Stihl MS 261 CM (04 Light Bar) vs Husqvarna 550 xp Mark 2 - Pro Chainsaw Comparison

[@outdoorsnevada4138]

My father was a timber cutter for nearly 10 years. During those years his father, brothers, and him all ran stihl chainsaws! Excellent reliable saws! He still uses them to this day 30+ years later! There were also those on the mountain that ran Husqvarnas! And the rivalry was real of which saw was superior and why! In the end though both brands rip and get the job done. The biggest factors though was the operators and how they maintained their saws and keeping them sharp. My father was a 3 star logger for his first few years and became a 5 star logger in later years with awards to prove it. Husqvarna operators were also 5 star loggers with awards to prove it! Find a saw that is comfortable to you and get proper instruction in how to be efficient and safe with your saw of choice!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

It's great to hear this story of your father. I agree with you!

[@allgood6535]

There now made in china old 1s were German 🇩🇪

[@johnmakarsky2787]

I absolutely loved, how both saws harmonized with each other in the cut! Music to my ears.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Another well balanced test. Thank you. Some people like Husky, some like Stihl, some like Echo. Doesn’t much matter what you prefer, if you have a reliable saw/s and they suit your needs, then that’s all that really matters. Plus, if you have a particular dealership close by, it makes sense to go with that brand, as just through wear+tear alone, you’re going to need spares. If the nearest dealer or dealers offer both H. and S., possibly E. too, You can pick ‘n’ mix if you like. Personally I prefer Husky but I’ve got nothing against Stihl or Echo. Before someone says, “But have you tried brand-X?” I have a Husky 545 Mk1 on 15” and a Husky 550XP Mk2 on 15” & 18”; and a Stihl 500i on 25”. Each has its niche, though the 550 does 80% of what the 500i will do. I’m not that concerned with how fast the cutting is, more that a given saw+bar+chain combo is up to the task. I only use full chisel chain but don’t use skip chain, as I can only get it priced per drivelink, which is extraordinarily expensive. So the Huskies use Oregon 21LPX .325” .058, while the Stihl uses Stihl RS 3/8” .063. A while back, I bought a couple of Hexa loops but still haven’t used them, so can’t comment on the Hexa.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I agree! What matters is a reliable saw that will suit your needs.

[@chrisb9478]

Back late 2020, I originally wanted a new 261Cm & I couldn’t find any around. I found the 550 in stock at a shop in AL with a good price, plus I got the 1st Responder discount. Well, glad I bought the 550xp after all. 😁👍🏻

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Very nice! You ended up with a great deal and a great saw.

[@derrickvarnadore1682]

22 years in the tree biz… both companies have great saws… use and threshold for capacity and weight are the big deals… for instance.. if I’m on the ground felling hardwood under 32 inch dba… then I’m choosing the husq 390 with a 28 inch bar everytime… now.. if I’m flying on a crane making cuts just as large then I’m taking the 500 I everytime.. I’ve had several 550’s they’re great and handy saws… we use them a lot for light crane work and ground work for the new guys… that being said… mine have all been temperamental… and a husq will pinch on a new guy quick as shit… sooo.. the 261 is our new mid size saw. The ground guys can sense the wood biting easier and my local dealer is quick to get to. The 550 remains for the climbers.

[@ProductiveRecreation]

Both great saws that spec out really close to each other. Not brand loyal here… I love my MS261, and I bought it because the dealer is about 15min away… the standard bar and chain on it at .063 is definitely fat and heavy compared to most setups. It wouldn’t surprise me if the length of chain/number of drive links is also a factor… but you can’t isolate that without a setup that works on both powerheads.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I love mine too. Having a close dealer is definitely a good reason to go that route. Yea, if a bar could work on both, that would be nice. Honestly, after running them three times with three types of chains and giving the 261 a full chisel 50 gauge this time, I don't know that I'll find a different result.

