Husqvarna 550 VS Stihl 261 | Epic 50cc chainsaw battle!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.พ. 2021
- 50cc shootout between Husqvarna and Stihl pro saws!
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Here is a follow up video of these 2 saws- th-cam.com/video/_1j_WomJ8G8/w-d-xo.html
Those 550 just run so smooth and they really get after it for a 50cc! Nice video as always 👍
I like the bayonet type fuel/oil caps on the Stihl saws, I’ve been using this feature since their introduction on multiple saws. It’s quick and precise and if you keep them clean and never store your saws with topped tanks they don’t leak. Liquid does not compress so don’t store them full. I might be the only one on the planet but I hate threaded caps as they always get over tightened and you have to use a tool to undo them.
The Screamin Demon wins hands down in my book. The Stihl has some fast get up and go but it just doesn't sound like it's got the same power to cut through the log. Also, Husky's air filtration design is far better in my opinion. And finally, I hate Stihls gas and oil caps.
I have both saws, the mark2 is definitely a upgrade from the original, like the feel of stihl better and weight is noticeably lighter. You cannot go wrong with either saw, considering the extra weight you might be getting a more solid saw if you’re back isn’t complaining! I agree the caps suck on stihl.
Finally a comparison i can see a comparison between
I totally agree about the 550 it’s amazing what kind of power they’re making. I just bought one just a few weeks ago. Actually because of your other videos on the 550 got me interested and man I’m blown away at the power it puts out I seriously feel like it almost does as good as some of the older 60-70 cc saws. Good videos keep it up. Nice to see some saw videos from someone who actually knows how to use a saw👍
I will even say on a personal note that the husky 545 “non full pro saw”is smoother and faster stock than my 261”full pro saw” although the 261 has earned its keep and just has a little muffler mod done to it,which did make a difference.Therefore I’d have to give husky the win in the 50cc saw class from what I can compare to.
What muffler mod did you do?
Cut several slits on the left side of the muffler then added a stainless deflector
@@taylorjones8812 did it change the sound? Can you post a picture?
Yes it will change the sound because your opening it up more, saws run hot so trying to get the heat out is just relief for the motor. I would insert a pic in this comment but TH-cam won’t allow it
@@taylorjones8812 I agree. It's a good mod for the 261. Woke it up a bit. More throaty sounds too. I have both a 545mk 2 and 261. I grab 261 99 percent of the time due to its weight and control ability. I also find the Stihl stays in its higher rpm more too. I have buried in frozen spruce storm damage and they both cut like hell. But I prefer my 400c with a bark box over them even though it's heavier. But just a one saw job I grab 261.
I have an older 550. It’s a chip spitter. Love it.
I bought the 550xp a few months ago, just because I couldn’t find a new ms261cm anywhere. I think both are good saws. My 550xp cuts wood like a sports car!
Goodmorning Tim thanks for all you do and so many different things you show us
Wondering if you got to try the 562 you picked up and your thoughts on it.
I think the decompression on the Stihl is to put less strain on the starter assembly.
Excellent review Tim and some skillful cookie cutting, I could see the chain through the wood, top work. It would be good to extend your comparison to how both saws handle felling operations.
Great video, I enjoyed the comparison. I personally run the 261 and have often wondered the differences
Wow!! That Husqvarna has got some rpm’s. Good video👍
Thanks, very helpful, was torn between the two, appreciate the videos!!!
Tyler I have both and this review is spot on. I am selling my 261 also the husky is that much better.
Great job on the video. Very honest review. I would not mind owning either one. But I think the 550 is the winner. I love my 044 but on this one it’s Husqvarna for me
I have em both, Still for over 30 years and I do like em. Run the 550 xp and you will be surprised how it cuts. My two favorite saws are 550 xp and 562 xp they are a cut above.
