Stihl MS 261 C-M LONG-TERM REVIEW

Stihl MS 261 Playlist: • Stihl MS 261 CM
Stihl MS 261 Start-Up Procedure: • Starting a Stihl MS 26...
Stihl MS 261 Maintenance: • Chainsaw Maintenance (...
Initial Review: • STIHL MS 261 C-M REVIE...
See this chainsaw run against the Husqvarna 550 xp Mark II: • Stihl MS 261 CM vs Hus...
Which do you think is the best chainsaw?
See which saw I would choose between the MS 261 and the Husqvarna 550: • Stihl MS 261 CM or Hus...
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Find Old School Millennial on social!
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[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO5pmqtZ6d4oq8

[@TheSagerider]

One important aspect of power saws that gets neglected when discussing power is a new saws rings have not seated yet so the more you run it the better it gets. When I first got my 261 I was disappointed with the power not matching up to the general hype. Having owned it now for two years and being well broken in I am more than happy with it. Not knowing very much about power saws two years ago to a much better understanding now has been very rewarding. I bought an Oregon bench mounted chain sharpener which made a huge difference for me, a sharp chain is a joy to work with. I use my 261 for bucking firewood up to 12 inches in diameter or so and use my 462 for the larger logs not that the 261 can’t handle larger logs it’s just the 462 is faster. At 72 years old I am no spring chicken and I really appreciate the lightness of my 261. This saw truly does get better power after it is broken in and I highly recommend it too.

[@canamrider7195]

Mine came with the 18" B&C. I immediately upgraded it to a 20" B&C and run 3/8 pitch skip chisel chains. The saw has plenty of power for that combo, but you have to keep the chain sharp and not lean into the cut to aggressively. Let the sharp chain pull itself thru the log. For the bigger bucking, the 500i gets pulled in to duty.

[@Volhunteer]

Just bought a 261 C a few weeks ago based off of your first review. It’s awesome, thanks for the good video content, keep it up 👍

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Awesome! You're going to love it. Thanks for your support!

[@1koshari]

i got one of these saws back in 2010 when the aussie dollar reached parity with the US, had a friend ship it over cost about 700aud landed versus $1250aud what the local sellers were doing at the time, the one i got has been flawless after initially 2 OEM CDI units dying, ended up replacing with an aftermarket knock of one and its sang like a canary since. also de-restricted the muffler and knocked the limiter out of the carb adjustment so i could richen it up a tad. just used it yesterday to clean up a tree that fell over out fence. cant believe its been 13 years!!

[@davido6915]

Nice job on videos, i have a small collection of stihl and husky, the stihls with the best rev i have found are those old 025’s or 023’s. Those saws were amazing for their time and very light!

[@megamike4357]

I had an 023, and really really liked it

[@jeffreykcarlin518]

I’ve ran the 260 and the 261 but like others have said, keep the chain sharp, don’t trim your rakers too deep or try to take too hard of a bite into the tree. Mine always run best at high rpm but really slow down if I push em too hard. I like it for climbing when I need a little more than my 200t but once I hit the ground I switch to the 360 with 24” bar. On a side note, both my 260 and 261 have been the most finicky saws when it comes to the fuel mix. If the mix is perfect they run like a raped ape, but just a bit rich costs me a lot of rpm’s. Even when the same fuel is running great in the 220, 360 and 661. Maybe it jus me.

[@clonewolffe4937]

I noticed the lag in the throttle but I keep my blade spinning while I’m limbing branch to branch. Love this saw. It’s the biggest I’ve bought and look forward to another. Probably a topping saw next

[@bobbybook7482]

I tried and tested both 550 xp and 261 cm. The 550 definitely has more power, no denying that. But to me the 550 felt foreign in my hands. I couldn’t get comfortable with it. The 261 just felt natural. Chainsaw’s are like rifles you need to be comfortable and confident in the tool you are using. Way more important than power alone. Again the 550 is an excellent choice, just not for me. I am grateful I was able to try both before spending 1000 $ Canadian on a saw that I didn’t like.

[@devilsrug5866]

Perfectly put! This chainsaw is perfect

[@tuberocker69]

The ms261cm is most definitely the better saw!

[@popoisfat1]

I have a stihl 170, 261, 362, and most recently bought a echo Cs-590 and I’ve got to say after getting the echo it’s my go to saw now would take it over any of my stihl saws.

