Stihl MS261 C-M RS Pro Review and Comparison with the 026 and MS362

This video shows the review of the STIHL MS 261 C-M RS Pro Chainsaw.
This chainsaw is a professional chainsaw with Stihl M-Tronic Technology and a specially developed Rapid Pro Speed saw chain, which is much thinner and thereby cuts faster and is also lighter.
The MS 261 is compared with two other professional chainsaws: its predecessor the 026 and its bigger brother MS 362, on different characteristics. The engine power to total weight ratio gives a very interesting outcome!
Video by: Outdoors in the Low Countries
Music: www.purple-planet.com

[@wizardsofwisconsin7400]

Best comparison amongst the saws I’ve seen, very well presented and with the proper knowledge! I got my 261-CM last year and have been totally blown away how, with a full chisel Oregon chain and the stock 18” bar, this thing WANTS to cut wood…it pulls itself through the wood by itself. If you just “let it eat” it’s incredible. While other saws might be more powerful or faster through huge trees or any of that….the power to overall weight and how the saw feels in the hands is about as good as it’s going to get at this time. The M-tronic has worked FLAWLESSLY. Anyone who might be skeptical can rest easy that Stihl got this right. VERY right! Thanks for a fantastic video!!

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks for your compliments and enthusiasm. And I also must confess that every time I use the 261-CM still a big smile appears on my face, when I see how easy and effortless this saw goes through the wood.

[@peterpotatoes1920]

Great video, Ive had my 261 for about a year. Almost went with the older version but after a good amount of reading, it's a pretty solid setup that has less problems over time vs having to do adjustments. Plus, it tunes itself after mods which is nice. Glad I got it before there's some type of ban on them.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Glad you like the video. And good to hear that you still like the saw after one year.

[@perkypat2214]

Did you get the 261-C-M?

[@Jimboslice911]

Nice video, couldn't have been any more thorough. Subbed 👍👌

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks! Very glad you like it and thanks for the subscription.

[@Mr42960]

Great review, your character is outstanding. I love my 261, I run an 18" Sugihara light weight bar with the regular .325 RS chain and it pulls and balances perfect. For my next size up I picked a 462. I run a 25" Tsumara light weight bar with 3/8 RS chain. The 261 definitely gets used far more. Good looking tractor! Interesting front bucket on there.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks. Glad you like the video. And lots of fun with the chainsaws. Good to hear that you also like the 261.

[@MaxMustermann-if9hh]

I used my lovely 026 over 30 years until now. Then i bought the 261c-m. It's a worthy grandson! (weight, character and simplicity) I don't need faster or heavier saws for small or middle size trees. In opposite: I like my very, very fine and lightweight echo cs-2511wes as much as these Stihl saws. All of these starts and run, wheneverver i want, extremly reliable and stressless. That's what i need.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I don't have any experience with Echo saws myself. And yes, people tend to buy too heavy saws for the job. Even my dealer mentioned this.

[@MaxMustermann-if9hh]

I recommend you to test the echo cs-2511wes! This toy-looking beast is my favorite in the smallest class under the 261, has only 1,5PS, but a complete weight with fuel and oil of 3,3kg. (= half of 261) I adaptet a stihl mini light bar (35cm, 1,1mm; chain with 51TG) to get more range.. Try it, and I'm sure, you will buy it!

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

@@MaxMustermann-if9hh Thanks for the recommendation. It is indeed a very light saw. The Stihl version would be the MS 151 I expect. Never used such a light gasoline saw myself, so quite curious to be honest.

[@user-wv4wd6mj2g]

I purchased a Husky 550xp mark II and that thing is a beast. It eats up the wood and spits it out!

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Good that you like your Husky. I'm sure it is also a great saw.

[@davidbauman4705]

Once again very detailed and informative video

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks, glad you like it.

[@thadstuart8544]

great video. i was interested in a 261 but I already have a Stihl MS-250, Husky pro 545 MK II, and 562XP. today, I found an 026 locally that is in exceptional condition for $150 US Dollars, so I couldn't pass it up. I will be doing a muffler mod, adding some larger dog spikes, and doing a paracord wrap around the handle. Its a really nice saw. thanks for the video sir

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks! Nice to read you are refurbishing the 026. Hope you enjoy it a lot.