[@dkitchen2345]

I also own the Husqvarna 550 Mark ii and absolutely LOVE it. I'm not a professional arborist. I have a wood burning stove and use it to fell and buck firewood and it works great. I call it my little screaming demon. It's quite a beast for a 50cc saw. Love your channel Glen. Cute kids!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks! That's funny. I have said those very words about the 550. 😄

[@kbittorf335]

Good video! I have a Husqvarna 550xp g Mark I. Received a good deal on it just before the Mark II came out. You cannot get heated handles on Stihl in the USA. For me the only con is the outboard clutch. PITA when you forget to take the chain brake off when you remove the clutch cover in the woods! It has X cut chain. I run the Stihl 23rs on a Dolmar 5105 and both saws have Sugihara bars. Love em! The Dolmar is no slouch! Like a cross between Husky and Stihl.

[@roblow8126]

Had my 550 a little over a year now thanks to your previous videos on it and its never failed me. Always a joy to pick up. Keep up the content, its awesome.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you. And I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your 550. I agree that they're a lot of fun to run.

[@EricChmelarsky]

If u were ever to make a part IV.: STIHL 23 RSC 72 chain, full chisel, no anti kickback BS. Will work on both saws. Expensive, YES. It's what I run on the 550 if I'm felling or need to bore cut, or just want to get it done. Keep doing what your doing, good stuff 👏.

[@parkerk7018]

What do you think of the light 04 bar compared to the stock stihl bar?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I like the balance on it better. So far, it seems to be pretty durable, but I need to run it more to see for sure.

[@patrickvennard838]

Great video I have both Stihl and Husky saws I sold my MS 261 and ported my 550XP. You have plenty of people in the US to port your 261. On my 550XP I run 058 Stihl RS chain. Speed is not always important but it is fun.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Patrick! I may look at porting one someday.

[@kenneth.handsome3443]

Thanks to your videos I chose the Husqvarna 550 for my first and only chainsaw 😊

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Good choice!

[@Kirks_Custom_Chainsaws]

Great video! I like the "expert opinion" from the younger generation!🤣 I'll give you credit, you're doing everything you can to give that 261 a chance. I have Stihls and Huskies, so I am not partial to either brand, I love them both. Stihl just doesn't have it in the 50cc class. They do in the 67cc ms400 though! I was actually happy to see your timed cuts, because I've noticed something with my 545 and 261 saws. Both of my 545s are consistent, consistent performance per saw and with each other. My 261 on the other hand displays quite a varying performance. Just as your timed cuts for your 261 varied considerably, I've noticed the same with mine. Sometimes I can actually feel it slow down and speed up in the same cut. I haven't really had much time to experiment and test with mine yet, but I fully intend to investigate when I have time as this saw came to me in pretty rough shape. I'll be posting some videos as i go through it. And BTW, I will be porting it and it will be a screamer when I'm done with it. Saw safe!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That's really interesting. Yes, please post the videos with the timing. That will be interesting to see. And that saw would be really mean ported. I'd love to see that, too.

[@ftlaud911]

You did everuthing ypu could for the 261 to come put on top. I like both brands. Bought the 550 for DIY online parts and what seems like higher rpm's in the cut from watching videos. Didn't think the 261 would get spanked that bad honestly. Especially with .050 and full chisel chain. The 261 still looks damn sexy and would be happy to own one. Still undecided between 572/400/462 for my big boy saw. Right now the 462 is my top pick, but value wise the 572 pulls back into the race. The 400 is the sleeper pick. Again, can't go wrong with either of them. For now the 550 does everything I need. I just like chainsaws 😊

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I agree with everything you said. Especially the fact that I just chainsaws too!

[@mastojira6561]

462 is a lovely saw

[@SpaceExplorer31]

@@ftlaud911 I’d go with the 400C

[@ryanbruner8928]

I 'm a Stihl guy, primarily because I worked in a small engine shop and I found Stihls to be much easier to work on, but both make great saws! I figure for what my needs were there was never any reason to switch brands.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I understand. If it works for you, that's all that matters. I like them both for different reasons.

