It's time for a review of my new chainsaw Stihl MS 261 Pro after 3 months!

@em4703

3 жыл бұрын

The reason why the gas cap is getting stiffer is because of the ethanol in the gas, it screws with the rubber seal's surface. Problem disappeared for me once I switched to Aspen premix fuel (no non-ethanol gas in my parts of the world :( ).

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@em4703 Thanks for the info.... yes the pump gas really sucks. I will look into this.

@HunterWilson22

3 жыл бұрын

Fortunately my dealer has been extremely helpful and takes me behind the shop to demonstrate how to operate the saws that I’ve purchased. The function of the heat shutter isn’t related to starting, but only to prevent the carburetor from icing during cold weather. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carburetor_icing Took me a while at first to get it, but reprocess the calibration instructions in your manual and see if you can get it to calibrate. Based on the description it sounds like recalibrating would be a good idea throughout a day as temperature and humidity change, but I’ve never recalibrated more than once per day. Is it possible that your issue with fuel burn issue could be caused by your saw not being calibrated and running rich? www.stihlusa.com/products/technology/stihl-m-tronic/

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@HunterWilson22 Thanks for all the information . I did recalibrate the saw and is working fine with less fuel use. Take care

@HunterWilson22

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 less fuel, that's great 👍

You didn't mention this in your video; but I totally seized up my first bar (20") on this saw. There is an oil adjustment on the underside of your saw and mine was set to full counterclockwise; which sets the bar oiler for minimum oil. I later found the this bar oil adjustment can be turned one or two steps clockwise for increased amounts of bar oil. I told my Stihl dealer and he knew nothing about it. So now; whenever I am going to use my saw, I set my oil adjustment full clockwise and when I am finished using the saw, I turn my oil adjustment full counterclockwise, so that my saw doesn't leak oil when not in use. Thanks for the good video!

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Richard , Thanks for the great information , I forgot about that, Thanks for stopping by, hope you have time to tune in to more of my videos. Take care

I'd recommend buying from a small equipment dealer because of the service they provide. My ace sells the stuff but getting service and parts is almost impossible. My farm boss 271 sat at ace for a month and was not repaired when I picked it up. I made a trip to the local stihl small engine shop got me fixed up in four days . The gas and oil cap scenario is a real dirt collector.

@loggerjohn01

Жыл бұрын

Hello, My Stihl dealer is part of the Rental village franchise . When I need my saw fixed they have to send it to other dealer in another town. Unfortunately Stihl seems to be moving into some bigger box stores up here in Canada. You are 100% right about the gas and oil caps. Thanks for watching

Two comments: first, fuel doesn’t last too long because this saw has a small fuel tank which helps with less overall weight; second….if you buy from an exclusive Stihl dealership, they are completely knowledgeable of this saw and explained everything to me and I have 50 yrs experience with chainsaws! Sometimes it floods easily after refueling so don’t choke it!!

@RollingEasy

Жыл бұрын

Keep a tennis ball handy when you're out working..... When you get a hot or a warm flood, put the ball under the trigger and your toe next to it and take a deep breath and do as many pulls as it needs to get it to fire up again.... I won't touch the M Tronic...I don't know how that might control flooding or otherwise? I need to be able to adjust the Carb and do things my way and not have some machine calling the tune for me. And right now I'm hearing John reading out all of that calibration rot........ That's all part of the M Tronic rubbish. I'm looking to get the version without this fancy stuff... Its just NOT needed.

I felled and bucked a 37" doug fir with mine just 2 weeks ago. Muff modded and with a carb retune (non mtronic). This little saw got it done really well keeping power throught the cuts. My dealer won't sell the M-tronic models because of issues. Small shop that works on all small engines.

Gonna pick this one up later in the week. Very excited

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@skycorrigan6511

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I was surprised that not many dealers near me have this saw in stock. I had to contact about 10 in total.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

@@skycorrigan6511 I bought mine in January when they were on sale. They had about 6 at the dealer then. Not sure if they any now.Good luck and take care

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Tell me how it goes!