[@cogentdynamics]

Love the video! I just purchased an MS261. Rick asheville, nc (Dordrecht, NL birthplace)

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Good luck with your MS261! I hope you will like it just as much as I do. Groeten uit de 'Low countries' 😀

[@ultralightflyer9849]

Excellent video. You are very knowledgeable about the three saws that you are showcasing and explained their strengths and weaknesses very well. I recently bought the ms362, mtronic model, with the captive bar nuts, etc. I had purchased th ms261 but decided to return it for the ms362 since I want to do some lumber milling, and the 261 didn't seem to be quite powerful enough. If I could afford it I would have bought the 261 also because it is such a nice little saw. Thanks for the great comparison. You have a new subscriber. Low country. BENELUX?

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks for subscribing. I also use the MS362 for lumber milling as well (see kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3PTd6eiZtutntk).

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

The Low Countries are indeed the Benelux. 👍

[@lampshade8969]

Had a 261 for a long time, and recently got a 026 as well. In some ways I like the 026 better. It is, in my opinion, much simpler to tinker with, and I really like having an adjustable carb. The 261 is great, but parts are much more expensive for it. 026 parts are very affordable. I don't worry much about cutting speed since I don't do professional logging any more.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Great that you love your 026. I also still love mine as well. It still is a great little saw!

[@gilespritchett]

Excellent , comparison I use a 026 to which I have made a coulpe of minor tuning upgrades . It is a superb machine , therefore It would be interesting to run the new chain and guide with it

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks! It could be an interesting option indeed.

[@willieboy3011]

I have the MS 261, and it runs excellent (not M-Tronic). I have a bigger, heavier 461 with the larger 3/8 chain that has cut up a couple of large (>100 yr old) Red Oaks. However, the 261 with 18" chain is lighter. Like not losing nuts too. I am using a carbide chain chisel now on a creek bed, and it is lasting well. I enjoyed your video. First time here.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks, and glad you like it. So it seems we use the same type of approach: the bigger heavier saw for the large pieces. But whenever possible back to the light 261, which is really a joy to work with.

[@CW1116]

Excellent comparison.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks!

[@rickdavid1795]

Excellent review, exactly what I wanted to see. I bought the Ms 261 c m Thanks

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Good choice!

[@matiasketo5820]

me too!

[@youtubeuserUCVuhjgRB1]

great video, thank you!!

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks!

[@maroltboy]

Very ery good video. Thank you.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Glad you like it!

[@wildrovernatelowrey]

Great comparison.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks!

[@XGalaxy4U]

You can let it idle for 30 seconds in the start position and then go full throttle for a few seconds. It calibrates for altitude and things that way. It's in the manual. I've got a MS 462 C-M, it's a monster. Looking for something a little lighter for lapping. I had an O39 that some dudes stole a few years ago.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks of the tip on calibration. The MS 462 is indeed a large saw, too large for the medium type of work that I do mostly. I can recommend the MS 261 for lapping: light but still strong!

[@drhealthpacbellnet]

Very well done video. Please comment on how to prevent debris falling into oil and fuel with the tooless caps. Anyone make a conversion to a better type of cap like the 026?

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

I haven't experienced a significant difference in debris falling into oil and fuel tank between the new and old caps. For both caps you have to pay attention on this during and after opening. The filling can you can see me using in the videos with the automatic shutters is really helpful to prevent this as well.

[@remigoldbach9608]

Great video!

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks!

[@minhoek3252]

great review, i have to show this video to my father and translate it to him. we have MS270, and after 15 years it have some problems with start. When cold it will start runs good but after it gets hot it cannot start and we have to wait. And today it didnt spark aswell we had to get back from woods/angry/. We invested 250€ for repairs last year but problem isnt solved. I told him that we should buy new chainsaw and it will be probably this one since it is stronger and also lighter. We tried today MS311 of our friend but father immediately said it is too heavy for limbing. But anyway thanks for video

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Sorry to hear that the repair didn't work out. The fact that it didn't spark might be an ignition issue, which might also be the cause of the starting problem when hot. You could try to replace the ignition coil and spark plug. I also needed to replace it for both the MS362 and 026. It is not a difficult repair, so perhaps you can do it yourself. According to specifications the MS311 weighs 6.2 kg (empty, no bar/chain) with an engine power of 3.1 kW (4.2 bhp).The MS261 weighs 4.9 kg with an engine power of 3.0 kW (4.1 bhp). So the MS261 has 79% of the weight of the MS311 but 97% of the power. There you can see again how strong and light the MS261 RS Pro is.

