Stihl MS 261 VS Husqvarna 346 XP VS Dolmar PS 5105

[JJay03]

Sunfish, that's a good analogy. I hope guys don't get me wrong the 346 is one hell of a saw, nothing wrong with it at all. I think it's what your used too. So many of the old Stihls I grew up on just felt like tanks, really solid, kind of like when I was issued a M-16 after carrying a M-14, it just felt different.

I feel the same way about the husky but I dont have the experience with them to back it up. The stihl just feels really solid like it would run forever.

 

[SawTroll]

My 5100 filter stays clean for a very long time and no problems cleaning it when it does dirty-up. Just my 2 cents.

I never had any real problems with the filter(s) of my 5100S, but it needs frequent cleaning both inside and outside - a lot more frequent than on the 346xp etc

 

[D&B Mack]

We know from before that your conditions are quite a bit out of the ordinary for most of us. Your ultra fine dust is not an issue for most of us.

When my guys have that problem, I tell them to stop and sharpen their chain.

 

[THALL10326]

Waoh..that's a lot of replies in little time. This is exciting. I love to hear opinions about the subject and all advices are very welcome. One that sticks to my mind is from CentaurG2 about how I will use it and it's making me stick to the 346XP. The handle had ridges and felt smaller but that's easily fixable with some nice tape or rope plus the width is less than the dolmar and it flips around easier as if its center of gravity feels higher or more in the center of the handle arc. I will definitely open the muffler and remove the cat or buy the non-cat version from Bailey's. I know there are tons of threads on the subject and I probably have read hundreds already but I never tire to hear on the subject and what's not fun about rekindling the old Husky-stihl rivalry ?. I love to hear the arguments This is healthy mischief.. No one is getting hurt.(except a bit of pride here and there maybe) I think I've become an anti-Stihl at this point just because of the stigmata associated with it...the dealer was just not friendly at all and it was as if I was not worthy or something. Felt like I was driving into a Mercedes Dealership with a Ford escort and getting the look! The are yopu worthy of my ssuperior product look. The MS 260 felt heavy and bulky and not that good looking anyway. Regarding buying both Husky and dolmar...I want to buy a small baby top handle one eventually but my budget is not limitless....For now, I'll just let my friend use my old Mc Culloch (it's a 35cc) so I look like the hero with my 346 XP while he looks like the putz....eh ehe he :

LOL, oh my you just admitted your FOS and really have no clue what your talking about but thats alright, most buyers don't so its all good. The 260 is lighter than the 346 and its noticable just by picking it up. Your probably right however about the Stihl dealer. They are a bunch of orenry bas-tards...

 

[THALL10326]

It isn't a big deal, but Stihl have taken it too far, adding bulk and weight in the process. :msp_laugh:

Troll your a hard man to please. You always complained the 260 was a old outdated desgin with poor filtration, poor anti-vib and lackluster performance compared to the 346. Now they have topped the 346 in power, flitration, anti-vib, easier on fuel and really pounced it on looks, yes that 261 is that pretty, and here you are still complaining, take a Midol please,:hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Oregone]

Hey...you're right, I have no clue what I am talking about. That's why I am here playing like I know something so that all those who really know (no shortage of them kind here) can beam their shining beacon of knowledge/opinions/views/bias on my dim lights. It's all good. I love to hear opinions. They are all valid...very much subjective and brand biased of course but when all the dust settles, I get it. I intellectually know exactly what the difference between a 346 XP and a MS 261 is even if I never tried one. I am book smart about the subject without ever taking a course...all that's left is for me to decide wether I prefer blondes or brunettes and for that...only a test drive can tell you, an extended test drive at that. I suspect it's mostly subjective stuff, just like a woman...one man's poison is someone else's perfume. So far my nose takes me to the husqvarna, Stihl dealer ruined the taste of the 261.
346 xp Might be a blonde
.:msp_cool:


FOS...what the heck does does it mean? Freedom of speech, right?
Faint Object Spectrograph
Feature-oriented scanning
Freedom of speech
Factor of safety in mechanical and structural engineering.
Fabric OS, Brocade Fibre Channel operating system (computing)
FOS/NT - flight operations software from CTA
Fructooligosaccharide
Future Office System as used by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and developed by Anite
Financial Ombudsman Service - Financial Ombudsman Service
FOS Open Scouting - Federatie voor Open Scoutisme België

 

[THALL10326]

Hey...you're right, I have no clue what I am talking about. That's why I am here playing like I know something so that all those who really know (no shortage of them kind here) can beam their shining beacon of knowledge/opinions/views/bias on my dim lights. It's all good. I love to hear opinions. They are all valid...very much subjective and brand biased of course but when all the dust settles, I get it. I intellectually know exactly what the difference between a 346 XP and a MS 261 is even if I never tried one. I am book smart about the subject without ever taking a course...all that's left is for me to decide wether I prefer blondes or brunettes and for that...only a test drive can tell you, an extended test drive at that. I suspect it's mostly subjective stuff, just like a woman...one man's poison is someone else's perfume. So far my nose takes me to the husqvarna, Stihl dealer ruined the taste of the 261.
346 xp Might be a blonde
.:msp_cool:


FOS...what the heck does does it mean? Freedom of speech, right?
Faint Object Spectrograph
Feature-oriented scanning
Freedom of speech
Factor of safety in mechanical and structural engineering.
Fabric OS, Brocade Fibre Channel operating system (computing)
FOS/NT - flight operations software from CTA
Fructooligosaccharide
Future Office System as used by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and developed by Anite
Financial Ombudsman Service - Financial Ombudsman Service
FOS Open Scouting - Federatie voor Open Scoutisme België

Well I was like you once, I came to here to play though when I came I knew what I was talking about even though many times I pretended I didn't just to have alittle fun.

Ya want a 346 get a 346, I got one. I like mine. However the 260 is lighter, just stating fact pilgrim. Far as the 261 verses the 346 you do not know exactly what the differances are but thats ok too. There are many differances between the two and the majority of the plus's go to the 261, its only drawback is its a bit heavier. Other than the weight the 346 is playing second fiddle, I know, I gotem both. I'm sure Husky will come out with a strato 50 cc soon and get right back in the mix of things and thats good. When they are competing everyone gets better saws at the user end. Even so I still like my 346. I've always liked it and will continue to do so. So getcha one, you'll like yours too.

FOS means, welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll, its short for men who get to arguing, fussing, sometimes playing around and one says to the other your full of schit. Easier to type FOS,LOLOL

 

[SawTroll]

Troll your a hard man to please. You always complained the 260 was a old outdated desgin with poor filtration, poor anti-vib and lackluster performance compared to the 346. Now they have topped the 346 in power, flitration, anti-vib, easier on fuel and really pounced it on looks, yes that 261 is that pretty, and here you are still complaining, take a Midol please,:hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange::hmm3grin2orange:

The problem is that they created a bulky and heavy saw that doesn't really fit the purpose of the 50cc class - but it still is 50cc. A 50cc saw should be nimble for use in the woods, not just another "firewood" saw for cutting up logs in the yard - you can just as well use larger saws for that.

I am not after converting any Stihl fans, I just tell it like it is when someone ask!

 

[THALL10326]

The problem is that they created a bulky and heavy saw that doesn't really fit the purpose of the 50cc class - but it still is 50cc. A 50cc saw should be nimble for use in the woods, not just another "firewood" saw for cutting up logs in the yard - you can as well use larger saws for that.

I am not after converting any Stihl fans, I just tell it like it is when someone ask!

