I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: th-cam.com/video/ZBVu7w2BElM/w-d-xo.html
I’ve got a 42cc, a 55cc and a 72cc saw. Falling right into your landowner chainsaw plan you discussed. Great info and a lot of people will find this helpful
A modern battery saw could be a workable alternative to a small gas saw. And if you're selling firewood go with a pro level saw like a Stihl MS621 and something larger.
I hear that often, people suggest a bug saw for firewood. I sold firewood for years with a Husqvarna 240 and it did the job fine back then and still today. If you're setup properly you can do a lot with a small saw and upgrade later if you make money and feel you need it. I guess it depends on your area and what kind of trees you're working with.
for pruning (versus cutting) trees for landscaping or timber purposes, a pole saw can be a useful tool for one's collection. pole saws can also be used for cutting branches that are dangerously under tension after a tree has fallen from a distance. stihl makes a 36.3 cc gasoline powered pole pruner (HT 131) with a 14 inch bar. echo and husqvarna have even smaller models exist with ~20cc engines and ~10 inch bars.
455 rancher 24 inch bar 3/8 chain 435 Husqavarna 16 inch bar .325chain Stihl farm boss 290 16” bar .325 chain Stihl 180 14” bar I use the stihl sharpening system with a vice for hand filing (the best system) I live in Texas and have family farm land and a network of local farmers who give me permission to clear mesquite from fencing - I also find the occasional pecan and oak tree in town . I cut for my myself and also stock pile 15-20 cords a year to sell as a side hustle . I use a fiskar pikaroon along with a fiskar x36 splitting axe and a home built 30 ton hydraulic splitter - great video keep them coming
I started off with a stihl ms 390, now ive got a ms171, 261, 461 for the farm and for fun; echo 280e, McCullough promac 555 and resurrected my fathers echo cs60s from 1967.
My only thought would be that unless my saw is making me money......I think I would just combine all of them and buy one 60cc saw(562XP/ 362C).....it will struggle a bit in big wood, be a bit heavier than a 50 in small wood......but I'll keep a $1000 in my pocket.
I started with a cheap 50cc chinese saw.. but thing had no power.. then bought a secondhand 036.. I use this next to my 201c wich i bought new around that time.. for clearing out brush and limbing.. I dont have much big wood left so the 036 only gets used a few times per year. The 201 is just a joy to use.. plenty of power/weight, def worth 2 times the price of a ms182.
I have never really though about my chainsaw plan before, but what I have is a 30 70 plan. A MS170 for small jobs and a Husky 372XP for big jobs. I have never felt the need for a 50 as the 70cc will do everything a 50cc will but it does it a lot faster. Time is money. I also do have a 3rd chainsaw which is a small cheap 6" handheld electric... just for taking off small branches around the house. Great video.
I used to operate a 50 cc chainsaw for everything before, primarily the Jonsered 2253 (the same as the first version of Husqvarna 550). But now I mostly use the Stihl ms 500i, and for thinning tasks, I use either the Stihl ms 201 or the Husqvarna 242. Since I collect chainsaws, I have a variety to choose from, but for my needs, these saws work excellently.
I've got a 460 rancher and a couple other smaller saws. The 460 is the only one I use. It handles everything from limbing (although a bit on the heavy side for that) to felling, bucking, and even milling. I have my back up saws but obviously I have picked my favorite.
If you can afford it, buy a stihl 400cm. About the same weight as the 460 rancher, but instead of making 3.5hp it makes around 6. You’ll wonder how you ever milled with such a slow saw, and truthfully you should be using a much bigger professional saw for milling like a 661
After living on 70+ acres of woods & burning firewood for the past 20 years, I agree with your recommendations. If I could only own one chainsaw, it would be one in the 60cc class. Something like the older Jonsered 2165 would be my first pick. I don't own one, but my 82 year old dad does. It's a very nice chainsaw. A Makita/Dolmar 61cc saw would be a great pick, too. I would much rather own two chainsaws, however. If you get one pinched or one goes down, you are still cutting. If I had to replace what I already have (starting over), I would pick a RedMax GZ5000 (50cc) with an 18" bar & a GZ7000 (70cc) with 20" & 24" bars. RedMax is a Husky/Jonsered saw with just a few models to pick from. Makes shopping easier. The surplus of models offered by Stihl & Husky is a bit of a turn off for me. I own 3 chainsaws. My newest chainsaw is a 16 year old Jonsered CS2152 with an 18" bar, & it has been an awesome saw. It always starts, & it's never needed any repairs other than bars/chains. You can do a lot with a quality 50cc saw, but you can't be in a hurry on the big stuff. I have a 20+ year old Poulan 2900 Farmhand (46cc), which I picked up @ Walmart (demo model) in the clearance aisle ($135). It still runs great, & it's an awesome limbing saw with a 16" bar & a low profile chain (cuts rather than grabs small stuff). Using the right bar & chain makes a big difference, too. My third & oldest saw is my dad's Husqvarna 257 (57cc). He didn't like starting it, & I have no problem with it. It has a bit more pull than my 50cc Jonsered (runs a .325 pitch 20" bar pretty well). If I don't inherit my dad's CS2165, I will most likely add a 70cc saw to my collection some day. For now, sharp chains on smaller saws still get the job done.
