Got the new chainsaw bug

[James Sawyer]

I saw almost new MS261C for $400 at the hock shop the other day, almost bought it. I've been seeing a lot of posts on the MS261. I don't have one, so I took a look the other day at both the MS261C and XP550 mark II. Which is the better saw? I've old school so lean towards carburetor saws and auto tunes make me nervous, but maybe I need to step into the future. Which saw has the better torque and least auto tune problems. I have Mutiple dealers in my area so great support available if need be and typically I work on my own saws therefore like carburetor saws

 

[sean donato]

Haven't ran a 550 mk2. the 261 is a pretty good saw and I reccomend them often if price point isn't an issue. Heard good things about the 550mk2 though. There's nothing to worry about with auto tune/ mtronic saws. Been around since the late 2000s at this point.

 

[James Sawyer]

Haven't ran a 550 mk2. the 261 is a pretty good saw and I reccomend them often if price point isn't an issue. Heard good things about the 550mk2 though. There's nothing to worry about with auto tune/ mtronic saws. Been around since the late 2000s at this point.

< $80 price difference ...the Husqvarna the more expensive than the Stihl but has 1lb wt. difference. Your saw is it Mtronics?

 

[altatim]

I also have been considering these two saws so Im looking forward to seeing what people prefer. I enjoy both of my husky and stihl 70cc autotune saws very much.

 

[sean donato]

< $80 price difference ...the Husqvarna the more expensive than the Stihl but has 1lb wt. difference. Your saw is it Mtronics?

Not my saw, just one I take care of. Yes it's mtronic. Basically all I tell people to get if they are spending the money. I've had auto tune/ mtronic saws since 2012. Logging buddy has been running them commercially since the 572xp has come out.

 

[Squareground3691]

Little ripper with couple mods and some 23RSPro NK ,

 

[Lionsfan]

I've flipped around a couple ms261's in the store, but never used one. I don't care for the plastic handles, and I prefer the 5 series control lever to the Stihl design.
This 550 MKII has become my favorite, all-around go-to saw.
I don't care for the RSPRO 23 chain on mine, I prefer the stock Husqvarna semi-chisel for all-around use. P