STIHL ms 261c chainsaw review 

Bought one of these, yesterday! Paired with my little 170 I'm in chainsaw heaven.

I'm a third generation logger from the Great smoky mountains and a recent convert to Stihl, I grew up running McCulloch then around 96 we switched to Husqvarna and used them till 2017 also competed with husqvarna saw's, then a friend made me look like I was in reverse with an 046 Stihl I tried like hell to beat him even with a ported husky to no avail so I decided to try Dolmar and I finally beat my buddy's Stihl but not by much, later I started doing a lot of Tree work and needed a bigger saw than what Dolmar made, so I did a lot of research and wisely decided on an MS661 Stihl. It will out run all of my buddy's saw's and all of my old ported Huskies, and do it all in stock form. With that said I really enjoyed your very informative video but am I the only man that noticed how attractive you are and what a great figure that you have and not to mention your sexy accent. Maybe everyone else was just trying to be polite as am I but I just wanted to point out the obvious

I absolutely love my MS 261! Had it for five years now end it has absolutely done everything I’ve asked of the do! I mainly do firewood with it but I did do some small logging with it. And it performed beautifully! But on that job all the trees were already on the ground extremely happy with my MS 261! Always starts! Going to pull it out of winter storage soon!

Love your reviews! I have a 462cm and I got the 261cm based on one of your earlier reviews. I love both saws but I agree, if I had to choose only one, it would be the 261 due to the fatigue factor. I find myself using it primarily and the 462 when I get to larger timber. I also experienced the same thing with the oil fill cap and ended up loosing all of my oil on the ground, so I’m now more careful about that. Thanks for your channel, keep up the great work!

My lovely wife bought me this for Christmas based on your recommendation...I love it, even my 62-year-old broken body humped it around the forest all day felling and limbing big trees to great effect. The oil cap is sometimes tricky! Takk!

I got the stihl ms 271 not to far off and has loads of torque and power and very light I love it, I am running a 20” on the saw and I could never be happier thanks for the video felixia

So good to hear from you once again after all the tripe that RU-vid has pointed me to. A fellow 261 owner who loves his saw. Keep making these videos! 18" bar for me

Between your review and a few other pro reviews, I ended up adding the MS261C to my kit. Great saw, thank you!

I love my 261. It was my first stihl saw I purchased. Got it used so it Came with a 20” bar and a 3/8 .050 guage 72 link chain. so a little beefier but as long as I keep it sharp and maintained it’s awesome. Even with the longer bar it still rips! Maybe when I get a 462 I’ll get a smaller bar for it as well as this is the biggest saw I have for now.

I have a 261c with a 20” bar for 6 years now and I love it! I think it’s the perfect all around saw. I would like some bigger spikes though.thanks for the video!

The last saw I bought was an MS261... replaced an MS271 as I felt the extra power and lighter weight were worth the change. They were! My other saw is an MS461... if I were to buy on in that class today I'd get the MS462... It has handled the biggest trees I've encountered in this area--36-38" DBH--with no problem and I've used it to mill boards too. Glad to see you like the 261 as much as I!

Thank you for the info and would same with everything. I'm use to the 044 or 460 as primary saw both on the ground and for blocking down in the air. Needed less weight as the industry takes a toll on the body, but enjoy the work and had to make adjustments to do so. A couple in months of using the 261 and it's a very balanced saw, rather impressed actually and came with the 18" bar and will getting 20" bar soon. Yes... the OIL caps.. always double check and helps a bit keeping a paint brush on oil/ fuel cans to clean off before removing and twisting it before putting back on seems to work. Thanks again.

I couldn't agree more about everything you mentioned, and if you are only going to have one saw, the MS261c IS the saw to have. I was going to buy an MS 170 for smaller jobs, but after running my 261c, I couldn't find a reason to get a 170. I have a 20" ordinary Stihl bar on it, and it weighs 15 lbs. with the fluids filled up, so it's a little heaver than your 16' lite bar but not as heavy as my old Pioneer 620 (25lbs.) . The chain I have is the 23 RS Pro 80 and it will go through a 20" poplar and birch like a hot knife through soft butter. Lots of power and easy on the back, I love it!!! I would also really like to buy an MS500i, but the cost ($1599 Canadian) is a little steep for just a firewood saw. Great video Felixia, and it's always a pleasure to see your smile and hear your voice!!

I just ordered one from my local dealer. Ran a 271 for a while, but thought it was time for a bit of a performance upgrade. Thank you for another great video! Happy Easter! 👍

Brilliant saw, I run the 18” light bar on mine and no issues with the oil cap so far . Stay safe Felixia 👍💐

Been using said saw for a few years, A GREAT SAW !!! I had not thought about the 500i, I will now consider one.