Have a Stihl MS 250. Really good all around saw. Will cover home owners needs well. Its not large, but not heavy and is willing to take on 10-14 inch stuff easy.
As a poor landowner I have a 271 and an axe. Collected a chord with just an axe while saving up for the saw this summer. I’m going to call July saw appreciation month.
Stihl Chainsaw: If the first digit in the serial number is a 1 then it was manufactured in Germany If it’s a 2 or a 5 it was manufactured in the United States A 3 means it’s manufactured in Brazil Serial starting with 8 is Chinese made Starting with 4 means made in Austria
I liked the bigger saws when I was younger but now at 70 I gravitate towards the smaller saws. I have 4 Stihl saws but they are prone to not running right so I just bought a Husqvarna.
I use a 16” Echo 58V and i just say it’s pretty legit for what i use it for. I help clean neighborhood fallen limbs and trees as well as stuff i find on jobsites. I haven’t been short of wood for the fireplace or smoker in years.
I agree, that's a great saw maybe the best Husqvarna ever made and a good size bar for it. I have no idea why Americans always use way too long bars. I have used 560 with 13,15, 18 and 20" bars and while 15 is the best size for it I use 18 on my saw. Basically because I got smaller Husqvarnas also. Greetings from Sweden.
Im also Swedish and I think it makes sence when some americans use big/long bars, its more weight for upper body and at the same time you get reach so you can cut trees on the ground standing straight. The angle to the ground is almost 45 degree and that angle makes the saw to not pull your bar up/down or some other way when cutting which can happen when working close to ground. You also dont hit ground or hit a tree next to your tree which can push saw up very fast. 25" bar feels safe to me but hard to move to the sides. Cheers
261 is amazing. I got mine right after Hurricane Ian. Throw on some West Coast Saw felling dogs and chain catcher, really capable saw. Especially with a 20 inch bar on oak. Dry oak for firewood, it's amazing. I wanted a 362 originally but there was no place that had it after the storm. So I did the exhaust port and foam filter from WCS and I wanna say it rips almost as hard as a 362. Next saw I get probably will be a 462 M-Tronic with all the WCS mods or the 500i.
Nice! It sounds like you found a setup that works great for you. If you decide to go with the 500-i in the future, I can attest to its abilities. It has been a ripper for me.
I got the tiny plastic echo CS 310, $215 with 14 bar and it will start 1'st pull if you can push the choke in fast, for trimming and limbing, a light saw to climb with.
I run 2 saws. Stihl MS 251C for my small saw and a Stihl MS 362 C-M. The small saw is around 40cc and 59cc for the big one. 18" bar on the small saw. Big saw came with a 25" bar but I rarely use this bar but it's nice to have. I mostly run a 20" on the 362. Also running yellow link chains and packing the 2 in 1 chain files.
I’m just starting out thank you for the information on chainsaw , I think I will go with MS261 that will be good for my work, thanks again… from John, near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania ☕️😊👍👍
STIHL 026 for wood 12” diameter and smaller…now badged MS261 / 262) is simply the Best. 20 inch bar with full comp .325 for hardwood or 3/8 full comp for soft. Don’t run full skip it’ll vibrate the hell out of you and your saw. Over 12” wood regularly: ms361 /362 or its predecessor the famed 036 (MS 360) Run 20 inch bars for light weight and keep those chain rakers at .020 to .025 inch lower than top of cutter tooth. Perfect.
As a homeowner I just starting using chainsaws over this past summer. If I had to give advice I would say buy the one next up from the one you think you need. Also you should have a small one also. Things came up that I wasn't expecting and I wound up going bigger anyway. UPDATE: Recently I was playing around with my chainsaws. Sometimes I get them all out and use them just to keep them in working order. During this last "warm up" I realized something and that was that if I could have given myself advise when I got my first chainsaw it would be to get at least a 60 CC chainsaw. That is where you really start to feel the power and can cut through a log without the chainsaw bogging down!
Nice video, I have a number of different chainsaws....the 460 Husquy was probably my worst purchase. I have a 450 and I love it with a 20 inch chain and bar. It is a workhorse. For whatever reason the 460 was a disappointment....granted it has a 24 inch bar and chain but it just doesn't have it. The 261 is a beast for cutting and limbing. Just know that when you spend the extra money, you are jumping up in the quality of cutting and it's less fatiguing to cut stuff down. You can cut a tree down with anything. But you are going to feel it when you are done. The better the saw the less stress you put on your body.So consider that this is the one area where you spend more, you really get more.
We have a Milwaukee and it is a great addition to my larger Stihl. While not as fast as a gas, it is great for smaller limbing, cutting around the mill, cutting up high where you need to climb, carrying on the quad, etc.
