550xp or 261?

[Betts04]

I am looking at these to saws, but would prefer to use 18" 3/8 set up. aslo the saws will stay stock, at least until the waranty is up.
Juat want a smaller saw to carry on the atv and for smaller jobs, as the 038 gets heavy fast, and it really isnt needed for half the stuff I cut.
I havent run either saw myself and both are priced the same at local dealers ($650). with all the info here they seem like they are fairly evenly matched, but what about with the 18 3/8 set up? It seems to be popular opinion that the 3/8 stays sharp longer, and I dont want to have differnt size files around to mix up.

thanks

 

[Roll Tide]

I am looking at these to saws, but would prefer to use 18" 3/8 set up. aslo the saws will stay stock, at least until the waranty is up.
Juat want a smaller saw to carry on the atv and for smaller jobs, as the 038 gets heavy fast, and it really isnt needed for half the stuff I cut.
I havent run either saw myself and both are priced the same at local dealers ($650). with all the info here they seem like they are fairly evenly matched, but what about with the 18 3/8 set up? It seems to be popular opinion that the 3/8 stays sharp longer, and I dont want to have differnt size files around to mix up.

thanks

I love my 261 but wow that's a steep price on those saws.

 

[blsnelling]

Either one will serve you equally as well. With only a MM, the 550 would probably have the edge. Ported, I'd give that to the 261.

 

[Betts04]

thats the way it works here in Ontario! we take it up the hoop on everything.

thats why I purchase most things online.

 

[Betts04]

Either one will serve you equally as well. With only a MM, the 550 would probably have the edge. Ported, I'd give that to the 261.

not sure I could justify the cost of having it ported. Also I dont know of anyone around here that does it, and the cost of shipping would be way to much.

 

[H 2 H]

not sure I could justify the cost of having it ported. Also I dont know of anyone around here that does it, and the cost of shipping would be way to much.

Shipping is way out of line; I'm lucking living so close to the boarder that I can just drive across the boarder to ship things other wise it would be a factor getting things from Canada

 

[sunfish]

Both good saws!

The 550 is smaller and lighter. You need to go handle both
and buy the one that feels right to you.

 

[spike60]

Both good saws!

The 550 is smaller and lighter. You need to go handle both
and buy the one that feels right to you.

I agree. The performance is going to be pretty close. But one will likely feel like it's a better fit for you than the other.

 

[Hinerman]

One thing to consider is the quality and reputation of the dealership; go with a good dealer regardless of brand. It is no secret that both saws are well liked and proven performers. Another thing to consider: Do you want to be able to tune your saw? Then 261. Do you want the convenience of the saw tuning itself? Then 550. Happy purchasing and saw on...

 

[ptjeep]

If you use the search function you can find lots of info on this topic, many of these threads end up in arguments. Its basically comes down to what feels best in your hands.

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

The 550 is a better limbing saw more agile, more compact, but if you're bucking
up firewood the 261 has more grunt.

 

[SawTroll]

...... wow that's a steep price on those saws.

Canada.

 

[Betts04]

so either saw will pull a 18 3/8 in stock form with out much loss in performance?

 

[Cloud IT]

Pick them both up and I bet you will like the 550xp better.

 

[jus2fat]

When the MS 261 M-tronic arrives...it's gonna be a whole different situation..??

Husky delivered too soon and paid the price with their "AT" system...Stihl still working on it.

Stihl is $$ rich..and smart.. - They won't deliver until they're satisfied that it's a winner...(few customer complaints)

Now when is really the question and i don't know...but I hear..'it's gonna be sooner rather than later'..??


J2F

 

[SawTroll]

Pick them both up and I bet you will like the 550xp better.

Yes - the choise should be a pretty obvious one! :msp_smile:

 

[H 2 H]

Yes - the choise should be a pretty obvious one! :msp_smile:

So you have used a 550 ?

Or seen pictures of them ?

 

[sunfish]

so either saw will pull a 18 3/8 in stock form with out much loss in performance?

Yes

 

[jus2fat]

So you have used a 550 ?

Or seen pictures of them ?

H2H..lay off SawTroll...!!

Just let the 261 M-Tronic arrive and prove itself..few problems - Nobody can say Stihl is stupid..!!

They're cash rich and know not to make dumb mistakes..when introduced sales will fly...

The husky 550 will just be a "Husky-Head" saw IMHO...compared to the MS 261 M-tronic...(twt)

J2F

 

[Termite]

How much heavier is a 2260 compared to a 550xp?