@norco2

3 жыл бұрын

Same, pretty stoked to upgrade from my little echo!!

Hi, thanks for the review. I have the MS 180 brilliant saw. I went to my local dealership in Ireland to enquire about a bigger saw and was recommended the MS 261. I am currently waiting on delivery of this saw, but my local dealership was not very knowledgeable about these products when I was questioning him. I have 20 + years experience with chainsaws and some questions I asked he couldn’t answer when comparing to other saws. Excellent saws but not the main dealerships.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

You will love it. It really is a great weight to ratio saw. Very powerful, I found it a little hard on gas at first, but I guess it is during the break-in period. One thing is when you start it cold, leave the choke on for a while before running it, for a good warm-up. Going to Ireland is on my bucket list for sure. My ancestors on my Fathers side immigrated from there to Canada. Just waiting for all this covid stuff to settle down. Take care.

I bought a used 260 5 years ago because I figured I would be able to get parts for it well past the plastic one's expiration date. Took it apart, cleaned it up. Not sure how old it is because it has similar style fuel and oil caps to your new one. . So far pretty darn happy with it. I think it has a lot of miles on it. I use it for property maintenance and some firewood needs. I Just use the premix fuel because it has a long shelf life. Thanks for the review of the new one.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for stopping by! Glad to hear about your good luck with your used saw. I'm old school and like the older saws.,not sure when they came out with the new style caps.. Never tried the premixed gas yet , I go through a lot of gas when it's firewood time so it never sits around very long. Take care

I have a 2013 ms261, with air screws, not M-tronic ,totally agree the oil cap is a pain. I spent some time to look at the position the cap comes off. Fuel consumption is fine for me. Just went to Lucas semi-synthetic 2 stroke oil mix @40:1 I use a deep woods OFF spray bomb on my Stihl helmet to keep bugs away. I cut mostly lodgepole pine and some Fir, my season is done also

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hello NewBookz ! Thanks for stopping by, I just wish they would of kept the old caps, Of course Stihl wants you to use their oil for the warranty , never to much bugs for me since I do most of my cutting in the cold weather. Where are you at? I'm in Eastern Ontario Canada . Take care

@NewBookz

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I am in Princeton BC, I can cut 8 cords of beetle killed or wind blown downed trees on government lands with a free permit, I usually do 4 cords, and I heat my small house with wood, use a Fiskars axe for hand splitting. In my youth I lived near Kapuskasing Ont.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in. Fiskars makes great stuff. I have a pole pruner from them

Great review of the saw. Looking forward to your rambles

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hello ! Thanks a lot. Glad you could stop by. Hope all is will

At had the se confusion about calibration the electronic carb. Asked a few people online and they said you only do that if you've changed something in the system. The manual maybe shiudl say soemthing?

Thanks for your review I learned some things. I just bought the same saw yesterday. It was between this one and the Husky 550XP MKII. What sold me was the dealership, price being comparable. I checked out all the local dealers, about 3 Husky and 3 Stihl. When I called on the phone my dealer was willing to talk, even price match and took their time with me in store. In store it was a younger mechanic in his 20s who really knew the saw well. He showed me the calibration method. Thank you for pointing out it’s in the book too as it’s rather involved and I knew I would not remember after 1 demo. I think your fuel consumption is linked to the calibration. If your calibration is off it will effect if your saw runs rich or lean. This saw uses a computer controlled fuel system balancing air to fuel while taking into consideration air and saw temperature and your altitude. It will even compensate as your air filter reduces in capacity as it picks up dust. I believe it adjusts about once per second, 60 Hz or 60 times per minute. I’m at 1100 feet and this could effect me. The mechanic told me that generally the system measures the fuel bang on but if I were to ever notice a fuel issue like bogging etc to redo the calibration step and that should fix my issue assuming the saw is in good order like clean air filters, clean machine in general and good fuel. I look forward to cutting some trees down soon. Take care.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Jason and thanks for watching and commenting . You are so lucky you have a great dealer, They don't seem to know too much about what they sell at mine . I think the saw will be great once I get to use it more. I'm old school and grew up running the old saws and really like them because I could adjust them and play around with them abit . Thanks again for the info ....this weekend I will be starting my firewood season and will be posting woodcutting videos soon. Take care