[@ChuckisOutside]

I have been looking at the 261 Stihl for a while. Today I stopped in my Husqvarna dealer and saw the 550 XP Mark II for the first time. After watching your comparison videos I will be getting the 550 tomorrow. Thanks for the great videos. I’m a new subscriber.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Awesome, enjoy your new saw. I'm glad I could help. Welcome to the channel!

[@dcvariousvids8082]

I’ve used both saws but only own one of them. Though I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed with either. The only differences that I’m aware of, are that the 261’s powerhead is a tad l lighter, 100g/4oz.). But I think that got more to do with the Stihl having a plastic front handle, whereas the Husky uses aluminium. They’re both solidly made, both have the same power output, 550 has a vib-m/s rating of L3.3-R4.9 vs the 261’s vib-m/s rating of L3.5-3.5R so not much in it. Though if you’ve got poor circulation or a vibration induced injury, you’d be better off with less vibration.

[@chrisbeech4280]

This is why I bought the 550 over the 261. My mind was made up on buying another Stihl, and once I started doing my homework on the Husqvarna and watching comparison videos, the choice was clear, and I have not been disappointed. Husqvarna 550xp MkII all the way 💯

[@stevenpate8490]

So, why have you not tried to run the same chain on both? Maybe Oregon, or whatever brand.

[@usmcshepherdE9]

What are you using to clean your chainsaws? Looked like a type of canned air?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm using an air hose hooked to an air compressor.

[@dab.]

I did like you and bought both. Recently I sold the 550 XPII and kept the Stihl MS261, even though the 550 was faster. Why? - Number one reason is the Stihl is lighter. Noticably so at the end of a day in the woods. - I much prefer the Stihl clutch design. - Husky was randomly difficult to start both from hot and cold for no apparent reason. Some days fine, other days not. - You were lucky to receive the X-cut chain. Mine was supplied with an inferior Husky chain. For a 'pro' saw this seemed like penny-pinching and didn't give me a good feeling about the brand. - Sometimes the Husky would need the autotune resetting. I've never had to do this on the Stihl. - Husky usable bar length is shorter than the Stihl by about an inch. - I like the decompression valve on the 261 (yes I know - not needed on a 50cc saw but I like it anyway).

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks for your well-thought-out comment. I am sure others will appreciate hearing your experience with these 2 saws. I agree about the clutch on the 261. I haven't run into the same issues with the Husqvarna starting.

[@SpaceExplorer31]

Ya My 550 XP is always having Auto Tune issues. Some times it bogs and is hard to start and randomly stalls while idling. So I got the 261 CM and no issues

[@P--O]

Interesting and well made video! I myself own the MS-261 for some years now and it is a really good saw. Although pleased with that saw I would really like to try the 550 after watching your videos on the 550.. Regards from Sweden

[@Super-Dave-Outdoors]

Yup, the stihl just dont have the same beans. Even ported the 261 probably wont beat the stock 550 by much.

[@Orefamilylawncare]

The 550 spanked that stihl........ again. Both good saws but results are results.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Both good saws for sure. Yea, I'm just trying to show people what they can expect from each saw.

[@michaelduncan123]

​@OldSchoolMillennial You would think the 261 would do better than it did, but it obviously did not. Husky has got it beat in the 50cc class. Stihl wins in weight, but the 550 won with an absolute no contest in speed. I own the 261, but the 550 is bad to the bone for it's size. I made the comment in your 261 giveaway video that if you put an 04 light bar on the 261 that they would be even. This was a great comparison. I enjoy watching your channel Glen.

[@rodneyfalk4591]

Good video! I had good luck with both saws brands. I live in Colorado so most of my work is about 7 to 10 thousand feet above sea level in the Colorado mountains. I have two give it to Husky auto tune seems to run better at altitude. I’m looking forward to trying the fuel injected, 500 STIHL I heard they will run at high altitude with no problems. Thanks for the video. Take care of those cute kids God bless.🙏

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Rodney! Oh, and 500 is a ripper. You'll love running that saw. I appreciate it, and I'm doing my best. God bless you, too.

