#364

STIHL MS 261C-M Pro Forestry Chainsaw. Review. Specs. And The First Saw Cut!
I finally decided on a new chainsaw for the property. I traded in my MS251 for a new STIHL MS261 C-M! I can't wait to crank it up for the first time, here in the forest. Let's check out the saw together - I'll go over the specifications, the reason why I chose this saw over others, and then we head into the forest to put it to work for the first time - up here in the outdoors, at the cottage. Cheers!
Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!
www.gpoutdoors.ca
#stihl #chainsaw #review
#gpoutdoors
‪@GPOutdoors‬
#outdoors_gp

[@stevehuls9522]

22 years ago I got an 026 Pro for my 20th wedding anniversary. Both the saw and marriage are going strong to this day. The Pro saws are fantastic tools. Congrats on a wise purchase.

[@tomallen6073]

Bought my first 026 in either ‘83-84. At that time Stihl was practically unknown in this country. Still have it, ton of honest wear on her, to the point I stopped using it, needs some new parts like the chain cover but still runs well. I bought a new 261 a few years ago, has the same feel as the old 026, great saw. Best way to describe the 261 is it does exactly what you need it do.

[@moultonditcher6187]

My dad always said,buy the best you can afford,you buy cheap,you buy twice.Ive always run STIHL products,MS 361,026 pro saw.Husky,stihl,jonsered,you cant go wrong with quality.Thats one sweet saw,good for many years of use.Oh yeah,Ive learned never go to the bush with 1 saw.

[@GPOutdoors]

Great advice MD! Cheers!

[@emussatto538]

I bought that saw 2 years ago, you won't be disappointed.

[@healyfamily4]

Love my 261 C-M, just got it a few weeks ago. I have a 20” bar on mine. Absolutely recommend it.

[@rudycarlson8245]

You absolutely will not be disappointed! I got a 261 myself and I absolutely love it! It always starts and always ready to go!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I love my Farm Boss MS290 and my newer Farm Boss MS271, but you're making the MS261 look really appealing!

[@justinrenda4451]

I'm have the same thoughts. My 250 and 271 are great saws, but the 261 has been on my radar for a while

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@justinrenda4451 Me too, Justin. And videos like this make me want it even more. I wonder if I could convince my wife that I NEED It for our channel? :)

[@bobmoyer8864]

Always fun to see what you have.... u have a vreat way to share...

[@JeepinMaxx]

That new saw is a beast! Thank you for the information about the differences between consumer grade and professional grade saws.

[@BradMyers]

Glad you got a saw that you like. To many times people will buy a saw just because someone else has it. You did your homework, talked to those with experience, and got a saw that would meet your needs.

[@jmprvrhntcmp]

Awesome! That’s exciting! Love the saw....keep the great videos coming!

[@alstammers6910]

Nice review Gord. I too have a MS261, which is my favorite tool for sawing under 16 inch logs. However, I have an MS361, MS362, MS461 and MS661. Today I was out felling a few 16 to 18 inch dead ash trees and used the MS362 exclusively. It really is a workhorse with great power to weight ratio. I save the MS261 for lighter felling and bucking. For the farm saws I have a couple of MS250s, a MS251 and a MS290. The 290 would give the pro saws a run for the money. However, If I am out for a couple of hours, the 362 is my favorite. Thanks for a great channel with very useful information. Stay well.

[@bencarter2334]

Bought one 18 months ago. Best saw I've ever owned.

[@andrewstuppnig1861]

GP, I have the same one. You’ll notice that this saw is higher rpm as well which aids in the cutting speed other than the increase in HP. With this high rpm, be sure to let it warm up a bit before giving it full throttle as the piston expands sooner than the cylinder and may cause scoring on the cylinder. Enjoy! I do mine.

[@ToddBeal]

Thanks for the tip, as I will be purchasing soon.

[@mattpavlick2640]

From one 261 owner to another, great review! I have been running mine for five years and love it. It is the perfect saw to carry through the woods. The narrow profile and impressive power are its best strengths. People often measure chainsaw power in terms of engine CC’s. For chainsaws I think a better measure is engine output. The MS261cm’s output is rated at 3.0 kW (4.0 bhp), whereas the MS251 is rated at 2.2 kW (3.0 bhp). The 261 has a major power advantage. If you don’t already have it, you should pick up the two in one chain sharpener. It gives you a perfect chain touch up every time.

