What's everyone's honest opinions on the "outdated" 026

[ChainLightning]

I hear a lot of people say it was the best Stihl ever made. I recently picked up one after once again getting rid of my last Stihl line up (271, 028, 034 Super). Ill probably kick myself im the ass for getting rid of that 034, but to stay back on topic, does anyone still run a 026? I was thinking about keeping it for a truck saw. I recently got a 550xpg (and that will probably be the only 50cc saw I need for a very long time) but can someone convince me to keep this 026....

 

[jltrent]

I like them as here are a few (026, MS260 combos and I have many more not in the picture.) A very nice 50cc saw that handles good, lite weight, tough, simple, easy to work on, plenty of parts available, runs like they should, oilers works good, chain brake works good and they will last. About the only negative I could say is the 1st ones that came out the oiler, tank vent, fuel line and air filter were upgraded on the 2nd generation and a better saw IMO because of it. According to the Stihl info I have in front of me idle speed is 2800 rpms and top end rated at 14000rpms max. That is pretty darn fast.

http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.n...6af40002b8f7/ab9be4ee6a306cff88256dee005cab98
They were fist sold in 1993 and 27 years latter still a favorite of a lot.

 

[RED-85-Z51]

I like mine, i wouldn't expect miracles but they run well

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[Vintage Engine Repairs]

I have an ms 260 pro, it’s a lovely saw. I don’t like the fuel pooling manifold issue though.

 

[anlrolfe]

My go-to saw.

 

[jltrent]

I have an ms 260 pro, it’s a lovely saw. I don’t like the fuel pooling manifold issue though.

Could you please explain that?

 

[Ryan'smilling]

They're good saws. In my experience, they get lots of points in the simplicity, durability, and reliability departments. In terms of performance, ergonomics, and convenience, they don't compare to the new models, though power can be improved. I can't imagine reaching past a 550xpg to pick up a stock 026 when I need a 50cc saw.

 

[anlrolfe]

A little handiwork inside the muffler to open up the baffle and then retune the carb goes a long way.

 

[r black]

had many ....good ol" saws not up to the current saws as far as cutting speed ..but they bring the firewood home ... I never pass up a clean unit for the right price running or not ..

 

[Vintage Engine Repairs]

Could you please explain that?

The intake casting of the cylinder has a lip and fuel pools there. It causes off idle acceleration delays etc. it’s a model specific issue.

 

[Woodslasher]

A little handiwork inside the muffler to open up the baffle and then retune the carb goes a long way.

Baffle? What baffle? In my 026, it was a straight shot from the cylinder outlet to the muffler outlet, although I turned the 4 small muffler outlet holes into one big rectangle.

 

[kybob]

The only saw I own is the 026. Bought it new in 94. I don’t use or need a saw everyday, but when I do need one it’s a good all purpose one.

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[FlyingDutchman]

Easy to work on. Hold their value well.
No speed demon. Can be harder to find parts for (so say the people I've sold them to for parts). They rely on high compression to make power (170-180 new) and can be a bit hard to pull over without the compression release. Older guys seem happy with them worn out at 150-160psi but they are nutless at that compression.
Lots of them came with too big of a bar (20" is really common around here) for the saw.

 

[cranman1951]

I find as they get older, the choke in the aircleaner is problematic.....

 

[deye223]

After owning a 261 for years I wouldn't touch a 260 with a barge poll .
They are gutless filtration is crap only thing they have going for them is they just keep on going .

 

[clint53]

I have a 026 I bought new. (Wish I knew what year)
Other than cleaning it, I've only replaced the gas hose. Not even a spark plug.
I moved up to a new MS361 and others years ago, but still use the 026 enough to keep it in running order.
The oil tank is leaking on the front from me dropping it. I just haven't taken the time to tear it down to fix it.
For there weight they are hard to beat.
Clint

 

[pioneerguy600]

From around 07 til present I have kept 5 - 10 of them around for my own use, they come my way and some leave but there are always 5 or more in my herd . Simple durable saws that work just fine for production cutting , easy to work on and easy to get parts for when needed. The amount of use I get from them far outweigh the amount I pay or spend on them ++.

 

[Mad Professor]

After owning a 261 for years I wouldn't touch a 260 with a barge poll .
They are gutless filtration is crap only thing they have going for them is they just keep on going .

How is that 261 to work on???

 

[Mad Professor]

I've got 2 . I like my 028S better but it weighs more. My 036 get more use. All are reliable and easy to work on.

New saws suck pink kitty balls to work on, I won't ever buy one

 

[Mad Professor]

After owning a 261 for years I wouldn't touch a 260 with a barge poll .
They are gutless filtration is crap only thing they have going for them is they just keep on going .

$95 USD with 5 extra chains, WT-194 carb, it's stihl going.

Chevy is a 1946 , still going too