Stihl MS261 opinions
- Thread starter SSG3K
- Start date
We actually have the MS261s at work. They take a beating being in the back of a truck all day but they've never failed to start up and get the job done. As long as you take care of it and maintain them, they should last forever.
I burn wood and have an older MS280. For occasional use like you are talking about save some money and just get the farm boss. If you really need a saw with pro level features then get the 261 but the difference in cost represents a lot of ammo.
Also, I like Stihl, but like a lot of things I dont think they are what they used to be. My Dad's lasted 25 years keeping a house warm. I really don't expect my 280 will last nearly that long. I used a dolmar recently and really liked it. Check them out, I will when/if I need to replace my Stihl.
Also, I like Stihl, but like a lot of things I dont think they are what they used to be. My Dad's lasted 25 years keeping a house warm. I really don't expect my 280 will last nearly that long. I used a dolmar recently and really liked it. Check them out, I will when/if I need to replace my Stihl.
Spring for the Stihl Farmboss. It's a work horse. You can also throw a 20in bar and aggressive chain on it. Trust me, you'll want that longer bar. It's the only saw me and my buddies use on our farms.
Rich, my family owns a large farm in SW MI and has been using Stihl chainsaws for over 30+ years. They are hands down the best saw on the market.
I have a 660 with 24" bar and a 170 with 12" bar. I do most of my back yard cutting with the 170. It is much easier to carry and will out cut other brands of comparable weight by far. Anything over 8" I grab the 660. Stihl are great saws.
I run aggressive chains on mine, but have been using them for several years. I would not start out with an aggressive chain unless you are familiar with saws running this kind of power.
Also, DO NOT EVER LOAN OUT YOUR CHAINSAW!!!!
--Daniel
I run aggressive chains on mine, but have been using them for several years. I would not start out with an aggressive chain unless you are familiar with saws running this kind of power.
Also, DO NOT EVER LOAN OUT YOUR CHAINSAW!!!!
--Daniel
Good advice...get the AV model if your going to use its much. I started on a now discontinued model, the "090". Went thru a couple "056"s, and an "045". Now I have a couple smaller ones, wouldn't have anything else.
Not only are the Stihl saws the best on the market but replacement parts are easy to find and much more affordable than some other brands. I had to buy a gas cap for another brand once and not only was it hard to find it was $25-30. Crazy prices. Had to buy a new head for my non Stihl weedeater and it was $65 and never worked well anyway.
We have at least a half a dozen Stihl dealers within 20 miles of where I live and I can get just about any part I need over the counter.
We have at least a half a dozen Stihl dealers within 20 miles of where I live and I can get just about any part I need over the counter.
I have a MS362 with 25" bar and it's an amazing saw..................don't think you can go wrong with a Stihl.
Husky 359 has treated me well as a saw in that size. For being a small saw it's still a workhorse! I would look to try and get a older Sthil that was mostly metal vs the plastic junk that everything is now. Had to replace a couple plastic parts on my 359 over the years.
I've had one STIHL and it was crap. I have two Husqvarnas and they're awesome. Maybe I had a lemon.
I have an MS440 that is a beast. Probably too big for the around the house stuff I do but it rips through everything and I kind of go by better to have and not need than need and not have.
I went with Stihl after watching laborers on my last job use them to build trench shoring. They kept working in horrible conditions.
I went with Stihl after watching laborers on my last job use them to build trench shoring. They kept working in horrible conditions.
I've owned many of the big name chainsaws. Biggest complaint would be starting problems with all of them. About 3 years ago I purchased a Dolmar PS-6400 w/24 inch bar. It always starts (cold/warm/hot) and I couldn't be happier. Oh, cuts massive hardwood tree trunks like a hot knife through butter.
