Chainsaw Comparison: Husqvarna 550 XP vs. Stihl MS 261

[@daveseaver6337]

forgot something although stihl is great product the 550 is by far a better saw hands down one of the best chainsaws on the market. 3rd gen. arborist. owned them all. have them all. the 550 in its class is a far better saw.

[@afellowinnewengland6142]

My family owns both the 550xp MkII and the MS 261, here's the deal: 1) The handles on the Husky are much more comfortable if you have large hands. The Stihl handles are best for small or medium sized hands. 2) The Husky balances much better with an 18" and 20" bar length. The Sithl is nose heavy. 3) The Husky with the narrow kerf chain option cuts faster than the Stihl. 4) The Husky is easier to get re-started when you run the gas tank dry because of the priming bulb. 5) The Husky oils the bar better and the Stihl is a bit stingy on oil. 6) The Stihl is a pound lighter than the Husky. 7) The Stihl has more dealer coverage 8) The Stihl has 1" more effective bar cutting length for equal length bars. For example, an 18" Stihl bar is 1" longer than an 18" Husky bar on these particular models. 9) The Husky costs less to purchase new. 10) You can get a five year warranty on the Husky but only 2 years on the Stihl. 11) Reliability is equal. No problems with either after 3 years. 12) Build quality and materials is slightly higher on the 550xp mk II.

[@ciphercode2298]

Just rebuilt my 8 year old 550xp for the 2nd time in 8 years,but both my stihl are over 10 years old with no major work done to them. One of them ,my ms441c I use for big firewood and my Alaskan mill. Its seen brutal use and never a single problem. If reliability and ease of maintenance is what you want then I'd choose stihl

[@thomashoegee4896]

I have many problems on my 391 sthil it eats cilinders and pistons no more sthil here husqvarna reliability for me muche better sthil make good saws for shore but husky make more rpm i like that to fell when i saw on sthil is more working on low rpm torq

[@1d1hamby]

Really great job explaining some of the differences and why they're there. Thanks for the footage 👣 and keep up the great work.

[@tomzawacki822]

Great video, I have both brands, a MS261c and 562XP. I run the MS 261 with a 18" bar and the 562XP with a 24" bar. I live in Michigan and use both saws year round on both soft and hard woods. The husky is a little faster but the 261 has a little better low end torque. Both saw have served me well and I can't say a bad thing about either brand, And if you take off the cover of the Husqvarna without releasing the brake, its not a big deal. I reset the brake just using the brake handle where it curves against the brake in the cover and in less than two minutes I'm back in business, no tools needed. I do think Stihl has the better air filter but I feel the Husqvarna has better balance. You can't go wrong with either company. IMHO

[@adambatchelder4121]

Ive had a ms260 pro for years and its been a tough saw ,my local shop sells both and says they see more bearing failure with the huskys so ive ordered a new stihl 261

[@Carlsmower]

The 260 is a solid machine. I suspect you’ll love the power increase of the 261. And the air filtration, way better.

[@adambatchelder4121]

@@Carlsmower yep my new 261 s best improvement over my 260 is definitely the air filter , had it ported brand new so I don't know how much more power it had stock , but it absolutely rips now.

[@HeathInHeath]

Fantastic! Thank you for the head to head comparison. I have a much better understanding of what makes each one a good choice now.

[@koltinsteiner24]

I have a husqvarna 550 xp mark 2 and I was looking for a good secondary saw something that is a little lighter what is a good saw for that??

[@Carlsmower]

That 572XP is pretty awesome. Couple that with a 28” lightweight bar and you’ll have a winner

[@tadzixon6529]

You have a natural talent to explain such things. It was both informative and fun to watch!

[@robinverbridge4900]

Did you show us how to change the air flow for winter?

[@Carlsmower]

I did not. Do you have the 261? Stihl says less than 50 deg Fahrenheit. What’s your thoughts? Never had a problem above 32° personally

[@joshualake4882]

I'm just south of salem ohio. I have a stihl dealer 6 or 7 miles northeast of me and a husqvarna/stihl dealer 12 miles west of me. I bought the 550xp mark ii in November and love it. Very light and reliable. Great information comparing the 2!

