The MS261 is here!!

[blsnelling]

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[blsnelling]

Not to hihack my own thread, lol. Here's my MS440 w/460 topend and 066BB in action yesterday.


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[2000ssm6]

Impressive against that ported 346.

 

[Andyshine77]

Impressive against that ported 346.

30% that's a long way to go, but it is a new saw.

 

[blsnelling]

I'm catiously optimistic. This is not my typical 346 though. It has a popup piston, ceramic bearings, ceramic coated piston crown, combustion chamber, and exhaust port. I'm ordering another new 346 in the morning for stock comparison.

The 261 already has several things going for it. I love the absense of the outbaord clutch. I don't care what Nikko says about how it improves handling It also appears that the air filtration is better than the 346. However, I do not use a felt filter on my 346. It wears the 44 micron filter. That Willow was dead and dry, yet not a spec of dust made it's way through. The 261 should also be better on fuel economy, for those that care. I realize that many won't.

 

[2000ssm6]

30% that's a long way to go, but it is a new saw.

Yup, for 1.5 tanks through that 261, impressive. Nothing now but to gain more...

 

[blsnelling]

And for the last vid, here's some more of that cool little Farmall H

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[Andyshine77]

Yup, for 1.5 tanks through that 261, impressive. Nothing now but to gain more...

I agree, but not 30% without some serious work.

 

[2000ssm6]

I agree, but not 30% without some serious work.

Oh naw, not 30% worth. I don't think it will need "serious work" to get to that though.

 

[Andyshine77]

We'll see. Let the fun begin opcorn:

 

[Andyshine77]

BTW great vids Brad! love the old tractor.

 

[blsnelling]

All three saws here are outfitted with factory 16" bars and .325 chain. All are full of fuel and oil. The 261 is 9.6 oz heavier than the NE 346XP.

Now here's the kicker. How many Stihl vs Husky threads have you been in and time after time heard the Stihlheads with blinders talk about how much better the 026 is than the 346 because it's so much lighter, like that's supposed to make up for everything else that's far better on the 346? I say baaah humbug! The proof's in the pooding. We're talking about a measely 2.6 oz here! And the OE 346 is lighter than the NE 346! I'm calling that arguement null and void, lol.

Now before any of you get your panties in a wad, don't forget what this thread's about, a Stihl. Yes, that's right. I want the Stihl to come out on top. I've always loved Stihls and always will. But I call it like it is. If another brand is better, I'll say so in a heart beat

 

[parrisw]

That's pretty cool stuff brad. I'm hoping that the 346 still comes out on top.

 

[blsnelling]

That's pretty cool stuff brad. I'm hoping that the 346 still comes out on top.

That's cool with me. May the best saw win. I'm not going to lie and say I'm unbiased. As much as you all know me to love the 346, I'm rooting for the 261.

 

[bcorradi]

Isn't the difference between the 026 and 346 you weighed 2.4 oz instead of 2.6?

Not that I care really, but just thought I'd put that out in case our buddy in norway is taking notes

 

[blsnelling]

Isn't the difference between the 026 and 346 you weighed 2.4 oz instead of 2.6?

Yup, it sure is

 

[Arrowhead]

Good stuff Brad... great pics, great info.

 

[Arrowhead]

All three saws here are outfitted with factory 16" bars and .325 chain. All are full of fuel and oil. The 261 is 9.6 oz heavier than the NE 346XP.

What are the fuel/bar oil capacities of each?

 

[Anthony_Va.]

so by hyolding them, I would think you would'nt feel the difference in weight with either of the three.

I am pulling for the 261 also. I like Stihl and can't help it, lol. But it will have it's work cut out for it. I'm waiting to see the stock -vs- stock comparo.

If that 346 in the vids is maxed out as Brad says, it's looking good for the 261. Heck, a muff mod should give it half of what it needs you would think.

When it comes down to it though, it's hard to go wrong with either, or even the 026 for that matter.

Now, will they ever be able to do anything to compete with the 7900? Wishful thinking I reckon.

 

[dingeryote]

I'm liking that 261 for one reason.

It's gonna light a fire under Husky to do better than the 346ne.

Stock vs Stock, I'm gonna guess that the 261 is darn close to the 346ne, so the power argument is now null and void. What kind of gains to be made will also be interesting, and how the power gains are made will be a huge factor.
50cc Grunt saws are cool, but useless to me.

The weight issue however is a huge dissapointment.
I hope Husky dosn't figure they now have more leeway..

I also am kinda shocked at the weight you got on your 260.
Just picking up a 260 leaves the impression that they are a pound or two lighter, if you are used to the weight and balance of a 346.
Maybe it's the centralization of mass, but it dosn't matter.
The fat lady done sung.

Stihl might have finally entered the modern 50cc saw market!
Good for them!

Thanks for taking the time and suffering all the details!!!

Stay safe!
Dingeryote