@g.d.7629

3 жыл бұрын

Say it aint so You got a stihl and they pricematched. Where I live the sstihls have that price you seee is price you pay. Thats BS

@g.d.7629

3 жыл бұрын

I dont think autotune on huskies have a battery but Im probably wrong if a computer is involved!!!!! Its probably hidden in the abbyss

@g.d.7629

3 жыл бұрын

I havent even started a saw in 3 weeks. 85 degrees here.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello G.D. I'm in Canada and we had heavy frost this morning! To be precise , eastern Ontario Canada. I started doing some firewood last weekend, it was a perfect day with cooler temps . Take care

Around here ( southern central Ont) the service @ my 2 local dealers is excellent. I own both Husqvarna and Stihl. Can’t say I prefer one saw over another, they are all good, but overall service is certainly quicker at Stihl if I need parts. Service with Husqvarna is knowledgeable but just slow on parts. Think stihl sells way more saws, hence more dealers. My experience has been good!

@theshapeexists

Жыл бұрын

I'm buying the stihl 261c soon, need a pro saw, buy once cry once type deal. What Husqvarna would be the equivalent pro saw like this particular model?

@bryansteele8210

Жыл бұрын

@@theshapeexists 550xp is the Husqvarna equivalent.

@theshapeexists

Жыл бұрын

@@bryansteele8210 thanks. Any opinions of that saw vs the stihl? Some of the higher end echos seem decent for the price

@bryansteele8210

Жыл бұрын

@@theshapeexists well I haven’t owned or used the 550 so can’t speak from experience but I have a 266 ( 30+yrs old, still runs decent) and a new 572xp. They are both great saws. Esp the 572. Ported by Buxton Saws, and it’s been smoothest saw I’ve ever owned. Have owned 2 previous 261cm’s and had an older ported 026. All good. First gen 261 had some issues, but newer ( last 10 yrs) model seem to have less issues. Working on my 3rd 261. Also not stock, ported. Seems to be best version yet. From Walkers in Nanaimo. It will probably outlast my previous versions of that saw, as they make excellent work saws. Have one arborist friend that owns a 550 and he loves his. Honestly don’t think you will go wrong with either saw. Both light and well designed with great hp for 50cc. Can’t speak for echo as I don’t own any, but anyone I know who owns one, like them. Tough choice eh!

@theshapeexists

Жыл бұрын

@@bryansteele8210 thanks for the info. I tend to go hi end whenever I make a purchase like this so I'm sticking with the 261, but its nice to know others testimonials on topics im just not too knowledgeable about. Thanks again

A complement to my PA John Deere dealer (Little's) they did mention the shutter(Which I knew about). Went over basics , switch and such....Stihl requires that they make sure it runs right before they release it to the customer (Which they did). Calibration is for the C-M model...Price was $549 (MS261 non C-M) It is where I have been going for 50 years...Bought my current SCUT TLB 1026R there in 2012.

Thanks for the review. Didn't know about that winter-summer setting. But, I did read on the Stihl website about a feature on the saw. I just bought mine last weekend. Here is a copy and paste: 361C-M STIHL M-Tronic™ engine management system. With STIHL M-Tronic™, an onboard microprocessor digitally monitors and automatically compensates for changes in your work conditions including elevation, temperature, fuel quality, varying octane levels and dirty air filters. The end result is maximum performance across a wide range of cutting conditions without making any manual adjustments. PS: I had the same issues with my Stihl dealer. Had to show them how to set the choke when they started it. LOL Hope this helps.

I agree caps need some work, biggest issue i have had is the originals fail and fuel leaks, i do think they are convenient. I heard somone mention tank is smaller because I think weight was something they wanted to bragg about so you will run out of fuel sooner. As far as the weather shutter I never ever change it because it runs fine in winter with it in summer mode.