[@Carlsmower]

Nice work enjoy that awesome chainsaw

[@AnthemBassMan]

I’m a little south of you in Tuscarawas County in the Bolivar/Zoar area. I have both dealers within a 15 minute or so drive from me. I’m really leaning towards the Husky 550XP.

[@joshualake4882]

@@AnthemBassMan I'm actually trying to sell mine now 😂 it has less than 50 hours on it

[@AnthemBassMan]

@@joshualake4882 What did you replace the Husky with?

[@joshualake4882]

@@AnthemBassMan I'm not buying anything else to replace my 550. I'm "retiring" from cutting wood

[@robinverbridge4900]

Is that Husky you just compared to the ms261 a 550xp or a 550xp mark ii

[@chrisb9478]

Great comparison. I bought the 550xp only because I couldn’t find a dealer with any of the 261’s in stock!

[@Carlsmower]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m sure you’ll love the Husqvarna.

[@markclark1605]

I own the MS - 261 less m tronic. Very good saw. Light weight.

[@ВасилийУткиин]

Правильно сделал!

[@dwaynekerrison7387]

10/10 the inboard clutch is brilliant on the Stihl saw... I've got a 550XP (had a 450e before that) and the outboard clutch is a massive pain when you get it stuck and have to pull the bar off to get it out... the easy fix is to not get it stuck ;) but every now and then you just have a failure and it can be a real pain to get the powerhead away from the bar/chain on the Husky...

[@Carlsmower]

The Stihl design of this is definitely an advantage.

[@robinverbridge4900]

Yes Dwayne l had the same experience! ME .....being an amateur (cutting 45 years now) regret leaving my barn with just one saw. I need (at least) 2 saws to consider myself prepared.

[@barrysensing7672]

I would go with the Stihl. I like the features of it better, and have Stihl dealers all around my area. I have owned Farm/Ranch grade Stihls for years and they have been awesome saws.

[@brianturner1951]

If a stihl is good you wouldn't need so many Dealers, Husky by leaps & Bounds PERIOD .

[@davido6915]

I got both which makes the choice easy! The 550 mark2 has more power for sure. I prefer the weight and inboard clutch in the stihl, makes changing chain much easier, another plus is if you pinch your bar with the stihl you can pull the bar off and get the power head out of the way.

[@ΗΛΙΑΣ.ΧΑΝΤΖΗΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ]

Which is your go to?

[@davido6915]

@@ΗΛΙΑΣ.ΧΑΝΤΖΗΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ mark2

[@foolwithatool2052]

I wish more saws had inboard clutches. I don't know if it has something to do with the size or just cost to produce. Either way, I'm ok with having a little bit of extra width or cost for the added convenience.

[@markclark1605]

Like the both brands. Dealer support is better on sthil. Sthil has a double ring piston which gives more engine life and the weight is generally lighter. I like them both brands and they do very good. Both brands have some competition now. It's the Echo X series that's at a lower price and the performance is impressive..

[@JamaicaDancehallTV]

Man wish you thought us in high school, so clear and easy to learn, good job

[@justinmcginty9975]

The only thing primer bulbs are good for is rotting out and causing a lean mix

[@Carlsmower]

That can happen.

[@TheDennys21]

I also see no difference when using the de-comp valve and when i'm not.

[@sprint2648]

No primer bulb allows you to pump fresh cool gas into the carb after your saw has been sitting awhile after you run it.

[@brianturner1951]

The rotting out is due to the WRONG FUEL,avoid any and All fuel with Ethanol or Methanol and your problem is solved.

[@tonyviers-de9qi]

Do you have an updated review, after 2 years?

[@stevenmeyer7107]

Awesome info and great video. I think you helped a lot of people understand those two saws.

[@gregwright6565]

Looking at getting the MS261 and had a question. My local dealer said that it is not real good for it if you are doing a lot of light work with it and that it really needs to be pushed hard. Is this true? I use a small Echo CS310 a little every couple of months. Most of what I would be cutting is a lot of smaller stuff, but I do get into some larger mesquite and other central TX woods that the Echo struggles with. I don't mind spending more for quality that will last even if I won't be using it much. I was hoping the MS261 would be fine even if I was using it a lot for lighter stuff, but dealer recommended hanging on to the smaller Echo for the lighter stuff. I'd like to just have one saw for it all. What are your thoughts?