My favorite fuel caps are the old obsolete Stihl "O" series,I just finger tighten them,and they never leak a drop. I've had to replace the caps on my MS 171,and MS 460 already,and my new MS 271 is starting to leak.It's the equivalent of Chevy doors! :D
Just started watching your videos. Great content. Been running a stihl MS361 for awhile now, have been kicking around getting just a tad lighter saw for the cutting I mainly do. I have it narrowed down to these 2 saws. I’ve never owned or ran a husky saw. From some of the other comments about huskies not holding up overtime, I was dead set on the ms261 but after looking around the 550 seems to be a real screamer. I’m totally up for trying the husky but don’t know much about them. For someone that runs saws of your magnitude vs the average firewood cutter, how much more maintenance or repairs ie, top end, piston/rings, etc (the bigger price items) mainly the repair side would you do to a saw like your 372? And I’m not assuming the huskies are junk. Figured you’d have the best input.
The 26 and 550 are 50cc jugged saws. I wouldn’t get a clamshell and I’m glad I did my research because I did want a 311 at one point. I’m also glad I didn’t waste my money on a 460 rancher when I had the $. Get a toasted 455 and bolt on the 460 jug and piston. We don’t grow trees out here in ENC big enough to use 60+ ccs on the average. I have a 261 and love it, but it’s only supposed to run a 16” or 18” bar so I tax it and now it’s smoking. The 372 is a dream internal clutch saw. So if you get it pamper the ell out of it put it away with stabil keep it clean etc it should last a lifetime. If you work those 50cc saws with big bars and hard work they will show eventually. The 372xp (don’t get the xTrq unless you want to swap top ends) has aftermarket all day everyone will want it resale blah blah but it’s much beefier so it can shrug off hard(er) work. Be weary of clone saws. I want one too but only expect the cases to be usable out of the whole thing. They will NOT run neck and neck and last as long as an oem will. There is no way forget the videos you see they’re salesman pushing plastic. Of course 100ccs of junk will run better than that old 42cc of trouble poulan you have experience with! It’s PHYSICS duh! While, it’s running… I wouldn’t get one unless I had a Meteor jug and piston waiting to go in it but having a machine shop cut the squish stops that for me. But then you get cast bar studs does the oiler work on/off switch etc? This and that. So I’m back to searching on the Bays.. at least you’ll have oem cases but even then did someone cut the seals out with a bread knife?? So think about that.
Cotontop3. Perfect timing for comparison for me. Would I be dumb to run 3/8 chain on 550? Asking cause I only want to pack one file, and have access to piles of 3/8 chian? Thanks for your time and knowledge.
First off, love those wcs 3 point dogs on your Stihl!
Both saws are great, but I prefer the Stihl.
I like the felling line that goes all the way around, the way that Stihl measures their bar length, and the inside clutch vs outside.
I also prefer the mtronic over the autotune, and an 18" bar over the 20"
Just my preferences.
Great video!
I appreciate you buying these saws to show the comparison. I'm a stihl guy but would try husky but not many dealers in South Arkansas any more. You say yourself if it's made by the "purple people company" and that's the only dealer.....
On the Stihl's leaking: it's possibly ethanol in gas causing seal/o-ring problems. If they have a black nitrile o-ring, try changing it to a green HNBR one or a red Viton one and see if that stops the issue.
THAT BE CORRECT.
Try not to use fuel with ethnol in it
It also mentions it in the manufacturers manuel ✔
I’ve always used straight gas in my 261 and it’s never leaked but the oil does
Awesome video, thank you for putting in the effort . Another "point" I wish folk would add to the comparison is a snap shot of replacement parts costs, handle bar, chain brake lever etc.
I agree with you . Was waiting for someone to do this comparison . I really like my new 261 but it just cant touch the power of my early model 550xp .
Why is the 261 not reviewed with the light 04 bar and rs chain that it comes standard with?
Had both these saws and what you say is 100% true the 550 is a different dog then the stihl for power and feeling in the hands and the only down fall for the 550 is the dogs on them for sure great video
Morning Tim. Great video today. Haven't used a stihl a great deal myself. My first saw was a pioneer farm saw. It was a really reliable saw. Just heavy. All the rest of my saws are husqvarna. Wouldn't care to change it now. Hope you're upcoming 3 day class goes well. Looking forward to seeing the videos from the time you spend there. Stay safe. Cheers
Solid review! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I appreciate your detail and objective approach. Well done sir
Thanks for a honest review.
