STIHL MS 261 C vs 028 AV SUPER

It's the battle of the saws! Thought it might be fun to compare the cutting time of a newish MS261C to that of a 30+ year old 028 AV SUPER. The best average time of three cuts through the same log, using the same 16" bar and chain wins. The race is on! Which will be victorious? The results might surprise you.
My equipment:
Helmet: Kask - Superplasma HD
Earmuffs: 3m - Optime 101 Peltor
Gloves: Stihl - Anti-vibration gloves
Pants: Husqvarna
Boots: Viking - Bushwhacker
My saw: Stihl - MS 170
Featured saws: Stihl - MS 261C and Stihl - 028 AV SUPER
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🎵 Track Info:
Title: Yard Sale
Artist: Silent Partner
Genre: Country & Folk
Mood: Inspirational
Music: Yard Sale by Silent Partner • Video
Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)
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[@erichk1674]

I inherited my great uncles 028 WB and it runs great . If I remember correctly he bought that used in 1980 . It’s my old faithful and I think of my great uncle everytime it starts .

[@billyshumate853]

The 028 might be faster but the 261is gonna be easier on your body. Take care and have a blessed weekend and I'll see you on your next vidja.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thanks! You too!

[@DJRyder7]

Nice comparison. I like the older Stihls. I have an 026, the predecessor to the 260 and subsequently the 261. I got it new around 1990 (I think) and it is still going strong. One of my favorites for limbing and firewood cutting.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thank you! The 028 definitely felt really solid and made to last, I imagine your 026 must feel similarly.

[@richtomlinson7090]

I have the very early 026 my father bought and it's going strong and never needed any repairs, I've bought an excellent used MS 260 PRO to use in order to let my late father's saw last another few decades as I have backup saws. I also have the early red eye 066 Magnum and it only recently had problems with the coil.

[@jeremyc9229]

From the rpm’s of the 261, it sounds like not enough weight was being applied to the saw. I have one, and the rpm’s were way to much. Nevermind, you addressed my comment at the end! Great video

[@danielhubert7887]

Awesome video! Thanks for mentioning letting the weight of the saw do most the work! Cheers!

[@cthemack]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing

[@TCsOutdoors1]

Great video thanks for sharing!!

[@dginta7932]

Good video thanks. You are a joy to watch too.

[@LeifDjurfeldt]

Nice video! Subscribed!! My go to stihl is the big brother of your older saw, the now classic Stihl 038 AV MAGNUM with a 20 inch bar. Best allround saw I own . Will be checking this channel!

[@LeifDjurfeldt]

and I think the biggest factor is that the older 028 has more torque on lower rpm

[@haakonjohansen]

Nice video! I love the 261. Light weight and plenty powerful for firewood purposes. Be careful not to let the saw run full throttle without much load on the engine, it might get damaged. Keep up the good work 😊

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Great advice, thank you! I really like the 261, my favorite so far 🙂

[@darrellyea6470]

Another example of newer not always being better. Love the old saws. I have an 028 Great video.👍👍👍

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thank you! 👍

[@olivierj.2435]

Same with 200t 201t

[@danielpadgett2831]

I have a 2013 stihl ms 271 and my dad has a 028 wood boss I like the older stihl better because its built better he bought new in 1980 and he has taken really good care of it.

[@redwrangler7985]

Great video! I have and love the .028 and cut a lot with it but it is showing its age. I appreciate the detail of your comparison. Also appreciate your thoughts on weight vs. cutting speed.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed 🙂

[@tomallen6073]

Own the 028 also, bought in 83-84., still have it, has a ton of honest wear on it, motor still runs fine, needs a few parts, was a fantastic saw, bought a 261 a couple years ago, feels like the 028, great saw also.

[@EightWheelsRollin]

Good video. Both saws are tough to beat!

[@lovestihlquality1369]

Much much prefer the screw caps. Bought Stihl 028 Super new over 30 years ago. Still great. Have 261c as well. Also 028 salvaged from a fire. Still runs great. Bar blisterd but straight and sprocket tip still good. Bungee strap to tractor or skid steer.

[@better_than_nothing]

The 028 is a bigger saw than the 261. The 026 would be the equivalent to the 261. Great video.

[@robertshoemaker6204]

Good job use like using the 028 and 038 family on saws pre 034/044/064 class came out in the mid 80s.Shoe

[@eurokid83]

Both are great saws, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the 261. That being said I prefer the older “0” saws myself. 038, 028, 026, etc. I’ve got two 038 magnums, a 026 Pro, and a 025. If I ever come across a nice 028 super I’ll have to add it to the collection.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

What a great collection!