[@jesusanguiano4373]

Always have loved the husqy, but in Fargo we have no dealer so I had to go with MS 261 c. Stihl dealers everywhere here.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

It's smart to get a saw from a company with nearby dealers. I bet you'll really enjoy your 261!

[@stihlms400cm3]

Totally enjoyed your video. Had an opportunity to spend a day operating both saws, felling, delimbing and cutting ( bucking ) to length, l found the Husqvarna 550 ll xp with 15in B&C had more bottom end torque overall, l found the Stihl MS 261 with 16in B&C better balanced , lighter, smoother, higher RPM chain speed, a dream to work with and a sweeter sound, both are exceptional saws, for me MS 261 gets the gold medal !

[@tedneitzel]

As i said in your last comparison my friend had the 261 and i have a 550mk2 we both run 3/8 and i got us both c83 chains and my Husky spanked his 261! He had buyers remorse so bad he sold me his 261c and bought a 550mk2! I now own both!

[@MickeDouglas-b7k]

Guide de 40 ou 45 pour la sthill ?

[@nmancini]

Christmas came early, been waiting for this release

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Merry Christmas!

[@kevywilliams3304]

Scroll to 7:00

[@davidedwards3734]

Another Great comparison!! Guesz ill just have to suffer with my MS261!!! Stay Hydrated and Have a Safe Day

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, David! Lol, I guess so. I'll take that kind of suffering any day.

[@Dibelchii300]

I ran Stihl 23RS on my 550 with a 20" bar 80dl and same chain but 18" bar 74dl on the 261. That gives the 261 the advantage but the Husqy was still faster in 16 inch pine. 😂

[@erikleirmo9147]

So Sthil or husqvarna and only buying one saw maybe 2 under 1000 what do you buy?

[@iffykidmn8170]

either one

[@zillman-mc9ld]

Kinda considering husqvarna, but the only thing that kind of spooks me is the 1 piston ring design they use

[@kenturner3268]

High performance nikasil engines only need and must have a single ring for peak performance. My Mercury 2.5 sport outboard 280hp engine has single ring pistons.

[@JosephFluty]

Which light 04 bar did you put on the 261? I am looking for an 18” and am not able to find the one that says it fits the 261. Do you know if the 18” 0.063 .325 will work?

[@peskypeet]

Very nice. Just found your channel and watched the 3 comparisons. Muffler mod Bark Box etc both and head to head again.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Welcome to the channel! That would make an awesome video.

[@starlightHT]

Stihl has an increase of almost 270 Euros compared to Husqvarna here where I live.... The price difference is crazy....

[@Anders_HeymSR30]

Same here: can get a 545 mk2 for 600 euro, and 850 euro for a 261

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Wow, that is crazy. I guess that makes a decision easier.

[@sch3l3]

In what country ? looking to purchase a 550XP

[@starlightHT]

@@sch3l3 Portugal.... It is possible to buy 550xp mk 2 for just over 640 euros site (ferramentas)

[@JeffB1961]

i'm looking to ge a first chainsaw and i'm considering the 261 cm . the inside clutch looks much easier to deal with if i get my blade stuck in a tree .

[@hillcresthayfarms9664]

I own both saws and I like both saws they both run tit for tat with each other, there are things i like better on the stihl and there are things i like better on the husky, the thing I dislike the most about the husqvarna and no one seems to mention in there comparison videos is useable bar length you have to run a 20 inch bar on the 550 to get the same useable bar length as a 18 inch on the stihl, with a stihl 261 with a 18 inch bar it measures 17.5 inchs from the tip of the bar to the longest point of the bucking spike and a 18 inch bar on the 550 measures 15.5 inchs to the longest point of the bucking spike. So to get the same cutting capacity with the husqvarna you have to add a longer bar and chain, this ads more weight to a saw that is already heavier than the stihl. I am not trying to nit pick but this should be noted for any one looking to buy one of these saws.

[@OpenAirAdventureFirewood]

Great video Glen. Sounds like the kids are paying attention. Have a great weekend. Kenny

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

They usually don't miss a beat.