I like Husqvarna Sthil Echo! Depending on the model counts alot. All three are good saws. That sthil ms 261 is very good and along with the Husqvarna xp550 mark 2 is good. This guy made some good points on chain saw sizes and selection guides.
I run a 661 with a 25 inch bar most of the time. Running it all day can be tiresome, but it's not too bad. The 36 makes it unbalanced, but it's still not horrible to run all day. Edit: I'm also looking at getting an 881 with a 47 and 59 for huge trees and milling.
So ? Try switching the sprocket on the sthil. Sthil generally runs slower than competitors. If you go to and 8 tooth sprocket you’ll get more speed less torque. Just a thought! Great videos
Thank you for making this video it helped me in my decision, thank you for getting back to me, take care, from John , near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania…☕️😊👍👍
I have 15 ash trees the power company is going to top and I will have to clean up, on top of a lot of old downed cherry and dead ash that have fallen and have yet to fall. Looking at that MS261 after this video. Thank you.
Love you buddy I like the black max and ryobi saw they are the same chainsaws I’ve had good luck with them . I bought a still 170 I have bad Luck with it
I warm up my home with firewood and I have the Stihl 161T, 220C and the MSA 300 all battery power, I buy first the 220C because the MSA 300 was not available yet at that time but with 161T and the MSA 300 any one with be served. They all perform well the down side is the batteries, I think they are not up to this nicer great saws yet. Hope Stihl sooner cum up with battery better then the AP500 S witch I have 3.
Just got my first saw. A craftsman (poulan) 45cc 18". Paid $75 at an auction. It's a 2002 model but had never been used. Unfortunately when I tried to start it, I realized the fuel lines were rotted out. Replaced them and then it would only run on choke. Broke down and got a new carb on ebay and got it running pretty well. I'm just a homeowner with a small wooded area out back, so I feel like it'll serve me well for my needs, at least for the $100 I have in it. I debated hard over the battery saws since I have milwaukee tools but didn't want to be buying $250 batteries every few years.
I've a10 year old husky 445, and moved to New mexico on 24 mostly 24 degree hills. I have to fell, limb and buck tons of bark beetle killed trees. I'm 74 and 150lbs, the steepNess is killer. It's there something like a ms261 that is tiny bit lighter. Thinking of 18 inch bar, currently run a16
The MS250 is lighter than the MS261, it's worth looking at. On the Husky side I've heard good things about the 543xp and its pretty light as well but it's a little pricier. Good luck!
I’ve dropped 50 trees this past 2 months with my 18” poulan… about 500 more to go…. Going to get that 261 from what I’ve seen…. The mean green Menards machine isn’t happy anymore. Just trying to expand my view in the back forty.
I have had the Sthil 025 for 20 years Which is the older MS 250 saw. I picked up the MS 311 a year ago and I love this chainsaw for its power and features over the 271 and 291. The 311 has a decompression valve and an adjustable bar oil pump. But if I had to do it again I would pay the extra $50-$75 to step up to the MS 261 CM steel chainsaw mainly because the power to weight ratio is better than the MS 311 I own. Thank you for the informative video
445 x torq is a great little saw for all around use as well for a lot cheaper than the 261c having used both In the woods quite a bit i there similar in weight the stihl 261c having a bit more power the 445 husky is a great competitor for a budget all around saw
I've been a Husky guy for years , then I tried a Stihl 362c-m and live that saw for the light weight and power. I also have and older 372 XP for big wood. Your videos are great , thanks.
Nice video thanks for taking the time. I have a 170. I really do odds-and-ends for my neighbors in the community. Today I mistakenly ran fuel in my Stihl 170 and forgot to put the oil in the gas. It died while I was in the middle of cutting it 8 in tree trunk. Now I'm having trouble getting it to start. The engine is not seized it pulls fine it has a spark dump the gas and put good gas in and change the spark plug. I squirt starter fluid into the cylinder put the plug back in and it starts on the 2nd pole and runs for about 8 seconds but when I let the trigger go it dies. I plan on pulling the exhaust muffler off and seeing if the Piston is scored or damaged. It may actually be a fuel filter something else I haven't even thought of. I've had this five years and it has about four hours on it. If I can't bring it to life I'm probably just going to get the 180 from stiHl. If you have any ideas let me know but again great information. By the way do you have any opinions or Insight on chainsaw chains that are better than the ones you get in the brick-and-mortar stores like Home Depot that maybe cut a little more aggressive.
@@mrobvious1100 ALways use stihl motomix.. yes it cost more but ur saw will also start 4 years after no use.. try doing that with cheap gass.. n01 reason thee things break is because of wrong gass.. or residue buildup because of it. Or people being straight stupid like u were.
I run a ms 260 an ms 362 and am picking up the ms 500i this week. Sold my ms 391 when I got the ms 362. The only other saw I plan to add is the ms 201t. Should be able to handle anything I need to cut. 🪵🪓🔥👍
Sweet! You've got a great setup. You're going to have everything covered very well. I love running my ms 261. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the 500i after you've run it for a little while. I've heard good things about it and considered it for the future. Have fun with you new saw!