[@toomasviires8374]

It is most probably the ignition coil problem. I have a MS280, which is same saw as 270, just has a little more power. It came to me with same problem. Not very popular nor known saw by enthusiasts today. Anyway, the faulty coil is one of the known problem of this saw. Replaced mine with the cheap chinese one based on the positive feedback from buyers and the saw runs great ever since. Nice smooth saw, just a little bit too big for it's power. I also have MS261CM and would reccomend it any time over 270/280. A really nice piece of modern engineering.

[@maik0190]

Was für ein symphatischer Typ👍🏻, ich könnte dir den ganzen Tag zusehen/hören. Ich habe selbst eine 261cm, ich liebe das Teil, ich habe noch eine andere Säge. Aber die 261 ist einfach für alles geeignet (auf meinem Grundstück, natürlich nicht für ALLES). Klasse Video, ich werde mir mehr von dir ansehen

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks! Glad you like it.

[@EricNoel-qv4gy]

Great vid. Saved me a lot of number crunching. I have many saws among the big 3 but Stihl has always been my "go to" I have a pair of 026's 1 ms362c and a 462c but have been itching for a 261c based on the way the m-tronic performs in my other two. I love it. I am hard to move to new tech sometimes but these m-tronics seem to be a real game changer along with their preferable HP to weight ratios and superior filtration system.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks. I'm very curious how the M-tronic is behaving in the long run as the saw gets older. Good to read that your experience is positive.

[@dantirk4560]

Thank you so much for the great video, his taught me many new things about my new saw. I just bought a 261c with 20” bar two weeks ago and didn’t know most of these facts. For now, I’m cutting seasoned oak firewood for the winter, but I was wondering if this saw would be good to use to rip boards out of a log? Should I use a stronger saw because of the longer cuts or is it sufficient? Thank you again and God bless

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

For chainsaw milling I definately propose to use a stronger saw, because the cuts are longer indeed but also longitudinal, requiring a ripping chain. It would be a shame ruining your 261 on this.

[@dantirk4560]

@@OutdoorsintheLowCountries thank you so much for the response and advice, I will heed it. Thank you again, I probably would have tried if you didn’t advise against it.

[@dantirk4560]

@@OutdoorsintheLowCountries I would also like to add to my last response. Do you have a recommended chainsaw for milling?

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

@@dantirk4560 For chainsaw milling I use the MS362 which has a 59cc engine. For very large log sizes (> 20") it is recommended to use an even stronger machine with more cc.

[@dantirk4560]

@@OutdoorsintheLowCountries thank you so much for your knowledge and timely response, even for an amateur such as myself.

[@user-pg5mn2vk3j]

Regarding the 261, I don't seem to be getting enough bar oil out (one week old saw), I have tried the adjustment with no difference noted. What bar oil, weight wise, do you reccomend?

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

I use standard chain oil ISO 100. Is your filter in your oil tank perhaps clogged?

[@user-pg5mn2vk3j]

@@OutdoorsintheLowCountries Filter is good, saw has about 15 hours on it, with the bar oil setting on manual and not the automatic position the saw pumps oil quite well, so ill just leave it in the manual mode. Thankyou for your previous response.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

​@@user-pg5mn2vk3j Thanks for letting know that this solves your oil issue. I will also check my saw on this.

[@parblom2717]

Tusen tack för denna videon jag hoppas att du vissa mera av stihl ms 261c-m och 026,och resten av de du gör Tusen tack igen ❤👏👏👍

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks and yes, more will follow.