I luv the Cam Lok cover fasteners, an aircraft feature. Captured bar nuts r cool too. Good job Stihl! Good review, thanx.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by. at first I wasn't so sure about the camlok fasteners but kind of like them now. and the bar nuts are great too ,but still hate the fuel caps. Take care

Great review of your new saw... I've got an old Stihl 08S and its needs some TLC to get it back running!!! Cheers!

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hello Glen, Thanks for tuning in! Not sure if I heard of a 08s before,Stihl made a lot of numbers I guess.It must be a smaller saw? Take care

@mudnut59

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 ... Yea it's a smaller saw, but it cut a whole lot of wood in its past....

I really enjoyed your review. I have the same saw and love it. I run a 20" bar and installed the cover saw dog. Before this saw I've always owned Husqvarna, not because I'm a Husqvarna guy but because we didn't have a Stihl dealer in town. I liked the ms261c so much I bought a ms461 and love it too.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. It really is a powerhouse for sure . I think it will take awhile for me to love it.I have a tendency to be old skool.Take care

@HemiOrange

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 well I was replacing a Husqvarna 55 that was a good saw for the last 20 years. I'm not having the fuel consumption problems that you are. I run Aspen fuel and add oil to make it 32:1. I heard they hate pump gas. Mines not stock however, I re-time, drop the base gasket and port them as soon as I get them. I've only had to reset the computer once and that was when I re-worked it and started running my fuel. Great channel, just found it. Try reseting the saw, it will smarten up. Mine really woke up around tank 10.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@HemiOrange Hello again!! Thanks for the tips. Do you void your warranty when you modify it? Not sure what Aspen fuel is? Hope you have some time to check out my other videos . Take care

@HemiOrange

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I have checked out some of your other videos, very good! Definitely look into Aspen! I've been running it for 6 years. Its missing aeromatics in the fuel(very bad), the shelf life is 3-5 years and it doesn't stink like 2 stroke oil. I like running 32:1 in my saws after I mod them but the 50:1 that is standard for Aspen would be good in them stock. I like it because its consistent. I live in western Alberta, I'm sure you could find it in down east as well. As far as cost, I think its around $35 for 5L. I got turned onto it because I was having issues with a Husqvarna 365 Xtorq that turned into a carb problem. So my last 2 saws, I bought the Stihl fuel for warranty. I immediately returned it and got Aspen instead. Warranty is still covered. If they sell Stihl they probably have Aspen. Cabelas in Edmonton even sells it.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@HemiOrange Thanks a lot for the info .Take care

I just got one. I love my sweetheart! She's so smooth and elegant. Made some big difficult cuts. Scary ones to come. My dealer said nothing and didn't even give me a book. I didn't care because I would find good people like you to advise me. Thank you! Don't mind the flies, they are an important food for bats, birds and spiders. Good video!

I'm down in Florida. Stihl dealership is Ace Hardware. Been in there twice and each time they have been all over it. But I've yet to make my purchase. I do agree 110% with you on knowledge of an item thats sold. Thanks for that review

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by. glad you have a good dealer. Our dealer here sucks and now because of covid there is a shortage of saws. Take care

I’m helping one of my family members get this saw . I heard good things about the ms 261 . I’m gonna the ms 362 cm with the full wrap handle cause I’m a Pacific Northwest fella .

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

That's great ! They should like this saw ,once they get it broke in. Take care

Good review. I definitely understand your dealer frustrations. I love my 261c.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks alot for stopping by. I love my 261 too, but my dealers......not so much

nice review. i had my ms261 for 12 years and never had an issue besides gas/oil caps leaking. mine is also hard on gas and i had the same experience when buying my saw here in nova scotia. dealer didnt know about the heat shutter or the calibration and didnt want to take the time to go over the saw with me. my story very similar to yours. overall is has been a great saw...thumbs up !!

I have the exact same saw .....LOVE IT !

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

So far it's been good, took awhile to get used to it . I'm old school and love the old saws and not so much the new fangled stuff. Hope it last as long as my older saws. Time will tell

@6ixtyto6ixty75

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I actually have an old Jonsered 630, that Kevin Mitchell's father used. It's a great saw with lots of balls. I have a 20 in bar on it and use it for most big felling jobs.