I use a 201tc for climbing. Skip that saw if you don,t climb a little saw a 261 and a big saw a 500i. My Stihl 066, 046 and Husky 550 are great saws but they stay in the shed.Its a good idea to have multiple bars of different sizes for your big saw I have a 28",32",and a 36" I change the bars when the wood get,s bigger or smaller
Guys save yourself a headache and buy a stihl ms 261 or husqvarna 555 for limbing and some bucking , and buy a stihl 500i or hisqvarna 572 for everything else !!!
I’m New to chainsaw World, but I was given a chainsaw and want to know If they make a pole that I can attach my current chainsaw to? I don’t want to Buy a second chainsaw (pole saw) but be nice to have a pole to attach my current saw to for the occasional use..
Sthil for commercial.l husky for light commercial. china saws for homeowners that will maby run a saw for a few hours every few years.i heat my home with fire wood my 031 has been running since the 1970,s . ive had other saws but the 031 never gave me problems but the china saws can be had in larger sizes for a fraction of the price they just dont last. Get a quality saw in the size you use the most and china saws for the occasional use saws.
What about sharpening the chains, do the high cost brands have chains that stays sharp longer or it's the same for all brands? I have a Craftsman 18" and it seems that I need to sharp my chain way too often. Slows things down way to much. Would love to have advices about that if it's possible 😊
I’m looking for a saw to carry on my 4x4 rig to clear trails during winter and thaw season. Do you think a homeowner saw is enough? Trying to make sure I don’t carry more size or weight than I really need
The MS261 is nothing but a glorified MS 271, since both are 50 cc saws. If you want a 70 cc saw, jump to the Stihl 461/462. I have a Stihl 440 and Husky 372. I prefer the 440.
I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: th-cam.com/video/ZBVu7w2BElM/w-d-xo.html
I’ve got a 42cc, a 55cc and a 72cc saw. Falling right into your landowner chainsaw plan you discussed. Great info and a lot of people will find this helpful
Awesome man! I've found that this setup works for me too. Of course there is always the feeling of wanting a bigger chainsaw.
A modern battery saw could be a workable alternative to a small gas saw. And if you're selling firewood go with a pro level saw like a Stihl MS621 and something larger.
I hear that often, people suggest a bug saw for firewood. I sold firewood for years with a Husqvarna 240 and it did the job fine back then and still today. If you're setup properly you can do a lot with a small saw and upgrade later if you make money and feel you need it. I guess it depends on your area and what kind of trees you're working with.
for pruning (versus cutting) trees for landscaping or timber purposes, a pole saw can be a useful tool for one's collection. pole saws can also be used for cutting branches that are dangerously under tension after a tree has fallen from a distance.
stihl makes a 36.3 cc gasoline powered pole pruner (HT 131) with a 14 inch bar. echo and husqvarna have even smaller models exist with ~20cc engines and ~10 inch bars.
I have an echo 490 chainsaw with a muffler mod. Easy to do. It’s powerful, good weight, priced right, and cuts well.
I'm 16. I have a CS test on Wednesday. I don't even know why I'm here. I can't even do anything with a chainsaw
Good luck with towers of Hanoi
😂😂😂😂😂
Did you pass?
We could do anything @ 16. What happened?
did you pass?
455 rancher 24 inch bar 3/8 chain
435 Husqavarna 16 inch bar .325chain
Stihl farm boss 290 16” bar .325 chain
Stihl 180 14” bar
I use the stihl sharpening system with a vice for hand filing (the best system)
I live in Texas and have family farm land and a network of local farmers who give me permission to clear mesquite from fencing - I also find the occasional pecan and oak tree in town . I cut for my myself and also stock pile 15-20 cords a year to sell as a side hustle . I use a fiskar pikaroon along with a fiskar x36 splitting axe and a home built 30 ton hydraulic splitter - great video keep them coming
You've got a nice setup! Thank you, will do!
Echo CS590. Price, torque, build quality, and warranty.
I started off with a stihl ms 390, now ive got a ms171, 261, 461 for the farm and for fun; echo 280e, McCullough promac 555 and resurrected my fathers echo cs60s from 1967.
It sounds like we share the same sickness. 🤣
My only thought would be that unless my saw is making me money......I think I would just combine all of them and buy one 60cc saw(562XP/ 362C).....it will struggle a bit in big wood, be a bit heavier than a 50 in small wood......but I'll keep a $1000 in my pocket.
Exactly same mindset, I have a 42cc, 56cc, 60cc, 72cc, and a 91cc 👏
Thanks! Nice roster!
I started with a cheap 50cc chinese saw.. but thing had no power.. then bought a secondhand 036.. I use this next to my 201c wich i bought new around that time.. for clearing out brush and limbing.. I dont have much big wood left so the 036 only gets used a few times per year. The 201 is just a joy to use.. plenty of power/weight, def worth 2 times the price of a ms182.
