Buying Advice Need Second Stihl Commercial Chainsaw, Larger Than MS261

[JimP]

I started cutting years ago with a 260 pro. Its a great saw but I felt the need for something bigger to flush cut stumps and larger trees that the 260 struggled in. So I bought a 441 CM with a 24 inch bar when they came out. The 441 CM starts easily even without the compression release. The non electronic 260 can be a little more cranky at times (though fairly it has a LOT of hours and could use a refresh). The 441 is heavier and much stronger. That is both a strength and weakness. At 60 I don't want to cut with the 441 all day, it weighs too darn much. But the strength makes it MUCH easier and quicker (really effortless) to power through large sections with the 441 than the 260. The 441 spring anti vibe works well. I have never had any problem with the 441 electronic control and you can feel it work when the saw is pulling. I think the 260 and 441 make a good pair. Also, try using Woodland Pro chain from Baileys online. The RC chain cuts as good as Stihl chain when new at less than 1/2 the cost.

 

[2458n]

I live in Ohio and the emerald Ash bore is killing a large number of Ash trees. Cut some bigger Ash trees at a fair grounds location in Preble county. Knew as soon as I saw the older trees my blade would not work. Got a 42 inch bar running a skip chain. MS440 carries it well. You will get tired more from loading and rolling the 20 inch x 40 inch pieces. Kubota and dump truck both got their use.

 

[s219]

I owned a 261 and currently own a 461 (also have three smaller Echo saws 50cc and under, and a Husky 562XP @ 60cc).

Go play with a 461 at the dealer before you decide "on paper" that it's the saw for you. It's a big beefy saw and you mentioned age several times, which tells me you are sensibly aware of your limits and factors like fatigue. While I love my 461 and it goes through the biggest wood like a hot knife through butter, it is not a saw everyone can handle for extended use. It's a beast.

If you do decide the 461 is right for you, spend a little more and get one of Stihl's ES light bars. They make a huge difference in both weight and balance, and both of those factor into usability, comfort, and fatigue.

I normally use a 20" standard bar on my 461. But I also have a 28" ES Light bar, which is roughly the same weight as that standard 20" bar, and doesn't alter the balance of the saw in a negative way. Worst thing you can do to a big saw is put a long bar on it that makes the saw too nose heavy. That makes the saw awkward to use, and will fatigue the user. So ES Light bars are very beneficial on a big saw like the 461.

Here's a pic showing the 28" ES Light bar on my 461 (was going to use this for a Christmas card photo as a joke). I'm 6'1" and 195#, to give you an idea of the beef of the 461. At age 48 the saw doesn't really wear me out, but when I switch to a 50cc or 60cc saw, I am reminded how much more nimble they are and how much more cumbersome the 461 is. Until you have worked with a saw of this size for a while, you won't really understand. The 461 has intoxicating power and capability for big wood, but it's not the saw I want to use all the time or even most of the time.

 

[jeff9366]

s219

I owned a 261 and currently own a 461 (also have three smaller Echo saws 50cc and under, and a Husky 562XP @ 60cc).

Go play with a 461 at the dealer before you decide "on paper" that it's the saw for you. It's a big beefy saw and you mentioned age several times, which tells me you are sensibly aware of your limits and factors like fatigue. While I love my 461 and it goes through the biggest wood like a hot knife through butter, it is not a saw everyone can handle for extended use. It's a beast.

Will trial MS 461 at the Stihl dealer either tomorrow or next week.
I forecast MS 261 75% usage, MS 461 25% usage during 2018.

If you do decide the 461 is right for you, spend a little more and get one of Stihl's ES light bars. They make a huge difference in both weight and balance, and both of those factor into usability, comfort, and fatigue.

New information to me. Thank you.

I normally use a 20" standard bar on my 461. But I also have a 28" ES Light bar, which is roughly the same weight as that standard 20" bar, and doesn't alter the balance of the saw in a negative way. Worst thing you can do to a big saw is put a long bar on it that makes the saw too nose heavy. That makes the saw awkward to use, and will fatigue the user. So ES Light bars are very beneficial on a big saw like the 461.

Two saws, one bar for each saw; that is all the complexity I can stand and all the room I have in my RTV500 Utility Vehicle. I realize, reluctantly, that I will have to shuffle in/out my 1 gallon sprayer, propane torch and fire shovel to accommodate the longer saw.

Here's a pic showing the 28" ES Light bar on my 461. At age 48 the saw doesn't really wear me out, but when I switch to a 50cc or 60cc saw, I am reminded how much more nimble they are and how much more cumbersome the 461 is. Until you have worked with a saw of this size for a while, you won't really understand. The 461 has intoxicating power and capability for big wood, but it's not the saw I want to use all the time or even most of the time.

I forecast MS 261 75% usage, MS 461 25% usage during 2018.

Even on the largest tree trunks I have to deal with, I should not have to make more than six cuts with the new saw, before reaching a reduced trunk diameter where I can use the MS 261.

At age 70, retired, when I get tired, I stop.
I avoid over-doing it.

