Stihl MS 261 C-M 18" vs 20" Bar

[yomax4]

The Stihl 36 became the 360 and then the 361 and maybe the 362. I am not sure about current model but they are all the same saw. I think the 36 and models were a Pro model. If you get it with a 18 bar and chain the weight is not too bad. It sure does make short work of cutting firewood, BBQ wood. We use a lot of BBQ wood in Texas. I have a big 700 pound smoker.

The 034 Super became the 036 and then became the 361 after some nice improvements and the 362 has the auto carb on it and it gained a little weight. This is the size saw I cut with the most as well as an 026 pro for limbing. I ran an 044 mag for a long time and it was a Monster after muffler mod. I completely restored an 034 Super and it's a great saw too. Made in West Germany.

 

[coxhaus]

The 034 Super became the 036 and then became the 361 after some nice improvements and the 362 has the auto carb on it and it gained a little weight. This is the size saw I cut with the most as well as an 026 pro for limbing. I ran an 044 mag for a long time and it was a Monster after muffler mod. I completely restored an 034 Super and it's a great saw too. Made in West Germany.

There definitely was a 360 version as my buddy has 1. He bought it after he saw how well my 36 worked for cutting firewood. I think there was a 360 C version as well. Here is a link for the Stihl 360 manual. https://www.stihlusa.com/webcontent/cmsfilelibrary/instructionmanuals/ms360_manual.pdf

I thought the 034 was a smaller displacement but I am not sure. I just looked it up and the 34 and 36 are very close. Turn out there were 2 models of the 034. There was the 034 and the 034 Super. 034 Super is the same displacement as the 36. The regular 034 is a little smaller.

Looks like the C version is a comfort feature.

Here are pictures of my 036 chainsaw. I need to clean it up but it just keeps working. The oily sack is 3 spare chains I carry. I should add I bought my 036 new.

 

[minton]

It probably does, whoever does the write ups are (in my opinion) addressing folks who wouldn't know what it is or does.

 

[minton]

The 034 Super became the 036 and then became the 361 after some nice improvements and the 362 has the auto carb on it and it gained a little weight. This is the size saw I cut with the most as well as an 026 pro for limbing. I ran an 044 mag for a long time and it was a Monster after muffler mod. I completely restored an 034 Super and it's a great saw too. Made in West Germany.

Really need a couple of saws with all the situations that arise or in some cases another size bar.

 

[minton]

If you’re interested in the MS 362, you might also want to check out other variations like the MS 362 C-Q which showcases the QuickStop Super Chain brake as an added safety feature; the MS 362 C-B that makes chain adjustments simple with Quick Chain Tensioning; and finally, the MS 362 W which comes with heated handles that are really useful on cold days.

Part of the description on one of the specs. I ran across. Gloves work well if your hands are cold or at least for me.

 

[ericm979]

Manual auxiliary oilers are very rare these days. I can think of only one saw, an older design large heavy Echo, that has one. I started on saws that had them back in the '80s. I don't really miss them. Most current pro saws have adjustable oilers.

I had the B option "easy" "no tools" chain adjust on my Stihl 025. Don't bother. It's kinda cheesy, does not work very well, and needs frequent disassembly and cleaning. Perhaps Stihl have developed a new one but the pics I see all look the same as mine. I switched back to the regular adjuster and carry a scwrench in my chaps pocket. Not all Stihls can be switched back and forth like that as with some the clutch side engine case is different.

 

[yomax4]

There definitely was a 360 version as my buddy has 1. He bought it after he saw how well my 36 worked for cutting firewood. I think there was a 360 C version as well. Here is a link for the Stihl 360 manual. https://www.stihlusa.com/webcontent/cmsfilelibrary/instructionmanuals/ms360_manual.pdf

I thought the 034 was a smaller displacement but I am not sure. I just looked it up and the 34 and 36 are very close. Turn out there were 2 models of the 034. There was the 034 and the 034 Super. 034 Super is the same displacement as the 36. The regular 034 is a little smaller.

Looks like the C version is a comfort feature.

Here are pictures of my 036 chainsaw. I need to clean it up but it just keeps working. The oily sack is 3 spare chains I carry. I should add I bought my 036 new.

You are right. There was a 360 in there too.

 

[John_Mc]

I hadn't heard of it either...I need to make some lumber out of any of the pines that are usable (lumber for myself and not public) so I'll be noodling...looking at the MS 261.

Milling lumber is not noodling. To noodle, you have to lay your saw along the side of the tree and cut in from the side (imagine if the tree was still standing, you would be pointing your bar straight up.) For milling, you would be starting on one cut end of the log, and slicing through to the other (Imagin splitting the tree from the top down, for example).

 

[minton]

Milling lumber is not noodling. To noodle, you have to lay your saw along the side of the tree and cut in from the side (imagine if the tree was still standing, you would be pointing your bar straight up.) For milling, you would be starting on one cut end of the log, and slicing through to the other (Imagin splitting the tree from the top down, for example).

Got you...haven't done any of that purposely but have probably done it in some of the circumstances I seem to run in to. Thanks for the explanation

 

[Motorboatin]

This vid gives a clear visualization of why it's called noodling