Looking for my first chainsaw: Stihl MS251 or Jonsered 2255?

[Bluegill2]

I understand, but at what cost? The 5105 should be right around 11.5 lbs... right with the 261c.

Like I said the Dolmar is the clear winner compared to the Stihl. The ms261 is the largest pro 50cc made.

The reason I run pro 50cc saws is because I want small, light weight and speed! The xp will be close to half pound lighter. The xp will also cost $75-$100 more than the Dolmar, but be less than the Stihl. 346xp's can still be found for $450-$475, but since being replaced by the 550xp new ones are getting rare.

I'd go with the xp even if it cost more than the all of em! I spend more time running saws than I do on a tractor, so I need to use what works best for me...

 

[TSO]

Like I said the Dolmar is the clear winner compared to the Stihl. The ms261 is the largest pro 50cc made.

The reason I run pro 50cc saws is because I want small, light weight and speed! The xp will be close to half pound lighter. The xp will also cost $75-$100 more than the Dolmar, but be less than the Stihl. 346xp's can still be found for $450-$475, but since being replaced by the 550xp new ones are getting rare.

I'd go with the xp even if it cost more than the all of em! I spend more time running saws than I do on a tractor, so I need to use what works best for me...

Ok good info ... thx

 

[Bluegill2]

Ok good info ... thx

You're welcome! If you can get to a dealer and handle these saws it would help. The size and weight differences aren't huge at first, but after a few hours use they are...

 

[TSO]

Ok ... not many 346xp's out there, but I can get the replacement 550xp for $550 shipped. What makes 550xp a better saw than the D5105.

D5105 3.9hp, 13800 max rpm.
550xp. 3.75hp, 14000 max rpm

Weight is nearly identical. Both seem to have mag components.

Difference is $100.

 

[Bluegill2]

Ok ... not many 346xp's out there, but I can get the replacement 550xp for $550 shipped. What makes 550xp a better saw than the D5105.

D5105 3.9hp, 13800 max rpm.
550xp. 3.75hp, 14000 max rpm

Weight is nearly identical. Both seem to have mag components.

Difference is $100.

Despite the specs, the 550xp will be noticeably faster in the cut. It is physically smaller, slimmer and lighter. Also smoother, auto tune & more fuel efficient.

Not saying the 5105 is a bad saw, far from it. It's just Husq improved on the best 50cc saw ever built, that being the 346xp, made from 1999-2012. That is a very long run for a single saw model! With the huge following of the 346 Husq really had to step it up.

 

[TSO]

So here's a question ...

Stihl ms261 = $620 (plus tax), that's dealer pricing.

Husqvarna 550xp = $550, out the door shipped (online retailer). Local dealer sells it for $579.

Dolmar 5105 = $460, out the door shipped (online retailer). Dolmar dealer sells it for $550.

All three I would say are direct competitors.

Ok ... it was brought up to me that since I can get the Dolmar for that much cheaper than the ms261, that the 261 must be the superior saw.... and there must be something there of higher quality that justifies the cost.

I don't agree, and I suspect you're paying for the name and marketing.

Is there a quality difference between these three "pro" saws?

 

[TomSeller]

Just left my local Stihl dealer. MS291 $450, MS261c (pro model) $620. Tax not included.

Dolmar 5105 (pro model?), $450 total, shipped.

Specs on the D5105 & the 261c are nearly identical.

So that's my current debate ...

No brainer, the MS261. I got mine for 5-something when I was traveling through a sales tax free state.

 

[TSO]

No brainer, the MS261. I got mine for 5-something when I was traveling through a sales tax free state.

Can you explain why? I am still undecided.

 

[Bluegill2]

So here's a question ...

Stihl ms261 = $620 (plus tax), that's dealer pricing.

Husqvarna 550xp = $550, out the door shipped (online retailer). Local dealer sells it for $579.

Dolmar 5105 = $460, out the door shipped (online retailer). Dolmar dealer sells it for $550.

All three I would say are direct competitors.

Ok ... it was brought up to me that since I can get the Dolmar for that much cheaper than the ms261, that the 261 must be the superior saw.... and there must be something there of higher quality that justifies the cost.

I don't agree, and I suspect you're paying for the name and marketing.

Is there a quality difference between these three "pro" saws?

All three are top quality saws. It comes down to small details and which one feels better in your hands.

The Husqvarna & Stihl have auto tune / m-tronic, that's one reason they cost more.

 

[94BULLITT]

Is the MS261 a MS261 C-M? A MS261 C-M retails for $609 here. You can buy them for under retail and get a cash discount. The guy dropped $25 when I told him I would pay cash on my MS441 C-M.