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Ottomachinen t1_jay0mux wrote

In a previous job, I sold Stihl products.

The MS260 is a model from the professional line. It will last you a long time. Good balance of power and weight.

That’s the second version of the model. The previous one had a fuel and oil cap that needed to be opened with a tool.

The MS261 replaces this today and goes for around 650 usd.

Good purchase.

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mimic751 OP t1_jay0x1z wrote

Replying to Ottomachinen (#2,161,880)

I couldn't believe it. He sold it to me, I went and got a new spark plug, chain and Bar and it fired right up. Once the snow goes away I'm going to put another couple hours into it and I think I'll have a lifelong tree cutting partner

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smartid t1_jay1k82 wrote

recent project farm upload showed stihl as being vastly superior to the competition

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u_know_bali_bali t1_jaycc06 wrote

I have an MS260 PRO that was a $100 LetGo score. New intake boot, plug, chain and bar, and with routine maintenance, I have a saw that will likely outlast me. Great score, congrats!

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JuliusS__ t1_jazqor5 wrote

I borrowed my uncle’s a couple of year ago to take apart a downed tree. Great tools.

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F-21 t1_jb4dnvf wrote

Replying to Ottomachinen (#2,161,880)

> That’s the second version of the model. The previous one had a fuel and oil cap that needed to be opened with a tool.

I have a 039 and have only had to use a tool handful of times. Since the 90's maybe 5 or 6 times. TBH I prefer the old style (which practically all other brands still use), the caps are the only things that mildly annoy me with my MS361. Sometimes they just don't seal correctly and the holes are recessed so sawdust can fall in the tank when you open it.

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F-21 t1_jb4gwez wrote

Replying to xBluJackets (#2,162,553)

For home use, the 260 or 261 is overkill. I think it comes down to the MS251 or MS291 (or MS250 and 290). 45cc or 55cc, 40cm bar or 45cm bar... Should hold both and decide. If you want to fell any serious trees, the MS291 is a far better choice. If you'll cut branches, the 250 is lighter and some 100$ cheaper.

BTW the last number is 0, 1 or 2. It just tells the generation, but in general you can expect about the same performance out of a stihl with the same first two numbers (like, the difference between an MS360 or MS361 or MS362 is negligible, and the 90's predecessor was the Stihl 036 which is also kind of the same). Today, I think the MS171 is a bit more powerful than the 170 but if you can get a better deal for the older version, it's still a great saw...

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Sodomeister t1_jb5cmxl wrote

Replying to mimic751 (#2,172,593)

TBH you can buy whatever bars and chains you want so long as the size is correct for your model. I use laser laminated bars and their aggressive chains because I don't want to be out there all day when I'm just going to burn the wood in a year. I didn't even know premix gas was a thing. I just buy ethanol free gas and add oil to it. Stihl kinda got me on my string trimmer where if I bought a 6 pack of their preferred oil they extended the warranty by 3 years for the $15 it cost.

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Sodomeister t1_jb5dh95 wrote

Replying to F-21 (#2,171,262)

> 260 or 261

Are they overkill if I plan to run it 5-6 hours in a go? Just curious because mine will eventually die and we don't have a Mcculloch dealer anywhere close whereas Stihl is like 2 miles away and the local owners are super nice.

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F-21 t1_jb5i8dv wrote

Replying to Sodomeister (#2,172,738)

I have a 039 from the 90's, and for some 10 years an MS361. They one "class" larger than the 2XX series. MS361 (or the new 362 - a bit more eco friendly though I think they made it a little heavier) is the most versatile chainsaw on the market, it'll really do everything, you can fell down really large trees or cut off small branches.

Now, I'd not use the 2xx series for large trees but overall they're still very versatile (compared to the 1xx series) nontheless, and a lot lighter.

I can compare my experience with the 039 and the 361. 039 is the farmer model (just like an MS390/391, or the smaller MS290/291), and the 361 is a pro saw. The 361 is more fuel efficient and just a tad lighter. But the ol' 039 is notably more torquey. I think it has some 5cc more. I assume that's even more notable between the smaller chainsaws (261 and 291). At full throttle the 361 is a better saw, but the 039 is really close in performance and I like how it won't stall even at less throttle.

Never had any serious problem with either. The 039 needed a new fuel lines every decade - time makes them rot, but that's to be expected. Never fully rebuilt the 039, but did inspect it ~ 5 years ago and cleaned up the carburetor. It was used a lot, especially in the past. Not daily, but when it was in use, it was a lot of use for 8-10 hours at a time.

If I bought again, I'd probably go for the 391. It's cheaper and totally fine for me. I have 15 hectares of forest. The 361 is really made to cut at least 8 hours, day after day, and be rebuilt countless times. I'd run out of forest in a month.

So, in your case I'd go with the 291. But if you've got some money to spare and want the best, the 261 is lighter and more powerful when you give it the nuts! :)

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Sodomeister t1_jb5imsz wrote

Replying to F-21 (#2,172,943)

Thanks. I appreciate the time spent on your response. We have About a third of that. I don't fell much unless it's a potential danger. Usually just chopping up dead fall after storms to clear trails.

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gazzadelsud t1_jclyhuz wrote

very good saw, use good oil in the premix, keep the carb empty when not in use, and it will last another 20 years easy.

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