I went through this dilemma myself a few years ago. Started off with the ms180, then 271, then sold that and got a 261 because I liked the idea of easier maintenance, the changeable rim sprocket, classic engine design, metal crank case. If you plan to use the saw regularly, just save yourself the time and buy a 261. You won't regret it. I got the 261 CM, and 2 years later or 3+ times a week use, the saw hasn't given me a single problem. Just make sure you let it idle a solid minute, minimum 45 seconds before going full throttle and she will love you long time.
I do like the 181 for felling small stuff and branching, won't wear you out as quick either. Other than that, agreed, 261 is the way to go, not 210 or 220 or 270 or any of that crap, just go straight to 261 unless you can get a used 025/250 in good condition. Wish Stihl stopped making anything else in the 2xx series (except spare parts) because it's a waste of time they coulda spent making 261 and get it down to pre-c19 prices simply due to production volume.
Besides for the same weight as the farm boss, you could get a pro saw with a ton more power. You are so right, the weight of the saw can make a huge difference.
Man I really had to talk my dad into the 261. He wanted a 271 farm boss and then a 291. Between the dealer and I he finally bought it. He’s slightly unimpressed with it but it hasn’t even had a full tank put through it.
1:38 In theory when pressed in it lessens the toll on the starter, but on the other hand the decomp valve is like 20$, whereas the dog pawls, one spring and a washer of the starter will be close to 6$.
To be fair the Ms 291 runs a 20" bar. I own one and it's one of the best saws I've ever run but the weight thing I agree with you if you are running a saw all day it makes a difference 👍 great video as always
I went through this dilemma myself a few years ago. Started off with the ms180, then 271, then sold that and got a 261 because I liked the idea of easier maintenance, the changeable rim sprocket, classic engine design, metal crank case. If you plan to use the saw regularly, just save yourself the time and buy a 261. You won't regret it. I got the 261 CM, and 2 years later or 3+ times a week use, the saw hasn't given me a single problem. Just make sure you let it idle a solid minute, minimum 45 seconds before going full throttle and she will love you long time.
I do like the 181 for felling small stuff and branching, won't wear you out as quick either.
Other than that, agreed, 261 is the way to go, not 210 or 220 or 270 or any of that crap, just go straight to 261 unless you can get a used 025/250 in good condition.
Wish Stihl stopped making anything else in the 2xx series (except spare parts) because it's a waste of time they coulda spent making 261 and get it down to pre-c19 prices simply due to production volume.
Absolutely love my 170!
That being said, I'm getting a 261cm to pair with it next week!
Besides for the same weight as the farm boss, you could get a pro saw with a ton more power.
You are so right, the weight of the saw can make a huge difference.
Man I really had to talk my dad into the 261. He wanted a 271 farm boss and then a 291. Between the dealer and I he finally bought it. He’s slightly unimpressed with it but it hasn’t even had a full tank put through it.
1:38 In theory when pressed in it lessens the toll on the starter, but on the other hand the decomp valve is like 20$, whereas the dog pawls, one spring and a washer of the starter will be close to 6$.
To be fair the Ms 291 runs a 20" bar. I own one and it's one of the best saws I've ever run but the weight thing I agree with you if you are running a saw all day it makes a difference 👍 great video as always
was gonna get the 261cm for my first chainsaw but my stihl dealer offered me the 400c with the 25 inch bar/chain for $925 ......
Is there still a non C model available?
I don’t think so but not 100%
When you look for a bigger saw get a timber wolf for the price you will really like it my friend then you can have two saws and be happy
MS261 is 1000€ over here.
810€ here (combination canister with the fancy filling nozzles for oil/fuel added free), so you better change your dealer. 😊
I really should, because 1000€ was 'on sale' price advertised my dealer. @@kojirohyuga1050