Stihl MS261 - One Year Review

[@pf5658]

Ended up here because I’m doing research on this exact model. It’ll be my very first ever gas powered chainsaw. Seems like a good choice. Best part though were those kids playing in the rain. Brings back some really good childhood memories. 😊

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

Thank you! I like using random videos of the kids to end some of the videos, it’s a nice surprise for myself when I watch them again in the future.

[@IainWright-ek8ff]

Looking for my first too. I use this same model at work to cut 4x6 hardwood. Thinking this will be a great first chainsaw for personal use as well👍👍

[@fitch8363]

I had the light weight Stihl 25" bar on my 261 from summer 2019 until two months ago. I ran it with 33RS3 chain. It worked a treat, though the saw is a bit under powered with that bar if one uses the full length of it cutting off stumps. It's also nose heavy with it. I moved the 25" bar to the first MS400C-m I found for sale (they put it on the shelf, I took it off about five minutes later and it followed me home). I put a light 20" bar on the 261. I like the balance of the 261 a lot better with the light 20" bar than the standard one. For me, the MS400C-m is a better choice for the 25" bar. It's 1.4 more horse power with 1.9 pounds gain in weight and balances nicely with the 25" light bar. The 261 hangs level with the 20" light bar as does the MS400 with the 25" light bar.

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

I might need to go with the 20" then, I just want it to be as easy to use and comfortable as possible. The 25" seemed promising as these days it starts to hurt my back a lot spending so much time bent over cutting, thought maybe the longer bar would reduce some of the bending down 🤷‍♂️

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice review! I like those socket holders behind you. Great organization.

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

Thank you! It’s nice to be able to find your tools when you need them!

[@wingwhacker7500]

I have a 261CM. I only have had one problem and that is when it gets hot. It will not run. And yes I have it set for the correct season and I am using Stihl mix. It runs after it cools down.

[@donalddonaldson7211]

Sounds like my ryobi 38cc. Just got a 261

[@videocardzrule354]

Make sure you engage the chain brake during restarts. Your Mtronic may be preventing it from starting with chain brake off.

[@davido6915]

Yeah i dont think m tronic has sensors to detect fuel quality or air temperature, i read it strictly monitors rpm, im selling my m tronic and going back to carb screws, simple is better and requires less maintenance.

[@theaxeman4429]

Yow man - nice video - thanks! Do a short video of this saw with the bar on showing the balance of it and cutting some wood pls! 👍

[@4xprops457]

It is a very nice saw! Could you post where to get the Bucking spikes and snow guard?

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

The best place to get them is from your local Stihl dealer, they have access to all the good OEM parts. You can check out my other video for the install of the dogs, and there should be a part number in the description or comments for you to order from the dealer. Double dogs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2jXc6aka7qpsK8 Cover Plate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roC3ZoechMpjj5I

[@majorahole]

I wanted an ms261 but it was not available. So they said they had a 261c. I asked what the difference was and was told the ignition is computer controlled but has adjustment screws. Now that i have it i found out about this mtronic garbage. Seems like a way to make you go back to the dealer forever when this computer carb breaks

[@4570levergun]

In the words of Buckin Billy Ray.... Get a long bar and stand up and buck. I run primarily as ms 461 with a 32" bar, (big Doug Fir out west) but I just pick up a 261 for small stuff and limbing. The 261 is a nice little saw.

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

I’ve enjoyed using it very much. It serves me well here in Indiana with our hardwoods.

[@anthonyoverbee2049]

Your right a 25in bar is nice on a saw!!

[@rickdavid1795]

Great review Thanks

[@rorynelson7548]

Do they make this saw without the electronics

[@ciphercode2298]

They had been offering both mtronic and regular carburetor on these,but I think they quit offering the regular carb version last year or the year before. You can call your local dealer,I may be wrong

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Good video mate

[@ninazeng6036]

Great video!

[@badbow-tie8555]

I agree this saw is awesome, I have the same saw and luv it. also had to add double dog kit

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

It’s been amazing from the start!

[@Mikebast1320]

Great video man!

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

Glad you liked it!

[@jeffcoulter7181]

I wouldn’t recommend a 25” bar. It will unbalance the saw, make it nose heavy and slow the chain speed. It will perform poorly. Well above what Stihl recommends for that saw.

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

It’s not on the list as recommended no, but if you use a full skip chain it will pull just fine. As far as nose heavy, it’s not so long as you buy the lightweight 25” bar. Certainly don’t buy the standard rollomatic for this saw at that length or it will be front heavy and not well balanced.

[@ididiesel83]

I put a 25" bar with a full house chain on mine and pulls it good. Just have to max out the oiler and Re-tune/calibrate the Powerhead.

[@thomasbates4776]

It doesnt make any difference if the saw is m-tronic or not, you need to let the saw run long enough for the cylinder to warm up. Piston will warm up before the cylinder. Also a 25in. bar is not recomended for the 261 stihl says. Personally with electronic controled saw its more to go wrong and expensive to fix. I have had my stihl for 23years and it still runs like new. lol.

[@HoosierHomesteaders]

I'm aware the 25" is not recommended, but the 261 is more than capable of pulling a full skip chain on a lightweight 25". I failed to mention the full skip, but you're right on the factory recommendation, it wouldn't handle a normal chain with that length when buried.

[@Mikebast1320]

Quit your whining bud

[@tractorbasil5713]

As a stihl dealer for 10 years, she can run a 25 in bar all day long. Glad yours has ran for more than for 23 years. I wonder how long a modern one will last, huh?

[@ninazeng6036]

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[@ninazeng6036]

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