Considering ms261c-m ( noob)

[aa_ezra]

Well hello again board!
I haven’t posted in ages. Looking to buy a Stihl ms261c-m ( newest model I think) I purchased a husky from Lowe’s years ago returned a it already was having Oiler issues.

This time around I going Stihl , I been researching for weeks Started out looking at the ms171 then 181, the ms 250. But I wanted a chainsaw to last so the 261 seemed to have to right weight and power for only a few more bucks from the ms241
Any tips or recommendation on the chain type? Files to sharpen the chain, fuel and fuel mixture including brand. What accessories are a must have?

I’m not opposed to battery operated but.... I like noise

 

[1Alpha1]

Yeah baby, he mentioned fuel mixture and what brand to buy. Good choice on the saw!

 

[Drptrch]

It comes .325 063g and get the 3/16 files that go with that chain

Fuel: buy efree mix or straight gas and mix your own.
What oil to mix with is a whole nether topic. Staying out of that one )))
Good luck

Good chaps ( only have one set of legs and eye protection, ear plugs ( I only wear right side one)


Erik

 

[sunfish]

I purchased a husky from Lowe’s years ago returned a it already was having Oiler issues.

You bought the wrong Husky from the wrong place.

 

[aa_ezra]

How about break in? Use regular non synthetic mix after a few tanks then synthetic?

I didn’t have a husky dealer near me at the time ;(

 

[1Alpha1]

Well.....no one has mentioned ethanol-laced gas as of yet. Don't use it if at all possible. I'd use synthetic oil for the mix from the very 1st start-up.

I've been using canned fuel for a couple of years now. Specifically, the 40:1 TruFuel. Home Depot has it. If all you can get is the ethanol-laced gas, mix it with a good quality synthetic oil. Mix up just enough to get what you want to get done. Don't let it sit around for a few months.

 

[Drptrch]

You bought the wrong Husky from the wrong place.

That too, comparing to different user platforms
Homeowner version compared to Pro version


Erik

 

[ericm979]

The 261 will cut a bit faster than the 250 but it weighs a little more and costs $200 more. Which you should get use depends on what you're cutting, how much you will be using the saw and how much the extra $200 hurts. The 261 will be nicer to run but if you're only cutting a tree or two a year it's arguably not worth the extra $$. With proper care either saw should last a homeowner a life time. It takes a lot of use to wear one out.

Whichever saw you buy you should get some extra chains, files, extra filters and spark plug. Also if you don't have good safety gear put aside some money for that. Either saw can cut your toes or leg off if you make a mistake.

 

[smokey7]

I think we need a better description of the intended use and frequency before we can decide if a 261 fits. It will work but may not be optimal for your use. Welcome back to the forum though.

 

[Lee@themancave]

Ms261c by all means if your can swing the extra money. Lighter. Stronger. Better av system. M-tronic digital fuel system.
Remember safety first. Chaps. Helmet. (If you're felling trees) ear protection. Boots.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120A using Tapatalk

 

[aa_ezra]

Thanks guys,

I have been meaning to post but I have been exhausted from work do here my attempt to reply to everybody

I see the chainsaw also as an investment, Stihl seems more popular around here and if I’m in a pinch should be easy to resale IF need be.

As far as it’s inteded use, I have a large mulberry tree that needs cutting back every year and procrastinate as doing it with a hand saw/pole saw sucks. Then it needs chopping up so it fits in my green waste bin ( many loads) I have a giant pleaser Bush that always needs cutting back but it’s overgrown for the same reason as the mulberry tree. Seem it would be so much quicker and faster to do with the saw and fun at the same time

A pole saw would prolly be best for the mulberry tree but it seems it’s just limited in use and limited it it’s abilities in what it can do and a plain saw seems more like a jack of all trades .

I also have the mentality thirds tools where if I’m going to buy it I want to buy it once and be reliable. That and I have this think about power tools which I’m sure you all understand.

I will certainly buy some chaps. Ear protection and eyewear I already have( typical googles and ear plugs. Is the combo helmet, face mask and ear muffs worth the purchase you think? Good insurance from protection from kickback to the face?

My intended accessories from the Stihl dealer
Chaps
Helmet mask ear muff combo
2 in 1 file for my .325 chain
Maybe a hard case

 

[1Alpha1]

Yes, buy a hard case for your saw. It'll protect your saw more than you'll realize.

 

[ericm979]

A MS261 is overkill for your stated use. Sure you want nice tools but it's going to be sitting there gathering dust. You'll have to dump the gas out and run the carb dry each time you use it. Otherwise the gas will go bad and gum up the carb. Buy a nice battery powered chainsaw. One of my household jobs as a teenager was pruning our mulberry trees. I climbed them and used an electric chainsaw. If you don't want to climb them then a pole pruner would work. I got a $150 battery Lynxx pole pruner from Harbor Freight and it's pretty good for the price.

 

[1Alpha1]

A MS261 is overkill for your stated use. Sure you want nice tools but it's going to be sitting there gathering dust. You'll have to dump the gas out and run the carb dry each time you use it. Otherwise the gas will go bad and gum up the carb. Buy a nice battery powered chainsaw. One of my household jobs as a teenager was pruning our mulberry trees. I climbed them and used an electric chainsaw. If you don't want to climb them then a pole pruner would work. I got a $150 battery Lynxx pole pruner from Harbor Freight and it's pretty good for the price.

I do just that after each time I use any of my O P E. Even if I'm using canned fuel, which I do. Saves me a lot of headaches down the road.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

If you're going for resale value, it's pretty hard to beat an ms250. I regularly see them listed in Craigslist for 90%+ of the MSRP for a new one.

 

[aa_ezra]

I DID IT! I had them order it for me, said I could pay when it get in July 3. I work up the street from dealer and gave him some free advice rather then selling him a part and he offered 5% discount on the saw. Told him I wanted the pack of oil to extend it he warranty
The still forestry helmet 2 in file and some chaps. Chaps were a little small on the parts guy so he ordered the 36 or 40” version so I could try, I forgot about the case tho hopefully it’s in stock. And perhaps I’ll get a little pricing on the accessories once I talk to the other parts guy that I have know for a few years that I had forgotten worked there.

I am excited!

 

[aa_ezra]

I do just that after each time I use any of my O P E. Even if I'm using canned fuel, which I do. Saves me a lot of headaches down the road.

I try to do the same on my equipment I don’t use on a weekly basis anencephaly usual day may add as much fuel as I estimate I need. If it’s goinf to be stored I’ll run true-fuel or equivalent the last day I’ll use the equipment and let it run until it’s dry and dies

 

[1Alpha1]

So, just to be clear, you ordered the MS-261?

Or.....the MS-250?

 

[aa_ezra]

The Stihl ms261 c-m is what was orderd.

 

[1Alpha1]

The Stihl ms261 c-m is what was orderd.

Great saw, and it will serve you well for many years to come.

Use it properly, maintain it, and keep it clean. You can't lose!

I take it you didn't see my posts in regards to buying O P E on a newly acquired credit card. Credit card companies have some very good offers going on for new customers.

Some offer account credits as high as $150.00 if you buy something over $500.00 within 90 days of receiving your new card.