I'm used to the good old 026, so when i found a less than one year old, good used, but, not abused 261 i bought it. Good saw, it originally had a 20'' B&C and i asked if they would ship it with a 18'' B&C which they did. I think its a keeper, boy, i'm not used to the faster cutting speed, and smother saw, or the difference in the amount of fuel the 261 uses. I think it has a smaller fuel tank or its just plain thirsty, lol. But, the power and smoothness is nothing but nice. It does wind up , i'm impressed. I've got a 044 as well for the big stuff, but, this 261 is pretty nice. Next, is or will be, a muffler mod, from what i read/understand it will wake it up even more. I cut up a pretty nice Ash today and it went through it like it was warm butter. I had the good old 026 along for comparison, I really like the 261. But, the 026 will continue to go along for the ride, if the 044 isn't needed.