[@shanehorvath5240]

I really like how he says bye it’s nice more people need to hear that.😀

[@dewarner12]

Great video - thanks. Based upon your recommendation and those of some others, I recently bought the MS 261 C andI am amazed at the power vs. weight. I bought my last Stihl chainsaw 23 years ago, and it still runs great.

[@cameronroach61]

Good choice GP! I sold my 290 Farm Boss for a new 261 and love it. The weight is better and the power is better as well. I found that after around 5-8 tanks of gas it really picked up. I like the better vibration damping as well. I had to get a fancy Stihl sharpener to keep it sharp after every tank or two.

[@RDavies126746]

My nephew just bought the same saw and even though I a Husqvarna fan....he got a very nice saw. You vent go wrong with either brand and both of you will be very happy with your purchase for years to come!

[@whaleyboys5801]

Awsome choice👍 My dad bought a MS261 with the 20” bar 9 years ago and it still runs strong.

[@profdave2861]

Congrats on the new saw, Gord! Glad to see Christmas came early for you!! Based on the smile on your face, I think you now understand why Bill and I recommended the MS 261 😄. Although I own the larger MS 362 (and MS 250 and... and...LOL), the 261 is my go to saw for most of my serious cutting. You are going to love the lighter weight and incredibly low vibration when you use it for long periods, and you’ll notice even more power as it breaks in over the first 5-10 tanks of fuel. Thanks for the honourable mention, and wishing you many years of pleasure using the new toy!! Cheers!!!

[@ve6wo]

Great to see you out enjoying that saw. I just bought one here a week ago for use up in north-western Alberta. The light weight and very capable power makes this little saw an absolute pleasure to use. It’s a fantastic little saw!

[@gusswenson7811]

Good evening GP. Great saw.. keep it Sharp .. I have a few extra chains. I have the MS311 and love it. Huge step up from the saw I used for over 40 years.. McCulloch mac 10/10.. I know... I am old.. hahahah Have a great rest of your week. Great job on the give a ways. It is so thoughtful and kind for you and your wife to do this.. Stay safe and always be kind. Take care my friend.. Cheers..

[@TheHobbyShop1]

That is really nice. I remember when I went from a Craftsman to a husky. What a difference!

[@Arctic_Dude]

Have the same one. Powerful and very reliable. No complaints.

[@adamlugo7798]

This is my first "big boy" saw. It's amazing!!!! I bought mine equipped with that 20in it's makes short work of anything put in front of it for sure!

[@gillbujold1918]

Bought my 1st chainsaw with my 1st tax refund when I was 18. Dealer explained the benefits of a pro saw and I ended up with an 036 Pro. 22 years later it is still my go to saw! Best purchase I ever made.

[@raincoast9010]

Yup, i have a few saws in that age range including a Husky 371 with a 20 inch bar and an 066 Magnum for the bigger jobs as well as a tiny 020T. That 036 is a sweet saw, i have saw envy! Happy cutting.

[@darrenjones2933]

I work for a place with a lot of stihl equipment. We still have some 036 saws floating around that were here before I started 23 years ago. They're still going strong.

[@janking2762]

I have one of these and it’s a wonderful saw! It’s the successor to the 026 Pro saw, which was the standard saw for AT trail maintainers in the mid Atlantic region. High power to weight ratio, esp with 16” bar, much less vibration than the MS251(I gave that one away). A 16 bar will cut up to 32 “ log. I had an MS 390 for logs 20-30” diameter and the 261 will cut these just fine with less weight. Got fix of that one, too.

[@chiefmik9108]

Nice running Saw GP, sounds like it has the power you need to get the job done... I’m still running my Husqvarna 357 and switched over to the premixed fuel and it is still running like a champ...Stay Safe GP...God Bless...Chief{NYS/ADK}

[@dwoods1178]

Looks like a keeper! Have fun !

[@alabamareloader9862]

Now you have a saw love the new saw should give you many years of good service.

[@larrycainjr]

Good for you, GP! Hope you have many years of good luck with your new machine. Stay safe!

[@kevinhines6066]

I just got this saw myself, as a Christmas present from the wife. I've only felled one tree and bucked a couple so far, but the thing sure does run nice.

[@tomfillmore9710]

nice saw works good that will serve you well I have a 250 and really like it thanks for sharing have a great day

[@robertwilliams7723]

The 261 is a great saw.. I have used Stihl for over 45 years. They make great quality products.

