MS 261 vs MS 261 C-Q

[2fun2fast]

I am looking at the MS 261 and have seen alot of good input. The thing I dont see are comments on the value/need for the C-Q option. My main quesiton is the Quickstop feature- Is it worth the weight/value? Has anyone any experience with it? Good/Bad.

As a note I originally looked at th MS 250 and after reviewing really like the new MS261...

I am a newbe and really have had my eyes opened by these forums!!

As normal, the issue I face is the more I learn the more saw I justify.

 

[SawTroll]

No, it just adds weight and complexity, for no good reason - and the 261 is a bit overweight and overbulky to begin with....

 

[dhskier2]

The throttle interlock brake (c-q model saws) is a great safety feature for newbies and/or occasional use homeowners. I manage a youth conservation corps and we've been running 361 c-q's for three seasons (seven saws). Saws now have aprox. 1800 hours under the gun, and each saw has had at least four novice sawyers learn the ropes with them. I have yet to do any maintenance on the saws specifically related to the additional brake feature of the c-q saws.
My thought it this: If you're not going to use the saw for production purposes that results in you earning/supplementing your income, then without question, go with all reasonable safety feature first. The extra brake on the c-q is a reasonable addition in my opinion.
The thing to remember with the interlock brake is that when you release your throttle had grip, it's just like throwing the chain-brake on= hard on parts and not good long-term practice at high rpm's When you come out of a cut or are revving up the saw, be sure to let the chain spool down and stop before you release your grip on the throttle handle. This will help to ensure the longevity of your clutch and brake parts.
As far as the weight goes... if you've got even a little muscle mass you won't notice the 1/2+ pound difference between the two models.

 

[koshari]

the differences between the 250 and 261 are night and day, ones an occasional use saw based on an older design, the 261 is i completely new design based on a stratified angine and considered a true pro saw,

the other difference is the 261 costs about twice the 250!

 

[2fun2fast]

Thanks Guys,

The thing I am concerned about is that the saw is for general use and if it is too bulky it will be a handful. I do like the quick stop feature. I am going to try to see if any dealers have stock to look at. sounds like a 50-50 split on the weight vs function.

 

[Sagetown]

I do like the sleeker appearance of the ms260 vs the ms261, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it or it's brother.

 

[SawTroll]

I do like the sleeker appearance of the ms260 vs the ms261, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it or it's brother.

Surely, the 261 is an improvement in many ways, but it also is overweight and overbulky for a 50cc saw. If I had to, I could live with an Euro (3.5hp) MS260, but not with a US one, or the much heavier 261...

 

[blsnelling]

I can tell no difference in weight when using a 261 and 346 back to back. The difference in weight is a moot point in the real world. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it Troll:msp_biggrin:

 

[SawTroll]

I can tell no difference in weight when using a 261 and 346 back to back. The difference in weight is a moot point in the real world. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it Troll:msp_biggrin:

:msp_biggrin: That is not what you have said in other threads - a 9oz difference is a lot on 50cc saws + the bulk difference, and different balance - but it doesnt make much difference if you are just bucking or cutting cookies......:msp_biggrin:

 

[ultrahd2000]

I just got the 261 and first running is i love it. I need to turn idle down and cant wait for it to get broke in. You will be happy with either model I looked for a c-q but none in stock locally and was ok with the reg model. I know everybody talks about the bulk but if you didnt have a smaller one before to compare it to you will never notice. Great saw Good luck

 

[SawTroll]

.... if you didnt have a smaller one before to compare it to you will never notice. ...

Yes, they don't want you to notise.......

 

[2fun2fast]

Got the MS261

I purchased the standard MS261 W/16" bar (used my discover card rewards saved me 20%). I love it...starts fast and easy and cuts great. I didn't realize how many times I would be starting and stopping it....easy starting is a great bounus. The unit realy removes any vibration at the hand holds. I also purchased the Stihl Orange Chaps. Now on tank three but funny thing is that fueling is almost a non-issue as it doesn't use much!! I now have three more trees (About 14-36" diameter - note the largest was cut down by a different saw) on the ground and will cut them in the next 2WKS. I apreciated all that i read and the responses to my questions. I also ordered the Fiskars X27 splitting axe (should arive in several days).

I will be getting a larger bar/chain combination as it is needed.

Again,

Thanks for the input...

 

[indiansprings]

Congrats on the new 261, if you like it know wait to you have 15 tanks run thru it, you'll love the fact that if you use it every day like we do, the air filter only needs cleaned every two weeks.
You'll love the broad power band once it is broke in, I sold my 9 oz lighter 346xpne to buy a second 261, for what we do you don't notice any difference in handling, but we sure notice a difference in torque.
You bought what I'd consider the best 50cc saw on the market today. We picked up an additional contract and we'll prolly add another part time person and a third 261. Saw is built more than rugged enough for everyday commercial use. We're running 18" .325 set ups on ours and love it. We've also ran 16" 3/8 and it handles it just fine, another member has tried his with a 18" 3/8" and states it handles it well (porsche)
If your cutting firewood for yourself it is prolly the only saw you will ever need, very versatile saw. New 261 rep sent. Best thing is it is made in the USA, by AMERICAN workers in Virginia Beach, VA by a company that just continues to expand it's operations in the USA and support more American workers.

 

[ggausman]

Ms 261 c-q

my first post...and our ms 261
C-Q is on its way should have it next week. I teach conservation and horticulture and we cut firewood at school. Kids have outgrown the echo CS-4600 and need some new meat!

 

[H 2 H]

Welcome To As ggausman

I have MS 250 (bought 1-30-12) and ran about 2 gallons of fuel thru it

And I have MS 261 (bought about 2 weeks ago) and ran about 1 gallon thru it

I mm'ed the 250 and changed the chain that comes with that made a big difference with that saw; it's a great saw for around the house and limbing

Before I bought the 261 I was at a demo and had the Stihl and Husky in my hands for a few hours apiece and thats why I bought the Stihl

261 has done everything I wanted for a 50cc saw I've run 18" and 20" .325 B/C on it and also ran .375 18" and 20" B/C on it. My fav combo is .375 18" bar with semi skip chain I've ran 20" with a full skip chain with now problems I'm cutting mostly Alder trees (some call them Pacfic Northwest Soft Wood)

I run out of fuel faster that the saw does

 

[FixNstuff]

I bought an MS261 around Christmas. I love it. Not so much for sawing but for bench pressing. It's really helping me bulk up my upper body.

As for sawing, once I get my wife to help me get it up on the wood and start 'er up, she just sails through the cut. I think all that weight really pushes it down quick.

 

[tallguys]

I bought an MS261 around Christmas. I love it. Not so much for sawing but for bench pressing. It's really helping me bulk up my upper body.

As for sawing, once I get my wife to help me get it up on the wood and start 'er up, she just sails through the cut. I think all that weight really pushes it down quick.

Methinks I detect a wee bit of the sarcasm here...

 

[FixNstuff]

Methinks I detect a wee bit of the sarcasm here...

Yeah, sorry. I finally lost it. I'll try to do better in the future.

 

[lentil]

Photos????