[@genebonjour5545]

I had a o28 and best handling and strong saw in the day. Run perfect all the days. Wish I wouldn't have traded it

[@alancurren378]

Great video. Bought an old av032 to restore. 🙂

[@derdampfhammer6652]

Nice comparison. I own both saws and the super hands down has more torque than the 261. I think your 028 was tuned a bit rich too. Lean it out just a bit and it will cut even faster. The 261 has NO chance of lasting as long. Nice to see you out there getting it done.

[@skipmole612]

I wouldn't say you conserve energy by using a chainsaw at arms length as you do. You'll strain your back. Nor would I recommend your 'between the legs' starting method, particularly given your light build. Over the years i've owned a 026 and a 028. My experience was that the 26 was all over the 28.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Light 04 is Stihl's new presentation. The bar is 50 gauge, in conjunction with a thin kerf full chisel chain, you could probably shave a couple seconds off of each cut made with the 261. Thanks for the video.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thanks for the info!

[@thomasgronek6469]

@@TheRealSarahCatherine you are quite welcome, I always look forward to seeing your videos.

[@adelarsen9776]

Another wonderful video. Thank you. One of the saws has style and class. The other has not.

[@user-qq3dk9cj3r]

Hey Charley, what is the open fuel nossle nipple below the carburator ? I picked up a 028 AV and got it to run and was wondering what goes on the nipple or does it just stay open as a breather. Thank you.

[@famasmaster2000]

Well done, both are awesome units and fun to use. Good info, thanks 😊

[@sebastianleicht]

I really love the 028S but i think, if you would drive them both to their max torque, the 261 would cut faster than Re ol lady. But never the less a very nice comparsion and Video! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@brianrizzi6321]

I have 029 super from the 90s from an older gentleman. It was a massive upgrade from my Craftsman saw. Then I got serious about firewood and cutting and got the stihl 500i. 79cc, fuel injected, 13ish pounds. It screams like a Ferrari. I cut in two hours what I used to take me in 8. Also, the 25 inch bar keeps me from reaching and hurting my back. I’d like to see your eyes light up when you try one.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

That sounds awesome! I hope i get to try one someday 🙂

[@mikecooley3361]

@brain Is that FI mechanical or do they incorporate some type of magneto to power it? I have an 026 that i use regularly and an 028 and 029 my neighbor gave me when she moved. They sat up and aren’t very nice cosmetically and i haven’t messed with them to know of any mechanical issues yet.

[@brianrizzi6321]

Not sure what the FI is but there is a magnet on the 029 fly wheel. Only prob I’ve had in over 100 tanks through is having to replace the muffler.

[@themysterioussoul1970]

You do have the wrong pants on in terms of brand that swears a bit husqvarna 🙈 nice video 💕💕💕

[@Svein-Erik]

Nice video, thank you.🙂 These are really 2 flagship models. I would choose an older overhauled saw if it would be a powerful one for heavier cutting and sawmills instead of spending a fortune on a new 100cc model. On lighter jobs where a 30 tol 40cc model is more suitable, I would have gone for a new lightweight model.

[@cmx2439]

For firewood cutting and sales I'd probably take a 028 super over anything else ( any of the non pro models) Stihl has made recently.....or ever come to think of it

[@03bonneville]

The old 028 AV Super is an outstanding saw.

[@bentwedgestanleybrand5818]

Good morning from Ohio! You'll find when you're out in the woods cutting firewood! You're not going to be timing your cuts! Lighter saw at the end of the day! You'll probably have more work done! And feel better physically! I have the AV 028 super! I keep it at home in the woodyard!

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

That's definitely true for me, I can go a lot longer with a lighter saw, get a lot more done and be way less sore the next day. Thanks for watching!

[@Michagan_outdoorsman_James]

i just bought a new ms271 and i have a ms290 and 038super. i really like how the newer stuff is lighter but i still find myself always ending with my 038. there something about about it that just feels right. and that thing just lathers up the bar with oil like no other

[@ericscottstevens]

What are the chains you are using? That could give one saw a better bite than the other. I have about a 1982 028 AV SUPER. Super that is still going after all these years, a heavily used machine for the purchase all those years ago.

[@malisadragomirovic6147]

Good job young lady, greetings for you.

[@alan-dr8uo]

Just found your sight and like it

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thanks! I'm glad you like it 🙂

[@philipbingham5255]

I know I’m late to the party but any clue if the 028 has had any work ? Ported, sprocket ⚙️,etc ? If not wow.

