Suggestions on 20” pro saw

[Snobdds]

OK, I was thinking you thought it was an occasional use (homeowner) model.

I WOULD like to get the tunable carb. Only complaints I read were regarding the M-tropic.

Good call...This is what you want. You want to see those 3 little holes in the side of the top cover for tuning.

https://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/professional-saws/ms261/

 

[FriendwithTractor]

I'd recommend these guys: RIPSAW 271

PA based saw shop, I have their 500i and let me tell you. It screams, they do great work.
But, if you like tinkering with it, buy the one from the dealer.

 

[drumminj]

I have a 261 C-M w/ 18" bar that has been trouble-free for two years now. Use it for felling and bucking up hardwoods (maple, oak, poplar, etc) for firewood. Very happy with it, though ever since I got a 462 it feels underpowered/sluggish . The 261 is still my go-to.

I will call out that the local dealer (Ace) didn't recommend any kind of service/tune-up on it after a year, due to the electroncis. Sad to basically just run it until you have an issue.

 

[deserteagle71]

I bought an MS-261 maybe 10 years ago. Dealer had a 24" bar on it but since I already had a big Pro saw with a long bar I had him replace the 24" with an 18". Saw has been flawless since day one, no problems.

 

[Hay Dude]

I did the deed. Got the 261C for $613. Stihl promo (normally $699.99)
Already used it and I really like it. It’s not a huge hog like my Makita/Dolmar 6401, but it’s perfect for grab & go work.

 

[dodge man]

That’s a good price. I can’t remember when I got mine but it was pre Covid. By the time I added a chain and bar it was at least if not more than you paid.

 

[deserteagle71]

It’s not a huge hog like my Makita/Dolmar 6401, but it’s perfect for grab & go work.

Exactly how I use mine now that I no longer use a wood-burning stove. It's perfect for cleaning up limbs busted off the trees. Mine came with a fancy case that allows me to carry extra fuel and bar oil and a couple extra chains; I bring it along on my expeditions. It makes short work of deadfalls blocking roads...

 

[Snobdds]

I did the deed. Got the 261C for $613. Stihl promo (normally $699.99)
Already used it and I really like it. It’s not a huge hog like my Makita/Dolmar 6401, but it’s perfect for grab & go work.

That is a good deal.

You did good....

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Probably a really good choice, I have 2 Stihl saws that I have had for years a MS-250 and an MS-280 both have been fantastic saws, the 280 has been used to cut some big stuff and used a lot, it's only been to the saw shop once in 12 years and that was about 4 years ago and they said rather than spending the money on rebuilding the carb that I may want to get a new one because the compression was a little low on this one, I said rebuild the carb and I will try it, needless to say it is still going strong, stihl saws are hard to beat, I also have a Dolmar 420 I believe is the model and for smaller stuff it has been great as well.

 

[Jrasband]

Stihl 261 FTW! I run one with a 20" bar on mine which it handles with ease. As long as you keep your chain sharp it will cut through 18" oak all day. Get the 261 and you'll thank yourself for not having to carry around a heavy saw as well.