husqvarna 550xp vs. stihl cm-261

[thor97]

Wow! that is awesome! You've really got it figured out. You're really working smart. I get all of my wood off of public land and there is no equipment allowed in except a 4x4 pickup up to 1 ton. I can pretty much get real close to the trees, as I don't have to stay on the road like the national forests do. The problem there is you have to blaze a trail to reach it and then its opened up and anybody can use it. I can't complain though because it is all red oak (95%) and white oak(5%). I also have a time limit so its cut, cut, cut, haul, haul, haul, and then I can split and stack at my leisure at home over the winter.

 

[Ironworker]

I've had a 550, 346 and 261, all ported. All are good saws, the 261 had a little more torque than the 550 and was a tad bigger but also felt sturdier, in the end I kept the 346, it was better than the other two in all categories. They are all good saws.

 

[rustyb]

I'm new to this forum, guys, and am wondering which saw you all think is best. I cut about 100 face cords a year and am a husqvarna man. My local dealer has both(but mostly stihl) and I would like to support him, he stocks the stihl but would have to order the husky. I currently am using a 562xp and 346xp. Both phenomenal saws. It would be hard for me to go with the stihl, but am willing to consider it. What are you're thoughts?

Being that you're new here.....and assuming you haven't already made a purchase, I'd recommend reading about the 550xp here before spending any money. Well known and long time issues. Search my posts and that will lead you to a bunch of other posts. Also, it needs to be said that Stihl has revamped their 261. Same weight as the 550 now.