What is the history of the 026: Specifically, the manufacturing dates , and improvements of its various incarnations ?
Stihl 026, 260, 261
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opcorn: Wondering the same thing...
Rockjock
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 026-260 was made in 1988 till present IIRC the only difference was the adjustable oiler, decomp and plastics. There were several threads on here about this. There is a cherry 026 for 400.00 bucks local here.. but for 100 more one can get a 066 so they do keep their value.
There's always overlap, so the 261 was late 2012?
Rockjock
Addicted to ArboristSite
I would have to say mid 2009 in Germany mid 2011 ish in North America. It is a tad late right now in Germany but my friend there tells me they quite often have saws ordered in for customers and do not carry a great deal of stock. So he recalls in 09 doing just that for the 261's.
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I have a ms260 pro made in October of 2010 according to the box it came in. I bought it earlier this year.
The MS261 was here in Nov 2010. I believe I bought the first one. http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/the-ms261-is-here.153482/
The 026 is 44mm. The MS260 is 44.7mm. There have been changes to the tank vent, air filter, fuel line diameter, etc.
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
If one was to pick between the 3 models what are the opinions on the best one?
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
I'm really looking at them is why I'm asking.
The MS261 is worlds ahead of the 026/260 in EVERY way except being a little heavier. Power, AV, filtration, etc.
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
Looked at a brand new one today at dealer. 600$. What's the opinion on the price.
The 026/260 is a good little saw, but it's 25 year old technology.
I pay $590 + tax with a 16" B&C.
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
Well. It had a 16 on it for 600. So close enough.
Are all 261s the same? There's M and CM right?
Are all 261s the same? There's M and CM right?
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
When I asked same meant model years sorry!
I'm assuming it's a MS261C, which is MTronic?
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
Sorry had to look. It's a 261C-M. Then I see 261C-MQ listed. What's the difference?
Beer Gut
A Fine Pilsner
Again if I looked at a catalog once in awhile. 
Stihl 261C-M is what I looked at for 600$. And yes MTronic.
The 261C-MQ must have something to do with quickstop.
Stihl 261C-M is what I looked at for 600$. And yes MTronic.
The 261C-MQ must have something to do with quickstop.
herbs
ArboristSite Operative
The 261 CM-Q has that quickstop chain brake idea where if you don't have your hand on the back handle, the brake is automatically engaged. I've used one and it was ok, but it seems a bit of a redundant idea, also makes for confusion for the uninitiated when they want to move the chain when sharpening. If you want a 261, I'd save the few $$$ and buy the normal one.