[@kellyowensby]

i have the 038 and love it

[@hansjurgenheinemann246]

Hi Sarah, I like your Video. My Favorit Chainsaw is the Stihl 028 AVSEQ My little Chainsaw Collection Stihl MS500i Stihl 046AVEQ Stihl 048AV Stihl 042AV Stihl 028AVSEQ Stihl MS181CBE Stihl MS180CBE Wish u a nice Weekend ans stay Stay safe and sound.

[@jesseschlenker7076]

028 for the win! They dont make em like they used to. 261 wont last as long.

[@curlyyoder]

Yes! Bought an 028 German built Stihl in 1986. Runs yet today! On it's second kettle. We build log homes. Swedish cope full scribe. Saws get thousands of hours. Daily use. Will take a couple extra pounds for durability and reliability. German built 034 still runs well today. Tried an 064 when they first came out it was too light. Big saw built too light. The power and torque destroyed the saw. Using ms250 today they are handy light weight but definitly a consumer saw. Throw away. Done more repair on the 250's than I EVER did on an 028! Stihl quit the 028 for a good reason. Can't sell you a new saw if you got an 028!

[@ericfuller6326]

346xp for the win or 550xp can’t go wrong either way.

[@dougreid2351]

Nice comparison, nice vid. Thanks. (Try bending your knees to lessen the strain on your back.) DOUG out

[@iffykidmn8170]

Besides the operator which you already mentioned you were also cutting toward the butt of the log so each subsequent cut was larger diameter.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Good observation! I chose the log because the diameter was pretty consistent, although I didn't measure it precisely. It may indeed have been slightly larger with each subsequent cut. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisnyiri]

Good Job! Keep that arm strong holding at the full wrap handle and be ready for kick back, and those spiky thingys at the back of the bar are the dogs let them dig into the round and the saw will do the work for you as it should,

[@ryanbruner8928]

The new saws are lighter,but I'm not a fan of all that plastic,my old 80's Stihl has a lot of aluminum,and it's really come in handy over the years from "accidents" ;)

[@williamk.7129]

magnesium* aluminum would make it even heavier.

[@ryanbruner8928]

@@williamk.7129 a bit,but my 028 isn't too bad.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Yeah, the older saw definitely had kind of an "indestructible" feel to it 🙂 You do have to be more careful with the plastic, especially in the cold.

[@andik859]

I love my old 028 super too, the new one MS361VW is a screeming beast.

[@HanaBasara]

Nice!! 🙋🇷🇴

[@darrellepickering8433]

I find that the 028 outcut the 261 amazing! I attribute that maybe the 261 wasn't broken in yet. The 261's redlined around 13500 while the 028 is around 12000. That alone should've mad the difference. Granted there's, at least, a 50 year gap & the 028's hard to beat but I'd get the 261 broken in.

[@darrellepickering8433]

I can tell you the 028 will last longer. Parts are the problem.

[@andik859]

​@@darrellepickering8433here in germany you can order spare parts for 028 avs. I buy my for 100 bucks alittle bit defect. I repair it and now is it a beauty machine, i love it. Have a new one MS361VW this is a beast.

[@Johny104]

Love you ❤😊

[@bernardnoel1514]

You are good with a saw, just a little trick if you use the spurs on your saw lightly, your lighter saw should be as fast with very litle extra effort.

[@rtoguidver3651]

Old verses new, who you calling Old, I sthil take down trees w/ my Old saw, does that make me an antique.??? The chain is throwing off good chips, nice sharpening job.

[@mattstrange9955]

There was a knot in the wood for the 261.. that and the weight of the saw like you said are the reasons the 028 won.. I have both.. 261 is a little faster/more powerful

[@davinjaggard3711]

There seemed to be a knot on the second cut. That might have slowed a little for you.

[@chaswarren7239]

Looked like the 261 was cutting thru a knot ? If you like the 261 (I love it!), treat it to a 16" Light 04 bar & chain from Stihl. Super combination, quick light & very capable.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thanks! If I ever get my own 261, I'll want a light bar for sure 🙂

[@thomasgunne8730]

Cutting style by operator is very important, using the dogs and a bit of leverage while dogs engaged will help improve saws performance, also a bit more warmup time for saws before stating work is a big factor in saw performance and longevity, just sayin'

[@anibaldietrich4825]

028 av es una maquina mas simple y mucho mas duradera(1980)e incluso consume menos,yo la prefiero y las conozco porque las reparo.saludos desde Argentina.

[@IndianaDoug]

I enjoy your content Sarah. Sub’d👍🏻 Are you on any other social media? Keep up the great work!

