# 9 Saw Wars - Stihl MS 261C Chainsaw vs Husqvarna 445 Chainsaw

This video reviews the difference between a Pro level chainsaw, the Stihl MS 261C vs a Farm level chainsaw, the Husqvarna 445. We have some fun doing a spin on a Star Wars theme and test these saw head to head. Finally, I give my review and opinion on both saws and which one is the right saw to buy for each situation.

[@tedpendagast579]

Good gawd sharpen the chains!

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Yes, I should have got new ones. That log was very hard and dry

[@noahshaw8247]

im 16 and currently have 2 stihl saws. i bought my first saw, a ms170 back in october and it just didnt have enough power for big jobs, so bought a ms 291 last week or so, and the power difference is insane. i ran it for an hour or so to cut a sweetgum tree down and i love it. great video

[@spehco959]

I dont like stihl i prefer husqvarna

[@craigemery856]

@@spehco959 Just bought my first saw a Husky 445 2021 Model can't wait to try it

[@spehco959]

@@craigemery856 its a great saw, i used it for 3 years than switched to 572 xp because of heavy everyday work i got to

[@oinn8003]

What’s crazy is that I bought a STIHL and the guy at ACE couldn’t turn it on..we tried and tried nothing went and got Husky 445 and it works like a champ

[@gmarie701]

Just picked up a Husqvarna 445 in early January 2023 at local Husky dealer for $300 plus tax (on sale) which including a two year warranty. The Original 445 which I have is a 457.7cc engine with the 445e going to a 50.2cc displacement, but also another $100 more, The MS 261 C is priced at $680 plus tax, at all the local Stihl dealers, no discounts or sales, ever, and with a one year standard warranty. Was advised by several mower and chain service shops that they thought the Husqvarna was far less likely to need servicing than the comparable Stihl saws...and that they were far easier to start and keep running.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Really depends on who much you are going to use the saw and what you are going to cut. I do like the Stihls better but Husky also makes some good value saws.

[@oinn8003]

man I bought a STIHl and it didn’t fire up $800 of junk, btw some of the parts are made in China 🤦‍♂️

[@cledussnow9507]

I had a 445 as my only saw, had the issue with loosening chain. With the single bar nut, you need to make sure that bar tip has upward pressure when you make the tension adjustment and tighten that bar nut. I just set the tip on my boot or a piece of wood as you tighten the nut, you won't have any issue with it loosening.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Great Tip. Thank you. Will try that

[@MrDarilon23]

I've had the same experience with the 445. It's a capable saw, but lacks a bit of refinement.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

I don't use chainsaws that much, just firewood and the occasional tree. I use a Husqvarna 455 Rancher, and find it perfect for my needs. A good dealership is absolutely essential, I'm lucky enough to have great one who does Stihl and Husqvarna! Have to say, I've done plunge cuts with my polesaw attachment on my combi system, done it pretty easily. I have two Husqvarna 535LK's and they are fantastic machines!

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Saws are so fun. Thanks for watching

[@stevenmeyer7107]

Fantastic video. Nice to hear someone who know about saws. Great to see your daughter out cutting with you.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@birdsgarage3305]

I bought a 445 new in 2012. Started driving a log truck last year and carried the 445 with me for the first 2 months. It didn't have quite enough power to keep up and ended up slowing me down. I stepped up to the 261cm and haven't looked back. Kept the 445 at home as a backup and finally sold it to a buddy last month after never needing to use it. I think they're both great saws, but a farm saw will never keep up with a pro saw. Great comparison video!

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Agree. I really like the Pro Saws but they do cost a lot more.

[@charvakkarpe]

Your chainsaws have blades? When you change the blade, do you have to change the bar too, or just the chain?

[@Boostn8]

Awesome vid I just picked up the ms 261

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

You will like it. Lots of power! Congratulations

[@joeraptor1]

Thanks for the video. Is your Husky saw the original 445 or the 445 E II version? Husqvarna's website lists it as producing 2.8 hp. The MS261 makes is listed at 4 hp on Stihl's website. I am looking for a saw for occasional use. I was leaning toward the 445 as it's much cheaper but I don't want a saw that is under powered.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Mine is a 445 and is a great saw for the money. Its perfect for occasional use. I love the sound of my Husky.

[@KenSentMe-]

445E has those quick oil/fuel caps too. I didnt want them, so mine is same as in the video. I've had the saw 8 years, still going strong. If I've got it right, 450 is same saw with bigger cylinder. I will just get new bigger cylinder if I ever manage to kill the original one.

[@jeffreyhagelin5927]

Looks to me like old dad is holding back a little.

