stihl 261 problems...

[Rob Stringer]

hello all, i've had a stihl 261 chainsaw for about 18 months now and like many others have had recurring problems with it. It had to be repaired under warranty 4 times for various clutch problems (clutch springs snapped, needle bearing etc.) and the last time the crankshaft was replaced. Its now out of warranty and another clutch spring snapped yesterday, shouldnt be too difficult to replace but I get the feeling there'll be more trouble again soon..

It sounds like loads of people have had problems with the same fault due to a manufacturing defect. I was wondering if anyone had found a way to resolve the problem (other than buying a different saw etc.)? Thanks, Rob S

[woodyguy]

An item that you buy is supposed to be fit for purpose and last an appropriate time for the item under consumer law. As a professional chainsaw, if its never functioned properly without regular faults, then being out of warranty is irrelevant if it should still be functioning. You can contact the seller and ask for a refund and take them to small claims court (or whatever its called now) if they decline.

[Rob Stringer]

I was hoping it'd be possible to fix the underlying fault before trying to get a refund as it's otherwise a good saw.