I was shopping for a saw two years ago right around the time I found your channel. My dealer showed all those same differences. I asked him about the cases. He said the MS 261 Pro .saw was magnesium to aid in the cooling of that engine. He said that is a key for someone that cuts everyday all day. The cooling aids in the saw lasting longer. Great feature for those pro rated saws. Internet search and TH-cam vids and experience using a 036 pro saw I knew I wanted the MS 261 Pro. For me I chose the MS 271. After talking to the dealer I knew the amount of wood I cut a year 3 full cord or 6 face cord. So MS 271 came home with me and set on the shelf waiting for it’s first day of use. So a week later I am at my Doctors office for a problem with my hand(Dupuytren Contraction). Surgery two weeks later. Oh pretty new saw see you soon. A month after that I meet with my shoulder surgeon. Shoulder surgery scheduled. Oh pretty saw we will cut wood soon. I go through all the rehab and physical therapy that my insurance will cover. I feel pretty good but not read to cut firewood. So I wait to get stronger and more confident with this newly scoped shoulder and reattached bicep. I had two good months and I was back at my surgeon in pain wishing I never had the surgery. As you guess it and if your still reading what was the next step. Yes Surgery and a complete shoulder replacement. I had 5 total visits to physical therapy. Two of the visits lasted an hour. After that ten minutes and all the physical therapists scratching their heads out how well I felt and how quickly progressed. So about two months after surgery I looked at my never used pretty saw we had our first dance and cut some firewood. I put one tank of fuel through my new saw and was so happy to have done that. Oh yeah I didn’t mention I am only 47. I love that saw.
Dang man that's tuff sorry about that I'm 21 and I already have huge knee and back problems my dad has a degenerative disease for the stuff in between his knee and thigh it degraded now he's got bone on bone so I kinda see something like this in my future to I hope your doing okat
This just popped in my feed. Watching it, I burst into laughter when he said "I am chomping at the bit for 2020." If only he knew what it would hold...
On January 5th I went out searching for N95 masks and was already a few weeks too late. I knew it was coming. 2021 is not going to be much better. Now I need to find a video where I can learn how to cut up a huge fallen ash tree with a 20 inch bar on a farm boss 290.
6:40 sec. this comment made me laugh even more when he said, bc I read this 1st. Mask vs. no mask: has been no real test in the world supporting masks, except schlieren imaging, done by an independent engineer in his basement. However, recently someone gave me a level 3 mask. significant difference between this and a standard freebie or cloth mask.. it has an extra sheer like layer inside & my glasses do not fog up. A real world test would be 2 months in any state requiring level 3 masks vs. any other state with similar numbers without a mask. I think it would be eye-opening if there were actual requirements for the type of mask. Then we would know for certain if masks were bad or good. from the Schlieren, it's obvious that covering your mouth is beneficial, but unless your sneezing, prepping food or working on a medical issue, I'm not sure what the advantage is for having the mask not hang loosely just below your chin, which would also keep glasses from fogging up, break up airflow & provide more airflow. Fresh air is actually good for people.
from a master carpenter with a ms 261, an n95 is a 20% reduction in dust inhalation. demoing a horse hair plaster wall you will quickly realize masks are mind control vs. stopping a tiny virus. AND buying a stihl? awesome!! Do buy a pro saw, can't afford it? wait till you can. the m tronic 261cm is #1 recommended saw by arborist. starts at 10, or 90 degrees the same, clogged filter, elevation, bad gas, the carb adjusts itself so it runs full rpm always. buy a pro saw.
Hey Mike thanks for the vid! I have owned both, but currently i own the 261c-m. My buddy runs a firewood business and needed a new saw so i sold him my 271 that was just barely a year old. The 271 surprised me for being a mid grade saw for the money. It was pretty good on gas too. The 261c-m i have is definitely a pro saw and will really surprise you with the power to weight. It is really ergonomic and just a joy to run. The differences of the 261 over the 271 Magnesium case and side cover Felling sights Decompression valve Heavy duty air cleaner Elastostart starter Supposedly a better anti vibe system Higher compression I think it revs 1k rpm higher Easier to rebuild the top end Captured bar nuts Adjustable Oiler with metal gears vs plastic Stainless steel muffler vs zinc plated Rim sprocket clutch setup I have a ms261c-m which is the m-tronic version. So far i love it. It simply just rips. I’m still breaking it in and it’s still impressing me. I’ve grown up around pro saws my whole life as my family is fourth generation loggers. That’s why i went with the 261 after i owned the 271, but for the money the 271 is a great saw don’t get me wrong. For the 261 I bought the sprocket cover side felling dog that matches the inside one that comes on the saw and it helps with bucking thick barked wood and also flush cutting stumps. I also put a full chisel rapid super chain on it before i even started it for the first time. Mike, can i suggest maybe re-tuning your 261 or getting it re-tuned? I can see that yours isn’t the m-tronic version and it sounds like it’s possibly not tuned to its potential. You should be able to get more speed and faster acceleration out of it.
Love my 261c (about 6 years old?) never took it to the shop until recently. Took it in because the keeper clip on the sprocket came off, and I wasn't sure if more parts were missing; also had a frayed cord and old chain. Told them to "check it out" and give me a new chain and pull cord. Picked it up and they had run a diagnostic and fiddled with the carb. Now it won't run at all, after using it for less than an hour! I think all it needed was a clip for the sprocket and a cord, but I was lazy.
@@davidbraun9309 that thing is called an e-clip. That stinks about the shop you took it to. They don’t stand behind their work? Agree with the OP. That 261 didn’t sound right. Mine rips for a saw that size and has only gotten better with time. The power to weight ratio is excellent.
@@davidbraun9309did you get it fixed? Jus have them do a reset you could've done that yourself but if it's not running it's a quick button they have on that thing to reset it
Hi Mike, I have a MS271. I don't cut nearly as much wood as you but it's a really Great saw, I would recommend to anyone. Perfect for my heavily wooded 5 acres down here in Florida.
Bought myself a new 271 for Christmas,had to have a new saw to go with a new truck. It cuts a bit slower, but just for firewood and cutting a down tree out the road,it does fine. Main reasons why I bought it, this new addition makes number 14.
The 261 is a pound and a half lighter and has more power. For me, that made it a a no-brainer. I'm pretty good at no-brainers. I got the 20-inch bar. And when I found out they had a C-M saw where you didn't have to adjust the screws anymore, well, yeah, to me it was worth the extra money not to have to adjust those screws. I've been very happy with my saw.
I have my guys run a 271 for a top/brush saw with the occasional bucking as well. It has been a great saw and saves my company some money. Iv not had any complaints and i feel the 271 is a excellent saw for professional use. Ours get ran almost daily and has been for the last 3 yrs with no issues whatsoever.
I own the 261 c-m (no needles, No Bogging!) and can't say enough about the saw for long days cutting firewood, It's light and for the size and weight it's amazing. Just open the exhaust port a bit and take the baffle out and it rips!
Good video Mike. I have a MS 270 and it has improved with time over the years, it cuts faster now than when it was new. The big difference between the 271 and 261 is the 271 is a clam shell and the 261 is a split case. The case and side cover etc. on the 271 is plastic and the case and side cover on the 261 is magnesium. I have run both with both the chains you mentioned. Both are great saws and with proper care will last many years. I also have a MS 390 and that has the decomp valve on it as well as an adjustable oiler.
271 Plastic case is just a housing the engine is bolted into it. Crank case and cylinder are one piece. Ms261 case is the crankcase and the cylinder is removable. 261 also has better vibrations damping
Great video! Hit every point I was debating while I was searching for a new saw. I went with the 261-more power, less weight. I also chose the M-tronic option. I've never had fiddle with carb settings, and it's worked perfectly.
Good video. I just bought a year old 261 yesterday, and it starts WAY easier than my old Poulan ( I know..I know)...and, you can feel a drastic difference in the extra 10cc immediately. Well built saw, cant wait to give it a test.
after a ton of research, I decided on a 271 2 years ago. I had tried an old 029, and it was just too much beast for me. I've felled at least 30 trees with it, and cut them up a bit. if I had some more spending money, I probably would've went with a 261 just for the weight of it, but i'm happy with my 271.