[@brownbear846]

Kids changed from 261 to 550 once they heard you were running an xcut chain. Once its is sharpened it loses a bit of cutting performance. 550 is a beast

[@biaschdlznep]

In europe the 261c came (i think since 2021), with the light 04 bar and 1,3mm chain 26RS Pro.

[@Southpaw226]

Nice Just want to point out, guage shouldn’t make any, or very little difference. The light 04 is stihl’s narrow kerf line, which is .050 guage for whatever reason. I think husqvarna considers their sp33g to be narrow kerf.

[@positiveaspect5730]

I was looking for a comparison video as Im on the fence. Ive used both. They are both high rpm saws designed for the type of cuts you did. I suppose you could do some different cuts that really test the autotune/mtronic like dogging in to see which saw cuts better under load. That’s the way I was taught to cut when i did chainsaw training recently anyway so if the saw kicks back the dogs stop it jumping out of the cut

[@tobiasstaermose]

You can run usually run a Stihl bar on a Husqvarna/Jonsered with 1 extra link, eg. 62 to 63.

[@packman44]

Stihl light 04 better than 1.6 mm bar durability?

[@chevysilver-ray-dough6328]

I've had both brands in the past. Currently I have stihls but the next saw I buy will be a varna. I've had better luck with them and in my opinion they are better saws. I cut firewood for a living so having a reliable saw is a must and from my experience stihl just isn't the brand for me.

[@falfield]

How old is your MS261 and do you have the original spec sheet to check? There was a change (~2yr ago in UK) and the engine power was increased from 2.8kW to 3.0kW without a change in model designation. I'm wondering if this may be relevant.

[@robintaylor-mockingeemill8223]

I have both saws as well . My 550 is an early model . I love both saws but the Stihl has no chance of beating the Husky , it is faster and more powerful .

[@pertaani1]

how many notches are there in the front sprocket? In both model? are they the same size?

[@iffykidmn8170]

both are 7 pin sprockets

[@hamradi0]

The only real advantage the 261CM has over the 550XP is that it is about 1 lb lighter. I bought the 261 for this reason.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I kind definitely appreciate that. Especially after a long day of cutting.

[@kojirohyuga1050]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Would you be so kind and give us the weight of saws with the bars and chains used ? With and without oil and gas.

[@SGD3000]

Is the 550 your go to?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I honestly grab both of these saws about 50/50. I usually grab my 500i for the bigger stuff.

[@PhillipDrumz]

This video makes me want to have both!

[@polderfischer8565]

Nice saws but a much nicer family! Greetings

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I wouldn't trade them for all of the chainsaws in the world.

[@benjaminleslie3155]

Now you gotta compare the old ms260 vs husky 346xp 😆

[@kenturner3268]

I agree with the kids. Husqvarna for the win. Far more modern ergonomic saw. I have an autotune and have had no problems.

[@Adog5526]

I wanted to get the 550, but I like the feel of the 261 better. It just feels like a smaller more nimble saw. I have a 372 I use on big stuff so I don’t need the 261 to do anything big. I use it mostly for limbs and light work. I wanted to stick with Husqvarna, but the 550 felt like I wasn’t getting much weight savings over my 372. If I only had one saw it would probably be a 550. But I think the 372 and 261 will cover all my needs. Both good saws. I’m not racing anybody cutting. As long as it runs better than that piece of crap ryobi someone gave me I’m happy.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great video!

[@fatefarmspa]

Cool video !

[@merrittbebout7279]

cute kids! I also have both the 550 made me look at husky

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, man.

[@timkelley6616]

Oh, we know you want a Ripsaw ported 261! 😂 Channel Goals!

[@lesliebeckner9640]

It really don't matter what one runs faster how about reliability

[@EricChmelarsky]

Do a muffler mod.,or put a pipe on the 550, like slapping a horse on the backside. She is gone in a heartbeat. I like your real world, no BS videos. Stay healthy, stay strong 💪.