Happy Easter 🐰!!! I have the MS 261 (without the “C”) - 18 inch bar, and love it as well. Thank you for your great channel!

I always seem to get a wood chip by the O ring on the oil cap, then the cap leaks oil making a mess. You are right about the 16 inch bar, that is a great combination. It is also long enough to take down a lot of the second growth trees around here.

Love this, MS261 was my first saw and it's still going like new after about seven or eight years of hardwork, dragging it through trees as a climbing saw, felling, limbing and blocking down large 80ft+ Eucalyptus' etc. Never fails and is my favourite saw if I had to pick one. I used to even use it for fine pruning 😅

Love my 261 but I did have to replace the Mtronic ignition module last fall because of a no spark issue. It's still my favorite little ripper.

Great video. I've been using my 661c-M for everything. Now considering options for something a bit lighter. Anyway, keep up the great work with the videos. The out-takes are endearing.

Good review. I use a ported 261c for most of my work as well as the 250 for braches and 500i for rounds. Love your work.

I bought a 261 after watching your first video. you are right it is one of the best saws I've ever used

My favourite Chainsaw. I have the light4 as well and I love the combo. Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹 and keep uploading more videos with this good quality✌️💪

Another great review thank you. Still waiting for the 500i vs 462 video...!!

I bought my 261c a week ago and could only get it with a 20" bar. I've used it once for a few hours and it worked beautifully without any issues. What a little beast it is. It also seems a 16" Stihl bar is difficult to find for this saw. I would also like to try out the Light04 setup, but am not sure it is available in the USA.

Awesome review, TY I was debating between this and the MS250 but I think the MS261 pro is better for our property needs. We are always cutting firewood since it’s a main source of heat. Also a lot of cleaning up fallen trees on our acreages. Need the power it offers and seems to be very close in weight which is why I was looking at the ms 250 originally. My old saw weighs like 15+ lbs which is a lot to lug around and very tiring at the end of a hard days work. A few pound can make a big difference.

I couldn’t find the 261c so I settled on the ms291. Not the same build quality but I’m working on my own land and not as a professional arborist, so hopefully it’ll suit my needs well. Very much appreciate all the videos.

Hello Felixia, a big thank you for your recommendations, I just bought the stihl saw ms261c-m vw

261 is a beast for a small saw. I use mine 90% of the time. I have a ported 660 for big wood. You rock girl!!

Great saw, great review! I’ve used the 261 a lot and it’s a fav of mine as well but I think the new 400c will top it in the near future. Stihl for life!!

261 is our favourite saw to thanks for another great video 👍👍

Your prior maintenance videos on this saw got me to purchase one. Stihl owes you some commission money the way I see it. And I am loving my ms261c!

I bought my fourth and last 261 3 weeks ago. I bought my first at 25 yrs of age and I just turned 64.. . I ran 18" bars on all.. I have a tree farm and they are the perfect saw. The oil plug was a problem early on but this new one is fine.

I also use the 261CM, it is my only chainsaw, since I do this only as a hobby. To me, it is the perfect Allrounder-chainsaw, since with the 40cm / 16“ bar you can cut trees with a diameter of 50cm without problems (even more is possible, but I have not done that yet) and you can also easily do delimbing since it is really light. Yes, the thing with the oil cap also happened to me, my explanation, why this did not happen with the gas cap is: Construction seems to be identical, so what is it? I operate the gas cap with my right hand, oil cap with my left hand. Furthermore, the oil cap is beneath the handle, so it might not be the same situation as with the gas cap. Just take care and you‘re fine. In total, a really good saw, not only for professionals, but also for enthusiastic hobby-users. Felixia, I really like your channel, please continue. I would appreciate if you made more videos showing you at work, probably with some explanations of what you are doing and why. I am really interested whether there are differences in how you do that work in Denmark and we do that in Germany. Thumbs up!

Great video Felixia! I have the same problem with Stihl's oil caps. Spilled oil all over a time or too. Oh well, just bar oil!

I was going to comment about liking everything about the saw except for the oil cap but you covered that also lol..fine job !!, thumbs up

I love the filler caps . I got a fs130 with that cap and a ht 103 with oiler cap I just love them

I had the exact same thoughts on the saw. The oil cap was the only thing I disliked. At first I thought something was wrong with me that I often could not get it back on correctly. Glad I wasn’t the only one to have a problem with it.