[@Carlsmower]

Hey Greg we don’t have the 161 here in the states yet. Is the 241 available where you are at? That thing with a 16 inch bar is a rockstar

[@gregwright6565]

@@Carlsmower Sorry, meant to say MS261. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks for the reply

[@Carlsmower]

@@gregwright6565 love it!

[@gregwright6565]

@@Carlsmower You think it would be a good saw if it spent a lot of its time just doing light duty stuff though and only occasional heavy duty stuff? Really only want to have one saw for it all. Thanks.

[@Carlsmower]

@@gregwright6565 what var size you thinking. I’d love to use that with a 16” bar. It will be so nimble and powerful

[@derrickvarnadore1682]

Thank you we use these as crane saws and was super helpful to see where I loose money. Been watching the guys fumble with chain on 550 for years now… also to be noted I live in western nc and temp and moisture and pressure changes a lot. The 550s just don’t run reliably here. Guess im gonna give the stihl a whirl.

[@harryharry3193]

Great job on the video. your a Value to your customers!

[@bobbyvillalobos3159]

2 of my favorite saws

[@videocardzrule354]

I like that Stihl pretty much makes you buy the 261 in store, in my state NC you physically cannot buy a Stihl 261 and have it shipped to your door, you can buy online and go pick it up, or buy one on eBay lol, but they won’t ship a pro saw to a regular consumer. They also sell them in both flavors. Old school adjustable carb, or Mtronic auto tune. (Either model is the same price) the reason for in-store pickup up, is so a professional can set the saw up for you, mount bar+chain, add proper quality fuel, add bar oil, start it, and see it run and function properly, tune the carb if needed. No shipping allowed, no shipping damage whatsoever, and minimal user error, and potential loss or fraud completely eliminated. This drastically reduces returned products due to buyer error. As for the Husky you can literally buy one online right now, and they’ll ship it to your door. This is good and bad at the same time. It could be damaged in shipping, or not set up correctly by the buyer. I assume someone buying a 550XP has experience lol. But you never know haha. Anyways, both are great saws! John Deere provided me some excellent service in my 261 purchase. Also, no one mentioned price here at all. The STIHL 261 is $689.99-$719.99 range depending on BAR type. The HUSQVARNA 550XP MKII is $590 dollars. That’s a good bit cheaper. 😊 I own a new 261 (20”) but just sayn.

[@tedneitzel]

That's hands down easy for me. My buddies 261mtronic is a turd compared to my mark2. I let him run my mark2 for a day and next thing I know he's got a new mark2!!

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Good unbiased comparison of main features.

[@Apemano]

Both great machines, I think it might even be Chevy/Ford style. I have a 261 and its a monster. Will never use a non pro saw again (except my 170 for limbing),

[@MaineOutdoorsChannel]

The stihl is one pound lighter and has a decompression value... I will be getting the stihl

[@robinverbridge4900]

Did you mention the cost?

[@Carlsmower]

Both run $600-650 in 2022 depending on bar size. But pricing is likely to change so I generally leave that out.

[@ncode03]

There is no husqvarna dealer in my area so it's Stihl all the way. Rarely I see anyone uses husqvarna. Stihl does its job so there's never a time to wish a husqvarna dealer here.

[@Carlsmower]

Do you have an MS261?

[@68fmj51]

I’m trying to decide between the 261c and the 550XP, but the Stihl has the upper hand because there’s Stihl dealers everywhere around here. I had some questions about the Mtronic carb and the owner of one of the local dealers told me that usually if there was a problem with that saw it was owner-induced. That didn’t instill me with much confidence in warranty support. As far as the Husqvarna I really don’t like the idea of an outer clutch. Other than that it looks like a great saw.

[@goodboyringo9716]

Husqvarna dealers stand behind their products the same as Stihl would. I love my 550 xp mark 2. I also have a Stihl FS66 weed trimmer that I have had for 38 years and only lately had to clean the exhaust screen because it wouldn't run , now it runs like also. Never had a problem with it.

