Husqvarna 61

[Chev727]

I'm picking up a pretty decent 61 for $75 and was wondering how they stack up to say a 266? The muffler bolts broke on it and so did the muffler mount and kill switch only sometimes works so it's a small project to get back to being a good saw again, comes with a case and a newer looking bar

 

[boxygen]

It's gonna be kind of a dog compared to a 266 but they are a rock solid platform and is worth fixing up a little. If you post a wanted ad in the trading post for those parts, I bet someone would get them to you for short money. Lots of parts out there.

 

[Chev727]

I'll get an ad up on the trading post after I get it and see what it all needs for sure, maybe I'll port it while I'm at it

 

[nmurph]

.5hp-1hp difference.

If you have the white top Rancher 61, the power rating is 3.5hp. The later model is rated at 4hp.

 

[Chev727]

So a woods port should put it around or over a 266 power wise

 

[Honest John]

I just picked up a 61 myself a couple of weeks ago. There's lots of information on here about putting a top end from a 272 on there. It may require some parts swapping for compatibility, but I would look at that before you consider a woods port.

 

[nmurph]

I just picked up a 61 myself a couple of weeks ago. There's lots of information on here about putting a top end from a 272 on there. It may require some parts swapping for compatibility, but I would look at that before you consider a woods port.

We need to know which version he owns. If it's the later version a 272 P/C swap is pretty straight forward and definitely a big step in power (4hp > 5.2hp). Ported by one of the better builders, and you are taking it up close to 6hp.

The Rancher version can be upgraded to the 272 but it's really not feasible. I did one a year or so ago for someone who had a very nice Rancher he had owned since new and he just wanted to pep it up a bit.

 

[Chev727]

It is a later version I believe, been looking at the 272 swap, I'm willing to do it but it'll have to be done when I can afford it, I have lots of spare time right now so thought I'd port it till then

 

[Chev727]

Are 266 muffler bolts the same?

 

[Northerner]

61 one might not be a "hotrod", but they are a very durable/dependable saw.
Many a 61 still cuttin firewood up here for farmers. Not very hard to sell one up here, same goes for the 266.
Heard it more than once, " well my dad had one of these and it was a really nice saw...." Sold!

 

[redfin]

The Rancher version can be upgraded to the 272 but it's really not feasible.

Why is this Neal?

 

[nmurph]

You need virtually everything from the air filter to the muffler including the linkage and the top cover will need some trimming. I would find a used 272 and get it going again.

 

[redfin]

You need virtually everything from the air filter to the muffler including the linkage and the top cover will need some trimming. I would find a used 272 and get it going again.

Thank you. can a 272 be made to run with a 371/2?

 

[nmurph]

I doubt it, not without some finger ports. The 272 is a 2 channel vs the quad port setup of the 372.

 

[redfin]

I know why I like a 288. But I'm not quite sure why I'm drawn to the other 2 series saws. Maybe if I find a 272 ill try my hand at some fingers.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I pulled apart a 61 yesterday and to my surprise it was a 266 and the P&C was clean. I Like the this series and could work on them all day long. Most of the parts are interchangeable with some differences, such as carb mountings and cyl. cover. The 61 has the LA on the carb, while the 66 has it in the casing.

 

[Gypo Logger]

I managed to mix and match a few parts. This saw is only 34 years old.

 

[Chev727]

I pulled apart a 61 yesterday and to my surprise it was a 266 and the P&C was clean. I Like the this series and could work on them all day long. Most of the parts are interchangeable with some differences, such as carb mountings and cyl. cover. The 61 has the LA on the carb, while the 66 has it in the casing.

good to know I have access to 266 parts so I'll probably dig through them on the weekend and see what I can find for the 61, nice saw BTW

 

[Gypo Logger]

good to know I have access to 266 parts so I'll probably dig through them on the weekend and see what I can find for the 61, nice saw BTW

Why I put a 24" bar on it is beyond me. It really likes a 16" bar, but I ran out of bars. No I didn't, there's shorter bars around here somewhere.

 

[Chev727]

Why I put a 24" bar on it is beyond me. It really likes a 16" bar, but I ran out of bars. No I didn't, there's shorter bars around here somewhere.

Looks good though, that's all that matters