Happy Easter to you and everyone! 🙏❤️🤙

I did put a 20in bar on mine and it works great. Take care and GOD BLESS YOU and I hope you had a blessed Easter Weekend. Looking forward to your next video.

I used mine today. Sure wish i brought my 462 tho! Great saws, I'm personally not a big fan of the 500i. 261s wake up greatly with port work! Its impressive for such a smaller saw.

Im leaning towards the 261now after watching your review(s) all I need is a good saw that has plenty of power to handle almost anything I have to cleanup on my property. Great videos btw

Thanks for doing this review! The 261 is my next saw I get. I currently have the baby 170

I too have the 261 with a 16” light 04 bar - it’s fantastic!

Absolutely gorgeous and the chainsaw looks very nice as well.

Thanks for the review. Been considering this saw for a lighter saw with some extra bar up in the tree.

Yes I absolutely love my ms261. The power to weight ratio is amazing. Its such a powerful saw n so light. You can go all day and not feel as tired as like with my 460 or 291. I run my 261 with a 20 inch farm boss. Stihl is #1. Woo hoo

Should look into the stihl 3/8p speed kit. 16’ bar and it rips. Use it for crane work and chunking down. Comes with different sprocket and bar love it . Brings the 261 to a whole new level.

Based on your review and praise for the saw I’m buying one next week with the Light Bar fitted. Hopefully I’ll like it as much as you do 👍🏻

Enjoyed the video as I do all your videos. I have a Stihl 026 (an older version of the ms 261) Usually use a 16 inch bar but it handles a 20 with no problem.

Awesome Review, the MS261 Wins Out for Day to Day Usage from A Professional User. Your Sooo Professional, Knowledgeable and Brutally Honest on ALL Your Reviews ‼‼‼ Great from someone Who Maybe in the Market for a New Chainsaw, Thank You. Wondering, How much Heavier is the 500i ⁉⁉⁉ Of Course, Lugging it around All Day Takes Its Toll On You. Keep those Reviews Coming and Happy Easter🙏🏾 Beautiful ❣❣❣ Hey to Timber and the Kiddoes ❣❣❣

Nice review. I have an older 026 and my newer 362 C-M. Love the Stihl saws.

Hi and happy Easter. 6,3kg is definitely less than my 051. :)))) I also have an old 026 from 1988. That's the pre pre predecessor from yours. Already back in the days that saw was appreciated for its power to weight ratio. Thanks for sharing your experiences

Really enjoy your straight talking video's. I've got the same oil cap issue on my MS251.like you said the fuel cap is ok.

My favorite saw! 💯💯💯

I use the same saw on a daily basis i love it and have cut some pretty good size trees with it ,Yes i had issues with the oil cap as well ,lost it in the woods and screwed up my day

Hello, I really enjoy your videos. If you were going to have only one saw between the 261 or the 400, which would you choose? ( If I get the 400, I plan on using a light bar to help lower the weight and fatigue factor). thank you

Excellent video. Love the pics of your kids all dressed in saftey gear.

I need to try one of these Stihls you talk about. Thanks for sharing

i have used the dolmar 5105 and the husqvarna 550 (mark2) and love both saws. i think i have to check out the 261 as well.

Good video Jack its a nice saw i had a Poulan 16 inch thirty years ago and i loved that saw i got it so i did not have to us my 20 inch saw all the time and found myself using it as much as i could. i got a 80 volt 18 inch saw last week and am going to try it out tomorrow. but i am nowhere on your level. thanks

I have the exact taste in saws. 261 and 500i. 261 is more agile that you can wield it like a sword bucking/cutting with weird angles but if the wood is flat on the ground I'd use the 500i because I have a back problem if I hunch down too long. The longer bar helps me do the work while standing straight.

I’m after buying a sthil MS 261 CM with a 18” bar and it’s amazing 🥰

I like to see power still can come in a tiny package. Nobody likes hauling' if not needed. Thanks as always for your informative videos!

Your videos are GENUINE! to start with ! Could you explain more in detail why you dont like the stihl oil cap ? I dont have any problems with my ms261 oil cap. Thankyou for your answer ! Love your Videos !!!

hmm interesting i run a 026 i have had since new in 2000! i would agree , the wierd bit is the old model is better than the new model, particularly since i drilled out the restrictive exhaust, 20 years old and still the go too saw for limbing, even with a 372xp husky 038av stihl and a 266xp husky!

Happy easter. You are awesome

I have a ms260 and the oil cap can be a bugger! Never had any problems with the fuel cap.

Hello Felixia, I enjoy your videos and the info you share! Have you had to reset the mtronic system on your 261 and if so how did you do it?