Thanks for the comparison ✔️👍👏
Thanks for the video. Just my opinion, I think the Stihl is a better looking saw (I'm not fond of the big hump over the air filter on most of the newer saws (big Stihls included)), , ,they could both do a better job of design (for aesthetics)
Many thanks for a superb analogy!- ive had my 550mk2 for just over a year now & as expected is superb!! & i know the ms261 isnt in the contest!- iv got the smaller version the ms241 which was supplied with a job i was on & its been a bag of poo from day 1! regards the felling dogs on the 550 i hav'nt really seen a problem- the only niggle i would say is the clutch cover where it locates into the body of the saw-theres a rubber covered pin that goes into the body near the rubber chip guard which is part of the guard itself -apart from the 2main bar locating studs the rubber covered pin gets easily chewed up revealing the metal pin beneath &iv replaced it already! i'd like to hear if anyone has noticed the same problem?-i was told by my dealer this hasnt caused any problems??-but ive seen this issue also on the 560-love to hear any views! Many thanks.Mark-👍
never heard of how many kill switches the husky goes through lol
Not always so but I’ve always considered Stihl as having more torque but Husky topping out on revs.
Really like the side by side comparison videos. You can get screw caps for the sthils I put them on my 261 and 462
were did u get screw caps for 261
I got mine from a local trade day and don’t remember the name on the bag the came with an insert that quarter turned into the original whole and use old style sthil screw in caps sorry I couldn’t be more help
Good video nice comparison. Is the 550 the mark 2?
Yes it’s a mark 2
What is your opinion on the Stihl MS 290 Farm Boss w a 20" bar? I have been looking for a one homeowner saw for some time and came across one for $340. Included in the sale is the saw that looks very well cared for or lightly used, a hard case, a set of files to sharpen the chains, a new chain on the 20" bar & 5 chains that are ready for 1st sharpening, the helmet with face shield & muffs and a set of Sthil safety chaps. Also included is some green item I've never seen before so I have no idea what it is. I went to my local Sthil Dealer and just using conservative prices on chains, medium pricing on the helmet and chaps, and actual pricing on files & spark plug wrench/screw drives everything came up to 857$. I feel it is well worth the money, I just don't know much about the saw. I am committed to pick up tomorrow morning if I want it. What is your opinion on the MS 290 Farm Boss?
Definitely more get up on the 550 than the 261. Wish the 261 had capability to add something (bolt on) like the bark box just to see if it makes as much difference as it did on the 362.
Good video 👍👍. I have been up in the air on a new saw. And I think my mind is made up now. I have always wanted to try a Husqvarna. I cut a lot of firewood in a year, have used the Stihl 361 for a long time but wanted something lighter
Time to pick up a CS-501P. Cheaper and more dealers. Has a de-comp valve for left handed two year olds to start. Landscapers and many of us pro home owners use a lot of ECHO. How does Echo it rate, before you sell off the 261. Yes the fuel and oil caps suck on the Stihl !
I agree why stihl why
Pro home owner. 🤣
it's opposed to an amature home owner. no homelite here bud lol
Good morning Mr Tim and CT3 family 👍 hope y'all are doing well and warm. Stay safe out there on the roads.
My take on the off positions is completely opposite: with the Husq, you have to lift your thumb and then push the button to shut it off but on the Stihl, you can do it in one motion by lifting your thumb. I use a Stihl all of the time and it is just one motion. I would like to have both of these by the way.
For cutting firewood i take either one . But alday logging the light one & husqvarna seems like from the sound it didn't pull down as much as stihl
Daniel from central Mississippi
I have the 261. Good saw, bad caps. Lightwieght. Did take a long while to break in and come alive. We run Husky at work. Good saws. Our dealer sells both.