Yes i do have 170 180 250 271 and a 311 and the 170 is a tough saw with a sharp chain you can do alot I have had been using it for over 8 years
I have never really though about my chainsaw plan before, but what I have is a 30 70 plan. A MS170 for small jobs and a Husky 372XP for big jobs. I have never felt the need for a 50 as the 70cc will do everything a 50cc will but it does it a lot faster. Time is money. I also do have a 3rd chainsaw which is a small cheap 6" handheld electric... just for taking off small branches around the house. Great video.
I used to operate a 50 cc chainsaw for everything before, primarily the Jonsered 2253 (the same as the first version of Husqvarna 550). But now I mostly use the Stihl ms 500i, and for thinning tasks, I use either the Stihl ms 201 or the Husqvarna 242. Since I collect chainsaws, I have a variety to choose from, but for my needs, these saws work excellently.
You sound like a man after my own heart. It sounds like you have a great lineup.
I have a MS180C and just purchased a used MS362C with 25 inch bar.
I've got a 460 rancher and a couple other smaller saws. The 460 is the only one I use. It handles everything from limbing (although a bit on the heavy side for that) to felling, bucking, and even milling. I have my back up saws but obviously I have picked my favorite.
If you can afford it, buy a stihl 400cm. About the same weight as the 460 rancher, but instead of making 3.5hp it makes around 6. You’ll wonder how you ever milled with such a slow saw, and truthfully you should be using a much bigger professional saw for milling like a 661
After living on 70+ acres of woods & burning firewood for the past 20 years, I agree with your recommendations. If I could only own one chainsaw, it would be one in the 60cc class. Something like the older Jonsered 2165 would be my first pick. I don't own one, but my 82 year old dad does. It's a very nice chainsaw. A Makita/Dolmar 61cc saw would be a great pick, too. I would much rather own two chainsaws, however. If you get one pinched or one goes down, you are still cutting. If I had to replace what I already have (starting over), I would pick a RedMax GZ5000 (50cc) with an 18" bar & a GZ7000 (70cc) with 20" & 24" bars. RedMax is a Husky/Jonsered saw with just a few models to pick from. Makes shopping easier. The surplus of models offered by Stihl & Husky is a bit of a turn off for me. I own 3 chainsaws. My newest chainsaw is a 16 year old Jonsered CS2152 with an 18" bar, & it has been an awesome saw. It always starts, & it's never needed any repairs other than bars/chains. You can do a lot with a quality 50cc saw, but you can't be in a hurry on the big stuff. I have a 20+ year old Poulan 2900 Farmhand (46cc), which I picked up @ Walmart (demo model) in the clearance aisle ($135). It still runs great, & it's an awesome limbing saw with a 16" bar & a low profile chain (cuts rather than grabs small stuff). Using the right bar & chain makes a big difference, too. My third & oldest saw is my dad's Husqvarna 257 (57cc). He didn't like starting it, & I have no problem with it. It has a bit more pull than my 50cc Jonsered (runs a .325 pitch 20" bar pretty well). If I don't inherit my dad's CS2165, I will most likely add a 70cc saw to my collection some day. For now, sharp chains on smaller saws still get the job done.
Have a Stihl MS 250. Really good all around saw. Will cover home owners needs well. Its not large, but not heavy and is willing to take on 10-14 inch stuff easy.
As a poor landowner I have a 271 and an axe. Collected a chord with just an axe while saving up for the saw this summer. I’m going to call July saw appreciation month.
If I ever have three saws than ive made it🎉
Stihl Chainsaw:
If the first digit in the serial number is a 1 then it was manufactured in Germany
If it’s a 2 or a 5 it was manufactured in the United States
A 3 means it’s manufactured in Brazil
Serial starting with 8 is Chinese made
Starting with 4 means made in Austria
Stihl 500i 15” & 26” bar job done 1 saw good to go
I'm 70 years young and I use a 550 xp a 135 and an old 028 stihl thanks
I liked the bigger saws when I was younger but now at 70 I gravitate towards the smaller saws. I have 4 Stihl saws but they are prone to not running right so I just bought a Husqvarna.
nice video. as for me i use a stihl 170, stihl 261 and a husky 572...thumbs up !!
I have had several saws over the years i only burn wood a couple years ago i bit the bullit and got 2 261s best saws i ever had did keep the 310
Just picked up a Husky 450 Rancher as it was $100 off at Lowe’s after watching this. Great recommendations!
That's a great deal! I love it when that happens.
I use a 16” Echo 58V and i just say it’s pretty legit for what i use it for. I help clean neighborhood fallen limbs and trees as well as stuff i find on jobsites. I haven’t been short of wood for the fireplace or smoker in years.
That's a good deal. You get to help people, use a chainsaw and keep your wood pile stocked!
I run a husky 560 xpg with a 15 inch bar. For felling,delimbing and bucking firewood. I'm from Denmark
I agree, that's a great saw maybe the best Husqvarna ever made and a good size bar for it.