[@karm00n29]

You are gay it seems

[@timberray9572]

The sluggish throttle response is because of the Zama carb, my MS260 is real snappy and it has a Walbro. I also gutted the baffle inside the muffler and opened up the exhaust port a bit.

[@canadiancutterschannel6787]

Zama makes great carburetors its like Holly vs edelbrock

[@megamike4357]

Iove my 261. The only thing I don't care for is when I use it to noodle. As far as a firewood saw, it's really good. Light, fast, and dependable.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Exactly! I love using this saw for firewood.

[@drslick1198]

Thanks for your candor. Excellent video.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Nick! I appreciate it.

[@MrChristianbowman82]

I just drove 6 hours round trip to pick up a 261 cm from a gentleman that is moving from the country to become a townie lol. Literally not a scratch on it only made a few cuts with a new stihl hard case and gallon jug of bar oil minus the one tank he used for $500

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

He's moving in the opposite direction that I moved. I guess the grass is always greener. You're going to love you new saw!

[@1lifeonearth]

I had one of these and 2 stihl 362's at the DNR. I preferred this one because it was lighter, smaller, and could still get the jobs done. I also ran it over once, snapped the black handle, but it still worked... lol

[@philipjean1086]

Had nothing but problems with mine at first was the first m-tronic version. Nowhere in manual did it tell how to reset it resulting in the saw just quitting. After 4 years of problems finally got a new fuel seliond and found out how program m-tronic works fine now and is a very ergonomic saw

[@jeschreindl]

I was really close to buying the stihl ms261 non mtrononic. Ended up buying the echo cs620p for a little more cc. I think I would have been very happy with the 261 too though.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Hey, man, I'm giving away an MS 261 on the channel right now to celebrate 10,000 subscribers. Just wanted to let you know in case you are still wishing for one! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO5pmqtZ6d4oq8

[@ar494]

Your rev issues mean you just need to adjust the carb. I have tuned mine and have almost immediate full RPM. And pulls the 20" really well in lodgepole and doug fir.

[@toddhall6709]

I have the 20" bar & one definitely feels the balance issue described. Think I'll pick up an 18" bar and give that a go for awhile. Great video, keep em coming...

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Todd!

[@sticks7971]

Go with a stihl light bar

[@bobbybook7482]

I have the 18 in bar on mine and it’s perfect balance for what I do.

[@jimbob9799]

Just ordered one. Thanks

[@tonyalways7174]

Good review. In Europe this saw is mostly run on a 16” bar. The shorter bar maximises the speed and creates the best balance.

[@karm00n29]

Also in europe its 280$ more expensive. Kinda depressing, this saw is indane

[@chrisp755]

I had the 260 model before the 261 they're both phenomenal saws. I've owned and operated a tree service for 20-plus years. Stihl is the only way to go

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, man. It helps others who are trying to decide.

[@sprint2648]

No stihl is not the only way to go. Plenty of good saws out there besides Stihl. Don’t be a fanboy!

[@DanielAndonov-br5zd]

I have stihl ms 261 non-mtronic WhenI try to put on the chain and the side cover, It is a bit difficult for me to turn the nuts. Does it mean that the threads in the nuts of the side cover are worn out or the threads on the bar stud is worn out? What can I do if either of those is worn out. Can I use it in this way because I can turn it with a spanner but can’t turn it by hand?

[@masonarcher6275]

Great video. The 261c is a great saw. You should also make a long term review of the 550xp mark 2 as well.

[@markatkinson9963]

Indeed.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

You got it! Stay tuned!

[@kontsombos7540]

550xp 50.1 CC=girls only

[@jeffcoulter7181]

Yep yellow chain is great, as long as your cutting clean timber.

[@eddiespaghets7663]

I have the option of getting the ms 261 cm or the ms 261 without the M-Tronics. Price is identical. What would be the better option/saw? I like holding on to stuff for a long time Thanks!

[@mart446]

Husqvarna has faster revving saws, but less torque than Stihl saws. Stihl revs up a fraction of a second slower, but it has more torque and is miles better in the cut because of that. The clutch on Stihl saws is also more forgiving in design. All this means that Stihl wont stall as easily in the cut - even if you lean on it a bit and the revs drop. Husqvarna has to be revved up all the time to make the cut. So overall Stihl is the more relaxing saw for me to use and that matters a lot especially once i get tired from hours of cutting. To each his own though.