[@brandonlee3875]

I thought they would cut little faster than that I'm guessing stock chain lol?I have a 445 and a 372xp and I've ran the 261 or 362 one of the 2 I'm thinking about getting a 550xp pretty soon.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Awesome. I should have my new Stihl MS500i soon

[@brandonlee3875]

@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 let me kno how you like it I'm still kinda iffy of stihl I like there blowers and trimmers tho chainsaws are high priced lol

[@KFUURE]

The 445 is a decent saw for the price...the fact the stihl 261 has a better bar and clearly teeth....makes a difference. Now if it was a 441 minus the weight, that's an all rounder.

[@glennvernes8305]

Some of the issues with the 445 is the single bar nut which is prone to loosening, the smallish air filter, and the imperfect chain brake design. The 445 cuts fast for a homeowner saw and starts easily when cold but can be very hard to start when hot. It’s not really meant for extended use. It’s a good homeowner grade saw for the money.

[@jasonarnhold1841]

I have a 13 year old 445 (2010) I’ve been using for the last 6 years, great saw and extremely reliable with no issues, but last week was a game changer by watching a few chain sharpening videos! Also I removed the screen in the muffler and made a little more power!

[@MrTimstaaa]

Hi there. You mentioned that you were tightening the chain more frequently on the Husqvarna. Is this because it only has one nut holding the chain ??

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

That is my suspicion as well but know for sure.

[@KFUURE]

With power comes great responsibility 😆, it does have power the 261 is a beast...but price difference makes the 445 a really good saw for mixing it up. And it's Stihl not Steel. Nice video 👊

[@charvakkarpe]

Actually, it's Shteel if you say it right in German.

[@xrsuperduper7660]

Im so pro that i only need a old Jonsered saw ;) Nice saws btw

[@two-strokeworkshop1154]

You see I’m only 12 and I’ve got a echo cs 440 a cs 300evl a stihl ms 180 a poulan 3700 and a homelite ranger

[@jedgasper5145]

Cool saws

[@Bamse52]

I had two stihl 026 for 25 years. Great saws and if I had not fell a tree on it once it had still been running. I bought a stihl 261C and expected it to be as good as the old ones. After 3 years of cutting firewood it broke down with crankshaftfailure. Stihl told me I was to blame not using the Stihl motomix oil. I mixed 2% shell-oil as I had for 25 years. Bad stihl service and stihl is not making so good saws as they once did. When the saw is so finetuned that is has to be run on only stihls own oil, I am not so happy with stihl any more. The one 026 left is still running great, on 2% shell-oil.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Thanks for the info

[@jamesnelson9482]

The 241 is closer to the 445, but yeah the 261 c m is awesome sauce. Try the 545 mark 2 to replace the 445. The 445 holds it own for sure. I switched to a full skip for my 261 makes a big difference.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

I need to try a skip tooth chain. I hear they really help

[@projectredbeard2199]

I have a 545 mkii and that little saw RIPS! I broke it in on a 24 inch chestnut, and it just ate and ate ,and after about the 5th tank it really woke up.

[@jeffcarinda1719]

Totally unfair test. Shoe needs training and the 261C has 4HP and the 445 has only 2.8HP. I have both saws and I know exactly how they perform.

[@zeromark202]

Sharp chain is #1 with any chainsaw. Imo 18” bar 50cc is bare minimum for firewood.

[@70velle2]

Enjoyed the video! Lets be fair, she beat you the first time :)

[@robertmiranda2444]

Yeah put a new chain on the Husqvarna, it's a great saw.

[@scottlowther7698]

New chain Vs old chain test 😮

[@connorlegault9979]

I feel that the Husqvarna 450 would be a more accurate comparison saw to the MS261c because they are both 50cc saws. That being said it is still a great video

[@stevenmeyer7107]

You have to go by hp not cc. Especially when your comparing a farm saw to a pro saw. The 450 is 3.4hp, the 261 is 4hp. The husky 550xp mark 2 is compatible to the 260.

[@easyrider76]

@@stevenmeyer7107 NO Husqvarna 550xp mark 2 is compatible to Stihl 261

[@stevenmeyer7107]

Not sure what that means

[@easyrider76]

@@stevenmeyer7107 That the Husqvarna 550 xp mark2 chainsaw is similar to the Stihl 261 and not the 260.

[@JenkinsMowing86]

No a 450 wouldn't be a better comparison. A 550xp would since its a pro saw as well as the same size engine. People really need to learn the difference 😂

[@MrDarilon23]

My 261 got stolen and I now have a Husqy 445. It's a decent saw, but it really lacks a lot of the refined qualities the 261 had. The 261 is more powerful, feels lighter and is a bit less finicky starting. It is harder to 'bog down' on tough cuts. The 445 is a great saw for the money but I still miss my Stihl.