@doreenbroska8817

3 жыл бұрын

i ALSO LIKE THE SAW BUT DO NO LIKE THE OIL CAP CLOSING SYSTEM.

@6ixtyto6ixty75

3 жыл бұрын

@@doreenbroska8817 you have to be darn sure you 'flick' it right in before locking the caps eh?

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@doreenbroska8817 Yes they suck.

So True about lack of Customer Srvc throughout, even at d Big Orange store Min wage + Min training = Min Cust Srvc Usually get more detailed & Friendly Cust Srvc frm Amazon Reps🙃

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

So true and thanks for watching

Captive nuts is the term you’re looking for my friend. Been looking at buying this saw. Was going to go bigger at first but I think I’ll start with this one. Have a bunch of huge trees to cut down and cut up to preserve for some future projects. Thanks for the in-depth look at that little beast

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Kevin, Thanks a lot for watching. It's a strong saw for the size of it and handles very well too. The Hydro guys in the area use the 261 model a lot for their line maintenance and they abuse the hell of them ,and they still keep ticking . Thanks again

Great review of the saw. I noticed my MS 261C used more fuel in the " winter mode" with temps freezing or below than in the heat of the summer. Not sure if its an M Tronic thing or if the heat/cold shudder makes the difference but it is noticable.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Brian, after a few years now it is definitely better on gas than when new. I really like it, a great weight-to-power ratio. Thanks for stopping by.

Had the same problem with the oil cap. Love the saw though . It does seem to use gas but that's because it has a tiny tank ( part of its light weight to power benefit) Have 7 Stihls , all for different purposes , from an 066 down to a 192TC . Great saws !

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello there! I love Stihl too. I have 4 right now. I'm old school and love the old stuff. They said the 261 was suppose to be 20% better on fuel then their previous models .....not so sure. Take care

@FoereaperGaming

3 жыл бұрын

I love the amount of run time I get out of this saw. Its usually about 90-100 degrees here with the humidity matching whatever the temp is at the moment. So for me its a god send when the saw dies because I get a chance to get so water in me. As long as the saw is running im working no matter what and that gets me in trouble sometimes hydration wise.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@FoereaperGaming Hello and thanks for stopping in. Wow that's pretty hot! Winter is just around the corner here, we've had lots of frosty mornings here already! Take care

@FoereaperGaming

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Yeah I need to move up north lol. It was 91 yesterday. We will sometimes get down in the 40's or 50's in late December. Are coldest usually comes around Feb.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@FoereaperGaming Whereabouts are you located ? Thanks

The M-tronic system on them saws automatically tunes them and your 2 strokes run way leaner in the winter time so it will automatically Ritchen it up and being brand new it will use more.fuel to mine did

That's a really nice Stihl saw. It's a good size saw too. Wood shed rambling! Sounds fun! Count me in!! lol Looking forward to the Q&A!! Have a good week my friend!!

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hey John, thanks a lot and I hope I can entertain a few folks. LOL. Take care and I hope all is well

I had about the same dealer experience , but I did some research before my purchase , but still there was alot of info like the calibration I didn't know. People that are accustom to a conventional saw need to get some basic info on these.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Allen, Thanks for stopping by. Unfortunately, this seems to be the way now with most dealers. They are a great saw, but it is a good idea to do your homework. take care

I have been lusting for a MS261 for a long time but questionable ease of starting made me nervous about spending that much money.. Sometimes Stihl's are a pain to start and I get discouraged with the brand and their dealers. My baby MS170's were always difficult to start. My baby MS211 gave me fits, wouldn't start, died it when got hot, and wouldn't start again. After 5 trips to two Stihl ELITE dealers, I found that they didn't know squat. One dealer kept on lying to me! I finally found a teenage kid at an Ace Hardware store that knew what he was doing and fixed my saw, Runs perfectly now. So I was inclined to look elsewhere for a bigger saw. Settled on a Echo cs-4910. Half the price of a MS261, EASY to start for this old man, and is a cutting fool. Of course aftermarket bars/chains/etc are limited compared to Stihl, but for myself, I believe I made the best choice.

