“New” MS261C-M

[Be Stihl]

Well, I just bought a 261 to cut up downed Oak for firewood. I found it to be really popular on this site, for a 50cc saw. Anyway, I read a lot on this forum and thought I was informed.
I LOVE the power, but thought it felt a touch heavy. Noticed the Manual states the power head weighs 11.3lb, but at the dealer the info tag showed 10.3lb. That fact was one of the reasons I bought the saw.
So after researching a little I found that I actually bought a 2016 leftover. I can handle that but it seems wrong that I was shopping by looking at specs in the store, which are obviously the newer version II.
Do I have any right to go back to the dealer and see if I can get compensated somehow? I feel wronged, but I dont want to piss off the dealer as I own 4 Stihls and will be buying parts and such from there. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[RyeThomas]

I would definitely go and have a talk with them, the Version II is the saw I would want if I were paying for a new one.

 

[merc_man]

If you own that many stihl from tjat dealer you are a loyal customer. If he wants to keep it that way he should make it rite for you.

Your not gonna go buy a last years modle vehicle for the price of the latest and greatest.

Sent from my SM-J320W8 using Tapatalk

 

[cuinrearview]

Remember that the dealer works for you. It's his job to service your needs when it comes to the equipment you purchased from him.

I would absolutely take it back and ask for the saw with the specs advertised.

 

[Be Stihl]

Thanks for the insight, I will do just that and reply what was said or done. They have to know what went on, so for that reason I don’t believe it will get me anywhere. But I am going to voice my complaint.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Yep, I'd want a new version. Or a steps discount. The version 2 of the 261 is considerably lighter. If they advertised one weight on the shelf and sold you a saw with different specs, they absolutely should switch it out.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Thanks for the insight, I will do just that and reply what was said or done. They have to know what went on, so for that reason I don’t believe it will get me anywhere. But I am going to voice my complaint.

If they don't fix it ASAP, I'd be on the phone with the regional rep.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

If they don't fix it ASAP, I'd be on the phone with the regional rep.

^^^This...^^^
The rep has some huge clout in resolution of stuff like this.

 

[CR888]

If they don't fix it ASAP, I'd be on the phone with the regional rep.

Yup ^^this. I think also Stihl has a policy that you can return a product within 30 days if your not happy with it. You were kinda duped and sold a superseded model.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Yup ^^this. I think also Stihl has a policy that you can return a product within 30 days if your not happy with it. You were kinda duped and sold a superseded model.

Good point on the policy...

 

[dmb2613]

I feel the dealer will make it right, But I would be super nice when I asked them. You would be surprised how far a good disposition will get you in a case like this.
David

 

[kyle1!]

I once took a new MS440 back to the dealer because he started it up outside on the concrete sidewalk. I was still in the store at the time and took the saw home in a box. They scratched the handle paint/underside so I took it back.

 

[Be Stihl]

I did as you all said, was super nice. Even went in with two saws and a brush cutter, looking for clutch parts. Then I posed the scenario on the dealer. It took a few for him to get was I was posing had happened. He asked to see my saw, so I brought it in.
He stripped it down and weighed it at 12Lb 2Oz. It did have a little bar oil. His spec card and master catalog showed the new specs, 10Lb 8Oz also 4.0Hp. I showed him my manual - 11Lb 6Oz also 3.75Hp.
He could not believe that what I bought was not what was in his catalog, my complaint exactly. If I had just bought an old model and found a newer one, that would be my fault. But clearly I purchased the saw due to the specs advertised. I took pics of both with his permission.
He did not have a new version in the store to compare so he was going off of pics only and my word. At any rate, he said he did not think anything would be done! He did promise to call them tomorrow and get back with me. I told him I would even keep my B&C since I have used it.
I don’t think he is going to be able to satisfy me, and the more I think about it I really want what I believe I was purchasing! I guess it’s a waiting game. Hopefully if it does get resolved I can compare the two, cause I have put it to use in these last 10 days or so.