[@JenkinsMowing86]

It should be the Sithl is a pro saw and the 445 is homeowner. Try an actual pro Husky saw

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Well said. That is what I noticed as well.

[@VikingOlberg-NymoenOfNorway]

Well done young lady. Good video dad.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

That was a fun day. She is off at Collage now.

[@g.d.7629]

Looked like both saws dull or log petrified. Tell you guys what. Try the husq mkII 545. IT SAYS 3.65HP BUT I WAS BLOWN AWAY. IT LOOKS LIKE THE 550XP. I HAVE MKii 550xp and I wud just get 545 mkii for firewood.

[@g.d.7629]

The 550xp is not much stronger or I just got a good one.

[@g.d.7629]

Watch ebay like an eagle and jump on 545!! Really good saw.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

I think the chains could have been sharper and yes that log was very old and hard. Thought is was a good test for the saws

[@daliborsavic9418]

It would be easy to work in the forest with an assistant like this..!

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Ha Ha! Thank you.

[@KFUURE]

Starts hard because Husqvarna has fuel system easy start....as standard.

[@vantando7400]

Ms261c công xuất lớn hơn 445 mà lẽ ra phải so sánh với 353 thì phù hợp hơn

[@lucrobichaud9872]

Try it again with new bars and chain

[@jerrylittle8922]

Lil girl done really good. 👍

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

She is a good helper

[@mindaugasgecas8539]

Husqvarna King!!!!!

[@g.d.7629]

This guy is in great shape and it shows. Hurts to watch.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

LOL

[@Brian-Outdoors]

Now you need to upgrade the Stihl to a Husqvarna 550XP Mark II😆

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Just got a Stihl MS500i Pick it up soon

[@Brian-Outdoors]

@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 that works too!

[@g.d.7629]

Some of these notifications I get seem like they are talking to someone else. Some lose cannons too. Really worked up. Im about done and gonna get out.

[@g.d.7629]

Put a good chain on 261

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Yes, I should have had new chains on both

[@kendallbyrne2788]

That STIHL needs to be broke in after that it would cut a lot faster

[@steppoffaith8426]

Lol lol. Need saw sharpening training. 445 will deff output the 261.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Yes I do. I am trying to get better at it. Maybe I will get a machine that can do it.

[@rcrbrewster7840]

The 445 will out perform the MS261??? Umm nope... Wrong

[@kkkradischen1023]

Die Ketten schneiden nicht - the Chain are not sharp...

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Yes, I should have used new ones.

[@nesonenad2545]

ECHO cs-501sx is beter than husqvarna 445 and stihl ms 261cm😝

[@thew4522]

445 mark 2 Made in china or sweden?

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

I don't know for sure. Sorry

[@glennvernes8305]

Mine was made in Canada.

[@Nick-hb3sk]

The crankshaft and internals all say Sweden

[@nicolasnico132]

No podes comprar una Stihl 261 con una Husqvarna 445. Por qué una es profesional con block de magnesio la otra no es profesional

[@JenkinsMowing86]

Husqvarna 550xp > stihl 261

[@sticks7971]

Run the saws all day everyday….. then you will know

[@Bamse52]

My experience with stihl 026 was very good. I bought 2 saws 25 years agoe and they run great.>If I had not fell a tre on one saw it had still be running good as the other does. I bought a new stihl 261c and expected it to be as good as 026. It was not. After tree years of cutting firewood it broke down with crankshaft failure. Stihl told me I was to blame not using the stihl motomix oil or stihl premix gas. I have allways used shell-oil mixed 2%. New stihl saws are not so good any more and I am not happy with stihl service. No more stihl for me but from now a 550xp.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Can't go wrong with a Husky. Great saws too.

[@juanmanueldanielmartinez4582]

Las stil la verdad no jalan son muy ruidosas y no tienen tanta fuerza y las Husqvarna si tienen fuerza algo le movieron Ala Husqvarna por que siempre gana la Husqvarna 😊

[@skylerhouston]

i have 2 comments 1: fun video, i am letting and teaching my 6 yr old son to use the 455 rancher husqvarna and its great and 2: please please do not call them BLADES, they are not a knife,sword,or machette, they are a BAR AND CHAIN. Have fun and be safe out there!!!!!

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

Right on. Thank you.

[@bradleysmith9752]

take the non kick safety chain off the stihl

[@sunnybeech74]

Had two Stihl MS250s and they were both junk! Got a Husqvarna 445 over 11 years ago and it still runs fine.

[@timbertimeoutdoors9836]

The Husky 445 is a great saw.

[@sunnybeech74]

@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 Indeed it is. The only regret I have for buying it is that I didn't get one model bigger. No big deal though.