Stihl MS261 - what a ripper!

So I've been using a 346xp for the last 6 months (new 6 months ago).

Tried a brand spanking MS261 not expecting too much but oh boy!!!

I know the 346xp is said to have the edge but I'm not so sure anymore.

This certainly isn't a friday afternoon machine; love the balance, smoothness and power.

On its fourth tankfull and goes like a nutter!!!

Tis a good saw, but it does not sound like a stihl anymore. I put it down to the spring vibration dampeners. It also does not 'tinkle' when it is running with the chain brake off. Not that i do such thing.

I was all set to buy a 346xp to replace my tiring old ms260 until i read this!

I'm back to square one now!

If the 2 saws were in front of you and you could only ever use one for the next year, which would it be??

im still a while off a new saw, my 260 is only 07 with years left in it. But thats a very promising review, i might just buy one anyway!

I was all set to buy a 346xp to replace my tiring old ms260 until i read this!

 

I'm back to square one now!

 

If the 2 saws were in front of you and you could only ever use one for the next year, which would it be??

You could wait till next year when the 346 replacement is out

I think these newer saws hold a lot of promise

I havent heard about a new 346!

Whens the release date??

Any links or info on it??

some of the guys at work have 261, in my opinion they feel cheap and sound cheap. also both of them have had the same problems.

346xp is a far more superiour saw.

I havent heard about a new 346!

 

Whens the release date??

 

Any links or info on it??

I've been told springtime by two husky dealers which is why I'm not going for the 346xp. Read charlieh's thread on the 560xpg.

nope nope and nope

There is an IPL and operators manual on husqvarnas website for a 550xp which would be a replacement for the current 346xp at some time next year (honest!) then there is also a new smaller saw which will be a 543xp supposidly some time end of next year early 2013

anyway it will be interesting to see how the newer saws last.

TCD does the 261 run a bit quicker then as I have always felt that series of saw, 024/026/ms260 seemed sluggish on chain speed and acceleration, have they sorted this? as from having run a 560xp it certainly seems husky are stepping it up as well

some of the guys at work have 261, in my opinion they feel cheap and sound cheap. also both of them have had the same problems.

346xp is a far more superiour saw.

agree with that

company i was working for doing a bit of forestry,bought 5 brand new 261s and they did feel very cheap and poor build quality,must admit they did cut ok...:thumbup1:until the needle bearings kept going:thumbdown:[plastic case]

think 346 is far better quality saw:thumbup:

not a bias opinion i use both still and husky

when i work with the council they only use stihl [everything] and i use their 260 and i think its a better quality built saw than the new 261