[@waterbourne9282]

I have a number of Stihl products and was pretty keen on a 261. After looking closely at them, the 550, and then the Shindaiwa 501SX (Echo 501P) I went with that. Pro saw, significantly lighter, Japanese quality with no brand premium, no electronics, and longer warranty. Very happy.

[@Carlsmower]

Hope it treats you well

[@stihl3826]

Interesting review with a shelf load of Stihl gear in the background 👍

[@Carlsmower]

Our current showroom leaves me with little room to “stage” the video. So what saw do you run?

[@dfunckt]

@@Carlsmower I noticed that you did your outro in front of the Husqvarna display to eliminate the question of dealer bias. 👍

[@alambakar3614]

Great review.

[@basssix1]

Great overview ! Thank you

[@Carlsmower]

So what are you going with??

[@espenhaga2375]

Very nice video, filled with information. Great work! Greetings from Norway👍

[@Carlsmower]

Thank you very much so what saw does the Norwegian use?

[@espenhaga2375]

@@Carlsmower Hi! Currently i am using a Husqvarna 440 and an old 340. But having seen your videos I am going to go for a Stihl 261. Looking very much forward to trying Stihl :)

[@bencarter2334]

I bought a 261. I was very torn between the husky and the stihl. Even though the husky dealer is about a mile away from me I went for Stihl Purley because of the whole clutch/brake faff. I had it on a husky 251 xp and remembered it being a real knob ache. Although I recently bought a husky disk cutter and that is hands down a better machine than the stihl. That said my man's maths is saying but a 550 and then I would be able to make a better judgement 😂😂😂

[@to_pewnie_jerzy]

I have Husqvarna 346xp. The best chainsaw

[@Carlsmower]

That machine was a legend

[@KD-cx6yi]

"Your number one issue is your dealer", spoken by a dealer...LOL

[@valev79]

Hello! I need detailed impressions of the 550xp mark 2 and the stihl ms 261 without the mtronic. I have to settle on one of the two. I've read quite a bit about them, but mostly initial impressions and dry information. The saw will be used primarily in the yard for cutting hardwood firewood. I will be glad if you share which of the two models is better. Which of the two models will create more joy than nerves. Which is more long-lasting and hassle-free, overall. Not primarily aimed at cutting speed. Looking for comfort and reliability on the part of the machine. To predispose to a feeling of safe and secure work, without being extreme, if you understand me. Naturally, if it contains all of these together, it's even better. 😊 Let anyone who has reasonably extended experience with the 550xp mark2 and ms261 share their extensive views on them. As well as any pressing issues to fix or recommended changes to the machine related to its optimization. Greetings!

[@bub99554]

Husqvarna best start switch procedure best fuel cap just a better saw muffler mod the 550 be a pure beast after

[@rooster3019]

I like both brands and have dealers for both; but my Stihl leaks fuel and oil from those damned caps no matter how careful I am to keep the "O" rings and seats clean. My newer saws are Huskvarna or Echo in 70cc class. The purge bulbs help with hot starts. The de-compression valves are not my "cup of tea". I use them on cold starts for the first pull, but I have plugs on hand for when they eventually stick -- so far they have not stuck open; some reports of sticking by others.

[@nickeckemoff7631]

STHIL 261 bogs down unless you use 16 inch bar, which is tiny. It's too under powered to run a 20+ inch bar. If you're doing any kind of reasonable work, you want 25+ inches. It also burns out.. aka scores piston after lots of use. It is not a pro saw despite being marketed as one. I got a stihl 462 to replace it. The only reason I didn't get a husqvarna 572 was because lack of dealer support in my area. Stihl chainsaws are like all things german... innovative and good design, but not made to last. Expecting my new $1400 saw to work for 2-3 years...heck I recently learned stihl had to redesign the piston as of last year because of failures (I got the new version, but the whole idea doesn't inspire much confidence). Sure dealer support is great for stihl, but they defer to Virginia beach, VA for warranty claims. My experience dealing with them was poor. They just blame the owner and try to refuse warranty coverage. So in summary stihl got dealer support, but the reliability and warranty is junk. I will get a huskqvarna and drives hours for a dealer if this stihl craps out...this is this last chance (strike 3).

