goodwrench Plus sign and the matching late night drop off box sign too.
Great job on this video!
I have the 271 and love it!
Wow. I didn't realize they considered these small saws to be a " pro saw ". I figured the smallest " pro saw " would be something like a 461. Learn something new every day!
Just for perspective, I’m seeing this video 7 years after it was posted. In 2000 I bought a new Stihl Farm Boss 029 Super. It’s now 23 years old and I just took down a triple tree for a relative last week with it and It ran and cut perfectly. The only thing I’ve replaced is the fuel line and chain. They keep trying to improve what was already pretty much perfected and naturally, they change the model numbers to sell the “latest and supposedly greatest” I’m stihl happy with my old 029!
About $500 difference in price on these 2 saws in Australia. I've got a 271 and very happy with it so far
Awesome video buddy.
I like it. Make more on blower please.
Got this 261 as my first chainsaw - love it! Can't go wrong with this one and it can go from 16" to 20" Bar!
Dan N have you had any problems with it I was going to by one this week is it easy to work on ?
Great video! You covered every aspect except the cost difference. Maybe include that in your next video since that is a big factor for most buyers
No offense, but common sense would indicate to most people that if a saw is better in every single capacity, it's going to be more expensive. Moreover, every dealer has their own pricing so the prices where he works might be different from your local dealer.
Thought Stihl prices were the same across the board?
Stihl has several different "tiers" of pricing, so not necessarily the same across the board, but most dealers use the same tier to try to remain competitive.
@@HankTheTank23 Doubt he'd be offended because his comment didn't say "err is it gonna be more expensive for the nicer one?", just that he covers price...Which I fully agree with, would be nice to know if going from homeowner to pro is ~25% price-increase or a 100% price-hike, regional price variances do *nothing* to dissuade inclusion of some rough metric "they're ~25% more expensive" or "they're usually twice-as expensive" so people have an idea what some minor improvements are costing in relative terms ;)
That was a very very very good actually great review brother thank you
load of info on this clip. well pleased, thanks.
Can the 261 keep its self in needle bearings now? Bloody great Saw but I sent mine back and rebuilt my old MS260 as the needle bearing kept collapsing every 2-3hours.
Hey bro? were you the guy that fell trying to prune a pin-oak? Man I hope you healed up good. Customers need your skill and knowledge as well as the industry. I have climbed for 20 years. God Bless you buddy. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Especially stuff like this... I sometimes refer to your videoes to fix a saw in the field. Good info that future tree guys will refer to for the next generation! God Speed and God's Blessing to you. We put it on the line every day!
I did a couple of sweet videos of the MS 271. I like the saw. I was able to buy the 271 and the 180 cbe for the same price as the 261. I love the saws. I wanted the 261 But, the 271 is fine.
I just bought the 271. Seems ok. Hioenit lasts.
I purchased the MS250 and got it because it was worth the cost of the saw and it would last a long time. Instead, my saw have been nothing but a pain in the butt with me spending over 5 trips to the local repair shop where I got it new. The main problem I am having is cranking the saw. The rope only comes out part of the way and quits with it not being able to crank. I now have another saw (Poulan Pro battery saw) which is doing what I want it to do, and I am a happy camper. The other saws which I have is a Poulan, and a Poulan Pro and the Poulan Pro was purchased this past Summer and had to be repaired before I could use it. The old Poulan saw have been with me since 2000 when I got it to deal with the snow and ice we received that Winter.
What about the bars? Any difference in quality between the two saws?
Spot on review.. Keeping it real...
Can you run a ROLLOMATIC E SUPER bar on a farm and ranch saw or can you only use the rollomatic e standard?
Is this TOSH.0's straight brother?
I was thinking of a less feminine looking version of Julian Smith, but that's a pretty good comparison also
W
Berapa bos harga nya
LMAO
I bought a MS 261. I will never wear it out. One or two tanks of gas a year, but it is what I wanted. A serious step up from the Echo CS-400 that I was using before.
Bought mine in 2012 stihl runs awsoume 12000 rpm 💗
Where do I find replacement torx screws for the cover on our Farm and Ranch (251c?)?
We run both of those out on the fire line, great saws!
God bless you. May the Lord keep you. Unsung heroes.
@@OtherSideOfTheFence thank you- I appreciate that and I know a lot more who do this as well do ❤️🤘🏼💪🏽
Theirs only one other career that I could compare the level of...danger,heroics, life saving, harm's way. A SeaShepard- helicopter repelling divers who rescue people from sinking ships in storms, 20 foot waves n cold cold water. The type of Men who were born different, and they know it in their bones. The kind of person who reaches into hell, 30ft wave, 4 story blaze. Bible verse, Isaiah 6:8 "And Then I heard the voice of the Lord, Saying, Who shall go for us, and Whom shall I send? 'And I said. Here Am I , Send Me' ".
You are a very informative human!
lol, thanks =)
lol, thanks =)
I have a echo cs310 and I really need something bigger and this helped
Just saying, we have an old Husky 42 Special which is a 2.9hp saw from the late 80's and it has pretty much all the things that pro model has... Magnesium body and bar cover, compression release valve and an adjustable bar oiler... It also has holes drilled through the cooling fins so you can access the screws at the bottom of the cylinder... The only things it doesn't have are the self-retaining bar nuts, the quick-release screws for the top cover and the automatic carburetor.