[@DB-oz2ki]

This saw is awesome. It revs higher then other saws, power to weight is great. Sthil dealers do not have all the parts you need, order and supply chain is slow. I bought this pro saw because I'm waiting on parts on 2 other saws. As I really use my saws.

[@sprint2648]

Yeah to each their own. I baught the 261 and the husky 550 and the husky is miles ahead! It’s not even close!

[@tuberocker69]

I bought two Husqvarna 550's One to 💩 on and the other to cover it up with!

[@Orefamilylawncare]

I have to disagree on your issue of balance. I run a 20" on mine and balance is perfect. It had an 18" bar on it and I believe it is better balanced with the 20

[@kellyronaghan5587]

5:05 well like if you put a bigger bare on it, its gonna wanna lean ahead more because of the beefier bar

[@JimStc1]

I own a 261 CM that I have had for 3 years and three months. It has been used extensively but cared for extensively as well. It started leaking gas and the diagnosis is that the gas tank has separated from the body of the saw. Cost to repair is over $400 for a saw that currently costs around $700. The high cost is a design issue. Meaning, that the gas tank is part of the lower body of the saw and that entire part of the saw must be replaced. Not a positive outcome. Nonetheless, I just bought a replacement 261. Any input on the repair process as I would like to do the repair myself. Thanks, Jim

[@moo3852]

Will this rev faster than my current 311 with a 20 in bar

[@williamrhoades1913]

Great honest review. Since you have this one and the husky version, does the slightly heavier weight of the husky wear you out quicker, or is this more about balance?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks man! I honestly don't feel the difference. It's about a half pound. The balance really makes up for the weight difference. Both saws are light weight and easy to run all day without getting tired.

[@ililiserver]

@@OldSchoolMillennial if I was going to get my husband and 18” chainsaw, which one would be your top pick. I’m not brand loyal.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

@@ililiserver I would say if you have both dealers readily available I personally prefer the Husqvarna 550 Mark 2. But if you only have a stihl dealer nearby you can't go wrong with the stihl 261c. Hope that helps. That's a great present btw!

[@DanielAndonov-br5zd]

Only stihl ms 261 non-mtronoc is supported in my country. Is it possible to order the parts for stihl ms 261 cm if I take it to Bulgaria and it breaks down?

[@DeliveryBryan]

I just picked up a nice used Ms Sthil 261c , so far it cuts good .

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That's awesome! I bet you saved a lot, finding one used.

[@DeliveryBryan]

@@OldSchoolMillennial yea it was used twice and that was it and I spent $550 for it .

[@mistergadomsky4577]

Can I tune it myself, like I can with my reliable old 260ms?

[@zillman-mc9ld]

This saw is on my wish list. I love my 025 but its starting to lose its pep. But i cant justify buying a 261 yet because im just cutting for the shop i work at and for my mom. But for sure going to get a pro saw for my next saw because you can rebuild them easily and get alot more life out of them. Thanks for the honest review

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I hear you. All good things in their time. Delayed gratification is a good practice. If you're like me, you'll research the heck out of whatever it is so that, when the right time comes, you make the right purchase.

[@davidedwards3734]

Great video!! Nice review on saw. Have a Safe Day

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, David!

[@diplocentria]

Hey! good review! recently bought myself the same saw. really liked how it works. can you tell what kind of oil you mix with gasoline to prepare the fuel mixture? thanks!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks! I typically use stihl 2 cycle that comes in the silver bottles or the stihl premix that they sell. The premix is a little more expensive than mixing my own but it is non ethanol and saves me a lot of trouble that ethanol can cause in carburetors that sit for a period of time.

[@diplocentria]

@@OldSchoolMillennial thanks! i use stihl hp ultra oil

[@2020jd]

So if you could only have one, would you go with the 261 or the 550xp Mark II? I’m partial to Husky myself and have a 372xp that I love. I just wonder how the 550xp Mark II will hold up long term. I know they had some issues with the first generation 550xps, so hopefully they got the kinks worked out!

[@alexstromberg7696]

550 mk2 is a beast

[@12671868]

Have a 550xp bought new in 2015 and I must say it is the toughest saw I have ever owned. The saw has ripped lots of big rounds ..44" and larger....has cut too many cords of oak and hickory to even count and has never gave a minutes trouble. One of the best and most reliable saws ever made in my experience.