Congratulations on 100k. Stay warm down there.
I'm a sthil guy 100% but my locally dealer is doing a 20% off sale on all Husky hand helds. I'm thinking about grabbing a 550xp for my only 50cc saw. My 026 is worn out after 20 years. You think I'll be happy with the 550xp or should i spend the extra money and get the 261? Thanks
Grab up a 550, you will be happy 👍🏻
@@cotontop3 thank you, Tim!
Good saw, great caps. I’ve never had issues with stihls caps
I have 13 saws of both brands plus jonsered. Never could understand why Stihl put a plastic handle on a pro saw. Just kinda doesn't seem right.
So which one holds more gas & oil?
You are missing another contender saw, namely the Echo 501P. I have used all three saws. And the Echo is worthy of comparison. The Echo performance pro Saws are impressive
so is the dolmar pc5105 i have it (15 inch bar but is little smaller than the 261 and im sure it can pull 18 i just bought 15 because of the size of wood) and my dad has a 261 and that dolmar is almost half the price and runs same if not better than the stihl just a wicked saw its 2.8 kw and stihl is like 3kw i think but yeah a awesome saw
My Brother-in-law bought a demo 501 from the Echo dealer. Nice saw, it was close to my 261, cost less and 5 yr. Homeowner warranty. Cotton Top is a Husky guy, so no surprises
Hi. Great video..... Slightly off topic but which of the ms261 and 362 would you recommend for an every day saw ? Mostly bucking with felling up to 16-20 inch across. thanks
261 will be fine for that.
How come I can't see your email address? You said it's right down below? It doesn't show up in the description for me. Does anybody else see it?
Another factor is that it's so easy to get Husky OEM parts. You can order from any number of online suppliers have parts in a couple days. Stihl's antiquated policy forces you to go to a B&M dealer to order them and then another trip back to the dealer to pick them up when they come in.
Don’t the B&M shops have online ordering? Most do nowadays!
I respect your opinion Tim but as someone that has run both stihl and Husky most of my life I’ll take the Stihl. I agree the caps suck I prefer the thread on the outside like the older style. But the ergonomics on the Stihl are far better IMO. It’s just comes down to whatever you’re most used to. And not to mention swinging a saw all day in going for the lightest weight. I plan on grabbing a 261 before spring and I hope it doesnt make me a liar lol
I think they should have an option for the primer, as some people love it and some dont
Yes I'm not a fan of the primer, if the saw is tuned properly you dont need it, its just more stuff to go wrong
I don't see a need for a primer. Like others said more things to go wrong...
I’d take either one if you wanted to give me one.
What I was told about the decompression if not used can damage recoil rope on the bigger saws any ways
The husky doesn't bog down as much as the sthil but a husky will always turn up more rpms
yeah you can clearly hear that
Give it some time and you will have to put oil dry around them because they will leak bar oil around the cap as well. Got MS-391 and it has leaked ever since I was about a year old. Good saw, just need a litter box for it 😂
For me the husky has been the best one like the 394 Wich is now the 395 good video!!
I was thinking about making my own outside dog for my Husq. 154 SG.
Great video, Tim! I have 261, but is not mtronic...
what are your thoughts on the single ring piston of the Husky vs the 2 ring of the Stihl?
It seems like engine perform much stronger on Husky instead Stihl... Great video!
Still like that Stihl takes care of their dealer network, and didn't cheapen to put in big box stores!
They sell stihl at farm and fleet and ace hardware.
Tim, in the UK the MS261 is now being sold with a "quick cut" option - lightweight bar and a narrow kerf, .325 .050 chain. It would be interesting to see these two saws running the same chain. Have you noticed much of a change as the MS261 gets broken in? Locally I get the impression that more Husky 550s are sold as compared to the MS261. Husky Rev boost seems to be a winner. I keep getting told that the Husky flip caps are the better of the two. I'm glad that my saws all pre-date flippy caps on the fuel and bar oil tanks.
