Stihl M-tronic technology-is it worth it

[sjpaq]

I am looking for a chainsaw to cut maybe 6 face cords of wood annually.
The dealer mentioned the M 261 which features the m-tronic technology. Is this worth it?

Mtronic is an onboard computer which from the Stihl website --> "With STIHL M-Tronic™, an onboard microprocessor digitally monitors and automatically compensates for changes in your work conditions including elevation, temperature, fuel quality, varying octane levels and dirty air filters."

It also allows the dealer to connect the machine and get diagnostic information on what may be not working correctly with the saw.

Thanks

 

[sean donato]

It's a very well proven tech by now. Been running autotune and m-tronic since 2012. They had some issues early on, but the latest versions have been working just fine. It's really just a carb with a seliniod replacing the mix screws and a handful of sensors, which are integrated into the coil AFAIK. Few extra wires. Nothing to get excited about. My newest stihl is a little over 2 years old now and had been a fabulous running saw. I'm sure the 261 will serve you quite well.

 

[JustPlainJeff]

I'm now down to one non-M-tronic saw. I've still got a 260 Pro that I love and will never get rid of. But all three of my other saws are M-tronic saws, and I like they just fine.

I've never been the best at tuning a saw myself. I'm able to tune them well enough to run pretty well, but never seem to quite get "all of it" (the absolute best performance) when I tune. So, the M-tronic has been very helpful for me. I never have to worry about tuning my saws anymore. Well, at least on those three saws.

Some old school guys wouldn't take an M-tronic saw for free, as they prefer to tune their saws themselves. I guess it just comes down to personal preference. I like mine a lot though.

 

[TN Cattleman]

Plus one prefering M-tronic saws. Have a 261 C-M and it runs great.

 

[ericm979]

I can tune a saw pretty well by ear or with a tach. With M-tronic I don't have to. I don't even have to think about the carburetor tuning. It will always be right. I can just get to work. Getting work done is the point, right?

The one drawback and maybe it's not on the newer ones, is if I make some good cuts and immediately shut the saw off, then go to start it again a few minutes later, it will be too rich to start. Opening the throttle takes care of it but a better way is to let the saw idle for 5-10 seconds before shutting it off. I had gotten in the habit of making a felling cut and shutting the saw off immediately as I'm walking away.

 

[ZeroJunk]

I have had a MS362C for a few years. Got it used. Works like a charm.

 

[J D]

Depends if your primay concern is usability or serviceability. The principal technology is great but manufacturers have done a good job of making it proprietary. Diagnosis & repair of ignition & carburetor issues will often have to go through an authorised agent with the software etc (& the ability to use it). These parts are also more expensive to replace & that can be the go to fix for some repairers.
If you want the benefits that come with the tech just make sure you have a good local service agent. If you like to do your own work it may not be so ideal

 

[ElevatorGuy]

I’d buy any stihl pro cm model before considering anything else. Otherwise on a budget buy an echo. If you want a failing p.o.s. Like a mopar buy a husky in your flavor.

 

[Wood Doctor]

Paying twice the price for M-tronic saws seems pointless when there are so many non-M-tronic saws that run flawlessly. But, if you want to brag to anyone else that you have one on board, go ahead an pay the piper, Just MHO.

 

[bwalker]

Paying twice the price for M-tronic saws seems pointless when there are so many non-M-tronic saws that run flawlessly. But, if you want to brag to anyone else that you have one on board, go ahead an pay the piper, Just MHO.

Twice the money? That's BS. The non MTRONIC Stihls are only slightly cheaper.
And given the average guy can't tune a carb to save his life the number of "flawlessly" running saws are few and fare between.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

Paying twice the price for M-tronic saws seems pointless when there are so many non-M-tronic saws that run flawlessly. But, if you want to brag to anyone else that you have one on board, go ahead an pay the piper, Just MHO.

Twice the price of what ?

 

[Wood Doctor]

OK, guys, I surrender. Please disregard my price criticism. However, I just got through repairing a Stihl MS 201 TC M-tronic, The owner told me it cost him $1,100 new. That seemed rather high for a top-handle chain saw.

 

[Lawless]

The cost difference is very minimal.

I have recently become a huge fan of Mtronic, I now have a 241C,261C and 362C. They are all flawless in running and seem to always be “right”. I’m a good tuner but that little module is better and can adjust in the cut.

 

[Lionsfan]

I’d buy any stihl pro cm model before considering anything else. Otherwise on a budget buy an echo. If you want a failing p.o.s. Like a mopar buy a husky in your flavor.

****, you don't know what you're talking about.

 

[huskihl]

I don’t believe there’s any difference between price whether it’s Moronic or adjustable. Any Mtronic saw is also available in a carbed model except for the 400. If you don’t mind tuning, go adjustable. If you’re not good at it, go mtronic.

 

[SAWMIKAZE]

OK, guys, I surrender. Please disregard my price criticism. However, I just got through repairing a Stihl MS 201 TC M-tronic, The owner told me it cost him $1,100 new. That seemed rather high for a top-handle chain saw.

He lied to you or got ripped off bad.

 

[barfer]

I know it’s a zombie thread but for anyone searching this “should I go w Mtronic?”

I love love love carburetors. I didn’t trust computers when they started adding them to motorcycles and cars etc. But eventually I became converted to fuel injection in motorcycles…

But now I’ve been converted to mtronic (which isn’t fuel injection) because I go back and forth between my place at sea level and my place at ~5,000 ft altitude and 8,000 ft altitude…. I still need to re-jet my 125cc motorcycle but I don’t have to do *anything* to my mtronic saws. And I like that.

If I only worked at one elevation I’d probably prefer pure carb no mtronic… but for altitude changes… I’ll never go back to having to re-jet my saws.

my $0.02

 

[Sidecarflip]

OK, guys, I surrender. Please disregard my price criticism. However, I just got through repairing a Stihl MS 201 TC M-tronic, The owner told me it cost him $1,100 new. That seemed rather high for a top-handle chain saw.

Last Stihl top handle arborist saw I bought and ran over with a chip truck was just a tad over 700 bucks so a grand isn't that far off. I replaced it with a comparable Echo for less than 1/2 the cost.

 

[Mad Professor]

I know it’s a zombie thread but for anyone searching this “should I go w Mtronic?”

I love love love carburetors. I didn’t trust computers when they started adding them to motorcycles and cars etc. But eventually I became converted to fuel injection in motorcycles…

But now I’ve been converted to mtronic (which isn’t fuel injection) because I go back and forth between my place at sea level and my place at ~5,000 ft altitude and 8,000 ft altitude…. I still need to re-jet my 125cc motorcycle but I don’t have to do *anything* to my mtronic saws. And I like that.

If I only worked at one elevation I’d probably prefer pure carb no mtronic… but for altitude changes… I’ll never go back to having to re-jet my saws.

my $0.02

Just make a note of the tune setting (Hi/Lo) on the saws when you change altitudes. And don't forget when going back to sea level to retune, or you'll have a lean condition.

I do this with mix too. Sometimes I run 100LL in my mix and the tune is a bit different than with non-E10 pump gas. If you keep notes it's 30 seconds with a screw driver.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Mtronic/Autotune saws are pretty good these days. Early on there were some issues but they’ve since been ironed out for the most part. It really comes down to how well you maintain and store your equipment. If you neglect it you’ll have problems at some point. If you take care of it you’ll be fine. Sharp chain, clean air filter, fresh mix (preferably non ethanol), etc.