Happy New Year to the Morgan family. Quote of the day: Smile every chance you get; not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have, and all the problems you don’t have. You must accept the that life is not perfect, that people are not perfect, and that you are not perfect. that’s okay, because the real world doesn't reward perfection. It rewards people who have intent and are determined to get things done. Each of us has the power to make a difference regardless of how trivial it may appear to us at the time, It is the intention that carries the true meaning of the act! Kindness and love are the most rewarding gifts we can give, and they don't have a price tag attached to them. Make today your chance to give something back...your reward will be in how it makes you feel! ~ George Wheeler
I have the ms261c, the captive nuts are a must when your fumbling around with gloves. I've had it for 2 years now and love it. This summer I did have a NO start problem after the saw was hot. That ended up being a solenoid issue that caused it to flood.
We live on 5 acres of wooded land and I have the 271 for firewood, and the 170 for limbing. I love both of those saws. The captive nuts would be amazing , because I've lost 2 out in the field.
I think one thing that few have mentioned in the comments, although Mike does in the overview of the saws, is the weight. I have cut firewood for over 40 years, some from purchased logs and more recently from a hundred acre property I bought 5 years ago. While the difference of a pound and a half may not seem much when you’re 30 or 40 or even 50, for most of us, once we hit our 60’s, even half a pound makes a difference when you’re throwing a saw around for hours at a time. This is less noticeable if you’re just bucking up logs, but when felling, limbing, as well as bucking, that little bit of weight is really noticeable on 60-something (or 70... or 80) year old bodies. Many of us develop arthritis and are living with old injuries (usually from silliness in our youth!) that we really feel after hours on a saw. I started on finger-numbing, ear-splitting Pioneers with no chain brake, and after a close call on a kick-back (with the scar to prove it), I moved to a “modern” Stihl 028 Wood Boss. That saw stills runs like new with only a few carb cleanings to keep it going, but over the years I have acquired a MS170 (wilderness camping and light work), a MS250 (best power to weight in the Stihl consumer saws), a MS362 for bigger work, and recently a MS261. The power, lighter weight, and virtually zero vibration on the 261 and 362 are amazing. However, given all of these saws I own and use, for anyone that wants the absolute best performing all around LOW COST LOW WEIGHT saw for occasional use with moderate size wood, my top recommendation would be a MS250 with an 18” blade - it is an outstanding combination of power, weight, and cost. Check the specs - the 250 is 3hp at 10.1 lbs. The 271 is 3.5hp at 12.2 lbs. You’ barely notice the hp difference but you will surely feel that extra 2.1 lbs!
i just got a used 261 for $350. bar and chain are well used, but the power head looks nice. that difference with the mag case is well worth the money in my opinion. somewhere for the heat to go when your bar is buried. thank for the video. a lot of first time buyers don't realize the differences, they make them look the same on purpose.
I personally own. 271, and run a 261 for my job. Both excellent saws but the weight difference is noticeable when cutting trail to a fire. I feel a 16” bar offers the best length for power! Great video! You got a new sub out of it!!! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦🤙
Nice comparison video Mike, thanks! We have a 271 and like it quite a bit. It starts, runs, and idles. All day every time we use it. It does what we need it to do.Keep 'em coming. God Bless.
I use my 261 at -20F and it's flawless. Usually take 5 or 6 pulls at that temp but it always starts and runs for me. Coldest I've tested it at was -43F and even then it wanted to run but I sure didn't want anymore than to cold start it just to see how reliable it is in extreme cold and it's crazy.
When using your saw in cold temp do you use the cold temp bar oil? I was at my STIHL dealer today and they didn’t seem like it was worth it. But at -20 maybe. What are your thoughts?
Another advantage the 261 has is an over the rim sprocket. It is easier and cheaper to change then a whole clutch drum. It is also interchangeable between ,325 and 3/8 sprocket. I am running a 3/8 full chisel full skip chain on a 20' bar on my 261 and it is a ripping beast. Granted I live in Utah where the majority of our wood is soft woods. It is a great saw and well worth the extra money.
I think that weight difference is the main difference for me and my back. Next I think a faster saw is exponentially more fun. All the little things are hard to put a price on but also make cutting wood more enjoyable. I’d go with the 261 not for the money but for the enjoyment factor.
If you put 400 hours a year on the saw, the price diff is .50 an hour. If you put 25 hrs on it it’s an $8 difference. Choose the farm saw unless you do enough to need the robustness and features.
Honestly I don’t see too much of the difference. I have a 029 super dated at 1994. It’s due for a rebuild now and has been rode hard but taken care of since new (my grandfather bought it new and I got it 10 years ago). I also climb for a tree service and own a ms200t and a husky 372xp that have been great saws. But my 029 super has been used just as hard and has been just as reliable as the pro saws
I started my stihl ownership with a ms 390, great saw. I had another pos saw lying about that was constantly giving troubles and got rid of it for a dinky ms171, I love it. Last but not least a 461, what an animal
I am not an expert by any means, just a guy that has run a lot of different Stihl saws. I have always gravitated towards the Pro series. My most recent saw is a MS 362 after my Stihl 032 finally hit the end of its serviceable life. The reasons I stayed with the Pro series is 1) serviceability, 2) greater power to weight ratio, 3) the Pro series seems to rev more quickly and bog down less, especially when running a longer bar and 4) I like the metal vs plastic parts. Oh and so far I am loving the m-tronic carb though time will tell. These are just some of my reasons. The Farm Boss is a great saw. I have used several and all of the Stihl saws I have run have worked well. I am not a brand fan boy, I just need equipment that works and so far in 50 years I have never had a Stihl tool let me down.
Thanks! I know this is last year but I found it very helpful. I live in a farming area of Southern California, San Diego (Yep, that's right, North San Diego has lots of farming). Both of my local Stihl Dealers are terrible at explaining the differences between their saws and line trimmers. I tend to copy what I see the tree trimmers use that work for San Diego Gas and Electric. It sure would be helpful if Stihl would train their people to be as helpful as you are here. Where I live the attitude is kinda like if you are buying a Stihl, you should already know what model you want. So the counter people are more like Sales Clerks and not Salesmen/women.
I'll be honest, id totally love getting a stihl as a gift, and would even buy a used one if it were super cheap and worked well on the "test drive"... id never again buy another stihl, new... been down that road a couple times... one of the string trimmers still runs, sorta, clutch is locked up and now direct drive, was like that since it was about a year old, hard to start, always was .. I have a ten year old Husky saw that runs perfect and starts on the second or third pull even after sitting in storage for a couple years... just checked the piston and cylinder and they look brand new still... thing still runs perfect, zero issues...
MS261 for over a year now and absolutely love it. I spent the extra money for the pro saw and am really glad i did. Running full chisel on 18" and it has just been flawless. surprising how well is started in -15C Canadian winter. I would get the arctic version next time with the hand warmers.
Used 025 ,farm boss 271 just bought a 261 a few month's ago. First thing really liked was the weight reduction. Second, noticed much less vibration with 261. Maybe because a brand new saw opposed to older used saws but noticeable to me.
Years back when I had my farm and even before that when I logged, I ran a Homelite 750, an 090, a 075, 041 Then a husky 394. That was years back all big powerful saws. When I was looking for a new Stihl last month I chose the MS271, price was a big factor. I didn't need a "bullet proof" saw to cut a couple of cords of fire wood a year. I'm happy with my choice. $500 vs $800 for basically the same results.
I own a MS271 Never let me down. Cumbersome to carry around. It is big and way too heavy for a 50cc. The dogs are very sketchy. Always starts on the third pull (or less if it is a quick restart) Hard and very stiff to pull that rope. Not enjoyable. Does not have decompression valve... Vibrates very little. Good on gas. Large tank. Not suitable for everyday tree felling or blocking. It is very tiring to work with it. My next saw will be a pro in around 60cc with much less weight to it. Open to a Husky. Never owned one. Had Poulan, Shindawa,Echo and 3 Stihl. So I am not partial to any brand. Good review.
Great video, Mike! I bought a MS 261 back in September and I love it. It’s light, but strong for that size saw. Definitely a featherweight compared to my MS 661.
I have a ms251 C-BE that has served me well for our wooded property. It has the spring assist starter which is so smooth. Just a like pull as it loads up the spring and then it snaps over. Also has a pretty easy to use no-tool bar tensioner that works well. I have no complaints with that saw. The 46cc does just about everything I have needed.
Nice video, thanks. I bought a Stihl Farm Boss after we got hit with a Tornado about 7 years ago and had 8 trees down around the house (thank God not on it), I used it this morning on a down tree in the yard after storms yesterday. It's been a reliable good machine for the price and for someone who only has to use it when nature calls, I have had nothing but good luck with mine.