[@kenturner3268]

That Husqvarna bar/chain setup is a narrow kerf so it isn't exactly apples to apples.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

The 04 50 gauge lite bar is the same kerf as the 550.

[@kenturner3268]

@@OldSchoolMillennial Sorry about that. I didn't notice that the Stihl chain was an RS. I run the sp33g and the 95txl for narrow kerf. Great video.

[@44place85]

I would try a eight tooth sprocket on the 261

[@kollkilmade5827]

Stihl has more low end torque so it’s faster if you dig the dogs in and power thru the log. Husky performs better at higher revs so the way you’re bucking is suited for husky

[@SpaceExplorer31]

I have both and the Husky is stronger BUT it constantly has issues with bogging, stalling when idling and hard starts. Its annoying as shit so it’s going to go away.

[@jasonlamar2053]

This and your previous 2 tests are definitely consistent with the hp & tq these saws actually make. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Both are rated at 4.0HP, but the Husky is underrated. A well known porter in MI has a dyno he tests his builds, and he did a 50cc saw comparo, all stock. 2 of the saws were a 261c and 550XP Mark 2. The dyno graphs for these two start at 8:36. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4GlY2iYrZitl9U

[@kraftzion]

The husky responds extremely well to a muffler mod.

[@johnbailey2306]

Full chisel takes more power to pull!!!

[@blkdia11]

Just try switching the chains around and not the bars, then run a comparison.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Not possible.

[@Jeffrey-hi1ot]

The husky comes out of factory turning 13555 the steals only turning 12 RPM

[@brandonsmith3447]

Come on now. Everyone but a Stihl nut hugger knows that the 550 is the far superior saw to the 261. full chisel, semi chisel, square ground who cares the 550 shits on the stihl.

[@KaydenGonyea]

Try cutting up with it

[@Murder2osix]

I don't count when I cut, ever. I'm grabbing the Stihl, 1lb lighter with 2 second lost. 😂

[@oldguyfirewood]

Good comparison. I changed my 550xp mk2 to 3/8 pitch chain and then did a muffler mod. The muffler mod really woke the saw up. I’ve got videos of those changes on my channel. Check them out if you get a chance.

[@АлиДелиахмедов]

550 марк 1 ❤

[@Elsisi.sharmoot.sahyooni]

You don't push hard enough on stihl

[@nick-trish]

You run a greenie on Stihl first time?! And you supposed to be some kinda pro?! Do a muffler mod and full chisel on the 261cm and reprogram it... Nothing will touch it!!!

[@-cj-3729]

Yeah, he’s still not maling a fair comparison. If he’d replace the engine in the Stihl with a Husky engine, THEN it would be a fair match..

[@lise1255]

Stihl fans are as closed to any alternative as Apple and Tesla fans. Even though you beat their product every time, they will still claim theirs are the best ever 😀.

[@kevywilliams3304]

Too funny 😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnbailey2306]

But in all fairness they both cut wood!!!

[@Jeffrey-hi1ot]

The steel has more low and the bar don't have nothing to do with the chains so what you trying to prove nothing

[@Hardworkpays209]

The chain and bar that came with the saw were .63 gauge (1.6mm) he got a new bar to accommodate the .50 gauge (1.3mm) chain he wanted to put on it so it was the same as the husky. If you ask me he worked real hard to get that saw to close the gap but it never happened.

[@markroberts1733]

Stihl rule ....

[@MK116Alex]

Funny. Husky videos Stihl fan boys chine in and say great saw too bad it's not a Stihl. Husky vs Stihl videos, Stihl fanboys chime in and say their both great saws you can't go wrong with either brand. Husky guys are more modest. Maybe way back in the day Stihl was the best but nowadays come on. Really, come on.

[@danielsmith8659]

That light 04 bar is a residential stamped steel 4 pin bearing non-serviceable sprocket nose bar….. far from “the best”…. You could have put on it…..would the rolamatic e super , 6 pin increase chain speed slightly, probably…. Would it make the stihl win in this test…. Unlikely