Stihl MS260 vs.MS 361

[skargo]

I'm getting ready to buy two saws, anyone have experience with these models?

 

[vsteel]

Both are pro saws and both will serve you well. As long as you stay away from the mid and low range junk you will be fine.

 

[bake321]

I've had my 260 for 15 years, it been a good saw.

Bake

 

[drivadesl]

I bought the MS-361 about 3 yrs ago for light duty firewood and camp duty. Its a strong machine, has good power to rate ratio, and has good power to run a 20" bar. I would recommend it, my only issue has been with the auto oiler, for some reason it doesn't seem to keep the chain lubed enough. Other owners on other sites have mentioned similar issues with it. You mentioned two saws, I take it the MS-260 for the other? Seems like a decent combination if you put a 16" bar on the latter. My bigger saw is a MS-660, man that thing rocks and will run a 36" bar all day. Any time I need a dose of power I crank that boy up and when done I'm doing the "Tim the Tool Man" grunt!

 

[montanaman]

I've run both and like both. Keep in mind I also sell both. As mentioned, the 361 has very good power to weight ratio and in my opinion, is a pleasure to run. I don't like a heavy saw so it works good for me and has good power. I don't think you can find many tree services near me that don't have a 260 or 026. Again, very well built and nice and light for the amount of power. The 260 PRO costs a few bucks more and I'm betting you will never use the compression release, but it does have a little more chain oil output than the non pro version. Keep in mind that both ARE pro saws though and if you plan to run a 16" bar on it, either will work fine. Also, don't let the size and weight of the 260 fool you because it's a really good cutting saw. Have a friend with one that did just a muffler mod and carb adjustment and it pulls a 3/8" chain on an 18" bar like you can't believe.

I would spend the money for the pro saws but I do have a lot of customers using the mid range saws with very good luck. A lot of them are using them to make a living with so I wouldn't call them junk just because they are designed to meet a lower price point.

As far as the oiler output, this is due to the EPA restrictions and just something we have to live with. This is one reason that I like to see Stihl bars and chains being used because they are designed to make the most of the amount of oil that the EPA says we can use. The output is based on engine size and a reason that I suggest not running the maximum bar length on a saw all the time. I usually try to run the smallest bar I can get away with because the saw will cut better and the chain will get oiled better. I was running a 16" on my 361 most of the time because it was enough to get my work done.

 

[sawz all]

I am into chainsaws. I love the 026/ms260...great saw! I don't have any expereance with the 361 but I hear people love it....

The two saws I take with me and know I'll get the job done is a 026 pro and a 044...also a pro saw. Both are modified.

I also just added a husky 266se to the mix that is built up too. I do like chainsaws

Kevin

 

[montanaman]

I am into chainsaws. I love the 026/ms260...great saw! I don't have any expereance with the 361 but I hear people love it....

The two saws I take with me and know I'll get the job done is a 026 pro and a 044...also a pro saw. Both are modified.

I also just added a husky 266se to the mix that is built up too. I do like chainsaws

Kevin

Exact combination I'm working toward. Have an 044 with the dual port muffler cover on it and a 20" bar and it is a real beast. Been running a 028 as my little saw but am going to replace it with a new 260 and mod the muffler on it. Plan to run a 3/8" chain and a 16" bar on it and then I will be happy..........for a little while! That's the bad part of my business. I'm 10 feet away from 30 saws all day long and there are a few that I'd really like to take home with me! Can't forget the 200T,need one of those too.

Ken

 

[skargo]

Thanks guys, I was planning on running 18" bars on both saws.

I will probably get 2 ms 260 saws. One is for me, and the other is for a guy that works for me. He is thinking about starting a tree removal/cleanup business.
I told him I'd buy him a saw if he taught me how to use one properly, and help me clean up a couple downed trees on my property.

 

[DaryleD]

I just bought a 361 this year. I have only sawn threw about 8 or so cord of wood so far, but LOVE it! I also have an 034 or 036 ( I have always had trouble remembering the number after I set it down for a week or two ), it is around 20 years old, and the two saws cut awesome. The new 361 might be a little quicker though. I would highly reccomend the 361 to your friend, just due to having a little more power, to be able to go to a 20" or so bar, if need be, with his future business in mind. Enjoy.
Daryle.

 

[barneyrb]

I have a stupid question.... I have an older (~10 years) 036 pro. Is that the same saw as the MS361? Did they just add a cat converter to the 036 and call it a MS361?