Good morning from No. VT - we have had pretty much the same weather pattern as you so far this year. Way too much warm weather. Today is high 20's and we had about 3 or so inches of snow overnight. Starting to look like Vermont should the first week of January. Thanks for the Stihl comparison, useful timing for me. Thinking about a new saw for the lake camp, so understanding the differences from a practical perspective is very useful for me. Your priorities align really well with my thinking so it is more useful to me than reading spec sheets. Thanks for doing the video.
If I can add one more advantage to the list the 261 has a stainless steel exhaust vs the normal steel exhaust on the 271 which doesn't lookn great when the paint peels of and starts to rust. I have MS261 and is my favourite saw. I have had 171, 211, 230, 251 x2, 271, 291. I agree that there is no need for the de-compression valve on this size of engine but as I don't use it all day long, a forestry guy would be best to give his opinion. Thanks
I just got the 261cm. I've cut about 8 cords of wood with it. Honestly I cant tell a difference in power or cutting speed between this saw and my 90s model 029 with exhaust mod. It also takes the same number of pills to start. 3-5 when cold. Not a really fair comparison because I'm using the green semichisel chain that came with the 261 and my 029 has a full chisel on it but it's also a 3/8 where the 261 has a .325 I guess all my blabbing here is to say that even if you buy an old stihl saw that still runs good you will have nearly as good of a saw as a brand new one. Yeah my old saw weighs 2 pounds more but even that isn't a huge deal
SOUTHERN INDIANA HERE (REPORTING LIVE FROM San Diego-GOING BACK TO INDIANA TOMORROW MONDAY 1/6/20). Mike..I just bought a Stihl Farm Boss a few weeks ago. Haven’t even used it yet but plan to when I get home. Going to cut up a couple downed trees at my farm. Can’t wait. I’m leaving perfect weather in San Diego while in Mt Vernon In, I can expect a little snow. Call me crazy, but I’m ready for cold weather.
This is so funny you posted this video. I have been wrestling in my head on which of these two saws to buy. Cut 4 or 5 cords of wood a year. We have 50 Acer's but it's mostly fields. I just want something that will run for forever.
A rental guy who was a chainsaw dealer as well for years and knowledgable said you can't buy a good chainsaw anymore and I think there is a lot of truth to that. I can't complain about ms271 at all after a few years although sure I would have liked to add 200-$300 to get a pro model. Who wouldn't? But maybe grab 271, chaps and an ax and a case and files and some mixing oil and bar oil and still have $$$ left over and will have a saw which will leave you plenty happy and satisfied.
@@bencarter2334 I agree with this comment and had I known would have spent extra to get adjustable oiler which I just assumed it had. Dad's old saws always had them and that left me disappointed as after using once I was asking dealer where adjustment was.
Hi Mike. I am currently running a MS290 with an old 029 as a back up. Both have 18 inch. bars. We heat our house with wood and have to buy logs. I am currently cutting up the logs from the second tri axle log truck. I have been very happy with the MS290. Thanks for the comparison on the 2 saws.
I've had an MS-271 for almost 2 years now. You are right, for occasional use and cutting down trees for firewood it does just fine. I use mine to cut down/cut up mostly oak and hickory trees on 35 acres. Nothing of any real quantity, probably 2 or 3 cords of wood per year.
I have a 261 and love it! I’ve been seeing 271s on FB and Craigslist for pretty cheap and have been considering one as another back up. Thanks for the video!
Kacee Savage look for a 291, same exact saw just a little more displacement and power compared to the 271. Power is closer to a 261. The extra displacement of the 291 makes up the extra difference in porting in the pro 261
Kenneth Stephens the 291 is still weaker than the 261. I own one. Not to mention it’s 2lbs heavier than the 261. And it’s about 100 bucks less than a 261. If I was stihl I wouldn’t make a 251 a 271 and a 291 in the same series with little to no difference in performance. If you are thinking of getting any of those 3 saws save yourself the headache and either get a professional 261 or step up in the homeowner saw and buy the 391. For 1 more lb it’s almost 10cc bigger. It’s the largest engine in that chassis you can get. And you can feel the difference ..... don’t buy a 311 either ..... why would you same weight as the 391 only weaker .
I have a 271, its a good saw, plenty of power to drive a full bar cut. No issues with it, probably 25 tanks of gas so far. Real light for smaller trees, but if your cutting a big log you might wanna pull out something with some bigger balls.
@@kennethstephens8046 i have a 261, my dad has a 291. We both hate the 291. The non adjustable oiler isn’t adequate in the colder months, and its heavier, bulkier, and less powerful. If you’re looking for a complimentary saw to a 261, get a 60 or 70cc pro saw, with a 20-24 in bar, and keep a 16” bar on the 261.
@@Timijim the guy was talking about buying a 271. I simply replied that the 291 was a better buy if he stuck with a homeowner saw. I think everyone should own a husky 372xp. But tons of guys are gonna buy the homeowner saw. I also own a 261cm and I love it. Great saw. But if I hadn’t got a good deal on it I’d have gotten a husky 550xp
Hi , I'm up north from Montreal, I have the MS 271 It is the most reliable saw in my collection ! I have a a Mcculloch Pro Mac 700 (70 cc) starts with only 3 pulls ! paid $400 for it , probably from the late 70's it has a button you press to oil the chain manually! always looking for cool saw's to add in my garage ! Thanks for the video
Great video Mike . Love these comparison videos . Darn it . Now I want to get a MS261 saw . Funny thing is I don't need one . Glad this holiday season is over and we can get back to normal . This cold rainy weather is driving me nuts . Got a few shows to go in Toronto .... boat show and a couple of sportsman shows . Kinda breaks things up . Our weather is like yours . Rain and a bit of snow . Snows gone in a few days . Thankful for that . Don't know how you can keep yourself so busy . Right now I don't want to do anything . Not even wanting going to the grocery store . Need a few sunny days to perk me up . Spend my time trolling on you tube videos . I'm bad . That was a great video with the cross bow . Was happy to see that you were able to use the old pair of chaps . Many people still don't wear chaps . I guess they like playing Russian Roulette .
Nice demo if I was still working would use the farm boss just because I like the name. Great plans on the new building doesn't sound like a" she shed". Glad your using some of the wood from your property saves some money Good luck with the plans
I have had a Stihl MS 290 for some time and the only problem has been a broken chain brake handle. The saw was riding in the back of the Ranger minding its own business and when I got back to the barn the handle was just broke. My son says its the way I drive the steep rocky trails we have on our property in southeastern Indiana. I think it's a design flaw in the plastic - the exact same flaw that caused all the holes in the floor in the Ranger.
I think the price difference is well worth it just knowing you bought a saw that will last for many many years and is easier to service. The pro saw is easier to change out a piston or clutch.. Mike there is a tiny little saw out by stihl that is slimy amazing. Best power to weight ration of any saw they make. Cant remember the model but I was about to get one.. I have to work slow and the weight gets to me.. But then after gathering up all my saws I had laying around one fired right up, stays idling when sat down and just runs perfect. Husqvarna 33... The little guy cuts better then my bigger saws so I've been using it... I never got the stihl... But remember all I cut is spruce and birch... A little cotton wood and nothing very big... No hard wood here in AK...
Back in '62 my dad planted red pine at the suggestion of the DNR here in WI. The boy scouts came and did the planting many are only 4 feet apart. We had 3 sections of them, one of which we clear cut over 10 years ago and another was thinned at the same time. Some have gotten decent size but not for the 50+ years they have taken up space. In the early 90's dad cut out a few that I used for rafters in my then new wood shed. I didn't know any better so I used them as is. They have been peeling themselves ever since and I doubt they will ever quit. It is a mess! In spite of their varying size I managed to get the roof mostly straight. I never heard of a construction use for them officially but mine have held up fine as round rafters.
Since I'm cutting about only about 1/4 cord (2x a year to add up to 1/2 cord) , the MS 271 looks right for me. Your review helped me affirm that decision. Thanks
Great video! Like the power to weight ratio comparison. Before watching this video bought a farm boss since it was cheaper. I go thru chains like crazy.
On another note, watching the background of PA as your driving, love how y'all are building to the lay of the land keeping the chracter of the land and sceneries intact. Down here they'll spend thousands of $$ up front before the foundation is poured in "leveling the lot"... Most all 80% of housing is leveled lot built and all the character of the land is lost. Most places just look plain & the same in lay of the land... I really like how PA builds!!❤👍
I had to make the same choice recently on another brand. I chose the pro version. The reason was it was lighter and on the price... I figured, yes, it did cost 150 extra but if the saw lasts me 15 years, that's only a 10 dollar a year difference. I am a weekend warrior when it comes to cutting wood, not a pro.