Of you you surprise because sawing is a rough job, that's why I admire, greetings!!!

Good video. The MS261 is a brilliant saw!

I still have mine yes they are amazing saws

With standard 18"/45cm Rollomatic E bar it weigth 7,2kg ! Great improvement to use light bars.

Muchas gracias por la explicacion y por tu tiempo. Estan muy bien hechos. Esta profesion es muy bonita. Recuerdos drsde Cataluña.

Keep making great videos. I love my 261 with Light04 bar, doing mostly pines with it. So light, no exhaustion at all after work day, but sometimes i feel a little lack of power. What do you say abot 261 and 400 combo? Thank for answer.

I have a 261 cm with the 20" bar and love that saw. Definitely a light saw

Hello thanks for the review. Nice job!! I’m a part timer and I’m wondering what saw you work in the tree with. I’m considering one of the climbing saws but being a one size fits all kind of guy I’m considering the 261c even to work on the tree with and have more potential on the ground with the 262c vs the 201t. What is your opinion on which saw I should get if only buying one of the two? 😊 Thanks again. Stay safe and may God Bless You!!!!!!! Jeff

I agree with having the 261c and 500i as a 2 saw system. I have the 261c, and access to a 460 at work. While the 460 is nice when I need extra power, I think the 261c can cover the lighter end of the 460 work range, and the 500i is better for the rest.

How do you feel about Echo saws? very interested in hearing back! I bought it soley because of the weight. The 352 is 8.8 lbs. The same reason I bought a 6.5 inch circ saw instead of a full size.

😊 Felixia 😊 is a good marketing ... I've considered purchasing this saw. Enough power for fast work. 👍

What is the differences between the 16" vs the 18" bar in the weight & performance? Does the 18" bar slow down your chainsaw down to much? Maybe you can do a video showing the cutting differences between the two side bars (16 vs 18)! I am using an 18" Echo chainsaw & I would have to weigh it to see what the difference is between them.

Your dog is the cutest. He trusts you big time. You can tell 👍

I love my 261c/16”. It’s a little nimble lightsaber and just like you said, won’t wear you out. It fights well above its weight class.

I'm mainly a clearer of already down stuff, and in general I love my 261C. Until I hit a BIG log. Thinking on maybe a 500i for when I need to do the occasional 30+ inch tree.

What is your opinion of running a 3/8" chain on the 261? I like the idea of it being able to share the same bar and chain with my other saw. 20" 3/8 pitch-0.063 too much for it?

Grab a Husky 346xp if you can and compare the two. The 346xp is my go to saw for most small jobs but then it predates auto tune. I always compared Husqvarna and Stihl to a Ferrari and a Landrover respectively. Can’t comment on most of the new Stihl,s but the older models were almost indestructible. Great review too.

I like your choices between this and 500. My choices are very similar. Im between a 550xp w/ 18 vs my 462cm with 20" in Massachusetts east coast usa.

Great saw watch it this morning

On my 260 Pro (2004) all is still great, with no oil leaking! Hopefully you have a great day!!!

Hello from Canada, I love my 261c, I run a 16 bar. I find it the perfect size for what I do. At first, I wasn't so sure about it, but I have grown to love it. Hate the fuel and oil caps. They are a pain, but like you said it's mostly the oil cap. I did a review of this saw too on my channel. Take care

Not only are you beautiful but you are very inspirational talented and professional. i have my eye on this saw but just purchased the 500i and I have my all time favourite 028. Also you have great taste!

I’ve found the oil cap is only a pain in the butt if I’ve overfilled the oil reservoir, it crates some kind of pressure that makes it harder to get the cap seated

I run an ms261 and an older 206 both run 16in bars so I don’t have to worry about different chains

Nice video. I ended up ordering my 16” Light 04 bar & two chains (a micro & a super) from Gusthart’s in England because I couldn’t find that bar in the USA anywhere. I have it now but haven’t yet put it on. My 261 came with a 20” bar and was priced for 16”, 18” or 20”, so, yeah, it should run a 20” bar just fine. Mine is the 261 C-M. Does yours have the M-Tronic chip as well?

What chain do you use on it? I always think the chain is more importent than the saw, but the 261 is a very good saw.

I have the 261cm, in my opinion it is the best all-around saw, the 500i is in Use when we fell large trees, but my 261cm with 18” Bar is suitable for most occations. The 500i we have with bars up to 90cm

Happy Easter from Alberta.

At the beginning, Felixia's like "Hey guys, eyes down here." Lol

What the biggest bar you can put on that 261? Great informative clip..