[@seanmackey1469]

Saw looks great 👍. Thanks for explaining why you decided on this saw

[@JeremyNapierkowski]

I'm very happy for you on the pro saw upgrade. You will fall in love with it the more you run it. Most definitely when you get about 10 tanks of fuel through it. Truly a night and day upgrade from a homeowner or farm and ranch saw. If you ever want another night and day style upgrade beyond that, try .375 (3/8) pitch chain. Much bigger chips fly and it bites a lot harder than the .325 pitch chain. If you remember a couple months ago I recommended the 362 pro. it runs the 3/8 chain nicely. The 3/8 chain on the 026(my saw) or 261 series saws can be a little too "bitey" if you like to push into the wood or really hinge on the felling dawgs. Either way, it makes me happy to see you enjoying that pro series as much as I do mine. Take care good Sir, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@zemlechist3789]

ОК very good!!! I love ms 261c-m

[@garypike5420]

Your channel is one of my favorites.

[@dennisb4027]

I have a 261 and love it. The more you cut with it the faster it gets

[@ATR-42]

I am in need of a new saw recently to replace my MS210, didnt know where to start, this was a perfectly timed video, thanks Gord!!

[@harlowkinney8206]

I have that saw and I believe a while ago I recommend it as well it gets better after a few tanks of fuel Have a good week and keep em coming

[@justadbeer]

I always love getting new toys! I'm a Jonsered guy for the last 20 or more years

[@Jeremy-fy1sz]

We've got a 630 super that's been doing firewood for over 20 years. I picked up a 261c and it's very comparable. The 630 has a bit more grunt in the low end but the 261 has a bit more chain speed if you don't push too hard. Pulls a 20" bar through softwood easily.

[@troyroe6021]

Hello,oh my goodness, be stihl my heart, oh my goodness, what a Christmas gift.thanks in advance.

[@troyroe6021]

Darn, I was snookered, nice saw I’ve got one of them already, I tried

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL! :))

[@gmanwrangler]

Great vid, thanks for posting! Getting ready to buy and you helped erase any doubts!

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning Gary. Happy it was helpful. I love this saw and very happy with it, still. Several subscribers told me that after about 10 fills it would run even better and they were right. I guess perhaps that is the break- in period. Good luck with your choice!

[@gmanwrangler]

@@GPOutdoors Thanks!!

[@strshooter7399]

Nice saw. Stihl has a great reputation for quality. May it bring you years of fun ... cutting wood. I used my father’s Sears and Roebuck chainsaw (purchased in the early 50’s I think) a few times when I was in my 20’s, around 1977. It had a 16” bar as I recall, but so heavy. I can only imagine how much lighter these current saws are, and easier to use. Enjoy 🙂

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@lindsaykuzyk5116]

We have a 261 and a 661 and love them both. The 661 was supposed to be for firewood and milling. Now mainly milling with the 661 because the 261 is such a good saw for cutting with a 20 inch CANNON BAR.

[@Surferjo]

very nice saw great view of the land ty

[@njrworkshop]

Great timing with this video. I'm thinking of making the jump from a 251 to a 261. This was helpful!

[@GPOutdoors]

Good luck NJR! Big difference for sure. I was kind of surprised as they look so very similar - I didn't expect it to be so dramatic. Take care!

[@raincoast9010]

I have always thought that 50:1 for mix was a bit lean so i go a little bit richer with the gas/oil mix. One of the more important things to remember is to warm the saw up before gunning the throttle or you will eventually damage the engine. Happy cutting with the new saw GP.

[@greghickox9508]

I bought a ms 462 last month to compliment my 20+ year old 036 pro and it just tears through firewood! The 036 is still running strong but I do have the need for a larger saw. You will be very happy with the new saw, cheers!

[@hull99]

Good luck with the new saw and time for a chain saw caddy for the ATV!

[@jeremygladd6657]

Nice saw, I have a Farm Boss 271 and so far I have no complaints.

[@brucebinde5303]

I was just looking at that one and then you do a review....Thanks.

[@micahbarnette5778]

It's a great saw , you made a good choice...love mine

[@ericmacmillan565]

GP, you will love that saw. My brother has a 261 for the last year and it just rips. It is so light. The pro saws series are not cheap, yet worth it. I have a 362 myself and it is great as well

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Eric! That's great to hear. All the best!

[@lewisyellowhair7028]

Good test!! Great job 👍

[@bobpurs]

Nice saw GP. One of several that I have. Jealous of your snow. Stay well and safe.