I just bought the 271 farm boss last night at rural king in new philla Ohio. Was looking at it or the 291 the guy there said for firewood use I could save 70 bucks and buy the farm boss. They guy was very helpful and made it easier to make a decision
STIHL produces three level of saws for specific owner needs. The difference is in the materials used, the durability of the components each saw line has and the build quality. All determined by the users needs. Weekend warrior or serious firewood cutter (MS271) or one that needs to run 8-10 hours a day for 5-6 or 7 days a week (MS261CM). It's like buying pickups. A small compact to haul groceries or take out the trash, a 150/1500 series to do much heavier duties or a 350/3500 to bring her on home at crunch time.
on my 271 I scapped the .325 chain and cutters,and replaced it with a .325 chain with 3/8 cutters and made a saw out of it . like it so well I have 2 now. cut 20+ cords this year
Yep, both excellent saws. However the Pro saw is twice the saw in components, and performance, as you well know, with all the sawing you do. Can be rebuilt, repaired, "hopped-up" modified, customized (handles, dogs etc.,). It is noticeably much smoother running, and balanced saw. The price difference between the two will be money well spent. Never need to buy another at your age, (not demeaning you either, I believe I am a year or two older than you). My experience with the Stihl brand comes from running an older generation of the MS361 and its home owner mate, "Farm Boss". I will be purchasing an MS261 this spring, as the MS361 is now getting to be too big of saw for me to sling around. (that aging thing). Homeowner will do just fine with the 271, and that is its' market audience. Keep hammering home the use of ethanol "free" fuel in all these saws, and anything for that matter, outside of your daily driver auto. Thank you, sir...
Love the test it was very insightful!! Last week I tested the MS 391 and let me tell you, Stihl is putting out some great power saws!!! Keep up the great vidios
@@monkeymangonewild it’s all in the set up. When the store gets the saw that you have purchased they are supposed to set it up for you. If you have the right guy set it up they worked like a charm. I’ve had mine for a year now and I have cut down 50 to 75 trees and it works awesome. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience
Hard to fault anyone either way you go. Personally, I would go 261, just for the options available if you wear out the factory cylinder. You can do a factory rebuild, or using aftermarket parts, put together a big bore saw. When I wore out my 310, my mechanic got a factory jug and piston and it took him 3 hours to rebuild it. My son has a 660, and when he big bored his with no experience, he spent 35 minutes, start of job to first fire, then ran his for 10 more years. On my 310, the labor charges were so high that I just gave the mechanic the saw.
If you plan on cutting lots of pine, you will need to use some type of lubercant to keep as much of the pine sap off your equipment. It will clog everything up.
My 1/2 acre lot in WI is part of a former red pine and blue spruce Christmas tree farm. Red pine is a hard pine, grown also for pulp wood and utility poles. Unfortunately it is dying off here due to pine bark beetle introducing blue stain fungus.
The rebuild of the cylinder is the biggest price difference. The 261 you can do it in the woods ( if you have a spare one with you) the farm boss has to be put on the bench. A big job. Great video , you can't go wrong with either one. Have a Great Day, GOD BLESS
I bought the farm boss about a month ago and added the more aggressive chain to it and it cuts very quickly... thus far I've put about 6 tanks of gas though it and id have to say that I wish it had a decompression valve on it because after you shut it off for maybe longer than 5 minutes it's very hard to get started again if using the same day... if you don't pick it up again until the next day it will crank right back up with maybe 3 pulls . I believe this is a vapor lock issue that a decompression valve would greatly help with.
I went through several cheaper brands like the craftsman the Polan pro the McCulloch and a couple others and I hated chainsaws, just about the time I really get into the swing of it and get some work done I start having problems with it and then eventually got to the point where you could almost never start it or it would just stop working when it got hot. So finally I bought an Stihl MS 250 and I’ve had that four for five years now and I’ve replaced the spark plug and a couple chains but that thing starts every time it just keeps going and going, I absolutely love it and it was worth every penny.
Mike; what I understand the differences are only in the type of bearings used in the main crank and piston quality as well plastics used to metal case of which need to dismantle to see the differences?! serial numbers have changed with the older saw of pro to farm boss. pro used to be even numbered to non pro were uneven numbered so have changed since last used the saws, like say as a number (260 pro to 261 farm boss). ask your dealer about these details? . Have you tried the huspvarna series saws as you will see finer barrs (less chips), good quality motors and light to handle. If I were to choose a saw now nearly would bye a Husky to a stihl because stihl has dropped their quality to their older series which were true pro saws. I think you will understand where I am coming from when we were saw-millers. Jonsered pro saws were a good saw to use as a all rounder series. When I was in saw-milling new all fine details but since away for a number of years have lost contact of pro series saws to all brands used though still have expertise of the fine details of saw management as stripped many saw in my day and saw the quality changes made to Stihl saws. would hate to strip a saw today as they are only made for throwaway society.
Or, you could go another way which is to compare the MS 271 to the MS 362 :) Same weight, bigger engine / power...that's the road I went down. I love my 362...
I had to get certified on chainsaws last year event though I have years of experience. This for Wildland firefighting. Anyway the instructor had a couple of Huskies and a couple of Stihls. The Stihls were the pro Series with compression release. The Huskies didn't have that feature and were a huge PITA to start. The Stihls no problem. Also the new Stihls have a wrap around handle but at lates check the wrap around handle model doesn't fit into a plastic case. This was last June ish.My old saw from decades ago was a o41 Farm boss. A solid saw but heavier and no chain brake or compression release.The compression release releases when the saw starts. I'd get one if it could be justified but then its all the other stuff to go with it, axe, chainsaw pants, fuel/oil container, files, hardhat/faceshield, ear gear, yada, yada, yada.Also Stihl has a promotion on at the moment at least here in Western Canadia.Best to all in 2020.
7:51 is where it starts
The real MVP
I had him pull over twice so I could piss 😂
Dude got a degree in yappanomics
I was shopping for a saw two years ago right around the time I found your channel. My dealer showed all those same differences. I asked him about the cases. He said the MS 261 Pro .saw was magnesium to aid in the cooling of that engine. He said that is a key for someone that cuts everyday all day. The cooling aids in the saw lasting longer. Great feature for those pro rated saws. Internet search and TH-cam vids and experience using a 036 pro saw I knew I wanted the MS 261 Pro. For me I chose the MS 271. After talking to the dealer I knew the amount of wood I cut a year 3 full cord or 6 face cord. So MS 271 came home with me and set on the shelf waiting for it’s first day of use. So a week later I am at my Doctors office for a problem with my hand(Dupuytren Contraction). Surgery two weeks later. Oh pretty new saw see you soon. A month after that I meet with my shoulder surgeon. Shoulder surgery scheduled. Oh pretty saw we will cut wood soon. I go through all the rehab and physical therapy that my insurance will cover. I feel pretty good but not read to cut firewood. So I wait to get stronger and more confident with this newly scoped shoulder and reattached bicep. I had two good months and I was back at my surgeon in pain wishing I never had the surgery. As you guess it and if your still reading what was the next step. Yes Surgery and a complete shoulder replacement. I had 5 total visits to physical therapy. Two of the visits lasted an hour. After that ten minutes and all the physical therapists scratching their heads out how well I felt and how quickly progressed. So about two months after surgery I looked at my never used pretty saw we had our first dance and cut some firewood. I put one tank of fuel through my new saw and was so happy to have done that. Oh yeah I didn’t mention I am only 47. I love that saw.
Dang man that's tuff sorry about that I'm 21 and I already have huge knee and back problems my dad has a degenerative disease for the stuff in between his knee and thigh it degraded now he's got bone on bone so I kinda see something like this in my future to I hope your doing okat
This just popped in my feed. Watching it, I burst into laughter when he said "I am chomping at the bit for 2020." If only he knew what it would hold...
Truth
On January 5th I went out searching for N95 masks and was already a few weeks too late. I knew it was coming. 2021 is not going to be much better. Now I need to find a video where I can learn how to cut up a huge fallen ash tree with a 20 inch bar on a farm boss 290.
6:40 sec. this comment made me laugh even more when he said, bc I read this 1st.
Mask vs. no mask: has been no real test in the world supporting masks, except schlieren imaging, done by an independent engineer in his basement. However, recently someone gave me a level 3 mask. significant difference between this and a standard freebie or cloth mask.. it has an extra sheer like layer inside & my glasses do not fog up.
