261 stihl

Did not need another saw but that has never stopped me. So I picked up a 261c today and really like it so far. Anybody have any experience with one?

I’m interested in the response you get. My 391 laid down on me again today and I had to drop down to the 250 for work that was a bit bidg for it. May be a new saw in my future.

The 261 is a great saw, run it almost every day.

Bought 1 bout 4 years ago, best saw I ever have owned. Had prior Stihl 250, 360,361, best power to weight ratio they have.

I got a 18” bar, it’s ok, if your not going cut big stuff , I’d get a 16” bar.

Bought one about 5 years ago....have not regretted it one bit. Small saw with a lot of torque. As you probably already know, it is one of their pro saws and I reckon it will last as long as I do.

Best saw I’ve ever owned, and I’ve run it ALOT!! One of the most all around versatile saws out there.

I put a 20 inch bar on it, chain started stretching, so I put the oiler adjustment on full still didn't help. Switched to Stihl Ultra chain/bar oil and it fixed problem, for a few extra bucks its worth it.

Its funny as I grew up I wanted bigger and bigger saws. The last few years they have been getting smaller. Did not want to back up into the saws that start with a 3 but was missing the speed. This 261 is kind of the perfect balance so far.

I put the longer bar on so that I don't have to reach or bend as far.

I had a MS260 as my main saw 2007 to 2016 then as a backup after a rebuild till 2018 then I sold it for parts

good saw , I would run a 16 inch bar on it and I think you will be very happy with it.

mine came with a 20 inch bar I was mostly happy but in hindsight it was just a touch to much bar for the saw.

I had an uncle that ran a 260 tell me he loved it with a 16 inch bar running full chisel chain , I already owned the 20 inch bar at the time he told me that so I kept on with it.

I think with a 16 it would be a real screamer

the 20 was nice to not need to bend over as much

however when I started cutting a lot more logs where it was just 20 inches of bar in the wood cut after cut after cut till I ran out of gas then gas up and go again for half a day I felt like it was too much for the saw. got into that kinda wood in 2015 bought a bigger saw while I rebuilt that one in 2016 then would alternate saws and it made it 2 years that is when I bought another even bigger saw and sold that one for parts.

That's why bought my 261 after doing a ton of research. I haven't been disappointed. Lot's of power in a lightweight package.

i don't like the new oil and gas caps, had trouble with the oil cap leaking. I have to make sure there is no debris on the o-ring or seat or it leaks bar oil all over the inside of my case.

My next saw.

I've got one with a 20" works great, bar shows some heat marks, may need the ultra bar as commented earlier. Dad loves his with 18" as well.

I have a similar model and run a 12” bar. It is great for limbing and cutting smaller stuff without the danger of a longer bar.

Then you got a problem with yours. One of the best power to weight ratios out there. I think they are 4 Hp from a 50cc saw. If it is still under warranty , take it in.

I have an 026 and a 260. The 026 is older and I prefer it to the 260, though they're both good saws. My experience is if you put them away for winter or a period of time make sure you use gas that has a fuel stabilizer in it, or you could have starting problems when you go to use them.

I'm happy to see wood cutting enthusiasts on trapperman. I put a new air filter in the saw in 2013 and 2018. The 261 feels like a throwaway saw to me. I understand some of the older Stihls were pretty decent.

261, 271, 291, all good saws.
I like my 291 with a long bar for limbing down trees and cutting brush, the longer bar makes it so you don't have to stoop so much, really does make a difference.

Took down 3 soft maples with the 261 today. Flushed the stump with the 462 but cut/limbed with the 261. Great saw!

How do you like the 462? My big saw is a 362 with a 20 inch bar so am hoping for a little wow factor when I get one.

What part of it feels like a throwaway to you?

You will definitely get the wow factor when you cut with the 462. I cut a 4' red oak on Saturday with the saw and it screams!

Tried out the 261 more today. Mean little beasty! 18 inch bar came with it. Thank you to those of you who suggested the 16. Have one that it will try on soon. Cut up some 24 inch cherry today and was really impressed. Made an outdoor fleshing beam base with a chunk of the cherry. Plunge cut a slot for the beam fast and smoothly.

The 261 does have a nice air filter. 18" bar is what I run. Mainly the weird ache in my lower back is what I want to throw away.

I already have a good running 250 for smaller stuff. Thinking about replacing my 391 but the 261 is so close to my 250 I'm thinking I need to go a bit bigger.

My 391 has always been a problem. great when its running but lays down alot! On its 2nd carb, etc etc etc Blaah blahh blahh........... Done it all and over the years it still either starves for fuel or floods out right away. Now I can keep it running if I play with choke but stalls at wot and dies.