[@Kallaus_built]

Good honest review!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Kyle! I appreciate that.

[@Kallaus_built]

Been torn between this saw and the husky 550xp mark 2

[@kevinarnott1172]

Hi from UK. Just managed to pick up a 261c 2015. Not sure if it's been serviced at all what would suggest?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

It wouldn't hurt to run it by a dealer, if you have one nearby. They could look it over for you. I also have a video on how I maintain mine. If you think it could be helpful, here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWfKn6qGrLKNfM0

[@kevinarnott1172]

Perfect! Wish there was more guys this side as helpful as you have been

[@rorynelson7548]

I bought this saw about a month ago. Only issue I have with the m tronic so far is if you don't let it go to idle before shutting it off, or you're cutting and run out of fuel in the cut with rpms high, the m tronic will be shut off basically and saw doesn't start as easy again

[@dennisingram6748]

Mine came with the 20 in bar...I appreciate the extra reach when limbing...and it has no.problem pulling it. Very happy with purchase so far.

[@ProductiveRecreation]

I have a Stihl dealer 15 minutes from me as well. I was looking at this saw and the MS362. Leaning toward the MS261 as my next saw.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

The 261 will do most things that you will encounter. As long as your trees aren't much bigger than 20" you should be good with the 261. Also, I like to pair my 50cc saws with a 70cc saw for the bigger stuff. Good luck, man!

[@ProductiveRecreation]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Primary use is cutting firewood and general cleanup around the property. Between my Dad and I we burn 10 cords a year for heat. If the tree trunk is bigger than 18" I generally don't want to mess with it as the rounds are a bear to move around for splitting. I'm used to a Husqvarna 455 with an 18" bar. Decent saw, but on the heavy side for the power and definitely bogs down quite a bit going through 16-18" hardwood. The 455 comes stock with 3/8 pitch, I think it might do better with 0.325, or a 16" bar. We seem to be pretty like-minded and I enjoy your channel. Keep it up!

[@majorwhite51]

Thankyou, my first chain saw lots like it's going to be a MS261 18" bar and green chain, 😊

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Good choice! Let me know how you like it.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Just wanted to let you know that I'm giving a MS 261 away on the channel right now, in case you are still in the market. You can enter here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO5pmqtZ6d4oq8

[@RollingEasy]

Where is it made?

[@jimlitzinger2888]

Great review, so the question is...if you could have one 50cc saw, what would it be?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, man! Watch this video for the answer to your question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoOQdYGBj7SbhtU

[@ciphercode2298]

If you're a homeowner/diy guy save yourself some money and buy an ms250. I've cut lots of oak with mine up to 22" in diameter and it does great. A pro saw will do it faster,but at twice the price. I cut around 5 cord of firewood a year with an ms250, ms310, and ms441c. The majority is cut with the ms250 because it's so light and nimble with an 18" bar.

[@sap3055]

In Norway they recommend 13 to 18 inch bar on the 261 I use a 16 inch the 18 inch takes to much of the power and it ruins the balance I also have a 362 witch I use with a 18 inch bar and hexa chain I'm planning to get a 462 with a 25 inch bar

[@wayne69wayne69]

How is the Stihl ms 170 c-m 30cc is that a good one for long-term use or should I just get the 50cc for long-term use

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

It really depends on the size of wood and how often you will be cutting. If you only cut a handful of times per year, the 170 will likely work fine as long as the wood isn't over 18". Bigger than that, you may want to look at the MS 250 or 271 farm boss if you don't want to go with the 261. Hope that helps.

[@ptijssen4079]

I have a 170 and it is fine for limbing, you can put a metal dog and side tensioner for $25. The oiler ports on the bar can clog so carefully clean those often.

[@jacobmckee5862]

A KZbinr that wears chainsaw PPE! Thanks for being a good example of what you SHOULD be wearing!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Haha, thanks Jacob! I try my best, I've got my wife and several little ones counting on me to to stay safe.

[@jacobmckee5862]

I understand completely. I too have a reason to come home safe at the end of the day. I didn't for a long time. It's amazing how ones attitude can change for the better.

[@vib8667]

I have the MS 261 C-M and I cannot get it to run and stay running for more than 2 tanks of gas a time. Whenever I come back to it the next day it starts up fine and runs well until I've gone through a tank or two of gas. What am I doing wrong?