I have no idea why Americans always use way too long bars.
I have used 560 with 13,15, 18 and 20" bars and while 15 is the best size for it I use 18 on my saw. Basically because I got smaller Husqvarnas also.
Greetings from Sweden.
Im also Swedish and I think it makes sence when some americans use big/long bars, its more weight for upper body and at the same time you get reach so you can cut trees on the ground standing straight. The angle to the ground is almost 45 degree and that angle makes the saw to not pull your bar up/down or some other way when cutting which can happen when working close to ground. You also dont hit ground or hit a tree next to your tree which can push saw up very fast. 25" bar feels safe to me but hard to move to the sides. Cheers
261 is amazing. I got mine right after Hurricane Ian. Throw on some West Coast Saw felling dogs and chain catcher, really capable saw. Especially with a 20 inch bar on oak. Dry oak for firewood, it's amazing. I wanted a 362 originally but there was no place that had it after the storm. So I did the exhaust port and foam filter from WCS and I wanna say it rips almost as hard as a 362. Next saw I get probably will be a 462 M-Tronic with all the WCS mods or the 500i.
Nice! It sounds like you found a setup that works great for you. If you decide to go with the 500-i in the future, I can attest to its abilities. It has been a ripper for me.
I got the tiny plastic echo CS 310, $215 with 14 bar and it will start 1'st pull if you can push the choke in fast, for trimming and limbing, a light saw to climb with.
I run 2 saws. Stihl MS 251C for my small saw and a Stihl MS 362 C-M. The small saw is around 40cc and 59cc for the big one. 18" bar on the small saw. Big saw came with a 25" bar but I rarely use this bar but it's nice to have. I mostly run a 20" on the 362. Also running yellow link chains and packing the 2 in 1 chain files.
I’m just starting out thank you for the information on chainsaw , I think I will go with MS261 that will be good for my work, thanks again… from John, near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania ☕️😊👍👍
Great choice! ☕️
STIHL 026 for wood 12” diameter and smaller…now badged MS261 / 262) is simply the Best. 20 inch bar with full comp .325 for hardwood or 3/8 full comp for soft. Don’t run full skip it’ll vibrate the hell out of you and your saw.
Over 12” wood regularly: ms361 /362 or its predecessor the famed 036 (MS 360)
Run 20 inch bars for light weight and keep those chain rakers at .020 to .025 inch lower than top of cutter tooth. Perfect.
As a homeowner I just starting using chainsaws over this past summer. If I had to give advice I would say buy the one next up from the one you think you need. Also you should have a small one also. Things came up that I wasn't expecting and I wound up going bigger anyway. UPDATE: Recently I was playing around with my chainsaws. Sometimes I get them all out and use them just to keep them in working order. During this last "warm up" I realized something and that was that if I could have given myself advise when I got my first chainsaw it would be to get at least a 60 CC chainsaw. That is where you really start to feel the power and can cut through a log without the chainsaw bogging down!
Agreed, my dad mentioned before. Go one up from what you think you might need.
Nice video, I have a number of different chainsaws....the 460 Husquy was probably my worst purchase. I have a 450 and I love it with a 20 inch chain and bar. It is a workhorse. For whatever reason the 460 was a disappointment....granted it has a 24 inch bar and chain but it just doesn't have it. The 261 is a beast for cutting and limbing. Just know that when you spend the extra money, you are jumping up in the quality of cutting and it's less fatiguing to cut stuff down. You can cut a tree down with anything. But you are going to feel it when you are done. The better the saw the less stress you put on your body.So consider that this is the one area where you spend more, you really get more.
Also like the Mac timber bare 1983 and also the Timberwolf eco. Love you you did a great video
As a homeowner I'd consider a battery operated option like Makita or Milwaukee. Whatever battery platform you're on.
Battery powered saws can work great for a homeowner.
We have a Milwaukee and it is a great addition to my larger Stihl. While not as fast as a gas, it is great for smaller limbing, cutting around the mill, cutting up high where you need to climb, carrying on the quad, etc.
And if I am clearing 1 tree that is 6 inches or so, I often just grab it rather than gas up the other.
I like Husqvarna Sthil Echo! Depending on the model counts alot. All three are good saws. That sthil ms 261 is very good and along with the Husqvarna xp550 mark 2 is good. This guy made some good points on chain saw sizes and selection guides.
Xp is an animal in the woods.
I run a 661 with a 25 inch bar most of the time. Running it all day can be tiresome, but it's not too bad. The 36 makes it unbalanced, but it's still not horrible to run all day.
Edit: I'm also looking at getting an 881 with a 47 and 59 for huge trees and milling.
Those are some mean saws! You must be running into some big trees!
Thanks for what seems sound advice.
38 cc and 50cc home owner all of your needs
So ? Try switching the sprocket on the sthil. Sthil generally runs slower than competitors. If you go to and 8 tooth sprocket you’ll get more speed less torque. Just a thought! Great videos
I carry two farm bosses. 290. Matching bars and chains. No need for small medium and large.