@drhealthpacbellnet

Жыл бұрын

Bill. The Echo 4910 is great if not just for the gas and oil caps :) Echo does not disclose HP but "feels" about 4HP. The "old fashioned" choke and off/on switch are great actually. The Echo 4910 powerhead is 10.4 lb and the Stihl 261 C-M 10.8 lb. I also have the Stihl MS 250 with 3 HP and 10.1 lb powerhead

Nice video. You are so right about dealers. I wish the companies held them to higher standards since it's their name they are selling. I just bought a new Echo 7310 from sawsuppliers online. Will not deal with dealers anymore. I find with most businesses customer service is a thing of the past - sad but true!

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Kevin. It's sad but true, not much customer service anymore. I have an Echo trimmer that I really like. take care

Hello John, a great video Buddy. You did a very thorough review of the saw. I can appreciate your frustration with the dealership. I hope your saw works well for many years to come. Take care Buddy.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hello Paul..hope all is well! Thanks a lot. The dealership is great at selling you stuff, but maybe not so much at knowing their product. Now I'm might head over and watch another great KZreadr ,debone a turkey.

Been running Stihl’s for 40 years, no problems. Still have everyone of them, three of my saws have the new cap design, have only had one fail, 6.00 fix. Want more power, your fuel consumption goes up. When I decide to buy a new saw, I read there product manual, decide what model I want, call the dealer, tell them to have it ready and I will pick it up. Simple

@loggerjohn01

Жыл бұрын

I love Stihl. I've been running Stihl saws for 94 years, which is kind of crazy since I'm only 51. My dealer is an idiot. Simple. Have a great day.

It’s a great saw, you want talk about thirsty, my Husky 460 runs 2 fills to my Stihl’s 1.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Scott. How big is the 460 . Not familiar with husky's to much. Thanks for stopping in

They are called bar nuts. I just got my 261 the other day they are a beautiful rig arent they!

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

I had the same issue a couple times with my 500i the fuel cap it would tighten down but it wasn't in the threads straight almost like it was cross threading but it wasn't 🤷‍♂️ so I got in the habit of paying more attention just kinda annoying I guess.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

I'm having more trouble with getting my oil cap back on. I always have to make sure it's on properly. The caps are a pain for sure, Take care

My Stihl dealer is great. The saw does adjust slowly to different conditions. But if the weather changes big time you should readjust the saw. The caps work good but alcohol in fuel will mess up the seal over time.

Good job John on review, look forward to Q&A. There is some dealerships that through out customer service around me, I will travel farther to get it, plus knowledgeable about product that I’m interested in. I do not like the caps and yes they will break, also I have noticed with Stihl 2 cycle tools that there is considerable amount of tank pressure build up on there gas tanks after running, a couple of times gas spit in my face. I would call manufacturer on calibration, with the new computer saws I know it is important to correctly set your gas and air settings, which might be some of fuel consumption issues. I also run straight gas no ethanol high octane. Take care good job on video.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hello Mark, Thanks a lot for taking the time to comment. Never had any problems with gas build up yet. Yes I am going to find out about this calibration. I also run high octane too. I hope all is will in your neck of the woods. Cool here ,and snow flurries are coming!!!!! Starting to open up some stores here too. Does your news ever mention whats going on up here in the great white north, or mostly stick to their own country's news? I know our news seems to be fascinated with everything south of the border. Take care

@marksparkplug7758

4 жыл бұрын

LoggerJohn01 not much news about friends up north, I’m a professional at self distancing, I’ve had alot of practice. Lol. Yes they are calling for possible flurries here.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks again!

