MS 261 Metal Handle?

[Okie294life]

I just purchased a MS 261C and got to noticing that it has a plastic handle. Does anyone know of a metal handle that exists for this thing? It seems kind of strange that stihl would put all this work into redesigning a saw and build it out to 11 just to put a plastic handle on it. Maybe I’m over reacting? Maybe it’s there for safety so you don’t go to ground when cutting power lines? I know they make a heated handle that’s metal don’t really care about all that extra crap, just a metal handle. Any ideas?

 

[DND 9000]

Yes I think you are over reacting. The rear handle is plastic and part of the tank housing. The front handle is made of metal and has a rubber hose around it.

 

[Totembear]

They've made em that way for years....decades....

 

[Slackjaw]

https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-ms260-metal-aftermarket-wrap-handlebar.187893/

Btw, I looked all over the left coast supply page and could not find the item he mentions.

"Howdy,
We have some just now coming out of production. It'll be about 8 weeks before we land our first batch in the warehouse. I Just received one sample last week, and if you want to try it out I'll send it to you at no charge. As far as I can tell, it looks just like the heated one you mentioned without the wiring. They will be selling for about $30.00 when we get them. Just let me know what you think after you try it. If you're interested, send me a PM with a ship to address."

@Grande Dog

 

[Okie294life]

Yes I think you are over reacting. The rear handle is plastic and part of the tank housing. The front handle is made of metal and has a rubber hose around it.

No, the front Handle is plastic, and it appears to be a lot different than the 260/028 setup.

 

[nighthunter]

My experience is that the plastic handle last just as long as a metal handle, imho

 

[DND 9000]

No, the front Handle is plastic, and it appears to be a lot different than the 260/028 setup.

Possible, I thought it was metal. I had a look at some pictures, hard to say.

 

[Totembear]

The only diference is the side bolts. They are longer, but both fit the bolt holes fine.

 

[EchoRomeoCharlie]

Plastic (actually, glass fiber reinforced nylon I believe) is perfectly acceptable for a front handle. You are over-reacting.

 

[holeycow]

They just don’t feel as good in the hand

 

[MountainHigh]

They just don’t feel as good in the hand

Ya I agree. But wearing gloves and I can't tell the difference . To me, it's more just the thought of plastic handle on pro saw that is annoying.

Guessing the plastic composite will hold up well but likely done to shave a bit of weight as that was clearly one of Stihl's goals with this saw, as it now beats out Husky for power to weight in 50cc class.

Perhaps they should have sold it with more sizzle such as NEW 261 c-m HANDLE MADE OF ADVANCED CARBON FIBRE POLYMER MATERIAL FOUND IN SPACE STATION -

 

[Kostas]

They just don’t feel as good in the hand

True,i just replaced the plastic handle of my Echo 490 with the metal from the 501cs.It feels like a different saw,much.Truth is that there is nothing wrong with plastic frond handles but at the price point of the ms 261,they could put an aluminum.

 

[HarleyT]

They just don’t feel as good in the hand

We still talking about chainsaws?

 

[holeycow]

Everyone but Harley is... I think?

 

[HarleyT]

Everyone but Harley is... I think?

Even with gloves........
I can tell a difference.......

 

[Okie294life]

https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/stihl-ms260-metal-aftermarket-wrap-handlebar.187893/

Btw, I looked all over the left coast supply page and could not find the item he mentions.

"Howdy,
We have some just now coming out of production. It'll be about 8 weeks before we land our first batch in the warehouse. I Just received one sample last week, and if you want to try it out I'll send it to you at no charge. As far as I can tell, it looks just like the heated one you mentioned without the wiring. They will be selling for about $30.00 when we get them. Just let me know what you think after you try it. If you're interested, send me a PM with a ship to address."

@Grande Dog

I would be interested do you have a photo of it?

 

[HarleyT]

The 261 has the same wrap handle as the ms271.

 

[full chizel]

Left Coast is out of business

 

[MountainHigh]

at the price point of the ms 261,they could put an aluminum.

yes they should have!

 

[holeycow]

The feel of my plastic ms362 is ok. The feel of my plastic ps420 is ok. The feel of my cs590 had to be improved with friction tape. None of them feel as good as any of my aluminum handled saws. Imo. I usually wear leather gloves, but not always. Shhhhh.

 

[SteveH]

Bought a new 261 a couple months ago. Just now had to go out to the shop and check that handle. Yep, plastic. Hadn't even noticed after ten tanks run through it, and it appears quite strong. No big deal to me.