As far as i'm aware, our 42 Special is not a pro saw. Probably more of a mid-range home owner's saw for de-branching and light felling. So how come the modern Stihl Farm/Ranch saw, which is a much bigger model than our old 42, doesn't have any of these things? Kinda makes you wonder... :)
Karl The Fragr My dad’s Husqvarna 55 is the same way, built like a pro saw but not sold as one. The new Husqvarna saws in the same class (455, 445, etc) are as bad as the 271, 291, etc. They’re almost all just cost-cutting moves. Both manufacturers make good saws. I really like Stihl’s master control lever, but the 372XP is my favorite saw ever built.
Picking sides for pro saws is asinine. They’re both good enough to make you money. I picked based on dealer service. Where I live Stihl’s service is much better... Und zo I own a 441 and a 460. It’s not worth getting worked up over.
Im debating between the ms261 cm and the ms391, with 20” bar. Would be used as a homeowner for occasional taking down a tree and cleanup. Any thoughts?
This is one of the reasons i'm subscribed. Lol
Would the clutch cover from the 261 fit on the 271 farm boss ?
I've been using 100:1 synthetic Amsoil 2 cycle mix in my firewood business and absolutely love it! Less smoke, still great protection. I recommend it to everyone.
Thank you for this video man :)
I wonder how many parts of the pro saw would fit into the farm boss? Upgraded parts?
I have a ms261c-m and I love it!
me too. i have the older version which is a touch heavier but I don't care. love that saw. deep down I actually wanted the husky 550xp but the local husky dealer was never open on weekends! Stihl dealer was closer and open weekends. big deal for me. either saw works tho, they both cut wood pretty fast :)
andrewford80 stihl husky to me both great saws
IVE OWNED 2 HUSKY460s both were took back for busted pistons whithin a week of each other.oil and gas mixture was right too dealer checked it after second piece of shit husky blowed up within a week of using it I got my money back bought a 390 stihl with a25 inch bar freakin damn what a BEAST..460 dosent have shit on a stihl ms390 cuts twice as fast that has been two years ago-hasn't blown up yet..my moneys on STIHL..LOVEM..
husky busts pistons too easily...
Connor Sporich I was going to buy one in a week have you had problems out of your ? I will be buying a new 2018 model would like to know is it with buying? And is it easy to work on ?
Just got a ms261c. Can't wait till I get my load of logs
Just bought a 261. Well impressed. That's even being measured against my 550xp. Never experienced a pro saw like it for weight and power.
I just bought a 261c and totally agree
Andi B have you had any problems with the 261 was going to buy one this week and are they easy and cheap to work on ?
where can i ordered a top end repair kit for my ms271? and it the same saw as the ms292??
I was gifted a brand new 261C (I know, what a gift), otherwise I don't think I could have justified buying one over the 271. I'm sure the 271 is more than enough saw for most people. I know it would be for me. I was a bit wary of the computer adjusting carb but it's awesome. It makes sense though, considering we all have computers in our cars and we never give our carburetors a second thought. The 261 has been awesome.
Nice
Not to be mean or envious
But can you tell me if you gave yourself a 👍
Because most people are jealous of someone else's good fortune.
Anyways I gave you a 👍
I’m trying to decide between the stihl ms391 or the ms261cm to add with my ms250. Currently have an 18” bar on the 250. Would like to put a 14” on the 250 and get an 18” in the 391 or 261. Tough call both 391 and 261 about the same price
After months of research I ended up with the ms261c and absolutely love it!!! Well worth little extra cash. American made.
Can i drill my muffler baffles on my 271 like you did on your saws to get more ass out of it? Or is that for pro saws with electronics in em?
Also do you reccomend that i let my dealer adjust carb? They said they do it free and i havent bothered since i bought it, seems to be running good but im not sure how much more potential it might have. Or if im just cooking the rings haha im not really a 2 stroke guy.
Let's not forget that the pro saws run nearly twice the price of the farm and ranch saws.
You get what you pay for-
@mike force some things are worth spending a little extra money on. The Chinese saws are better for the $ imho
david jeffery what I was gonna say
Nz
@@Smokey66s as long as you are making an informed choice, that is true 99% of the time.
026. Best saw ever made. Maybe one day when it finally kicks the bucket I'll grab a new 261.
You mention how those bolts let you "easily remove the cylinder in-field" - when&why would you be wanting to open the jug on a job site? Genuinely curious, so far as I knew the only time you'd do this would be on your work bench, hell on most job-sites I'd be super cautious just exposing the plug-hole to the cylinder if a plug needed swapping mid-job (can't imagine *why* that'd ever happen though...back-up saw failed and you're now doing repairs in-field to be able to wrap the job? Would be buying more backups the following day if I ever needed to do saw-work to get through a job would be such a waste to have to break-down everything for a day so you can go running around local brick&mortars finding the best-in-area :P )
Love my new Farm Boss. Best Saw ive ever used. All my buddies have them which is what sold me on buying this model. We use firewood for heat so we cut anytime a tree falls and for need and these Farm Boss models are bullet proof so far. We all use the premix Stihl Gas 93 octane non ethanol. Cuts like butter..
Should try a 261 😁, not bashing the 271 at all, you're right, it's a great saw. The pro saws are on a whole different level though.