Stihl 261 vs Stihl 260? Your thoughts...

[mx14me]

As titled I'm interested in a true comparable of these two saws.

I'm planning to buy a new saw for my own casual use but looking toward those with experience for assistance.

Thanks

 

[sawinredneck]

About any pro model saw is an improvement over a stock 026/260, but I'm a bit biased.

 

[mx14me]

The 261 is a pro saw and I believe is to replace the 260.

I can still get a 260 though and I'm curious from those that have used both if the 261 is the way?

 

[indiansprings]

Hands down the 261, more power, wider power band, air filtration has been greatly improved, better anti-vibe, just a greatly improved saw. I love mine. In all honesty for most guys cutting their own wood this is all the saw they will ever need. For wood 20" and down it is a great little performer, mine is set up with a 18" bar and handles it with ease.

 

[roostersgt]

I don't have any experience with the 261, but I do own a MS260 Pro. MS260 Pro all the way. MS261 is a EPA saw and there doesn't appear to be a lot of parts available, except through a Stihl dealer. I'm guessing its not as "shade tree mechanic" friendly? Ebay only lists 11 items for a 261. I'm guessing it'll go the way of the MS441. 261weighs more, looks bulkier and is only 1/4 more hp, according to those lying spec sheets.

 

[cuttingintime]

The MS260 is a pro saw. If it makes any difference it"s about a pound and half lighter than the MS261.

 

[mx14me]

Thanks for the input. Still undecided at this point...

Is it neccassary to consider the carb heater that is available on the 261?

 

[Ronaldo]

260-261

I have a 260 PRO and really do like it.I have used a 261 and it does cut faster and the air filter system seems to be much improved.I use my 260 more in the winter than other times of the year and have never had carb icing problems.I do change the summer/winter flapper in the air filter cover to match the temp-just as the owners manual instructs.


Ron

 

[mx14me]

Thanks for the input Ron. So if you were to choose today after using both saws you would go with???

 

[Ronaldo]

My Choice

I would choose the 261 and cut wood!

 

[Stihl n Wood]

If your look a page back there's a thread should I sell my 260 and by a 261. There's alot of info there. I have The 026pro and love it, but heard the 261 is a newer version with new features and better anti vibe. If you're buying a new saw I'd would say the 261.. but the 260 pro is light and powerful as well. You could pick up a almost new 260 for around 300 bucks. There's some good deals out there.

 

[Hillbilly1]

I like my 260 pro and it does what I need. The extra power of the 261 is tempting but the extra pound + is not since it's a limb saw for me (460 for general work anything 14" and up to where 660 is needed). For a saw this size I wouldn't consider the vibration an issue anyway unless you have wrist/forearm issues already, which is certainly possible. I would either wait a year or two and pick up a 261 after it's been out longer, or go with the 260 and not look back.

Sort of depends on what else you have too. If you already have a 361 or 460 (or 290/311/390) you don't really need the limb saw to inch up in power you need it as light as possible with enough power to work with 16-18" bar. And reliable is also what you need, which the 260 has been for me.

 

[mx14me]

This will be my one and only saw. I'm shoping for a saw that I can clear my lot some, cut fire wood, and generaly maintain my property. This will likely be the only saw I buy during my life time.

 

[nmurph]

I don't own a 261. I do own a 026 with a MM. If this is to be your only saw (you better delete your account after this post or you will own more than one saw), I would certainly recommend the 261. The 260 works best as a limbing saw, though the 346 is definitely better there. The HP difference is about .5hp infavor of the 261, but it does carry a weight penalty. I don't know that I would buy a 261 to replace a 260, but if buying one of the two for the first time, the 261 is the clear choice given your proposed use.

 

[DG2244]

It seems that for someone who wants a one saw stable for general use the MS261 is a good fit. Most of the time in that application a little extra weight is not an issue. Looks like a lot of similarities with the old 028 super. Lots of power for a 50cc saw but a little on the heavy side for a limbing saw. Prototypical all purpose saw.

 

[Hillbilly1]

If this will be your only saw with anything other than just limbing, I would skip both the 260 and 261 and step up to a 361 or 362.

I bought my 260 some time ago with the intentions of it being my "one and only saw". First time I tried to flush off a couple 15" stumps with the 18" bar I went and bought a 460. The 260 wouldn't even stand the weight of a 14" long log on top of the bar without dogging off, and the 460 doesn't notice (yes, I know other ways to flush stumps and get by with the small saw - but the point is the small saw sucks compared to the 460). The 460 has become my all-day use saw for anything whatsoever with 20" bar most of the time, unless it's strictly light limbing then I'll pull out the 260. But that may be too big for you - depends on a lot of factors.

If you're going to spend much time at all cutting above 12-15" and are dead set on one saw, are physically able, etc. - IMO, step up above the 261 or you run a good chance of disappointment.

 

[Nix]

I'd go with an 026/260 just because it's lighter. But it'd be a partner for my 390xp, so I honestly don't need the extra power of the 261. However, I've never used a 261. For all I know it is as awesome as everyone says... but I loved my old 026 to death, and miss her greatly. Thus I want another (plus, it's cheaper).

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

Pros & Cons of MS260 vs MS261

The MS260 just went out of a production within the last 5 months, the 260 cost 520$ and 261 cost 539$ with a 16" bar. But a clean nice used 026/260 can be had for under 300$

The real weak point of the 260 was air filter setup, the 261 has one of the best filter setups on the market.

The 260 was no bone rattler, but the 261 has silky smooth anti vibration dampening.

The 260 stock was limited to running a 16" because it just didn't have the grunt to pull a larger bar. The 261 has more power and a more usable power than the 260. Most of the 261's I'm selling are running 18" bars and it runs fine with a 20" bar.

 

[sawfun9]

I dunno, I run an 18" .325 on my MM 026 and it works just fine. The size and weight of the 261 turn me off. I'd be looking at an 034 super since the weight is similar to a 261 and the super is 61cc's. Of course if you need a new saw that's different.

 

[2dogs]

I have run an MS260 Pro on a thinning project where I am cutting 500 or more small willows each day. Maybe more. The saw is cutting right down in the grass and herbs and the tiny little air filter is not up to the task. I pull out the long stringy stuff during the day and wash the filter each night in Purple Power. In comparison my Husqvarna 357XP stays clean for 3-4 days. The 260 is one tough little saw and even though it does shake too much and leaves my hands and wrists sore it rarely breaks down.

I may replace it with an MS261 just because of the lousy air filter. Btw mine runs an 18" Cannon or Stihl Duromatic (hard nose) with 3/8 full skip. I also have been known to use Carlton semi-chisel full comp.