Thank you for making this video it helped me in my decision, thank you for getting back to me, take care, from John , near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania…☕️😊👍👍
I appreciate that, John. I'm glad I could help.
I have 15 ash trees the power company is going to top and I will have to clean up, on top of a lot of old downed cherry and dead ash that have fallen and have yet to fall. Looking at that MS261 after this video. Thank you.
I'm glad I could help. It's a great saw. Enjoy!
Stihl MS 291 w/18" bar, bought new in '21.
Good info, thanks for taking about this, I just picked up the new Stihl 500i with a 32” bar- gonna run it later today.
Sweet! Let me know how she runs. I've been eyeing that saw for a while.
Love you buddy I like the black max and ryobi saw they are the same chainsaws I’ve had good luck with them . I bought a still 170 I have bad Luck with it
I love saws too. Man good video. I tell people who ask 261. and they always buy a 271. lol...
I warm up my home with firewood and I have the Stihl 161T, 220C and the MSA 300 all battery power, I buy first the 220C because the MSA 300 was not available yet at that time but with 161T and the MSA 300 any one with be served. They all perform well the down side is the batteries, I think they are not up to this nicer great saws yet. Hope Stihl sooner cum up with battery better then the AP500 S witch I have 3.
Just got my first saw. A craftsman (poulan) 45cc 18". Paid $75 at an auction. It's a 2002 model but had never been used. Unfortunately when I tried to start it, I realized the fuel lines were rotted out. Replaced them and then it would only run on choke. Broke down and got a new carb on ebay and got it running pretty well. I'm just a homeowner with a small wooded area out back, so I feel like it'll serve me well for my needs, at least for the $100 I have in it. I debated hard over the battery saws since I have milwaukee tools but didn't want to be buying $250 batteries every few years.
I brought a ms 170 yesterday. Not what I was looking for though. I wanted a ms 151 tophandle. The ms 170 is powerful. But them again am new to saws
The MS 170 is a great saw!
I use a Husqvarna 353 a Shindawa 695 and now have. Stihl Ms 261. So I far all work well for all I do.
Nice, setup!
I bought the lightest saw that was big enough to do the job, because saws get heavy.
I've a10 year old husky 445, and moved to New mexico on 24 mostly 24 degree hills. I have to fell, limb and buck tons of bark beetle killed trees. I'm 74 and 150lbs, the steepNess is killer. It's there something like a ms261 that is tiny bit lighter. Thinking of 18 inch bar, currently run a16
The MS250 is lighter than the MS261, it's worth looking at. On the Husky side I've heard good things about the 543xp and its pretty light as well but it's a little pricier. Good luck!
I’ve dropped 50 trees this past 2 months with my 18” poulan… about 500 more to go…. Going to get that 261 from what I’ve seen…. The mean green Menards machine isn’t happy anymore.
Just trying to expand my view in the back forty.
Thank You
I have had the Sthil 025 for 20 years Which is the older MS 250 saw. I picked up the MS 311 a year ago and I love this chainsaw for its power and features over the 271 and 291. The 311 has a decompression valve and an adjustable bar oil pump. But if I had to do it again I would pay the extra $50-$75 to step up to the MS 261 CM steel chainsaw mainly because the power to weight ratio is better than the MS 311 I own. Thank you for the informative video
I've ran both and the ms311 has way more torque than the MS261. I know the 261 is a pro saw but the ms311's torque makes it more useful.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the 311 and the 025. Thanks for watching, man!
I have both 311 and 462cm which is what I use most ot time but yes 311 is excellent for homeowner/ firewood saw
I know your comment is old but can you still readily get parts for that old stihl 025?
550xp for 5-6 cord of firewood a year harvested and bucked myself.
Favorite channel
Thank you! I appreciate that!
I run a Stihl MS 261 C now and I would give it an A+ !
my neighbor passed away and i bought his dolmar and makitas same thing but i was really surprised at makitas
My father in law owns 100 acres with many trees on that property. He handles everything with the old 290 “farm boss” and a 170.
What do u think about husqvarna 340 for smaller tree and clearing land of smaller tree.
Which chain saw starts really easy?
I bought husqvarna and that is a struggle to start brand new. It’s a workout for sure.
445 x torq is a great little saw for all around use as well for a lot cheaper than the 261c having used both In the woods quite a bit i there similar in weight the stihl 261c having a bit more power the 445 husky is a great competitor for a budget all around saw
Great video… I’m glad I stumbled across your channel
Thanks and welcome! Hope you find some valuable stuff on the channel.
Wish you were my neighbor we would have fun with all of our chainsaws.
Which would you buy for clearing land the ms 462 or the 500i?
Sthil ms362. End of discussion. It's 5lbs lighter than the husky that matches it. And it's so much more comfortable to use.
Thank you mr. Millennial on your very good information on which chainsaw to choose as a homeowner. Awesome!!!