A real world test would be 2 months in any state requiring level 3 masks vs. any other state with similar numbers without a mask. I think it would be eye-opening if there were actual requirements for the type of mask. Then we would know for certain if masks were bad or good.
from the Schlieren, it's obvious that covering your mouth is beneficial, but unless your sneezing, prepping food or working on a medical issue, I'm not sure what the advantage is for having the mask not hang loosely just below your chin, which would also keep glasses from fogging up, break up airflow & provide more airflow. Fresh air is actually good for people.
@@ArlynEmrys when in doubt contact an Industrial Hygienist. They're the experts who tell doctors what PPE to wear when.
from a master carpenter with a ms 261, an n95 is a 20% reduction in dust inhalation. demoing a horse hair plaster wall you will quickly realize masks are mind control vs. stopping a tiny virus. AND buying a stihl? awesome!! Do buy a pro saw, can't afford it? wait till you can. the m tronic 261cm is #1 recommended saw by arborist. starts at 10, or 90 degrees the same, clogged filter, elevation, bad gas, the carb adjusts itself so it runs full rpm always. buy a pro saw.
Hey Mike thanks for the vid!
I have owned both, but currently i own the 261c-m. My buddy runs a firewood business and needed a new saw so i sold him my 271 that was just barely a year old. The 271 surprised me for being a mid grade saw for the money. It was pretty good on gas too. The 261c-m i have is definitely a pro saw and will really surprise you with the power to weight. It is really ergonomic and just a joy to run.
The differences of the 261 over the 271
Magnesium case and side cover
Felling sights
Decompression valve
Heavy duty air cleaner
Elastostart starter
Supposedly a better anti vibe system
Higher compression
I think it revs 1k rpm higher
Easier to rebuild the top end
Captured bar nuts
Adjustable Oiler with metal gears vs plastic
Stainless steel muffler vs zinc plated
Rim sprocket clutch setup
I have a ms261c-m which is the m-tronic version. So far i love it. It simply just rips. I’m still breaking it in and it’s still impressing me. I’ve grown up around pro saws my whole life as my family is fourth generation loggers. That’s why i went with the 261 after i owned the 271, but for the money the 271 is a great saw don’t get me wrong. For the 261 I bought the sprocket cover side felling dog that matches the inside one that comes on the saw and it helps with bucking thick barked wood and also flush cutting stumps. I also put a full chisel rapid super chain on it before i even started it for the first time.
Mike, can i suggest maybe re-tuning your 261 or getting it re-tuned? I can see that yours isn’t the m-tronic version and it sounds like it’s possibly not tuned to its potential. You should be able to get more speed and faster acceleration out of it.
Love my 261c (about 6 years old?) never took it to the shop until recently. Took it in because the keeper clip on the sprocket came off, and I wasn't sure if more parts were missing; also had a frayed cord and old chain. Told them to "check it out" and give me a new chain and pull cord.
Picked it up and they had run a diagnostic and fiddled with the carb. Now it won't run at all, after using it for less than an hour! I think all it needed was a clip for the sprocket and a cord, but I was lazy.
@@davidbraun9309 that thing is called an e-clip. That stinks about the shop you took it to. They don’t stand behind their work? Agree with the OP. That 261 didn’t sound right. Mine rips for a saw that size and has only gotten better with time. The power to weight ratio is excellent.
@@davidbraun9309did you get it fixed? Jus have them do a reset you could've done that yourself but if it's not running it's a quick button they have on that thing to reset it
Hi Mike, I have a MS271. I don't cut nearly as much wood as you but it's a really Great saw, I would recommend to anyone. Perfect for my heavily wooded 5 acres down here in Florida.
Bought myself a new 271 for Christmas,had to have a new saw to go with a new truck. It cuts a bit slower, but just for firewood and cutting a down tree out the road,it does fine. Main reasons why I bought it, this new addition makes number 14.
The 261 is a pound and a half lighter and has more power. For me, that made it a a no-brainer. I'm pretty good at no-brainers. I got the 20-inch bar. And when I found out they had a C-M saw where you didn't have to adjust the screws anymore, well, yeah, to me it was worth the extra money not to have to adjust those screws. I've been very happy with my saw.
I have my guys run a 271 for a top/brush saw with the occasional bucking as well. It has been a great saw and saves my company some money. Iv not had any complaints and i feel the 271 is a excellent saw for professional use. Ours get ran almost daily and has been for the last 3 yrs with no issues whatsoever.
I own the 261 c-m (no needles, No Bogging!) and can't say enough about the saw for long days cutting firewood, It's light and for the size and weight it's amazing. Just open the exhaust port a bit and take the baffle out and it rips!
Glad I bought one yesterday 261c
How you liking it? Is it holding up?
I've had a Farm Boss for a number of years. No more wood than I cut, I'm absolutely pleased with it. Also have a 180 that I use for
Do you have a 270? Did it come with a 20" bar?
Good video Mike. I have a MS 270 and it has improved with time over the years, it cuts faster now than when it was new. The big difference between the 271 and 261 is the 271 is a clam shell and the 261 is a split case. The case and side cover etc. on the 271 is plastic and the case and side cover on the 261 is magnesium. I have run both with both the chains you mentioned. Both are great saws and with proper care will last many years. I also have a MS 390 and that has the decomp valve on it as well as an adjustable oiler.
271 Plastic case is just a housing the engine is bolted into it. Crank case and cylinder are one piece. Ms261 case is the crankcase and the cylinder is removable. 261 also has better vibrations damping
Plus felling sights adjustable oiler. Its all around a better saw. If youre a homeowner 271 or 291 great saws but theyre not everyday use saws imo
Plus im pretty sure theres a better clutch in them as well
Great video! Hit every point I was debating while I was searching for a new saw. I went with the 261-more power, less weight. I also chose the M-tronic option. I've never had fiddle with carb settings, and it's worked perfectly.
Is yours still holding up good? I just got a 261c this year
Hands down I agree Mike. Definitely, the 261 is worth the extra $$ . Thanks for the comparison. Very helpful. Cheers!
That 1/2 hp made a little difference and at the end of the day the lighter weight of the 261 would as well,great info Mike,thanks for sharing.
Good video. I just bought a year old 261 yesterday, and it starts WAY easier than my old Poulan ( I know..I know)...and, you can feel a drastic difference in the extra 10cc immediately. Well built saw, cant wait to give it a test.
after a ton of research, I decided on a 271 2 years ago. I had tried an old 029, and it was just too much beast for me. I've felled at least 30 trees with it, and cut them up a bit. if I had some more spending money, I probably would've went with a 261 just for the weight of it, but i'm happy with my 271.
Good comparison!!, I have the 261 and love it!! Over time it has paid for the difference , IMO!
Happy New Year to the Morgan family. Quote of the day:
Smile every chance you get; not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have, and all the problems you don’t have. You must accept the that life is not perfect, that people are not perfect, and that you are not perfect. that’s okay, because the real world doesn't reward perfection. It rewards people who have intent and are determined to get things done. Each of us has the power to make a difference regardless of how trivial it may appear to us at the time, It is the intention that carries the true meaning of the act! Kindness and love are the most rewarding gifts we can give, and they don't have a price tag attached to them. Make today your chance to give something back...your reward will be in how it makes you feel! ~ George Wheeler
I like that George, well said buddy!
I have the ms261c, the captive nuts are a must when your fumbling around with gloves. I've had it for 2 years now and love it. This summer I did have a NO start problem after the saw was hot. That ended up being a solenoid issue that caused it to flood.
We live on 5 acres of wooded land and I have the 271 for firewood, and the 170 for limbing. I love both of those saws. The captive nuts would be amazing , because I've lost 2 out in the field.
I've always liked the look of red pines, good looking tree, planted about 60 on my property in the last couple years.
I think one thing that few have mentioned in the comments, although Mike does in the overview of the saws, is the weight. I have cut firewood for over 40 years, some from purchased logs and more recently from a hundred acre property I bought 5 years ago. While the difference of a pound and a half may not seem much when you’re 30 or 40 or even 50, for most of us, once we hit our 60’s, even half a pound makes a difference when you’re throwing a saw around for hours at a time. This is less noticeable if you’re just bucking up logs, but when felling, limbing, as well as bucking, that little bit of weight is really noticeable on 60-something (or 70... or 80) year old bodies. Many of us develop arthritis and are living with old injuries (usually from silliness in our youth!) that we really feel after hours on a saw.