[@Bc-mj9hg]

You clearly have no experience running stihl power saws

[@nickeckemoff7631]

Clearly

[@garrylarose1506]

I used to run Husqvarna for years and years (faller) now I run stihl everything. Husqvarna sold out to outsourcing their labor to China. Stihl is still made in Germany.

[@Theredeemedchild2]

I think decomp valves on anything 80cc and under isn't needed. I can pull my 500i no problem without it.

[@Carlsmower]

It does seem like a waste. That said I’ve kept a lot of old woodsman behind a chainsaw for a few more years thanks to the comp relief.

[@ciphercode2298]

Its alot smoother pull with the compression relief valve. I can start my 441 without it,but its alot easier with the button pushed. It's a good feature,even on smaller saws.

[@Lifeinthewoods99]

One thing that guys don't think about, is that, with the compression relief, you'll never have to replace the starter rope and mechanism... still running a 20+ year old stihl 026pro, all original. Husqvarna is a great product, but, Stihl still lasts years and years.

[@JimsNBHomestead]

I'm Stihl have the MS 261C, MS290, MS170, MS291, Loving the Stihl, IF IT AIN"T STIHL IT AIN"T REAL

[@brianturner1951]

you HAVE NO CLUE !

[@unknownpresident]

Husky all day long , they are only tempamental to user error prone people . Brought a 550 xp mark 2 The key is to rip it as sujested don't hesitate , learn the length of cord and rip it to 2/3rds of the length . Can be started on first pull if you hold ya tong right . And dam it cuts better than a 261 ms . Ps husky has a better service department.

[@Sparaco487]

My mark 2 is a little ripper,hot start issues never had it.one pull every time it fires hot or set down for 30 minutes doesnt matter.ill take the stihl though if they sell them half priced or given to me but if my 550 gets crushed or something,ill be buying another with out thinking.almost regreted not getting the 562 when i bought my 550,till i got it home and ran it.18 inch bar works fast and id say itll pull a 20 in the hard wood i cut just fine

[@ciphercode2298]

I've 2 stills 10 years old thatve never needed major work,but an 8 year old 550xp that's had 2 top end rebuilds. My ms441cm has actually seen more use than the 550 because it's used for milling. The 550 does cut well and it's great for firewood and limbing,but I'll not buy another one.

[@Woodscribed]

@@ciphercode2298 They say Mark 2 model is better.

[@ciphercode2298]

@@Woodscribed Yeah I've watched some videos on them and they seem good,the one I have has left a bad taste in my mouth though. Whatever goes on with mine is heat related. I've heard of others cutting vents in the plastic top cover to help evacuate more heat,but my luck I'd mess up the airflow around the cylinder or something, lol. I've been lookin at echoe's cs501p too. Its $170 cheaper than the stihl or husqvarna 50cc saws and gets excellent reviews. I've only got one echo and one husqvarna dealer near me,but three stihl dealers,so that's a factor too.

[@randymoyer9505]

@@ciphercode2298 I had the original 550xp and once it got hot u couldn't start it . It was like it got vapor locked . But now I have a mark ii and that thing is a different animal I trim with it all day . And I'm by no means a husky guy ( well except the old school 372s ) all my other saws are stihl - ms 311 362 441 and 500i .

[@roberthoovan4130]

What the biggest hus they make

[@Carlsmower]

3120 (same class as the MS880)

[@roberthoovan4130]

@@Carlsmower thank u

[@shannonhayne783]

I use husky’s but can’t keep crank bearings in them so I’m going to try the ms 261

[@justinmcginty9975]

Which husky models did you have bearing issues with? Stihl does seem to have more solid bottom ends

[@Carlsmower]

That’s interesting. What fuel/mix oil do you run? Proper warm up? Careful on the No load WOT? I’m guessing you run it hard!

[@jeffreyrudolph5061]

The theory of heat from a clutch , could be interpreted as a sink , in some minds .

[@comeguerin7680]

550XP team 😊 !!!