Thats according to you. Remember ole boy that outdated 260 outsold the 346, in fact that old outdated saw outsold all pro saws in the world. See it goes to prove the majority don't agree with your opinion of what a saw should or should not be. No fear though ole boy, as always I value your opinion even if sales prove otherwise,LOLOL

 

[indiansprings]

Ole' Tommy how true. With the 346xp and the 261 unless you've used both of them side by side, the paper specs don't tell the story. I'm just a dumb firewood hack that lives out in the sticks trying to scrape by selling a little firewood, don't know much about them, they are just a tool to me that makes me a little change to feed myself.
I do know Stihl hit it out of the park with this one. I do know list to list price there is only about 51.00 difference. 51.00 divided by the twenty years the family will get out of the tool equates to roughly .22 cents a month to own the better tool.
A guy that is all read up will also take care of the current promotion to buy a six pack of ultra mix and double his warranty to two years on the saw. lol
He'll be happy with the 346 it a great saw.......until he saws with a 261.hehe

 

[JJay03]

I think this is over with he is getting the 346 im sure. Let us know how you like.

 

[THALL10326]

Ole' Tommy how true. With the 346xp and the 261 unless you've used both of them side by side, the paper specs don't tell the story. I'm just a dumb firewood hack that lives out in the sticks trying to scrape by selling a little firewood, don't know much about them, they are just a tool to me that makes me a little change to feed myself.
I do know Stihl hit it out of the park with this one. I do know list to list price there is only about 51.00 difference. 51.00 divided by the twenty years the family will get out of the tool equates to roughly .22 cents a month to own the better tool.
A guy that is all read up will also take care of the current promotion to buy a six pack of ultra mix and double his warranty to two years on the saw. lol
He'll be happy with the 346 it a great saw.......until he saws with a 261.hehe

True, he will love a 346, if thats what he wants he should get one. I like mine alot. However I'm not to be fooled by those thinking its miles ahead of a 261 because its a tad lighter, fact is thats the only advantage it pocesses, it lacks slightly behind everywhere else but even in saying that the 346 still a great saw. I've always liked my 346 but you know the ole saying, there's a new kid on the block now creating a fuss, I say great, more good saws for us. He didn't like that sorry ole Stihl dealer though, can't blame him for that,haha

Yeah the double warranty with the Ultra oil thing is a pretty good deal. I ordered a boatload of Ultra for I know its gonna be rolling out the door now.

 

[THALL10326]

I think this is over with he is getting the 346 im sure. Let us know how you like.

I agree, he's buying a 346 for sure, good for him, he'll like it...

 

[Oregone]

You are right...I did make up my mind about buying the 346XP. At $460, it's not like I am buying a car or a house anyway. I know it will be overkill for my needs anyway. It will do jussssst fine until the next Huskvarna"Strato" model shows . Or I can always go over the next friendly Stihl dealer, (is that in Wisonsin,Texas or South africa?) to get the MS 262 turbo (check it out on line...it's the new model...ok Mr dealer it does not exist....YET). I think you guys are all farm equipment dealers, loggers or into some professional wood related venture, I am just a hobbyist who has fallen in love with cutting wood using the dangerous tool that does it free hand. And since none of my business is at risk here, I am just playing around...for you it's much more vital if you invest tons of time and money in it.

Main reason I will stick with the 364 XP is that it felt like the most tossable of all 3 saws and since I am often climbing in between fallen trunks and cutting at angles I probably shouldn't...sawtroll confirmed to me what I suspected all along after holding one...it's the saw for forest situation and tricky cuts. If I had a sawhorse and could always cut in the wide open, I'd probably look more seriously at the ms 261 or the Dolmar.

Honestly, It's been a great honor to have all of you step by and leave insightful comments. Thank you. I'll make sure to post some nice shots of this new toy when I get it. I am pretty good at taking pictures, you should enjoy new angles and more comments from the peanut gallery(me, myself and I) on that 346XP. I have other hobbies too .photography is one of them... here are some pictures I took if you care to learn a bit about me (soon to come...folder with chips flying next to nice bright orange Extra Plastic) ...http://photo.net/photos/pascalAgneray

 

[Jtheo]

Sunfish, that's a good analogy. I hope guys don't get me wrong the 346 is one hell of a saw, nothing wrong with it at all. I think it's what your used too. So many of the old Stihls I grew up on just felt like tanks, really solid, kind of like when I was issued a M-16 after carrying a M-14, it just felt different.

