Stihl 261 vs. Husky 550 XP

[bwalker]

Whats the forums consensus on these two saws. Dealer support is a tossup so that doesnt merit consideration.

 

[bwalker]

Might as well throw the 362 and 562 into the mix as well, although I dont really need a 60cc saw.

 

[Jlhotstick3]

261

 

[Oldsawnut]

I like the 261 and the 562 out of the choices. 362 is a bit of a heavy pos IMHO. If the 562 was an inboard I would already own one. I like the way they cut and I'm a big fan of the autotune saws.

 

[Rudolf73]

Depends how friendly your dealer is, both are good saws.

 

[bryanr2]

OP- your fourth option is your best option.

 

[mtrees]

261 562

 

[deye223]

:welcome:

 

[groundup]

261 is crazy smooth, have not run the others but cannot say enough about the 261

 

[kmcinms]

Husky 550 or 562, never look back.

 

[Abflyboy]

Wouldn't it be best for you to get all four saws?

 

[echo670]

i say id look at a stihl i dont like huskys saws they are junk in my book i have to many problems with them

 

[kmcinms]

i say id look at a stihl i dont like huskys saws they are junk in my book i have to many problems with them

and who are you again? the friendly Echo dealer?

 

[sawfun9]

With a post like that I'd say "oh no hear it comes".

 

[BIG JAKE]

261-not a fan of autoturd technology or outboard clutches but I might pull the trigger on a 346 if one comes along at a good price. I like tuning my own saws and not needing to go to a dealer when the technology craps out.

 

[Andyshine77]

The 261 is out classed by the 550 in every way. I had a 362 and sold it, that should say enough. When it comes to 50cc and 60cc saws, Husky is on a different level. I honestly wouldn't own a 261 or 362 if it was given to me. What more can I say an air filter and fuel line for a 362 will set you back about a 100 bucks. Stihl fan boys get your flamethrowers ready.

 

[Rudolf73]

The 261 is out classed by the 550 in every way. I had a 362 and sold it, that should say enough. When it comes to 50cc and 60cc saws, Husky is on a different level. I honestly wouldn't own a 261 or 362 if it was given to me. What more can I say a filter and fuel line for a 362 will set you back about a 100 bucks. Stihl fan boys get your flamethrowers ready.

Now you have gone and done it Andy... :msp_sneaky:

 

[tallguys]

Enough with those strato enviro-toys, just go buy a Dolmar 5105 and be done with it.

There, I did it... :msp_biggrin: .... like just about every other thread where the OP specifies two makes and someone chirps in with a third or fourth...

 

[Andyshine77]

Enough with those strato enviro-toys, just go buy a Dolmar 5105 and be done with it.

There, I did it... :msp_biggrin: .... like just about every other thread where the OP specifies two makes and someone chirps in with a third or fourth...

The 5105 is a fine saw, the 5100 not so much. Honestly when it comes to smaller saws, right now Stihl has little to offer IMHO, with maybe one exception the 241 C-M, and I'd put my new 421 up against it anytime.

 

[moody]

i say id look at a stihl i dont like huskys saws they are junk in my book i have to many problems with them

That's great explanation to a poor choice. It's been proven the 261 is not as strong as a 550 and the 562 is capable of running 28 full comp, the 362 would struggle. I'm a saw fan I prefer Husqvarna because of feel and IMHO solid quality. But every brand has something to offer. Just so happens the 50-60 cc class saws are dominated by husqvarna at this point. This has been seen in comparison videos and at work. The strato design that most newer saws are came from Husqvarna (red max technology I believe) . So what's junk about Husqvarna saws may I ask? I've got a few older ones maybe you can explain why they still run? You're a newb here so I'll keep it civil but we try not to bash saws without reasons outside of they suck. Details help answer questions. Enjoy the site, what's your go to saw may I ask ?