I started on finger-numbing, ear-splitting Pioneers with no chain brake, and after a close call on a kick-back (with the scar to prove it), I moved to a “modern” Stihl 028 Wood Boss. That saw stills runs like new with only a few carb cleanings to keep it going, but over the years I have acquired a MS170 (wilderness camping and light work), a MS250 (best power to weight in the Stihl consumer saws), a MS362 for bigger work, and recently a MS261. The power, lighter weight, and virtually zero vibration on the 261 and 362 are amazing.
However, given all of these saws I own and use, for anyone that wants the absolute best performing all around LOW COST LOW WEIGHT saw for occasional use with moderate size wood, my top recommendation would be a MS250 with an 18” blade - it is an outstanding combination of power, weight, and cost. Check the specs - the 250 is 3hp at 10.1 lbs. The 271 is 3.5hp at 12.2 lbs. You’ barely notice the hp difference but you will surely feel that extra 2.1 lbs!
i just got a used 261 for $350. bar and chain are well used, but the power head looks nice. that difference with the mag case is well worth the money in my opinion. somewhere for the heat to go when your bar is buried. thank for the video. a lot of first time buyers don't realize the differences, they make them look the same on purpose.
I personally own. 271, and run a 261 for my job. Both excellent saws but the weight difference is noticeable when cutting trail to a fire. I feel a 16” bar offers the best length for power! Great video! You got a new sub out of it!!! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦🤙
Nice comparison video Mike, thanks! We have a 271 and like it quite a bit. It starts, runs, and idles. All day every time we use it. It does what we need it to do.Keep 'em coming. God Bless.
I have a 261 as well as 4 other Stihl Pro saws and it's the best one I own. Power to Weight is awesome. Just a pure workhorse.
I got the Farm Boss. I use a saw 3+4 times a year so I'm good.
I use my 261 at -20F and it's flawless. Usually take 5 or 6 pulls at that temp but it always starts and runs for me. Coldest I've tested it at was -43F and even then it wanted to run but I sure didn't want anymore than to cold start it just to see how reliable it is in extreme cold and it's crazy.
When using your saw in cold temp do you use the cold temp bar oil? I was at my STIHL dealer today and they didn’t seem like it was worth it. But at -20 maybe. What are your thoughts?
Would definitely need the carb adjusted to run at those Temps it would be extremely lean and very likely to seize.
Another advantage the 261 has is an over the rim sprocket. It is easier and cheaper to change then a whole clutch drum. It is also interchangeable between ,325 and 3/8 sprocket. I am running a 3/8 full chisel full skip chain on a 20' bar on my 261 and it is a ripping beast. Granted I live in Utah where the majority of our wood is soft woods. It is a great saw and well worth the extra money.
I think that weight difference is the main difference for me and my back. Next I think a faster saw is exponentially more fun. All the little things are hard to put a price on but also make cutting wood more enjoyable. I’d go with the 261 not for the money but for the enjoyment factor.
If you put 400 hours a year on the saw, the price diff is .50 an hour. If you put 25 hrs on it it’s an $8 difference. Choose the farm saw unless you do enough to need the robustness and features.
If you only use it for one year.......
@Reel-Lentless, I've had both for years. It depends on how u take care of them.
Honestly I don’t see too much of the difference. I have a 029 super dated at 1994. It’s due for a rebuild now and has been rode hard but taken care of since new (my grandfather bought it new and I got it 10 years ago). I also climb for a tree service and own a ms200t and a husky 372xp that have been great saws. But my 029 super has been used just as hard and has been just as reliable as the pro saws
@Reel-Lentless my brother has a 30 year old saw he paid $100 for. Don’t think your longevity argument holds up
I started my stihl ownership with a ms 390, great saw. I had another pos saw lying about that was constantly giving troubles and got rid of it for a dinky ms171, I love it. Last but not least a 461, what an animal
I am not an expert by any means, just a guy that has run a lot of different Stihl saws. I have always gravitated towards the Pro series. My most recent saw is a MS 362 after my Stihl 032 finally hit the end of its serviceable life. The reasons I stayed with the Pro series is 1) serviceability, 2) greater power to weight ratio, 3) the Pro series seems to rev more quickly and bog down less, especially when running a longer bar and 4) I like the metal vs plastic parts. Oh and so far I am loving the m-tronic carb though time will tell. These are just some of my reasons. The Farm Boss is a great saw. I have used several and all of the Stihl saws I have run have worked well. I am not a brand fan boy, I just need equipment that works and so far in 50 years I have never had a Stihl tool let me down.
Thanks! I know this is last year but I found it very helpful. I live in a farming area of Southern California, San Diego (Yep, that's right, North San Diego has lots of farming). Both of my local Stihl Dealers are terrible at explaining the differences between their saws and line trimmers. I tend to copy what I see the tree trimmers use that work for San Diego Gas and Electric. It sure would be helpful if Stihl would train their people to be as helpful as you are here. Where I live the attitude is kinda like if you are buying a Stihl, you should already know what model you want. So the counter people are more like Sales Clerks and not Salesmen/women.
That slight difference in speed could be because of break in. Will need to see a comparison after they are both broke in. God bless
Levi I bought you a gift son. But first I have to try it out. Every father in the world. Lol God bless
Years ago bought a Sawzall for Mother's Day.
I'll be honest, id totally love getting a stihl as a gift, and would even buy a used one if it were super cheap and worked well on the "test drive"... id never again buy another stihl, new... been down that road a couple times... one of the string trimmers still runs, sorta, clutch is locked up and now direct drive, was like that since it was about a year old, hard to start, always was .. I have a ten year old Husky saw that runs perfect and starts on the second or third pull even after sitting in storage for a couple years... just checked the piston and cylinder and they look brand new still... thing still runs perfect, zero issues...
MS261 for over a year now and absolutely love it. I spent the extra money for the pro saw and am really glad i did. Running full chisel on 18" and it has just been flawless. surprising how well is started in -15C Canadian winter. I would get the arctic version next time with the hand warmers.
Used 025 ,farm boss 271 just bought a 261 a few month's ago. First thing really liked was the weight reduction. Second, noticed much less vibration with 261. Maybe because a brand new saw opposed to older used saws but noticeable to me.
I have a 271 and it’s a good saw, I’ve had zero problems with it and I’ve probably cut like 30 cords of wood with it.
Same with me, Northern Kentucky...
three years on mine .... and my help uses it .... not one problem
Years back when I had my farm and even before that when I logged, I ran a Homelite 750, an 090, a 075, 041 Then a husky 394. That was years back all big powerful saws. When I was looking for a new Stihl last month I chose the MS271, price was a big factor. I didn't need a "bullet proof" saw to cut a couple of cords of fire wood a year. I'm happy with my choice. $500 vs $800 for basically the same results.
I own a MS271
Never let me down.
Cumbersome to carry around. It is big and way too heavy for a 50cc.
The dogs are very sketchy.
Always starts on the third pull (or less if it is a quick restart)
Hard and very stiff to pull that rope. Not enjoyable. Does not have decompression valve...
Vibrates very little.
Good on gas. Large tank.
Not suitable for everyday tree felling or blocking. It is very tiring to work with it.
My next saw will be a pro in around 60cc with much less weight to it. Open to a Husky. Never owned one. Had Poulan, Shindawa,Echo and 3 Stihl. So I am not partial to any brand.
Good review.
Great video, Mike! I bought a MS 261 back in September and I love it. It’s light, but strong for that size saw. Definitely a featherweight compared to my MS 661.
Had sprocket problems with 261’s never had a bit of trouble with 271. Both same age and use, don’t knock the 271 good little saw.
I have a ms251 C-BE that has served me well for our wooded property. It has the spring assist starter which is so smooth. Just a like pull as it loads up the spring and then it snaps over. Also has a pretty easy to use no-tool bar tensioner that works well. I have no complaints with that saw. The 46cc does just about everything I have needed.
Great job! Video really starts at about 8:00 minutes in. Very helpful. THANKS!!!!
Nice video, thanks.
I bought a Stihl Farm Boss after we got hit with a Tornado about 7 years ago and had 8 trees down around the house (thank God not on it), I used it this morning on a down tree in the yard after storms yesterday. It's been a reliable good machine for the price and for someone who only has to use it when nature calls, I have had nothing but good luck with mine.
Good morning from No. VT - we have had pretty much the same weather pattern as you so far this year. Way too much warm weather. Today is high 20's and we had about 3 or so inches of snow overnight. Starting to look like Vermont should the first week of January. Thanks for the Stihl comparison, useful timing for me. Thinking about a new saw for the lake camp, so understanding the differences from a practical perspective is very useful for me. Your priorities align really well with my thinking so it is more useful to me than reading spec sheets. Thanks for doing the video.