I can relate here. The older Sach Dolmar saws that I run for so long were heavy but solid and reliable.

The M14, I loved that weapon, and the M16, a POS compared to the 14.

 

[Oregone]

The M14, I loved that weapon, and the M16, a POS compared to the 14.[/QUOTE]

Jtheo, You're from the deep south, you mean like the deep south in the movie "little nicky"?:devil:

 

[Andyshine77]

Anyone that thinks the 261 is really all that better than a 346 is blowing hot air. Sure the 261 is a bit more powerful, but only a stop watch can really tell, as ones perception plays too big of a role here.

Oregone you can't tell the difference in power with your hands, people who lean Stihl are letting it get to them, end of story. The 261 is a great saw, but so is the 346 and I personally like the feel of it better, you'll love it.

 

[SawTroll]

.... The 261 is a great saw, but so is the 346 and I personally like the feel of it better, you'll love it.

I believe that is very true, and all that have handled both say about same - the handling is the main difference!


It is far from a surprice, you don't even have to handle the saws to know, if you know what to look for in the design.........

 

[MCW]

We know from before that your conditions are quite a bit out of the ordinary for most of us. Your ultra fine dust is not an issue for most of us.

Just remember though Sawtroll when you make comments, as with many other well respected members here people listen. There are also newer Australian members here that listen as well, and to be honest, if they listened to most filtration comments on this forum they would be buying saws equipped with filter setups that they will be disappointed with. This is not just a high rainfall, softwood, forestry forum where people deal only with woodchips the size of their head. I mean I read all the hype here about Husky filtration systems yet both of my 390XP's have to be oiled to keep dust out, and not even dead Redgum but green Casuarina which has monstrous particles compared to Redgum and doesn't even rate on the bad wood radar normally! This is with the HD filter setup too.

I never had any real problems with the filter(s) of my 5100S, but it needs frequent cleaning both inside and outside - a lot more frequent than on the 346xp etc

If you've never had problems with your 5100-S filter but have to frequently clean it on the inside I'd say you do actually have problems?

When my guys have that problem, I tell them to stop and sharpen their chain.

Not that simple in some woods. Sorry to turn this into a filter debate but I've posted a few vids on Youtube with some of our dead hardwoods and have received so many "sharpen your chain" comments it makes me laugh. Even when I've plainly stated it was brand new, out of the box chain

The problem is that they created a bulky and heavy saw that doesn't really fit the purpose of the 50cc class - but it still is 50cc. A 50cc saw should be nimble for use in the woods, not just another "firewood" saw for cutting up logs in the yard - you can just as well use larger saws for that.

We'll wait and see what the 346XP's replacement weighs when Husky goes strato. I think weight and balance between models are highly overrated on 50cc saws - lets be honest, they're all lightweights. My opinion only but if people think a few ounces are going to ruin their day they probably shouldn't be running saws. Weight distibution does however make a noticable difference on top handles when using one handed but with two hands on the saw you'd never notice. Everybody on this forum could run either a 260, 346, 5100-S, and 261 for the same number of hours in a day and not be any worse for wear. You may find a preference from one saw to the other in regard to power, cutting ability etc, even sound, but balance is highly subjective. To me my 5100-S feels good, and the 260 I played with felt good too. I'm sure a 346 would be lovely and I may even get a grin picking up a 261 In fact a 261 is on my shortlist and "may" even replace the 5100-S one day.

Maybe my thoughts don't count though as when I use my 3120 every saw on earth feels light (OK, maybe not the old metal ones )

 

[super3]

MCW, now why did you have to go and be all practical about it?