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thank you! Yes, I'm on Instagram @therealsarahcatherine

[@IndianaDoug]

@@TheRealSarahCatherine following👍🏻

[@Aaron_A_Lynch]

Nice work girl...new subscriber..keep up the great work..👍🏻🤘🏻🪓

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Thank you so much!

[@brycedanner9453]

I bet if you opened up the exhaust port on the 261c it would be right up there with the 028!!!

[@TwiztidTim187]

Chicks with chainsaws! Yeah!

[@ranieremendonca6370]

👏👏😍😍😘

[@truckduck53]

Hi Sarah's may be the Ms has smaller clutch sprocket

[@wansofea3176]

Hello 👋 Sarah..😍👍⭐

[@felixyazzie1481]

Do one with 028 vs ms 391

[@HanaBasara]

I have 261, 500i and 201tc

[@cmx2439]

the 028 super has a bigger displacement than the standard 028.av did. the av was 51cc i think and the 028 super was 54 or 55cc great video though!

[@ethansalony4624]

Av is 47 av super is 51.5

[@darrellepickering8433]

The 028 was 43cc then upped to 47cc, the super was 52cc.

[@ericfuller6326]

🇩🇪⛓️🪚🟰💩either way.

[@Strob3Gaming]

THE BAR IS UPSIDE DOWN, OCD IS KILLING ME!

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

Same! But you have to flip the bar so it wears evenly.

[@TuanAnhNguyen-vm5gu]

028 thật tuyệt vời phải không bạn

[@mtnviewtow88]

pick up a real saw like the 500i or 462 and try that then your cutting :o i have the 261 use it for liming smaller stuff!

[@leonardobatistarocha7956]

o machado e a motosserra eli silva & zé goiano composição: moacir dos santos / zé goiano o machado e a motosserra tiveram uma discussão motosserra diz que é orgulho da evolução machado pra mim já era pois vem do tempo de adão você agora só serve pra fazer calo na mão motosserra dá um ronco relou o dente no tronco já se vê o pau no chão a serra chamou o machado pra fazer uma porfia machado aceitou na hora e quando chegou o dia entraram junto no mato pra mostrar a serventia a motosserra roncava machado velho tinia e naquele matagal foi só cavaco de pau pó de serra que subia e esse grande duelo deste jeito é que termina na briga das ferramentas o machado é que domina motosserra parou cedo ali no tronco da quina machado seguiu cortando mata grossa e mata fina motosserra impotente rebentou sua corrente acabou a gasolina que isto sirva de exemplo para toda humanidade e você que é tão jovem tem que saber a verdade respeite bem os mais velhos não brinque com sua idade uma pessoa idosa também tem utilidade é um diamante valioso se não tivesse o idoso não teria mocidade

[@mastermason4766]

I have an ms290 and 028 av, both great saws, ms290 is definitely more powerful, just a bit though which isn't very noticeable. On the 028 av, it you don't make sure the chain oil cap is perfectly tightened, you'll end up with a leg full of chain oil, like I did. 😂

[@jeremymonahan2801]

The 028 was faster because she let the weight of the saw cut and the 028 is heavier you could hear that the 261 had no load on it next time dig the spikes in and put a load on them

[@outboardfixer]

She does fine but needs to loosen up a little...step in a little closer and unlock the knees. Your back would kill you if you cut like that for long....RELAX....

[@romanbfm9633]

I think you are too easy on the 261. I only heard High Rev and slow cutting. It's a race push down on it and let it do some cutting.

[@mihaeludurovic9388]

You have no idea that you work with a motorbike, it is better to leave a lot of work, the motor of strength goes into the wood alone,

[@mil-specmotorworks7805]

Wifey? Is that you?...lol

[@mattstrange9955]

Something isn’t right about this… I have both and the 261 definitely out cuts the super…

[@georgeshotrodbarn2113]

Its all about style and i have i lot of style i would have set the saw at ten and four drove the biter bar in rolled the saw to around seven pulled back and went straight down. i like to roll the saw i think its safer. but do as you will and go ahead and hate me.

[@TheRealSarahCatherine]

As a beginner, I haven't really got a style yet, but I welcome suggestions to try to improve. No hate for that 🙂

[@woodhoundbug4697]

By the 3rd cut on that chain you have already taken the sharpness out of it they can't be identical unless you have the exact identical sharp change my opinion rolled cutting chainsaw cutter I do have the 61 and I do have the 500 eye the 61 is a nice

[@JohnnyIDive37]

why

[@davidgoliath982]

what a joke! u need to learn how to run a saw! my 261 would smoke that old saw

[@romanbfm9633]

Yes totally agree

[@TM-tz9rr]

1:25 boy, I’ll let you receive my bar and chain. gnome sayin?