motownbrowne
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2013
- Messages
- 2,635
- Location
- river falls, wi
- Tractor
- Kubota mx4700 HST, New Holland TC-29D
I was out and checked, I do have the MS261. The 251 would be the next size smaller CI but should be of the same quality and I'll add some some to that point. My 8yo 261 is quite setup well so you can service in the field, with a minimum of tools. The motor cover easily comes off with a bar tool and the air filter simply twits off. (Yes, had to clean it in the field) The warm/cool operation baffle changes out with just as easily. We use it in the early winter and do operate it with the warm air intake in use. Point is, this tool really is well built.
The build quality of the 251 and 261 are completely different. There's very few similarities between these two models other than the colors and the name on the side. The 261 is a very well built tool, though, you're right about that!
The 251 (and 250) is a homeowner saw rated for 50 hours use before it may need a rebuild. Unless you have occasional homeowner duties, like storm cleanup every few years, I'd say step up to a pro saw (normally they are rated for 300 hours). Long term it's a better value, and normally you end up with a lighter saw that is more powerful for the same cc.
I had a Stihl 261 and thought it was a great saw. Was not impressed with the build quality of the 241 I tried, but it cut well.
Right now my favorite 50cc pro saw is the Echo CS-501P. Costs less than the Stihl 261 and higher performance. Can order them through Home Depot online or see an Echo dealer. I've owned/tried all the major pro 50cc saws in recent years, and think this Echo is the best of the current batch. Next best would be the Husky 550XP.
The hours rating doesn't have anything to do with rebuilding the saw. It's a number of hours that the saw is rated to operate under the emissions standards for that model. I personally know a woman with an 025 with at least 400 hours on it with no maintenance other than a new plug and air filter. That said, the pro saws are certainly designed for more continuous use, and also for much easier rebuilding, when the time comes. A 261 with a roached top end or a blown seal is worth rebuilding. A 251 probably isn't.
Echos are great saws, but unless you are planning on working on them yourself, ordering them online or buying at home depot would be a bad choice. A good dealer with parts in stock is pretty important, in my book anyway. Also, it's worth noting that there have been 4 versions of the 261, a new version and an old one both available in manual carb or m-tronic. The new version is considerably lighter and has a hair more power than the old version. Echo definitely makes a less expensive product, and some people like them a lot. Most people who swear by them say that they need to have the carb limiters trimmed and a muffler mod before they're good saws. They're set very lean from the factory to meet emissions standards.
Thanks for the feedback. I think im also going to take a look at the makita/dolmar EA 4300 F which is replacing the dolmar ps 421.
They're great little saws! If you don't have a local dealer, call Nate at Performance Outdoor Equipment in Ohio. Great guy to deal with. He has a solid reputation among Dolmar owners and can set you up right.