20 inch chainsaw recommendation

   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #21  
So it sounds like the 261 is better suited with the .325 if your running a 20" bar and cutting large rounds.
I guess I was assuming the 261 is a 61cc saw, but I now see it's only 45cc. I have Husky numbering in my head. Stihl calls for an 18" bar and .325 chain, so that's what I would do. It's the same as what I have on my Husky 45cc saws.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #22  
So I had a Stihl 261 for a few years, ran a 20ā€ bar on it the whole time but I recently upgraded to a Husky 562 XP, Husky is running a spring promo and I got it for less than I payed for my 261 and it runs a 20ā€ bar like a mad man, better than the 261 could ever hope to. If you can find a deal like I did go for the husky. Otherwise the 261 is a great saw and is lighter than the 562 Xp.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #23  
I’m not sure what’s up with the specs on a Stihl 261. I’m pretty sure it’s a 50cc saw but I’ve seen 3 different numbers for its size, 38cc, 45cc and 50cc.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #24  
My only comment is, they are all good and your decision should be predicated on your wallet. Personally, I own both Stihl and Echo and both are fine. I also own a Echo brush trimmer, also good. I only run syn gas in my stuff, Echo Red Armor 50-1 because they don't get used frequently and the syn gas won't give you carb issue if it sits. In fact the Echo Red Armor is good for 2 years of sitting.

I read a lot of whining about the Stihl M-Tronic saws but I don't own one. All my Stihl's are pretty ancient as in 40 years old plus but still run fine.

The key to any saw is keeping the loop sharp and using good bar oil plus in my case syn gas.

Chainsaws aren't built for making sawdust, they are built for making wood chips.

I blow mine off after every use as well. People that let them crud up, restrict the cooling and an overheated 2 stroke is on borrowed time.

They are all good. Let your wallet be your guide and keep the chain sharp.

As an aside, I work part time for an Echo / Cub Cadet / Kubota dealer and most of the saws we get in, they were either straight gassed or so filthy the engine got overheated and seized up to a lesser extent, whining customers complain their saw won't cut.. A dull chain will never cut. Learn how to set a chain and set the rakers correctly. I machine grind all my chains and store customers as well but proper hand filing is just as good for you with one or two loops.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #25  
I’m not sure what’s up with the specs on a Stihl 261. I’m pretty sure it’s a 50cc saw but I’ve seen 3 different numbers for its size, 38cc, 45cc and 50cc.
It’s 50cc
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #26  
The specs on Stihl’s website always used to say 50cc, that doesn’t appear to be the case now.

Stihl says a 261 will pull a 20ā€ bar. I have an 18 on mine and I think a 20 would be fine.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #27  
The specs on Stihl’s website always used to say 50cc, that doesn’t appear to be the case now.

Stihl says a 261 will pull a 20ā€ bar. I have an 18 on mine and I think a 20 would be fine.
20ā€ was ok unless it was buried. The issue I kept having was the chips jamming in the side cover and eventually in the bar. Couldn’t figure out why. Sold my 261 for the Husky 562, much better chip management plus an extra 10cc. It rips. It’s heavy though, loved my 261 but was using it beyond its designed limits.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #28  
I’ll echo the Stihl MS261. It’s a pro saw but worth every penny.
I see what ya did there….lol

I ā€œechoā€ the Stihl MS261C….. 😁
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #29  
20ā€ was ok unless it was buried. The issue I kept having was the chips jamming in the side cover and eventually in the bar. Couldn’t figure out why. Sold my 261 for the Husky 562, much better chip management plus an extra 10cc. It rips. It’s heavy though, loved my 261 but was using it beyond its designed limits.
Then get a 500i 😁
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #31  
These would be my choices (for different reasons)

10.6 lbs Price
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10.8 lbs Power
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13 lbs Professional
1745199674311.png
 
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   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #32  
I like power, but as I get older, weight matters more. I got an Echo CS-4910 (50cc) that was professionally modified. It screams - 50cc, 10.4 lbs.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #33  
261c bucks like a mad beaver, I’m a fan.

Husky 455 rancher is a good option too.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #34  
It seems that my Stihl is not the only one that is hard to start. I am thinking about adding a bulb to it and not just depend on the choke. Did anyone do this and did that improve the starting?
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #35  
I would look into a Husky 372xp.

I have a 6 year old 455 rancher with an 18ā€ bar that’s been great, but it was time for me to get a spare.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #36  
Do you want a 20" bar for reach or will you be burying it quite often? If you're burying the bar a lot, you want a 60cc saw or larger.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #37  
I'll also recommend a Sthil MS260 with a 24ā€ bar. 24 ā€œ bar is for the taller users out there. I’m 6’4ā€ and told old to be bending over all the time.
I’ll echo the Stihl MS261. It’s a pro saw but worth every penny.
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #39  
I have Husky 562XP and 372XP both have good power.
The 562XP with auto tune been a problem starting it cold or warm. It keeps flooding.
The dealer had it 3 times and said it was the coil. So far it working fine.
The 372XP works from the get go. I use a 28 inch bar.

Go with Pro saw if you do big wood. Buy from a dealer. You will get the help when needed.

I have my eye on the Stihl 500i. 😁
 
   / 20 inch chainsaw recommendation #40  
Yes, something is strange with the Stihl Web Site.

Their saw comparison PDF show the 261 and 261C-M as 50cc saws. However when you select each saw to individually look at its specifications the 261 is shown as a 38.6cc saw and the 261C-M is shown as a 45.4cc.

I truly believe both the 261 and 261C-M are both a 50cc saws or at least they were a few years ago. Maybe Stihl has changed something?

261 Specifications:
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/c.../ms261/?aqid=72490c31d533191a3d1acbe533f50623

261C-M Specifications:
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms261cm/
 

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