FR Jones Chainsaw Sale: Stihl MS 261 vs Husq 550XP

[Mark Wileman]

Hi all,

 

In an effort not to start a huge Husqvarna vs Stihl debate I've got a question.

 

FR Jones' professional chainsaw sale looks very appetising, specifically I'm looking at a 261 for the extra 8cc and 9hp over the 241 (which is only £30 cheaper).

 

My local Stihl dealer quoted me 25% off catalog price for the 261, £565. At FR Jones they are £479; bargain!

 

How does that price compare to dealer prices on a Husq equivalent, 550XP is the closet match I found and FR Jones have it for £469.

 

My closest dealer/maintenance place is a Husq dealer so I originally planned to use him, for ease of maintenance/repair as he's only 2 miles from my place. I doubt I'll be able to get a price from him as low as FR Jones but might be worth paying the bit extra as he is my local guy.

 

Here is the controversial bit, from reading other posts it would APPEAR that the 261 is more reliable than the 550.

 

What are people experiences with these saws, ideally people who have used both?

 

I have a 66cc Stihl 039 already that I got for cheap, it's got a 20" bar and will be my "bigger" (I didn't saw "big" ) saw.

 

The 261/550 will be my main saw (probably with 16" bar) and used for ground arb application, processing and felling.

 

Also, do dealers usually provide warranty? Want to have a rough idea of the industry standard before rolling in and taking a dealers word for the truth right away.

 

Play nicely now gents.

[Stubby]

Have a look for the 261 needle roller bearing problem posts . The money you save will help to pay for a lorry load of replacement bearings ............

[Mark Wileman]

Have a look for the 261 needle roller bearing problem posts . The money you save will help to pay for a lorry load of replacement bearings ............

 

Seems one of two people have encountered that problem.

[Gary24]

I use 550xp they are great saws and i find very reliable and comfortable to use i wouldnt change from Husky i,m on my 4th without any trouble:thumbup:

[Mark Wileman]

I use 550xp they are great saws and i find very reliable and comfortable to use i wouldnt change from Husky i,m on my 4th without any trouble:thumbup:

 

Thanks Gary, what do you use your 550 for if I may ask?

[Gary24]

Thinning work and hedge laying and always on a 15 inch bar they cut fast

[Olliebradbury]

My Husky 550 (15" bar) is my favourite saw and the only trouble I've had after 2 years is a rattle in the exhaust. After removing the loose metal causing the rattle it now seems to have 50% more power!!!! If you can get the heated handle for a small extra fee I would recommend. So 550 all the way

[dan494]

Have a look for the 261 needle roller bearing problem posts . The money you save will help to pay for a lorry load of replacement bearings ............

I think they got a redesign last year to solve that?

 

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[Mark Wileman]

I think they got a redesign last year to solve that?

 

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I'll look into that, do you use a 261, Dan?

[dan494]

I'll look into that, do you use a 261, Dan?

Not at the moment. Had one that was stolen so tried a 550xp. Had it a few years now so might go back to the new 261 as prefer the 16 inch bar over the 15 on the 550

 

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