[@benjaminleslie3155]

clearly the cs-501p is the better choice 😏😎

[@Carlsmower]

Glad that you like your echo chainsaws

[@user-sv9sf1ns7g]

air purge no primer

[@deewaby7291]

Stihl fuel caps are still crap to this day

[@dirtdarte]

Why anyone would need or want a decomp on a 50cc saw is beyond me.

[@stevenmiddagh6265]

That's how they make them.if u don't like it don't buy the damn thing.

[@jakebennett4844]

If it ain't stihl it ain't real. Without any bias toward either brand intentionally you literally explained in great detail why stihl is better. Just my 271 farm boss after being broke in will cut just as fast or faster than any husky which seems to be their only convinceable selling point.

[@Sparaco487]

Yeah i doubt that lol,i had my gf father shut his stihl 048 off this weekend cause he heard my little 550 screaming and chewing.he said to me no way that's a 50cc,i said yep and i dont even have it ported yet.i like stihl and own them but to say itll out cut a husky yeah i dont think so

[@ciphercode2298]

@@Sparaco487 I own a couple stihls,a ms310 and an ms441c both 10+ years old with no major work having been done on them. My ms441cm is my big firewood saw and I use it on my Alaskan mill. My 550xp is only 8 years old and has been rebuilt twice. I can appreciate a fast cutting saw,but I'd rather have one thatll last. Both times I've rebuilt the husqvarna it's been because of heating issues. This last time it actually melted a place on the land of the piston just above the ring. If it does again its get replaced with another stihl.

[@carlicehouse]

Pffft. Go back to your dirt bike message boards with your brand loyalty chest puffing, child. I've run both brands for years. I currently own 3 Husqvarnas and no Stihls. I've never told anyone to not buy a Stihl. They are good saws. Just in my extensive experience, I like the Husqvarna just enough better to buy them instead.

[@Motoko1134]

stihl blows compared to husqy, i have both, way more issues with stihl saws, just worse quality overall.

[@clover8183]

I just want some ice cream.

[@a_mustache_of_great_repute]

Not gonna run them because the Husqvarna cuts waaaaay faster lol

[@ciphercode2298]

The husky does cut some faster,but I've got an ms441c that's been used hard for 10 years bucking and even milling wood with zero issues. On the other hand my 550xp is 8 years old and has had 2 top end rebuilds. I'll take stihl.

[@mmholling87]

@@ciphercode2298 I'm on the opposite side of the street. I've had both and alot of the Stihl saws mtronic solenoids failed causing the saw to run extremely lean and score the piston/cylinder.

[@eddiemoir2572]

Germany over Sweden. Canada over USA

[@Carlsmower]

Them might be fightin words 😂

[@mmholling87]

Canada 🤣 you mean the country that gave up their guns without a fight and was forced to take the jab. Canada is full of spineless sheep and before long Trudeau will outlaw saws too.

[@robinverbridge4900]

Does the Stihl require a strong thumb (unnatural) lift to shut engine off? .... WHY? Although you did say the saw (261) Had return to run,... good. Jonsered 2245 had that 12 years ago! Stihl has best advertising! But l wanna cut wood! I hope everyone knows l am just having fun!

[@catalinalexandru5656]

Husky best

[@jameshancock18]

the double rings on the 261 is the deal breaker for me, wouldn’t want a saw that’s got an obvious feature that’ll shorten its life compared to the other

[@albychainsaw80]

550xp mk2 more more efficent

[@yrdGBA]

ECHO

[@Carlsmower]

If that’s what works for you

[@tedneitzel]

Since 2017 Stihl is China sourced parts. Not the same at all anymore. Since stihl did away with the 0 series they went to shit imo!! Just not the same!!

[@ilovefarmsthomasturner8678]

To me you guys stihl will kick the husqvarna butt so to me stihl chainsaw is better

[@dickspringfield9106]

550 cuts faster than the 261

[@aukevinj]

Anyone notice how fromt heavy and unbalanced that Stihl is? It wants to rock off the bench top when he lets go

[@ВасилийУткиин]

261 💩

[@Carlsmower]

550 🔥. 😜

[@ВасилийУткиин]

@@Carlsmower да но у меня в 545 m2 так как 550 нет в продаже