If I can add one more advantage to the list the 261 has a stainless steel exhaust vs the normal steel exhaust on the 271 which doesn't lookn great when the paint peels of and starts to rust. I have MS261 and is my favourite saw. I have had 171, 211, 230, 251 x2, 271, 291. I agree that there is no need for the de-compression valve on this size of engine but as I don't use it all day long, a forestry guy would be best to give his opinion. Thanks
I just got the 261cm. I've cut about 8 cords of wood with it. Honestly I cant tell a difference in power or cutting speed between this saw and my 90s model 029 with exhaust mod. It also takes the same number of pills to start. 3-5 when cold. Not a really fair comparison because I'm using the green semichisel chain that came with the 261 and my 029 has a full chisel on it but it's also a 3/8 where the 261 has a .325
I guess all my blabbing here is to say that even if you buy an old stihl saw that still runs good you will have nearly as good of a saw as a brand new one. Yeah my old saw weighs 2 pounds more but even that isn't a huge deal
I have a 10 yr old 260C and it has never let me down on cutting firewood. Great compare video.
Had a 271 and I caught on fire. Got a 261 to replace it and its been amazing. Starts great with the electronics.
Review starts at 7:36. Thank me later.
SOUTHERN INDIANA HERE (REPORTING LIVE FROM San Diego-GOING BACK TO INDIANA TOMORROW MONDAY 1/6/20). Mike..I just bought a Stihl Farm Boss a few weeks ago. Haven’t even used it yet but plan to when I get home. Going to cut up a couple downed trees at my farm. Can’t wait.
I’m leaving perfect weather in San Diego while in Mt Vernon In, I can expect a little snow. Call me crazy, but I’m ready for cold weather.
This is so funny you posted this video. I have been wrestling in my head on which of these two saws to buy. Cut 4 or 5 cords of wood a year. We have 50 Acer's but it's mostly fields. I just want something that will run for forever.
I have a ms261 paid a little over 600$ for it and I love it for cutting wood all day. She is kind of thirsty though
I was looking into one of these two saws myself. Then I came across the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. Well I bought the Timber Wolf.
Cody A get the 261. You won’t regret it.
The 271 is ok. But it doesn’t have an adjustable oiler and the chain just doesn’t get enough oil.
A rental guy who was a chainsaw dealer as well for years and knowledgable said you can't buy a good chainsaw anymore and I think there is a lot of truth to that. I can't complain about ms271 at all after a few years although sure I would have liked to add 200-$300 to get a pro model. Who wouldn't? But maybe grab 271, chaps and an ax and a case and files and some mixing oil and bar oil and still have $$$ left over and will have a saw which will leave you plenty happy and satisfied.
@@bencarter2334 I agree with this comment and had I known would have spent extra to get adjustable oiler which I just assumed it had. Dad's old saws always had them and that left me disappointed as after using once I was asking dealer where adjustment was.
I own the Farm Boss and really love it. I don't cut often but when I need it - its awsome.
Same here. Use it maybe 30 hrs a year but starts immediately every time and just works.
Heck yea..me too.
Hi Mike. I am currently running a MS290 with an old 029 as a back up. Both have 18 inch. bars. We heat our house with wood and have to buy logs. I am currently cutting up the logs from the second tri axle log truck. I have been very happy with the MS290. Thanks for the comparison on the 2 saws.
I've had an MS-271 for almost 2 years now. You are right, for occasional use and cutting down trees for firewood it does just fine. I use mine to cut down/cut up mostly oak and hickory trees on 35 acres. Nothing of any real quantity, probably 2 or 3 cords of wood per year.
Love my 261 but it lost spark last weekend so I just dropped it off at the dealer to see what happened. Picked up a 271 to have around as a spare.
Like the video. The big difference is 261 is a split case an 271 is a clam shell engine. Keep the video's coming
I have a 291, which I believe replaced the 271. I also have the 261cm. The 261 is head and shoulders above, both really nice saws though.
I would go for the pro series every day of the week, a fun tool you like and want to use is a good tool.
Pride in ownership is also worth a few more bucks!
I have used a 271 for about 20 hours and it is a really good saw. Just bought myself a 362, really keen to get that one ripping into timber!
I have a 261 and love it! I’ve been seeing 271s on FB and Craigslist for pretty cheap and have been considering one as another back up. Thanks for the video!
Kacee Savage look for a 291, same exact saw just a little more displacement and power compared to the 271. Power is closer to a 261. The extra displacement of the 291 makes up the extra difference in porting in the pro 261
Kenneth Stephens the 291 is still weaker than the 261. I own one. Not to mention it’s 2lbs heavier than the 261. And it’s about 100 bucks less than a 261. If I was stihl I wouldn’t make a 251 a 271 and a 291 in the same series with little to no difference in performance. If you are thinking of getting any of those 3 saws save yourself the headache and either get a professional 261 or step up in the homeowner saw and buy the 391. For 1 more lb it’s almost 10cc bigger. It’s the largest engine in that chassis you can get. And you can feel the difference ..... don’t buy a 311 either ..... why would you same weight as the 391 only weaker .
I have a 271, its a good saw, plenty of power to drive a full bar cut. No issues with it, probably 25 tanks of gas so far. Real light for smaller trees, but if your cutting a big log you might wanna pull out something with some bigger balls.
@@kennethstephens8046 i have a 261, my dad has a 291. We both hate the 291. The non adjustable oiler isn’t adequate in the colder months, and its heavier, bulkier, and less powerful. If you’re looking for a complimentary saw to a 261, get a 60 or 70cc pro saw, with a 20-24 in bar, and keep a 16” bar on the 261.
@@Timijim the guy was talking about buying a 271. I simply replied that the 291 was a better buy if he stuck with a homeowner saw. I think everyone should own a husky 372xp. But tons of guys are gonna buy the homeowner saw. I also own a 261cm and I love it. Great saw. But if I hadn’t got a good deal on it I’d have gotten a husky 550xp
Hi , I'm up north from Montreal, I have the MS 271 It is the most reliable saw in my collection ! I have a a Mcculloch Pro Mac 700 (70 cc) starts with only 3 pulls ! paid $400 for it , probably from the late 70's it has a button you press to oil the chain manually! always looking for cool saw's to add in my garage ! Thanks for the video
Great video Mike . Love these comparison videos . Darn it . Now I want to get a MS261 saw . Funny thing is I don't need one . Glad this holiday season is over and we can get back to normal . This cold rainy weather is driving me nuts . Got a few shows to go in Toronto .... boat show and a couple of sportsman shows . Kinda breaks things up . Our weather is like yours . Rain and a bit of snow . Snows gone in a few days . Thankful for that . Don't know how you can keep yourself so busy . Right now I don't want to do anything . Not even wanting going to the grocery store . Need a few sunny days to perk me up . Spend my time trolling on you tube videos . I'm bad . That was a great video with the cross bow . Was happy to see that you were able to use the old pair of chaps . Many people still don't wear chaps . I guess they like playing Russian Roulette .
I bought a 271 today and I couldn't be happier. Great video. Keep up the great work !
Nice demo if I was still working would use the farm boss just because I like the name. Great plans on the new building doesn't sound like a" she shed". Glad your using some of the wood from your property saves some money Good luck with the plans
I have had a Stihl MS 290 for some time and the only problem has been a broken chain brake handle. The saw was riding in the back of the Ranger minding its own business and when I got back to the barn the handle was just broke. My son says its the way I drive the steep rocky trails we have on our property in southeastern Indiana. I think it's a design flaw in the plastic - the exact same flaw that caused all the holes in the floor in the Ranger.
Hey Morgan's !!!!
You KNOW I love my MS 261 :) Thank you SO much
Be safe out there and God Bless
I think the price difference is well worth it just knowing you bought a saw that will last for many many years and is easier to service. The pro saw is easier to change out a piston or clutch..
Mike there is a tiny little saw out by stihl that is slimy amazing. Best power to weight ration of any saw they make. Cant remember the model but I was about to get one.. I have to work slow and the weight gets to me.. But then after gathering up all my saws I had laying around one fired right up, stays idling when sat down and just runs perfect. Husqvarna 33... The little guy cuts better then my bigger saws so I've been using it... I never got the stihl... But remember all I cut is spruce and birch... A little cotton wood and nothing very big... No hard wood here in AK...