 

[Duane(Pa)]

View attachment 651239 View attachment 651240 I did as you all said, was super nice. Even went in with two saws and a brush cutter, looking for clutch parts. Then I posed the scenario on the dealer. It took a few for him to get was I was posing had happened. He asked to see my saw, so I brought it in.
He stripped it down and weighed it at 12Lb 2Oz. It did have a little bar oil. His spec card and master catalog showed the new specs, 10Lb 8Oz also 4.0Hp. I showed him my manual - 11Lb 6Oz also 3.75Hp.
He could not believe that what I bought was not what was in his catalog, my complaint exactly. If I had just bought an old model and found a newer one, that would be my fault. But clearly I purchased the saw due to the specs advertised. I took pics of both with his permission.
He did not have a new version in the store to compare so he was going off of pics only and my word. At any rate, he said he did not think anything would be done! He did promise to call them tomorrow and get back with me. I told him I would even keep my B&C since I have used it.
I don’t think he is going to be able to satisfy me, and the more I think about it I really want what I believe I was purchasing! I guess it’s a waiting game. Hopefully if it does get resolved I can compare the two, cause I have put it to use in these last 10 days or so.

He's bluffing... No one is oblivious to the change. If they are that brain dead I would launch the full Monty on them to get what you paid for.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

View attachment 651239 View attachment 651240 I did as you all said, was super nice. Even went in with two saws and a brush cutter, looking for clutch parts. Then I posed the scenario on the dealer. It took a few for him to get was I was posing had happened. He asked to see my saw, so I brought it in.
He stripped it down and weighed it at 12Lb 2Oz. It did have a little bar oil. His spec card and master catalog showed the new specs, 10Lb 8Oz also 4.0Hp. I showed him my manual - 11Lb 6Oz also 3.75Hp.
He could not believe that what I bought was not what was in his catalog, my complaint exactly. If I had just bought an old model and found a newer one, that would be my fault. But clearly I purchased the saw due to the specs advertised. I took pics of both with his permission.
He did not have a new version in the store to compare so he was going off of pics only and my word. At any rate, he said he did not think anything would be done! He did promise to call them tomorrow and get back with me. I told him I would even keep my B&C since I have used it.
I don’t think he is going to be able to satisfy me, and the more I think about it I really want what I believe I was purchasing! I guess it’s a waiting game. Hopefully if it does get resolved I can compare the two, cause I have put it to use in these last 10 days or so.

Keep on them. Your dealer absolutely should fix this. The new 261 is a much lighter saw. Got a hair more power too. They sold you a new one, based on the price tag. They messed up though and gave you the old model. So, they NEED to get a new one from the warehouse and swap it out. What they do with your saw is their problem. Otherwise, you should just return it since it's not what you paid for and go somewhere else. I wouldn't be willing to compromise on this one.

 

[1Alpha1]

The dealer sold you an older saw and was hoping that you weren't any the wiser. That's would most dealers would do.

They want to rid themselves of the "old" stock before moving the new stuff.

 

[Canyon Angler]

What ever happened to "the customer is always right"?

I'm with the rest...seems to me they need to make this right, especially since you made your purchase decision based on the advertised specs, which weren't what you got. In essence, whether it was deliberate or not, you got the "bait and switch." It amounts to false advertising, or selling one thing but delivering something else.

If the dealer claims "Stihl won't play ball," then I would contact Stihl directly – but warn the dealer first. They may be hoping you'll take "no" for an answer and go away.

 

[Andyshine77]

Because it had the newer info listed, that is false advertising. Skip dealing with the dealer, him weighing the saw was a horse an pony show, call Stihl directly.

 

[CR888]

Because it had the newer info listed, that is false advertising. Skip dealing with the dealer, him weighing the saw was a horse an pony show, call Stihl directly.

^^^this! And by the sounds of it your having trouble putting the man pants on and telling this 'dealer' whats what. Get on the phone to the local rep and perhaps your dealer first to give him a last chance to make it right. Let him know your not going to be brushed off & who your next phone call will be too. Stop being so nice & get the job done! Its well worth it you could not sell that saw here anywhere near the price the new model would go for. They made significant upgrades.

 

[Be Stihl]

Well, got it sorted out after I got a hold of the regional rep. In 2 hours he called me back and said a new version saw was on a UPS truck, be here tomorrow! Thanks for all the help guys!!