Got myself a 261-C the other day, heard they're very good saws and this was incredibly cheap, so thought it was worth a shot. Seems like the saw is all good, it just smokes quite heavily when under high load. I've done a bit of searching, I can rule out a chain/bar issue as it doesn't have one...
I think I found my new go-to axe/maul for splitting the middle size rounds. The Helko Pro Series Splitting Axe with a 3.75 lb head is something I can swing all day long and does a great job. If I'm busting up big rounds, I go to the Helko Vario 2000 Heavy Wood Splitter. Please check out this...