Back in '62 my dad planted red pine at the suggestion of the DNR here in WI. The boy scouts came and did the planting many are only 4 feet apart. We had 3 sections of them, one of which we clear cut over 10 years ago and another was thinned at the same time. Some have gotten decent size but not for the 50+ years they have taken up space. In the early 90's dad cut out a few that I used for rafters in my then new wood shed. I didn't know any better so I used them as is. They have been peeling themselves ever since and I doubt they will ever quit. It is a mess! In spite of their varying size I managed to get the roof mostly straight. I never heard of a construction use for them officially but mine have held up fine as round rafters.
The 261 cm has the m tronic system and a quick chain adjuster.
Since I'm cutting about only about 1/4 cord (2x a year to add up to 1/2 cord) , the MS 271 looks right for me. Your review helped me affirm that decision. Thanks
Great video! Like the power to weight ratio comparison. Before watching this video bought a farm boss since it was cheaper. I go thru chains like crazy.
The farm boss is a clam shell case. 261you are able to split the case and rebuild it. Plus you can port a pro saw easier🤫
M H magnesium housing and cover also, not plastic
And $200+$ more for 261
On another note, watching the background of PA as your driving, love how y'all are building to the lay of the land keeping the chracter of the land and sceneries intact. Down here they'll spend thousands of $$ up front before the foundation is poured in "leveling the lot"... Most all 80% of housing is leveled lot built and all the character of the land is lost. Most places just look plain & the same in lay of the land... I really like how PA builds!!❤👍
I had to make the same choice recently on another brand. I chose the pro version. The reason was it was lighter and on the price... I figured, yes, it did cost 150 extra but if the saw lasts me 15 years, that's only a 10 dollar a year difference. I am a weekend warrior when it comes to cutting wood, not a pro.
I just bought the 271 farm boss last night at rural king in new philla Ohio. Was looking at it or the 291 the guy there said for firewood use I could save 70 bucks and buy the farm boss. They guy was very helpful and made it easier to make a decision
They make great saws , I have a 026 from 1996 . Still running strong I did pick up a new 271 last year runs great . Great saws !! 👍
Rick Cassell 3
Just bought a 271 the other day. I do want to buy a pro saw in the future as I plan to purchase acreage and heat with wood.
STIHL produces three level of saws for specific owner needs. The difference is in the materials used, the durability of the components each saw line has and the build quality. All determined by the users needs. Weekend warrior or serious firewood cutter (MS271) or one that needs to run 8-10 hours a day for 5-6 or 7 days a week (MS261CM). It's like buying pickups. A small compact to haul groceries or take out the trash, a 150/1500 series to do much heavier duties or a 350/3500 to bring her on home at crunch time.
on my 271 I scapped the .325 chain and cutters,and replaced it with a .325 chain with 3/8 cutters and made a saw out of it . like it so well I have 2 now. cut 20+ cords this year
Yep, both excellent saws.
However the Pro saw is twice the saw in components, and performance, as you well know, with all the sawing you do. Can be rebuilt, repaired, "hopped-up" modified, customized (handles, dogs etc.,). It is noticeably much smoother running, and balanced saw. The price difference between the two will be money well spent. Never need to buy another at your age, (not demeaning you either, I believe I am a year or two older than you).
My experience with the Stihl brand comes from running an older generation of the MS361 and its home owner mate, "Farm Boss". I will be purchasing an MS261 this spring, as the MS361 is now getting to be too big of saw for me to sling around. (that aging thing).
Homeowner will do just fine with the 271, and that is its' market audience.
Keep hammering home the use of ethanol "free" fuel in all these saws, and anything for that matter, outside of your daily driver auto.
Thank you, sir...
Love the test it was very insightful!! Last week I tested the MS 391 and let me tell you, Stihl is putting out some great power saws!!! Keep up the great vidios
I bought a 391 and it was super boggy, did you have this problem, I took it back and got a 362 and it’s an absolute monster in comparison.
@@monkeymangonewild it’s all in the set up. When the store gets the saw that you have purchased they are supposed to set it up for you. If you have the right guy set it up they worked like a charm. I’ve had mine for a year now and I have cut down 50 to 75 trees and it works awesome. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience
Hard to fault anyone either way you go. Personally, I would go 261, just for the options available if you wear out the factory cylinder. You can do a factory rebuild, or using aftermarket parts, put together a big bore saw. When I wore out my 310, my mechanic got a factory jug and piston and it took him 3 hours to rebuild it. My son has a 660, and when he big bored his with no experience, he spent 35 minutes, start of job to first fire, then ran his for 10 more years. On my 310, the labor charges were so high that I just gave the mechanic the saw.
If you plan on cutting lots of pine, you will need to use some type of lubercant to keep as much of the pine sap off your equipment. It will clog everything up.
Any idea why the two saws use bars with different part numbers? My dealer sold me a 271 with a bar specified for the 261.
My 1/2 acre lot in WI is part of a former red pine and blue spruce Christmas tree farm. Red pine is a hard pine, grown also for pulp wood and utility poles. Unfortunately it is dying off here due to pine bark beetle introducing blue stain fungus.
Hi, where are you located? Here in waukesha co, we have have Austrian pine dieing off but not red pine. My reds are doing great.
The rebuild of the cylinder is the biggest price difference. The 261 you can do it in the woods ( if you have a spare one with you) the farm boss has to be put on the bench. A big job. Great video , you can't go wrong with either one. Have a Great Day, GOD BLESS
I bought the farm boss about a month ago and added the more aggressive chain to it and it cuts very quickly... thus far I've put about 6 tanks of gas though it and id have to say that I wish it had a decompression valve on it because after you shut it off for maybe longer than 5 minutes it's very hard to get started again if using the same day... if you don't pick it up again until the next day it will crank right back up with maybe 3 pulls . I believe this is a vapor lock issue that a decompression valve would greatly help with.
I went through several cheaper brands like the craftsman the Polan pro the McCulloch and a couple others and I hated chainsaws, just about the time I really get into the swing of it and get some work done I start having problems with it and then eventually got to the point where you could almost never start it or it would just stop working when it got hot. So finally I bought an Stihl MS 250 and I’ve had that four for five years now and I’ve replaced the spark plug and a couple chains but that thing starts every time it just keeps going and going, I absolutely love it and it was worth every penny.
Mike; what I understand the differences are only in the type of bearings used in the main crank and piston quality as well plastics used to metal case of which need to dismantle to see the differences?! serial numbers have changed with the older saw of pro to farm boss. pro used to be even numbered to non pro were uneven numbered so have changed since last used the saws, like say as a number (260 pro to 261 farm boss). ask your dealer about these details? . Have you tried the huspvarna series saws as you will see finer barrs (less chips), good quality motors and light to handle. If I were to choose a saw now nearly would bye a Husky to a stihl because stihl has dropped their quality to their older series which were true pro saws. I think you will understand where I am coming from when we were saw-millers. Jonsered pro saws were a good saw to use as a all rounder series.
When I was in saw-milling new all fine details but since away for a number of years have lost contact of pro series saws to all brands used though still have expertise of the fine details of saw management as stripped many saw in my day and saw the quality changes made to Stihl saws. would hate to strip a saw today as they are only made for throwaway society.
Hey Mike go down to Levi's house and gather up those pine trees that you piled up there. Those will make nice lumber. Ron
Lucky you to have good temperature in January. . here in Shawinigan Québec, we freeze in 2 to 3 feet of snow. .
MS 261 CM is nice the m-tronic is a good rig.
Or, you could go another way which is to compare the MS 271 to the MS 362 :) Same weight, bigger engine / power...that's the road I went down. I love my 362...
at 7 min 10 seconds, that throw away line hits hard.. I remember my optimism that season too... wow were we not ready :)
I had to get certified on chainsaws last year event though I have years of experience. This for Wildland firefighting. Anyway the instructor had a couple of Huskies and a couple of Stihls. The Stihls were the pro Series with compression release. The Huskies didn't have that feature and were a huge PITA to start. The Stihls no problem. Also the new Stihls have a wrap around handle but at lates check the wrap around handle model doesn't fit into a plastic case. This was last June ish.My old saw from decades ago was a o41 Farm boss. A solid saw but heavier and no chain brake or compression release.The compression release releases when the saw starts. I'd get one if it could be justified but then its all the other stuff to go with it, axe, chainsaw pants, fuel/oil container, files, hardhat/faceshield, ear gear, yada, yada, yada.Also Stihl has a promotion on at the moment at least here in Western Canadia.Best to all in 2020.