 

[rScotty]

I have worked a Stihl MS261 chainsaw since November 2012. Wonderful saw from my local "full service" Stihl dealer, in an area where there is considerable forestry employment.
SNIP
At age 70 years, if I do not feel comfortable dropping a tree with the MS 261 I defer to a Tree Service.

I am only interested in the Stihl brand, new, in commercial grade, as my local dealer is excellent with service. I use chainsaws enough so purchase price is mostly irrelevant. I have other Stihl gas powered tools.

I have been using chainsaws for 30 years without injury, a record I wish to maintain.

Recommendations?

I'm a few years older than you and just this fall I gave away both my old Stihl limbing saw and companion felling saw to a younger neighbor. They are the Stihl commercial models 020 and 460. Yep, they are very old machines, but it is just remarkable how old they both were and still working just fine. We used them to cut all our winter firewood for over 30 years. In fact, it was so many more years that I can't even believe it myself.

Do I have Recommendations? You bet I do!
My recommendations are to get two saws: a small limber and a big saw both. And although they are twice the cost, Stihl's pro commercial line is worth the extra dollars if you want it to last. Chose bars on the shortish side, get some spare chains, and above all only use non-ethanol fuel. I ran nothing but Av gas mixed with Stihl 2 stroke oil. We didn't baby them, and after all those years mine were still good enough to give away as cherished gifts.
luck, rScotty

 

[jeff9366]

Do I have Recommendations? You bet I do!

My recommendations are to get two saws: a small limber and a big saw both. And although they are twice the cost, Stihl's pro commercial line is worth the extra dollars if you want it to last. Chose bars on the shortish side, get some spare chains, and above all only use non-ethanol fuel. I ran nothing but Av gas mixed with Stihl 2 stroke oil. We didn't baby them, and after all those years mine were still good enough to give away as cherished gifts.
luck, rScotty

I am committed to two saws.

No av gas here. Standard octane marine gas (no ethanol) is available. I use marine gas in my RTV 500.

I use Chevron 10% ethanol high octane gas with full synthetic 2-stroke oil, 50:1, in my Stihl MS 261. I buy gas ONE gallon at a time, which is sometimes inconvenient. ONE gallon is consumed in two to three weeks max. The MS 261 operates on fresh Chevron 10% ethanol fuel OK, which it has been consuming since November 2012.

I keep gas fresh to aid starting. When cold MS 261 starts on the fifth pull every time. When warm, one pull re-starts it.

(I buy Chevron diesel for the tractor in nine gallon lots. Nine gallons lasts two to three weeks. Tractor starts easily too.)

 

[LD1]

I think we can agree Stihls aren稚 the best. Unless I知 missing something the price difference in a 372XP and a comparable dolmar is about what dinner at McDonald痴 cost. And the 372 has the superior power to weight ratio. If there痴 a saw that値l match or beat the price and power to weight of a 372xp I知 all ears.

Dont follow the current models too closely.

But the 7900 dolmar used to be rated at 6.3HP and 13.6#
The 372xp was always around 1HP less, same weight, and about $50-$100 more,

Dont know the current models and weights and powers though....I know EPA started getting involved, and I stopped following newer models about 6-7 years ago as I am no longer in the buying market

 

[jeff9366]

I am in rural north Florida. No Dolmar service anywhere near.

Excellent, full service, Stihl specialty store twelve miles away, six miles past my Kubota dealer.

The additional saw is going to be commercial grade STIHL.

(I have nothing against Dolmar.)

 

[oosik]

When I burned wood - 30 to 35 years ago I had two Stihl saws. A dam monster for felling and cutting the tree into 16" lengths and a smaller one for limbing. My big one had a 24" bar and even at that time - I was 40 back then - it was a real workout dealing with the big one. My solution - before I injured myself - bought a Stihl with a 16" bar and quit cutting the monster Ponderosa pines here on the property. Besides, I enjoyed working with the smaller pines. It really does take quite a while for new knowledge to soak into the Norwegian mind set. I had a local logger selectively log the property - everyone made some $$$$.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Two saws, one bar for each saw; that is all the complexity I can stand and all the room I have in my RTV500 Utility Vehicle. I realize, reluctantly, that I will have to shuffle in/out my 1 gallon sprayer, propane torch and fire shovel to accommodate the longer saw.

An extra bar and chain should not take up much room. But you should be able to PLAN what you are going to be cutting, after all it's already on the ground. I rarely use my 42" bar unless either:
I'm lazy, have a lot of downed limbs and don't want to bend over
or
I've got BIG wood.

The last time I used it I was cutting a large stump close to the ground.

IF all of your cutting is going to be on horizontal logs I'd agree that you should at least buy it with a lightweight bar. Unlike tractors rarely do chainsaws need more weight. And remember - if you stick with "small Stihl" your 18" bar on your 261 will fit your new saw. So when buying the bar go towards the longer ones. Depending on the chain you might need a new sprocket.
<snip>

Even on the largest tree trunks I have to deal with, I should not have to make more than six cuts with the new saw, before reaching a reduced trunk diameter where I can use the MS 261.

At age 70, retired, when I get tired, I stop.
I avoid over-doing it.

I did that at age 60, over doing it when running a decent sized chainsaw is down right dangerous.