[@darrenmorrow5697]

My first saw was a 026 and have had a 260 stihl for 15 years both were/are bulletproof👍

[@conradbedard8684]

Very good choice GP, this is the model I had for the last few years. Unfortunately, I run over it with the flail mower last summer, completely destroying it. I replaced it with the MS 362 model, not that regret the upgrade but I can feel the extra weight, and I get tired more quickly. If you take good care of it, it will most likely be your last chainsaw purchases. Sent from my iPad

[@automategames]

I just picked up a second hand Stihl ms260 and it cuts like a dream!! wow.

[@nickanthony9467]

I enjoy watching your videos with my wife. Keep up the good work

[@larasea741]

Good choice on the saw. I have been running that saw for a couple of years. Tons of power and light.

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Tom!

[@mycrazycutz]

Great choice going for a pro series saw, no comparison between the pro vs homeowner series.

[@canamrider7195]

Lots of saw in a small package. I picked one up yesterday, and today will start breaking it in. One thing is I changed the rim on the sprocket to run 3/8 chains vs the .0325 the saw comes with. My experience with a ms290, the 3/8 chisel skip can really make a difference, and it is easier to keep sharp.

[@okanaganpeterjames]

Love your channel. Found you channel while searching the ms261 last week. Just came back to watch again. Love the content great production value

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

That was a great review Gord. If I ever move up to a pro saw, I think I will go with the MS 261. Nice size and big enough for what I want to use it for. Presently, my big saw is an MS 390 with a 20 inch bar. I just did an interview on my channel with my local Stihl dealer on the new MS 500i fuel injected chain saw. That is becoming a very popular video. Thanks for this video Gord. Very informative. Full watch and a thumbs up.

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Gary. I will check it out! I'd love that saw but wooooeee it is not inexpensive. :)) Take care!

[@johnkowlok3231]

I am very happy with my MS261. She is a petite beast that eats through pine and aspen like an Ethiopian on a Big Mac.

[@6548ww]

I just bought this saw today can't wait to take it out and saw up a pile of wood with it mine came with the 20" bar this was my day after Christmas present to myself 👍

[@NotSureJoeBauers]

Here I was out west using the MS251 as an in-tree climbing saw thinking: "Wow this saw is so light! This is way better than using my MS362!" LOL

[@bigbigby4657]

Really good choice!... The new fuel injected one they have out is all the rave now. ☺

[@Woodwhore]

Great saw, good luck with it

[@kevinbudke8438]

Congrats on the new saw. 👍🏼

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

GP, nice saw, great purchase, good choice! Just wanna say,.....Merry Christmas to you, but ya better,...." one up it" for your Mrs.? LOL ,and....maybe now Bob 'n Guy won't pick on you too much?! LOL

[@547Rick]

Very nice chain saw! I think you made the right choice.

[@refixed]

Beautiful saw. The pro saws have a number of magnesium components too that aren't found on the non-pro stuff (hence the better power-to-weight). I've got a 201Tc, 261c-m, 362c-m, and a 461... if I could only keep one, it would be the 362, but the 261 sure is an awesome saw. Cheers from Rideau Lakes!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks SJ!

[@jaymontgomery3330]

I just recently bought a MS 391 with a 25" bar, very happy with it so far. Was looking hard at the MS 261 but decided to go a little bigger.

[@RijRunr]

Another great video, thanks

[@panama-canada]

You chose a good saw. I’ve been through different brands of saws and decided on Stihl in the end too.

[@johnmedlin5894]

I have the MS261 on my wish list for sure, I have a MS260 Farm Boss. That MS261 cut through that log like a hot knife thorough butter.

[@strandbunnyx]

I also have a 261C and a 441C both very nice saws! I was looking for a 362CM they are prety nice mid model.

[@mattcanfield6384]

Excellent choice pro saws are always worth the extra money more power less weight my good friend has a 261 and it's a powerhouse

[@brianzchuk]

That's my next saw, too. I'm going to buy the heated handle version though. I'm getting soft in my old age!

[@neilforbes1082]

Nice review thanks

[@Green3062]

I bought the same saw. It's the happy medium for big jobs when you need it and all the other routine jobs that you normally run into on cutting chores.

[@markjones4090]

Nice saw GP, cutting like a knife through butter. Loved seeing the chips cover the snow.

