The Stihl MS261 is frequently recognized as the best multi-functional chainsaw and is a standout choice among users.
It is one of the most popular Stihl chainsaws used for various purposes. Due to its prominence and its versatility, many have compared it to various chainsaws of its kind, including the Stihl 271, a more recent model.
What makes the Stihl 261 so special? Is it just an ‘average’ chainsaw with too much hype? The results of our pro woodworkers’ tests and research will expound on what type of chainsaw the Stihl 261 is.
Stihl 261: The Review
Similar to Stihl MS440, the Stihl 261 chainsaw (also known as the MS 261) is undoubtedly a professional chainsaw, unlike models like the Stihl 025 used for domestic purposes. It is a couple of dollars worth more than a standard domestic chainsaw as it is a professional chainsaw.
When it comes to performance and in terms of its power-to-weight ratio, this Stihl chainsaw is more versatile as a pro-chainsaw in such a way that it only weighs 10.8 pounds without fuel and oil. It has a 1.6 power-to-weight ratio, generating 4HP in energy or power output. In simpler terms, it generates a lot of energy, despite being light in weight, which makes it more efficient.
Compared to the MS 271 series, which is categorized under the farm and ranch series, it is far more efficient, as the MS 271 offers an engine capacity of 3.5hp. At the same time, it weighs a considerable sum of 12.3 pounds.
Our testers compared the MS 261 to a Husqvarna 550 and summarized their findings in these points:
Stihl MS261
- The MS 261 is a pound lighter than the Husqvarna 550, which aids more efficiency in its power-to-weight ratio.
- Both chainsaws are pro versions in their make. They both use a 50cc engine. The Stihl looks smaller in terms of its size.
- The Stihl MS 261 is more scarce to get than the Husqvarna, including maintenance needs and availability of parts. Since its parts are scarce, you may have difficulty starting the Stihl chainsaw.
- We also noticed that the Stihl saw cuts a little second slower than the Husqvarna due to the size of the blade.
- The Stihl has an M-Tronic system that optimizes the chains to their highest level.
Husqvarna 550
- The Husqvarna is heavier than the Stihl 261, but it compensates for its overall body balance.
- In particular, the Stihl 261 tends to lean more forward to the chain area, while the Husqvarna maintains an overall body balance.
- Husqvarna 550 is a giant machine in terms of its size.
- The Husqvarna’s body parts are not so scarce to find when compared to the Stihl unit.
- It has a rapid rate of cutting through woods more than the Stihl.
- The Husqvarna does the same thing in optimization through the Autotune, which raises the machine’s performance.
Emphasizing the importance of the power-to-weight ratio, it is essential to know the frequency at which you would be using a chainsaw.
Are you a landowner or a firewood seller? Or do you want to use it for domestic purposes? If you fall in the first category, it would be wise to go for a less heavy yet, efficient chainsaw than a heavier one, which could take a toll on you after long hours of usage.
Advantages and Disadvantages of The Stihl MS 261
The Stihl MS 261 is almost a flawless machine just like the MS 200 T. Because of this fact, it is so rare to chance upon any negative comments about it. Thousand of users recommend this machine a lot, and most would go for this product again.
What are the benefits experienced by users whenever they use this machine? The following table illustrates the benefits and the demerits of buying the MS 261.
Pros
- The machine's efficiency comes first, known for its durability and toughness.
- It is built with top features that make the usage of the machine simpler.
- Users experience excellent power output, and got more work done with less effort.
- Temperature change does not affect the working condition of a Stihl. It can work all year round.
- Its design makes it durable and valuable.
Cons
- It costs more than the non-pro saws.
Features and Specifications of Stihl 261
Unlike the Stihl 026 with 48.7cc engine, the Stihl 261 is powered by a 4HP [1], 50.2cc engine. This specification means you cannot go wrong with purchasing a Stihl 261. But there are more to its specification and features.
The MS 261 has:
- A technology that aids the engine's emission to be reduced.
- Its vibration is under control as it operates an anti-vibration system
- An easily accessed chain-tensioner.
Apart from all the features listed above, the bar size is a factor that cannot be left out when reviewing and discussing chainsaws. It is a factor you must consider before making a purchase.
The Stihl 261 comes with a 20-inch bar, but ideally, you can fit a bar size within 14-inches to 20-inch. Some prefer an 18-inch bar size.
The 261 also has a decompressor that aids the starting of the chainsaw. All these features make it easier to use the machine efficiently.
With the features and specifications listed above, it is no doubt easier and more efficient to use the MS 261 for cutting, but how does it fare compared to the MS 271?
Comparing the Stihl 261 to Stihl 271
The MS261 excels in power-to-weight ratio, engine capacity, and overall power compared to the MS 271 model. However, other features set these two chainsaws apart, which can be seen in the following table.
Stihl 261 | Stihl 271 |
| It has an elastic start that makes it easier for users to start the chainsaw. | It does not have an elastic start. |
| It has an adjustable oiler mechanism. | It does not have this feature. |
| It has an anti-vibration (all modern chainsaw has these) system that reduces vibration. | It also has an anti-vibration system. |
| It has a magnesium frame and a magnesium side cover. | It has a plastic frame and a plastic side cover. |
| It also possesses a decompression switch. | It does not have a decompression switch. |
| It has captive nuts. | It has loose nuts. |
| It is lighter and more compact. | It is heavier and thicker. |
In essence, it can be said that the MS 271 is less efficient when compared to the MS 261. The MS 261 is also divided into two series, the MS 261 C (standard) and the M-Tronics’ MS 261 C-M.
The MS 261 C, the standard MS 261, comes as simply modified as possible. It does not come with that extra m-Tronic software embedded in the MS 261 C-M version. This could be a great advantage to people who prefer their chainsaws to be simple and tunable for maintenance.
The Price Range of Stihl 261
When talking about the Stihl saw price range. You would be looking at an extra $150 to $200 in addition to what you would use to get an MS 271.
It is far easier to get an MS 261 with dealership support when you purchase it from its accredited store, but that does not suggest that you cannot get a Stihl from online stores like Amazon, eBay, and HL supply.
MS 261: The Overview
In terms of getting a reliable Stihl chainsaw that can serve at least 90% of your purposes, MS 261 got you covered. Its power-to-weight ratio is good enough for any user for any purpose. If you want something durable and efficient, you should consider MS 261 as an option.
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