What 50 cc saw

Hi I am in the process of getting a 50 cc saw, I am very happy with my 372 and was looking at a 346 or 550, but in order to get a new saw I need to get rid of my ms311 which I am not crazy about, and the only dealer who will do a trade is the Stihl dealer, so therefore I am looking at a 261, which looks like a good saw and seems comparable to the Huskys, not to mention I like having one of each, but do not want to regret not getting a Husky; Any way a little input on these saws is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

You can't wrong with either. If I was in your shoes, I'd probably choose the MS261 as well. If you could cut with them or at least handle them could help you choose.

You could probably make out better selling your saw outright, than making a dealer trade.

If you want to get a husky, you could sell your 311 in the classifieds here. If not, I believe you would like the 261.

550xp

Don't do it!

greyfox said:

Hi I am in the process of getting a 50 cc saw, I am very happy with my 372 and was looking at a 346 or 550, but in order to get a new saw I need to get rid of my ms311 which I am not crazy about, and the only dealer who will do a trade is the Stihl dealer, so therefore I am looking at a 261, which looks like a good saw and seems comparable to the Huskys, not to mention I like having one of each, but do not want to regret not getting a Husky; Any way a little input on these saws is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

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I stupidly drank the Kool aid and got a Stihl 290 farm boss and sold my Johnsrude to a friend, most regretted thing I ever done! The Stihl was super hard to start when you run it out fuel it will not start for sower ####.
It has no prime blub and could sure use one, when i #####ed to the dealer his answer was ya I know, so don't run it out of fuel was his answer. As far as I think Stihl is gold dipped hype, best day of my life was when I sold that turd to my next door neighbor that still beleves the hype Stihl has out there selling the damn saws.

So hold out for what you want, sell what you have now on Ebay and slap the money on the new saw! And do your self a favor look at the Echo saws there all made pro tough so last a long time. The replacement for the Stihl was a Echo cs 600p less money and 10x the saw!

Joe Kidd said:

You can't wrong with either. If I was in your shoes, I'd probably choose the MS261 as well. If you could cut with them or at least handle them could help you choose.

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That's the best way is use both before you make your decision that's when I bought my 50 cc class saw :msp_ohmy:

There are Lots of pretty good options in the 50cc class, but comparing the features and specs of those two looks like this, roughly: Inboard clutch vs Outboard clutch; Slightly smaller, lighter and revvy-er VS A stihl HD type filter and possibly more "torque". There may be some differences/preferences in the way the chain adjusters work. Neither saw would share a bar/chain with your 372.

I would hate to be tied down to what saw just because a trade is involved. How much is the dealer giving you for the 311 to justify the trade? If it is a pittance, just keep it and buy what you want. (got to help your CAD). If you really want to get rid of it, you may consider selling it yourself on CL.

Poulan pro 5020 is economical
Echo 500 is light
Dolmar 510/5100/5105 is a HD 50cc
cs2152
cs2153
Husky 350 or 353 or 550superwhompusXbyGumPeeAttoTEWn
stihl 250 may become a collectors item
efco?
Rmax
stihl 260
hus 242xp
partner 5000 type/jonny 490
and MANY more!

rburg said:

If you want to get a husky, you could sell your 311 in the classifieds here. If not, I believe you would like the 261.

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Yes, he should do what he has to, to not buy a Stihl 50cc saw!

dl5205 said:

There are Lots of pretty good options in the 50cc class, ......

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Only two, really - 346xp and 550xp!

Yeah Troll, but some of us like those pretty red saws with the far superior front handle angle...

dl5205 said:

Poulan pro 5020 is economical
Echo 500 is light
Dolmar 510/5100/5105 is a HD 50cc
cs2152
cs2153
Husky 350 or 353 or 550superwhompusXbyGumPeeAttoTEWn
stihl 250 may become a collectors item
efco?
Rmax
stihl 260
hus 242xp
partner 5000 type/jonny 490
and MANY more!

Click to expand...

MS 261 :msp_ohmy:

It's hard to decide if you don't use them

I have a 261 and really like it. I used it a lot for firewood and was my go to saw for all around duty.
The 261 is a good saw with excellent air filtration. For a 50cc saw, there's nothing not to like.

A while back I bought a 562xp and the 261 rarely leaves the shop now. When I do take the 261 along, it generally doesn't get much run time.

dl5205 said:

Poulan pro 5020 is economical
Echo 500 is light
Dolmar 510/5100/5105 is a HD 50cc
cs2152
cs2153
Husky 350 or 353 or 550superwhompusXbyGumPeeAttoTEWn
stihl 250 may become a collectors item
efco?
Rmax
stihl 260
hus 242xp
partner 5000 type/jonny 490
and MANY more!

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What????

H 2 H said:

MS 261 :msp_ohmy:

It's hard to decide if you don't use them

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I don't actually use my saws much, so I have absolutely no idea what I am talking about. Once you use your saws, you will develop an opinion about them. But first, you have to use them.

arborealbuffoon said:

I don't actually use my saws much, so I have absolutely no idea what I am talking about. Once you use your saws, you will develop an opinion about them. But first, you have to use them.

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I have only ran 20 + gallons of fuel thru my saw's this summer (2012) slow year

I cut for 4 house hold this year




Just found a bunch of pic's my nephew took

550xp or 346xp

H 2 H said:

MS 261 :msp_ohmy:

It's hard to decide if you don't use them

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yea!...but once you run a stihl you'll decide you DON'T want it!!