I work for company that runs both, the stihls last way longer with very little or no maintenance and employees that beat them
Odd...I wonder why your company would continue to buy them if they have reliability issues. What exactly is failing on the Huskys?
@@mmholling87 some crews prefer husky’s so they buy them I like both and own both … husky saw prove to be harder starting we use 540 top handles and 201t ,550s 261 461 462 &372s . The 540s are by far the most problematic harder to start air filter issues oiler issues… I probably shouldn’t have said stihl last way longer they all have issues either brand would last if taken care of
I cleared land for an excavating company for 5 years. We had stihl and Husqvarna saws as well. The stihl’s did not require very much maintenance and just ran all the time. The Husqvarna saws stayed in the shop as much or more than they did on the job there was just always something wrong with them. When they ran they were nice. They just weren’t reliable though!
Husqvarna top handles suck but I like all of the commercial grade Husqvarnas
😂 stihl I wonder why my crew switched orange and white to pure orange xp 3 series and 5 series rule
I'd love to see these against an old 028
Very nice vid!
In stock form they are both lacking in torque...
🤝🤝
They're not a McCulloch Pro 10-10 Automatic that's for sure. A 10-10 could handle a 28" with skip chain in .375 pitch .050 gauge in pine trees or maple if needed. In Illinois it's 16" or 20" full house .375 pitch .050 gauge cutting hard Black Locust or Black Walnut.
Excellent review best I’ve seen on comparing these two saws. I have been a stihl man all my life. The husqvarna 550xp is a saw i am looking at getting for firewood cutting and basic tree cutting task around my place. I went and looked at both saws here in Mississippi. This sealed video sealed the deal for me. Keep up the good work boss !!!
Did you buy it and if you did how is it, does it require alot of maintenance?
The 550 more broke in
Husqvarna, one ring on the piston. Stihl, two rings on the piston. Always wondered if it makes a difference in longevity.
Not on a small engine like a chainsaw
2 rings twice the friction twice the heat,
I have stihls from the 90s still kicking compression and start like new. Several Husqvarna's in the junk pile since then. They do have their advantages, but longevity is not one of them. Stihl absolutely lasts longer.
More oil will make the ring or rings seal bigger on any two stroke engine. Pistons and rings are pretty easy to replace and OEM husky parts are cheaper and more readily available than Stihl.
@@huntersidon Same here. I’ve got an 036 that’s cut firewood every year since 1995 and it still pulls like a new saw. Been on Amsoil since new. I don’t know anything about the durability of Stihl’s new saws but their older ones were made well.
Man, I need to start watching these videos later in the day. I usually watch earlier in the day before the comments get going. I am way more entertained tonight. The comments are revving better than the saws.🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for another great video Tim Good information about both we have Sthil 261 461 661 they all leak and the filling caps are painful
What husky saw would replace 461 and 661
572 and 592
Clutch cover on the 550 has preformed nut shroud on the inside. West coast saws makes their felling dogs for the 550. Just need to drill thru clutch cover to attach the outter dog. I like them. Alot more aggressive then factory.
Absolutely love my 550 mark 2 with 18" B/C. It's such a nimble, fast cutting and very efficient saw.
The small Stihl saws feels very clunky and too much fraglie plastic.
the weight difference seems to be in fuel capacity based on a quick spec search
I have a Jonsered 2253 (Husqvarna 550 mk 1) and I like it alot. I have tried the Stihl ms 261 once and I have nothing to complain about. My newest saw is a Stihl and I like both brands. I think it comes down to your preferences and your usecases.
Your definetly a husqarna guy lol. I love both but favor my stihl for felling over the 372 i ran in the past. Ive never had or heard an issue with the gas caps either so dont know what you got going on there. If husqvarna would put the bar tentioner on the saw rather than cover it would make a huge difference and id buy a 550 if it had decent dogs as well because they rip.
Alex, I am a fan of both brands for sure. Sthil recalled the fuel caps years ago. The first one was my BR 600 backpack blower. Sthil needs to go to the standard scew in compressed caps like husky has. The have done so on the ms 170 back pack br 800X fs 70 r trimmer fs 111r also. I own these models.