Have a stihl ms 170 and a oleo mac gsh 510 50cc
I've been a Husky guy for years , then I tried a Stihl 362c-m and live that saw for the light weight and power. I also have and older 372 XP for big wood.
Your videos are great , thanks.
I have both and I like each one for different reasons. Both make great saws. I appreciate that, James! Thanks for watching!
Nice video thanks for taking the time. I have a 170. I really do odds-and-ends for my neighbors in the community. Today I mistakenly ran fuel in my Stihl 170 and forgot to put the oil in the gas. It died while I was in the middle of cutting it 8 in tree trunk. Now I'm having trouble getting it to start. The engine is not seized it pulls fine it has a spark dump the gas and put good gas in and change the spark plug. I squirt starter fluid into the cylinder put the plug back in and it starts on the 2nd pole and runs for about 8 seconds but when I let the trigger go it dies. I plan on pulling the exhaust muffler off and seeing if the Piston is scored or damaged. It may actually be a fuel filter something else I haven't even thought of. I've had this five years and it has about four hours on it. If I can't bring it to life I'm probably just going to get the 180 from stiHl. If you have any ideas let me know but again great information. By the way do you have any opinions or Insight on chainsaw chains that are better than the ones you get in the brick-and-mortar stores like Home Depot that maybe cut a little more aggressive.
@@mrobvious1100 ALways use stihl motomix.. yes it cost more but ur saw will also start 4 years after no use.. try doing that with cheap gass.. n01 reason thee things break is because of wrong gass.. or residue buildup because of it. Or people being straight stupid like u were.
I run a ms 260 an ms 362 and am picking up the ms 500i this week. Sold my ms 391 when I got the ms 362. The only other saw I plan to add is the ms 201t. Should be able to handle anything I need to cut. 🪵🪓🔥👍
Sweet! You've got a great setup. You're going to have everything covered very well. I love running my ms 261. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the 500i after you've run it for a little while. I've heard good things about it and considered it for the future. Have fun with you new saw!
Hi, i am a home owner and i am trying to remove a really big tree stump and its roots, which chain saw would you recommend me using for this ?
Great video
Thank you!
362 is a good option for not to big but good on power
I’m what my friends call a yuppie and I’ve been enjoying DIY projects. This video was easy for me to understand and that’s saying something 😂
What about Echo , personally I’m a Stihl man & I have a few older Homelite’s but I’m just curious how Echo’s perform ?
The ms251 is also a good saw
Really good video. Thanks man
Thanks, Bryan!
Stihl 391
I use a 201tc for climbing. Skip that saw if you don,t climb a little saw a 261 and a big saw a 500i. My Stihl 066, 046 and Husky 550 are great saws but they stay in the shed.Its a good idea to have multiple bars of different sizes for your big saw I have a 28",32",and a 36" I change the bars when the wood get,s bigger or smaller
Love the 70cc class chainsaws, at least for the first hour using one!
I hear you, if I could I would use it all day and look like the Hulk!
Can I upgrade the chain on the 180?
What about echo chainsaws?
Great review. Thanks.
Thank you!
Love the firewood passion. Check out Rocky Mountain Firewood for all things firewood! Thanks everyone keep on firewoodin'
By the way, HUSKY all the way!
very helpful, great info!
Thanks, James! I'm glad it could help.
thanks because I need one like asap
My Harbor Freight chainsaw is hard to beat.
Guys save yourself a headache and buy a stihl ms 261 or husqvarna 555 for limbing and some bucking , and buy a stihl 500i or hisqvarna 572 for everything else !!!
I’m New to chainsaw
World, but I was given a chainsaw and want to know
If they make a pole that I can attach my current chainsaw to? I don’t want to
Buy a second chainsaw (pole saw) but be nice to have a pole to attach my current saw to for the occasional use..
Sthil for commercial.l husky for light commercial. china saws for homeowners that will maby run a saw for a few hours every few years.i heat my home with fire wood my 031 has been running since the 1970,s . ive had other saws but the 031 never gave me problems but the china saws can be had in larger sizes for a fraction of the price they just dont last. Get a quality saw in the size you use the most and china saws for the occasional use saws.
What about sharpening the chains, do the high cost brands have chains that stays sharp longer or it's the same for all brands? I have a Craftsman 18" and it seems that I need to sharp my chain way too often. Slows things down way to much.
Would love to have advices about that if it's possible 😊
Stick with Oregon or equivalent. Learn to sharpen yourself.
Hey Glen, half way to payday 500+! Way to go!
Thanks for the encouragement, Chris! We're pumped about being halfway to 1,000. Now we're going to push on to the next milestone.
I’m looking for a saw to carry on my 4x4 rig to clear trails during winter and thaw season. Do you think a homeowner saw is enough? Trying to make sure I don’t carry more size or weight than I really need
The MS261 is nothing but a glorified MS 271, since both are 50 cc saws. If you want a 70 cc saw, jump to the Stihl 461/462. I have a Stihl 440 and Husky 372. I prefer the 440.
Solid informative video
Thank you! I appreciate that.