new Stihl ms 250 vs used 261

[LaurentianLog]

Hi guys,

Happy to be a part of this forum. I just purchased the adjacent 2 acre lot beside my current property of 1.5 acres. Both properties have a mix of saplings, medium sizes trees some mature maple, sprice and pine etc. I’m planning on cleaning up the land and looking to buy my first quality chainsaw. Stihl has product on sale right now and they have the ms 250 for 300$ usd. There is also someone selling a used ms 261 for for the same price. The guy says it was used for 2 weeks and has been sitting in his garage in storage. If the 261 runs well is worth getting it instead of a new saw that will come with a warranty? I know there is a considerable difference in quality between the 250 and 261. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[computeruser]

Inherent design differences between the two saws aside, both saws should be good and reliable performers for a long time with proper maintenance.

The 261 is a bit more saw in terms of power and capability, if that consideration matters. I outfit both with 16” bars.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

You'll buy the 250 and always wish you would have bought the 261, but I highly doubt you'll buy the 261 and ever wish you would have bought the 250.
Let the 261 warm up and cut for a good 5 or 10 minutes to reach full operating temperature so you know if it runs right.

 

[Ronaldo]

261 would be my choice, all day long. Similar weight with more power and better build quality/components. As has been mentioned be sure the 261 runs properly.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[LaurentianLog]

You'll buy the 250 and always wish you would have bought the 261, but I highly doubt you'll buy the 261 and ever wish you would have bought the 250.
Let the 261 warm up and cut for a good 5 or 10 minutes to reach full operating temperature so you know if it runs right.

Thanks! Appreciate it. This is what I’m thinking too.

 

[ShneaSIG]

261 runs laps around the 250. A 250 is a good saw, but you'll be much happier with the 261.

 

[LaurentianLog]

261 runs laps around the 250. A 250 is a good saw, but you'll be much happier with the 261.

Thanks appreciate your reply! On my way to get the 261

 

[ShneaSIG]

Thanks appreciate your reply! On my way to get the 261

Excellent - if it's as the seller says, then you should be locked up for committing highway robbery at that price!

 

[Wood Doctor]

261 runs laps around the 250. A 250 is a good saw, but you'll be much happier with the 261.

Another possibility is to find a good used 026 PRO like this one:

 

[champion221elite]

Im a bit biased, but Id take the used ms261 over a new ms250 any day of the week. Not saying a ms250 is bad...its not. The ms261 is just better and has pro features that are not on the 250.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

Thanks appreciate your reply! On my way to get the 261

Good choice.