Good evening John, that is a big tree fall !!! That Stihl MS 261 Pro is an outstanding for sure !!!👍 For the cover, it is like my old husqvarna 266 XP but I did the same deduction at the begging but after like you I get use to it !!! Ho yes !!! the gaz and oil cap could be a pain sometimes during cold weather,,, 🥴I have the same problem than you about the oil cap on my MS 250 but on the old Husqvarna need a pair of pliers in cold weather !!! Yes in deed, a brush is very good idea !!!✌ I use a small steel rod to clean that tight spot around the oil cap. Yes the old cap was better for sure. However you do need your tools when you go in the wood if your are a serious lumberjack !!! Great idea about the line !!! Well about the dealership, it was a poor service after sale,,, I do agree with you ,,, Normaly you should know your stuff that you sales ??? Calibration must be for the altitude that you are living carburetor engine are sensible for that. I wounder if you ask were their is very high mountain range like in BC Stihl dealer ? 🤔 Sorry John, about my writing,,, I like chainsaw and your great video !!! Yes I do agree with you about customer service,,, The Stihl dealer manager close is like a Drill Sergent, but I do make him laugh sometimes. When I bought my leaf blower, the service was good with that drill sergent LOL !!! 🤪 Sorry John about your 3nd take,,, It would be good bloopers 🥴🤪 and can't wait to see you new type video's with your new man cave !!! You should out a small corner wood stove 👍✌ Look for that garden link for victory garden Keep up the good works John !!! and bring some beer too 😂🤣Cheers !!!

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Dave and don't be sorry for your writing. I love all your comments .Right now our dealer is only curbside pick up.But soon I hope they are open full ,I think I will call the factory to find out more about my saw and with any problems. Some people should not be dealing with the public. LOL. Woodstove.....Mmmmmm? Now you give me some ideas, and I wouldn't have to go far to get wood. LOL Take care my friend .

@RCAFpolarexpress

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 LOL Keep up the good works John !!!

@RCAFpolarexpress

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Like on the corner of your Woods shed with a nice pill up of rock behind !!!

@RCAFpolarexpress

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Good evening ! Marie Ange will be a new ( subs 127 ) subs to your channel !!! CHeers !!!👍

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Marie Ange. Take care

Good review Logger John. I have 3 Stihl saws. I have a MS 180, an MS 250, and an MS 390. None are professional saws, but I have been very happy with all three of them. If I were to upgrade to a pro saw, I think after seeing your review, it would be the MS 261. Good job.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for tuning in! I really like my MS 261, so far it has been a great saw.

My saw dealership is in Carleton Place. When I bring either of my two Stihl saws, 261 or 441 in for service, the first they do is remove the chain and sharpen it. Second move is to look at the sprocket. If there are any indications of use they put on a new sprocket. Right there you are on the hook for more then 20 dollars, without your consent. So if you go there, tell them to leave the sprocket and chain alone!

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

They try to take as much money as they can from your pocket. I real worry about these new saws and how long they will last. Once the warranty is up ,they will be expensive to fix . Take care

@johnnellis3025

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Try and buy back the warranty, you paid for it! They will tell you it's included in the price. You can't buy the saw without a warranty, and they don't make good on it half the time.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnnellis3025 Hello John, Thanks for stopping by, your right . Half the time the warranty is not worth the paper it's written on . Take care

I have a echo bug blower and it always work. All my other tools are echo. I don't maintain them but they always work so it is hard to got stilh.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Echo used to be junk,but now they make good stuff.I have a echo trimmer that has been great. Thanks for stopping by

I own a 261 and love it . Grab it more than any other saw i own . Totally agree with ya about the fuel and oil caps . I love the idea of the tool less caps but the design sucks and people have been complaining about them since their introduction with no attempt to fix it . Also like getting gas up your arm or in your face when opening the fuel cap . Don't get me wrong not hating on sthil , their all i own and run . Just feel there are some things that could be better in a high end pro saw . From what i've seen husky's new saws have a better flip top cap with a pressure release before you unscrew the cap.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello dan clas . thanks for stopping by. I love Stihl ,and the 261 too. I only run Stihl also. I was in the local dealership the other day and noticed that some of the smaller saws have the old caps on them.....maybe Stihl is listening . I'm old school and have a love with the older saws, My real beef is with my local dealership and their lack of knowledge of what they sell. Take care

@danclas5983

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Guess i'm lucky . My dealer is top notch in every way . They've won Sthil's top dealer for our region multiple times and know their stuff . All in all the gas caps aren't enough to make me dislike their saws . Love my saws . I feel like the 261 is one of the best pound for pound firewood saws out there .