[@NovaDexter]

I have a 261c here in Nova Scotia , Canada. I have not be kind to the saw and its never given me a problem yet :) I've NEVER used the decompression button. Its useless and causes problems down the road IF you use it. Sthil should get rid of it completely.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks for sharing your experience and good to read that also in Novia Scotia the 261 shows good performance and reliability.

[@ReggieChump]

Can anyone help, please? The Ms261-c ( "18 Light 04 bar) states a 4.8mm file... But, when sharpening, I'm finding that the aforementioned file barely fits in the gullet? Seems too tight and awkward to sharpen, but it states it's the correct file? Any advice, please? From "England'istan".

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

I know what you mean. I also had this experience first time sharpening this chain. But the chain clearly shows nr 2 marking so I used my Stihl file holder (as shown in the video at 2:33) with the 4.8mm file and filed it. The chain still runs very fine, no worries.

[@bobrazowsky85]

4.8 is the right file for original chain. i think you need to use a holder-file, for better work. That all.

[@gunterbecker8528]

Sir, what about the Mtronic on those saws how reliable is that technology? I don't want to spent my time in a Stihl repair shop all the time since they have very expensive hourly charges ? Please advise, thank you in advance Gunter

[@bobrazowsky85]

@@gunterbecker8528 i think 4 YO ( and maybe more) are reliable. With 3.0 mtronic, with white solenoid. Light and reliable. but echo & husky are equals to sthil, same quality when you pick up pro-grade saws.

[@alexcarr8503]

Was working in the woods years ago, using a 254 xp. Bought a 026. It really is a poor pro saw. The air cleaner would be clogged by lunch time. Yes they are a tough little saw but not professional grade. I know Sthil claims it is a pro saw, but really doesn't rise to that claim. I do own a 261. Now, that is a way better saw. Yes the 261 is a professional chainsaw.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Glad to hear that you like the 261 as well! 😊👍

[@StubProductions]

Nice Kubota!

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Thanks! 😊

[@llewmatthews4828]

My 23yr old 372xp would blow all those out of the water. 😅

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Indeed there are chainsaws available with more power, but also much more weight! 😊

[@llewmatthews4828]

@OutdoorsIntheLowCountries true. Worked all day today, then came home and worked with the 372 for an hour cutting wood. Felt heavy. I got a 261, only done 3 tanks. 50cc saws feel like a compromise, don't have either advantage.of power or light weight of a 35 or 42cc saw. I prefer my 241 over 261 cause it's so extremely light yet has similar power to 026

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

Compared to the MS241 the MS261 has a power increase of 30% and a weight increase of only 9%! This number is for an empty system. With the new lighter chain and full system the difference in weight might be even smaller. For cutting firewood and simple logging I don't mind a heavy chainsaw. But for landscape maintenance, manoeuvring continuously with the chainsaw and higher work this light but very strong saw really makes a difference. I love to work this way with the MS261 all day long. My dealer told me he always has many MS261's on stock because they sell very fast. That's how popular this chainsaw is. As explained in the video, the MS261 has also become my favourite!! 😁

[@mustachio2]

Electronic choke? Dealbreaker for me :( The entire point in buying the pro model is so you can work on it yourself and adjust things.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

The choke is still available. It is the normal setting that is self adjusting to an optimal value which is most interesting.

[@mustachio2]

@OutdoorsintheLowCountries yeah that's what I meant. Interesting but I wouldn't want it. I didn't realize when I wrote that that it was just an option and you can still get the regular one with the adjustment, i thought it was a new change to only that. Micro controllers don't belong on my chainsaw... electronics have a mind of their own and require replacing, adjustments can be changed on the fly with a screwdriver. Tell me in 20 years how the electronics hold up or if it has strange problems after a few years.

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

From a serviceability point of view I understand your concern. I'm also curious myself how the system will perform after many years.

[@maik0190]

Mein bester Kumpel ist Händler von Stihl, die Elektronik macht auch nach Jahren keinerlei Probleme. Er hat sehr viele Sägen mit vielen vielen Stunden auf der Uhr, die laufen wirklich super. Also keine Angst vor neuem die Vorteile überwiegen👍🏻

[@OutdoorsintheLowCountries]

@maik0190 Thanks for your advice. Until now it all works well. :-)