I bought a husqvarna 440e loving the saw.
i have a 440e and a 550MkI .. they're both great.. the 440 is really light, easy to handle and I don't mind carrying it around. The 550 Mk I is only about 1 lb more (the MkII is over 2lbs more i believe).. lots more umph but, if it's a long walk to the work I grab the 440. I got mine as a refirb.. there was nothing wrong with it.. runs really well.. I'm very pleased with it.
Love my husky 257 but I just inherited my dads Mac 610 and i am torn on which one to use when I cut. Both cut very well but the husky starts much easier but I can run a 24” bar on the Mac.
What’s Your opinion between the 550xp and the 555 for firewood. I prefer the 550 but I been still hearing of bearing issues
550 would be my choice. The 555 is the none pro version of the 562.
I like Shindaiwa. I've had good luck with their equipment
Both of these are great saws, they are so close. Reliability is the key component and dealerships support. I have both brands a they do fine. Also have a Echo too. Impressive saw for the money. Echo is catching up fast. The X series is looking good.
I've had an Echo for years and have had no need for dealership support. Anyone with basic mechanical skills can keep it maintained and running. My guess is the same is true for the Stihl and Husky? My Echo has worked well for my firewood needs and was inexpensive. I'm sure it wouldn't keep up with these beasts, but it has been very reliable. Great video!
Both basically the same.
Comes down to price and handy dealership, and which one you like the look of 😊
Ps. I don't like the Sthil petrol and oil caps.
Me eather, cheap crap
never had a purge bulb on anything that didn't eventually split.
Never have an issue with my gas cap .
You can tell the husky is turning out more RPM and I think that sthil has a brand new chain and the husky has been run and broke in to the bar and sprocket
Brad Petroski tree service in the long run which saw last longer?
the 261 chain brake ,and the chain oiler does not hold up.
Both saws are good saws i have owned both the stihl is new by experience the stihl is just gettting to start run good and the husky is wear out
Looks like you get more cutting surface on the Stihl. Have you measured the bars? Both 20" I assume
are those factory dogs on the 261 those are awesome. I just bought a mark 2
unfortunately no, but in my opinion the factory dogs are quite good.
looks like west coast saw dogs maybe..
Awesome review!
And you’re right 550 putting down 4hp
The 460 rancher only 3.6 hp
Very good video. I can tell you’ve spent time with saws!!
I'm thinking of buying a stihl 361 or is it 362, either way do you know much do they $?
Where did you get the dogs installed on the 261?
West Coast Saws sells them
Both good saw
But I think the husky brings a bit more to the table!
Thanks for this comparison and keeping out of the Stihl vs. Husky "holy wars". There is a slight "dynamic" difference between the two chains. The links of the .063 gauge chain that ride in the bar groove are physically thicker metal than the .050 chain. Thus the .063 gauge chain has a bit more mass to get up to full rotational speed than the .050 gauge chain. Once fully accelerated, the .063 chain has more momentum, but once the cutters of both chains engage the wood, there is likely very little difference that the sawyer could actually sense between the two chains due to the difference in gauge between them. It would be interesting to use a high speed strobe scope to measure the rotational speeds of the chains on the two saws, just for fun.
Ya alot people don't know but when the m tropics first came out with the 441c the tec came from husqvarna
Husqvarna sold sthil there first Gen of that tec so if you if u know saws sthil just in 3 Gen of that and Husqvarna in 5th I bought the new 545 couple weeks ago and loving it was going get a sthil but decided to stay with Husqvarna so now I got the 545. A redmax 7100 same as the 372 xt 2019 model a redmax g550 same as the 455 which I have had a 455 and Husqvarna did something different with their redmax 550 its alot better than the Husqvarna 455. Runs alot cooler don't vapor lock like the 455 did
the 550 is the way to go. Have had mine for a year, I am happy.
I have housquarna 550xp mark 1 and l love ittt