Which would be better Stihl 026 or ms 260?

[jfnel00]

Just picked up a ms260 with case for $140. The tag is still on the front of it. Haven't cut with it yet but started right up when I bought it. Not for sure which one to keep. I guess I will have to cut with both of them. Just thought I would get some others opion.

 

[Scandy14]

The 260 is just the newer version of the 026. Pretty much the same saw.

 

[z71mike]

Yup. It'll come down to personal preference. I like anything older, so I know which one I'd keep.

 

[jus2fat]

If the serial #on the 026 starts with a #1...then the decision has been made for you..!!

J2F

 

[gunnusmc03]

Basically do you like flippy caps or not?

 

[bower4311]

Basically do you like flippy caps or not?

Bingo.

Of course if you have the choice between two that are the same price and appear in the same condition the 260 is guaranteed newer. That's really all you're getting. Of course always take the carb with the adjustable high jet, if both take the 260. Remember, there will be a labeled hole with an H, L and LA but you need to make sure there is a H screw in the H hole. Those saws do great with a muffler mod and it's very simple, you NEED that high jet.

 

[bower4311]

I see that you bought a 260 already and I assume you own an 026. What I would do is pick the better of the two saws condition wise, then make sure if you only have one high speed adjustable carb that it ends up on the cleaner of the two saws, which I assume will be the 260.

 

[Mad Professor]

I have heard the 0.7 mm smaller bore 026 run better than the 260.

Not sure of this, maybe some builders/owners who have worked both can comment?

I like my 026 as it is lighter than my 028S, but I think the 028S has more grunt.

I usually pick up one of my 036 as it is as light as the 028S and has lots more power than the 026 or 028S.

That is for smaller hardwoods ( < 20")......then the 038M 056M or 066 come out

 

[watsonr]

My 026 is faster than the 260. Only the compression release and adjustable oiler is the visible difference. Add the adjustable oiler if the case will take the upgrade and you really don't need the de-comp. Upgraded oiler is $60 and keeps it from leaking at idle.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

If you don't have other saws besides the these two, I'd keep both of 'em for the sake of having at least two saws. Especially since you only have $140 in the 260. Nice catch.

 

[H 2 H]

It's a hard decision when you have all three (026; 260 and 261) :msp_smile:

 

[bower4311]

There is no way you're really going to notice the difference between the two saws. Your chain sharpness will mean so much more anyway. I would run the two with the same B&C, if they're both tuned properly they should be pretty close. If one is much stronger than the other, assume that one is in somewhat better condition I would say. Other than that make sure you keep a high speed adjustable carb if one of them has one. I would keep the cleaner one that seems like it will have less problems down the road. Of course there is no real way to tell but I'd take a cleaner saw over the other any day.

 

[Mike-M]

If you don't have other saws besides the these two, I'd keep both of 'em for the sake of having at least two saws. Especially since you only have $140 in the 260. Nice catch.

+1 its important to have a backup

 

[H 2 H]

+1 its important to have a backup

Backup X 2 :yoyo: :msp_ohmy:

 

[nmurph]

There is no way you're really going to notice the difference between the two saws. Your chain sharpness will mean so much more anyway. I would run the two with the same B&C, if they're both tuned properly they should be pretty close. If one is much stronger than the other, assume that one is in somewhat better condition I would say. Other than that make sure you keep a high speed adjustable carb if one of them has one. I would keep the cleaner one that seems like it will have less problems down the road. Of course there is no real way to tell but I'd take a cleaner saw over the other any day.

Surely a chain is important, but a dull chain on a 261 will be dull chain on a 260. There is a good bit of difference bw a 261 and a 0260.

 

[bower4311]

Surely a chain is important, but a dull chain on a 261 will be dull chain on a 260. There is a good bit of difference bw a 261 and a 0260.

Wrong thread, 026 vs 260. I think there is another with the 261. The OP wasn't entirely clear but it sounded like he has an 026 and a 260. My point being if you're going to choose one vs the other based on how fast they cut it's pointless because if you're only concerned with speed with nearly the same cylinder there are a million things to take into consideration also. IMO you should never decide between an 026 and 260 based on other people saying their 026 cuts faster. I vote for keep both/get rid of the slower cutting saw as long as it's in worse shape than the faster one, then you have a decision to make. I vote potential for reliability above all else in this situation.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[nmurph]

Wrong thread, 026 vs 260. I think there is another with the 261. The OP wasn't entirely clear but it sounded like he has an 026 and a 260. My point being if you're going to choose one vs the other based on how fast they cut it's pointless because if you're only concerned with speed with nearly the same cylinder there are a million things to take into consideration also. IMO you should never decide between an 026 and 260 based on other people saying their 026 cuts faster. I vote for keep both/get rid of the slower cutting saw as long as it's in worse shape than the faster one, then you have a decision to make. I vote potential for reliability above all else in this situation.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Yep, wrong thread in the brain.

Go with the one in the best shape.

 

[Frogfarmer]

Sell the cleanest one for $250 and send the other for a port job to one of our fine members. I have my preference but trying to be unbiased.

 

[bower4311]

Sell the cleanest one for $250 and send the other for a port job to one of our fine members. I have my preference but trying to be unbiased.

I was also thinking that...

 

[H 2 H]

IMO; I wouldn't sell either (C.A.D.)

I kinda like 50 cc saws