[@rcw3586]

Have you tried running the calibration procedure on it?

[@vib8667]

@@rcw3586 Yes, I wound up taking it to a dealership. There was a large hole on an internal component that apparently only occurs if one runs the chainsaw without a chain for an extended period of time. I hadn't done that, so I believe it was a manufacturing defect. They dealership has had it for a month or two now waiting for the replacement part(s). Given how hot it has been, I'm not exactly upset. I am curious what it'll cost me though.

[@markkoster5418]

Here in NewZealand There is a price difference of $324.00 dollars between MS261 and 550 XP the Husky been more expensive.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Wow! That's a big difference, they are almost the same price hear in the states.

[@deliverybryan1138]

I have a ms 362 , but I’m thinking of another power saw . Maybe a ms 261 but I’m not sure yet , cause of the balance ! So maybe the ms 462 .

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Depends on your needs. If you want to have a little bit lighter saw you could run a light bar on your 362. If you need to cut some bigger trees the 462 would come in handy.

[@st7650]

If you could only have two saws what would it be. I’m in the market for professional saw. I like to have one for limbing and one for felling. Just wanted to know your thoughts.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

If I could only have two saws I would likely go with a 50cc saw and a 70cc-95cc saw. This would cover most cutting situations. On the stihl side that would be an MS261 C and either a 462/500i/661. On the Husky side it would be a 550xp Mark II and either a 372/572/390/592. I know that's more options for the big saws but it really depends on the biggest trees you encounter. Hope that helps.

[@ciphercode2298]

I've had a mark 1 550 xps and wouldnt buy another.ive had it ten years and rebuilt it once and now it needs it again. My stihl saws are roughly the same age and are still running strong. For smaller stuff( up to 20") I run an ms250, and a ms310,but keep an ms441c with a 28" bar for bigger stuff.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm giving away a MS 261 on the channel right now. If you want to enter, you can see the details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO5pmqtZ6d4oq8

[@davediesel90]

I've quite a few saws but the 2 go to ones are the 261 mtronic and the 461

[@Appytail]

Both 261 (Old and New) are sweet. But. If money is no concerned, the 400CM is much better. Around the same weight & FAR more powerful and snappy. The longevity of a 261 is something established. Like other said, I feel the 20 in bar is a better fit.

[@OGAOutdoors]

Good review Glenn looks like that saw will be taking care of you for years to come. Take care, Ben. #ogaoutdoors

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Ben! Most definitely! It's a good saw.

[@MrChristianbowman82]

How long have you had it

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

It's been over a year now.

[@bovandenbraak8854]

micha ik zou deze kopen !!

[@patrickvennard838]

I would change the filler caps but wouldn't buy another one if mine broke. I would go bigger and Husqvarna.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I like the filler caps on my Huskys better. Can't go wrong with a big Husky saw.

[@nickcooper3412]

You said long term but didnt say how long?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

At the time I made this video I had used the saw for over a year. Now I've had it close to 2 years.

[@PaLmZeY]

run a light bar, take that double dog off and itll be close bud

[@twelvetwenty-two353]

Stihl’s M-Tronic electronic carburetor is complete trash. MS-362CM specifically. I can’t recount the number of times they have failed to idle in the middle of a back cut whether on the ground or aloft. Having to pull start them while simultaneously holding the throttle fully open is not only dangerous but it’s exhausting. Ditch M-Tronic imho

[@DH-zv8ou]

Ah glad I picked up a 261 non-cm. If you gotta do the full throttle with a bunch of pulls, it prob means it's flooding. Stuck/faulty solenoid could cause this. BTW, use the chain brake when starting it throttled. It's safer.

[@twelvetwenty-two353]

@@DH-zv8ou 261 is one of my favorite saws. Runs like a scalded dog. 2-4-6 lineup with Stihls is a good lineup. 261, 462, 661. Application is the mother of necessity in timber.

[@allgood6535]

Never had a problem with my 261 had it 3 years not an issue

[@canadiancutterschannel6787]

Muffler moddd

[@TennesseeArborist]

Stihl is pronounced like the metal, steel. Just fyi

[@wolley2012]

It is bulky for its weight and cc.

[@evanforster2665]

Only thing i hate about mine is a terrible gas cap no way to not get dirt or snow in it