[@billdawson8458]

Great choice Gord. You’ll love it! Lol I didn’t know what you meant regarding the shout out from the other video chat. Cheers

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks again Bill. Really appreciate the help from you and Dave. I think for now i will use this one and see if in the future there is a need for a bigger saw to add to the stable. Cheers!

[@ciphercode2298]

That was a really nice review. I've used a dolmar/makita 50cc saw,but its parts are hard to find now so I bought a used non running husqvarna 550xp. I rebuilt the top end and I've got to sort out an air leak it's got. I dont think I'm gonna keep it because I dont like the outboard clutch and it's cold starting procedure is hit and miss. It feels good in the hand and probably cuts great. I'll probably fix it and the makita up and sell them and use the money for a new ms261cm. I just cut 5 or 6 cords a year for myself. Between my ms441cm and a good 50cc saw I'm in good shape for a long time.

[@garyfarris3858]

My neighbor bought that same saw. I do believe you will be very happy with it.

[@davesmith8936]

And here I thought you were giving away a new chainsaw! LOL! That Sthil looks like quite the beast.

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL! :))

[@staceyroberts9561]

Wow that is a hoss you'll love that thing .get a lot of wood cut now

[@jeffschaefer4579]

Bought a 391 Stihl 3 years ago and what a hoss!! I've had huskys for years and had good luck with them with the exception of the leaking bar lube tank. Kept having to replace them at 70 bucks a pop got old. Still use them but always run them drive at the end of the day.

[@GPOutdoors]

Morning Jeff. I looked a lot at that 391 but figured I should be ok with this guy - hope so. Cheers!

[@briansilver3412]

I have a husky as a backup saw and yep, run it dry or it leaks bar oil.

[@robertschillaci9842]

Great choice, I have a 250, 260, 290, and 390. The 260 is still my first grab every time. I’m in Buckhorn, Ontario, maybe you’ve heard of it, lol. 100 acres of maple, birch, pine and elm, Stihl has never let me down

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL! Cheers Bob!

[@tractorman4461]

Excellent choice in saws GP. I've been running an 026 for many years....among others. But it is my 'go to' saw for the smaller stuff, no reason to bring out the big boys unless they are needed. We have a tendency to come across a wide variety of diameters here....the biggest I ever cut was 51'' diameter. But you are right it makes no sense to lug a more powerful heavier saw when its not needed. Again...good choice and another very good video !!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks T! I have not had a chance to use it much yet but I am dying to get it broken in. Big difference in power - I was quite surprised. Take care my friend!

[@Back40Firewood]

Great choice GP...I've heard nothing but great things about that saw, just like ya said. You'll have fun bucking up firewood now rippin thru it with that! Have a good one & keep that snow up there...lol 😆👍🍻

[@randyteal3420]

You did exactly what I did, I also traded my ms251 in on a m261 - a couple of years ago. It is a much better saw IMO.

[@marklacombe2671]

Have a ms250 and it's over worked for what I do with it. It's what I could afford 5 years ago. Now in a better position I am looking for a bigger saw. 2 things I need is more power and definitely a longer bar so I am not bent over so much. Really takes a toll on my back. I work in the logging industry now as a log truck driver and asked a few different fallers what they would recommend as an upgrade. The 261 with a 20 inch bar came up many times and the highest recommended for my needs was the 311 with a 25 inch bar. I'll probably go with the 311 but that 261 is calling my name.

[@bdexter1958]

Agonized over my choice of a saw for a year. A lumberjack was in my hardware store and told me it's the only one to get. Have not put my hands on one yet but I put money down. Have to wait another 3 weeks till they get it in. Every time I'm looking at this saw there seems to be another reason to buy it. From metal housing to weight to power radio I think it's the best choice. I've worked with a couple MS311's and thought they where good daws. At 62 I'm thinking of the weight as I got older. Can't wait to get it!!!

[@GPOutdoors]

That's great. I really like it a lot. Hope you get yours soon!

[@davidcollier1207]

I'm a lumberjack......and I'm okay!

[@lonniemcintosh6239]

Stihl was the only saw my DAD would buy and he was scottish !

[@alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

Congrats on the new saw. 👍

[@garyclark3805]

I know how it feels as i had a farmboss 391 which i reckon is a dog as it has given me a lots of problems. So i bought the 361CM and it is a fantastic saw. So well balanced and great power to weight ratio. Here in Oz we are cutting lots of hard eucs. So need sharp chain and lots of power.