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@danclas5983 Hello. My dealer is a equipment rental place too, and that's where they make their money, not on saws. They have 2 more of these stores in nearby towns. I was in the other day asking about a gas line for my 026 ,because I wasn't sure what to buy, the man behind the counter said he wasn't a mechanic and didn't know....I said I wasn't a mechanic either and that's why I was there . He shouldn't be behind the counter!!!! He also said that they were 1 month behind fixing stuff. They can't even fix saws at this location , they have to send them to the other shop.......frustrating. Thanks

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

By the way whereabouts are you located? I'm in eastern Ontario Canada. Thanks again

@danclas5983

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 West central Ohio

661 still has the 2 piece cover. I like all good saws, though.

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, I love the old saws the best. take care

What size of bar you got on there?

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello , Thanks for stopping by ,It's a 16 inch.

My dealer here in NB and just bought same saw. I was treated exact same. The dealers are so busy selling these saws it's more about sales then customer service. Seems since it's even worse since this covid crap. Great saw. I found all my help from you tube with femalelumberjack from Denmark. Not from Stihl.

@loggerjohn01

Жыл бұрын

Hey Mark. Thanks for tuning in. I really like the saw too. Female lumberjack has a great channel. for sure.

Such a great review

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hey there! Glad you liked it!

Just bought same saw. Never owned or used one before. Asked for an explanation. I got nothing. But it’s tough with curb side pick up only right now. I’m gonna a need some explanation of this beast. It’s not a cheap purchase.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Kevin, that is a powerful saw for your first saw! Especially when you never used one. The 261 is a pro saw . Any saw can be dangerous ,even the cheap ones. Find someone that has experience to show you or hang out with them for a day of cutting . There are lots of how to stuff on here , but nothing compares to having someone actually show you. I'm 50 and picked up my first saw when I was 14 ,and I still learn new things all the time. DON'T TAKE CHANCES . When in doubt STOP and ask someone. The dealerships only want your money and don't care about your safety. Please invest in good safety gear, there are so many idiots on here using saws that don't have a clue and don't have any safety gear on. Try not to cut alone ( This is from someone that cuts alone. LOL ) and a least tell someone where your going to be and keep a phone on you. Take care and good luck

@kjones2294

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I appreciate your concerns. I have the ultimate respect for any machinery especially saws. I have two friends in forestry (one who owns a major line clearing company) who both recommend this saw. They are planning to give me a full safety and how to use course before I use it. 👍

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@kjones2294 That's great that you have someone to show you. Take care

@jameskeyes1131

3 жыл бұрын

If the dealer won't explain all the features and help you learn about it, DON'T BUY IT THERE. They don't deserve the business. Stihl always says to buy from authorized dealers but maybe they need to check the dealers for quality of service.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@jameskeyes1131 Your right, but the next closest dealer to me is well over an hour away. I've been told they aren't much better, and the one I go to is 10-12 mins away.

I agree, I don't like the fuel and oil caps.

I got my 261 to go with my 440 mag. I also HATE the flip top filler plugs and I carry a can of ether which will wash all the crud out of the caps. As for gas usage it makes 4 horses at 14k r.p.m. That's humming right along and you're going to use gas to make that power. It is what it is unless it's running too rich. Then resetting the carb would help but just don't set it too lean or it'll burn it up. And as far as the fuel cap, I had a Super 45 for YEARS and the plastic would SWELL according to the amount of ethanol in the gas. More ethanol the cap would swell up so you could barely get the cap started. The 261 is a compliment to the 440 mag. I also run Tru-fuel. I'm tired of the pump garbage, even the no-ethanol. I'm also getting a skip chain made for it. Thanks.

@johnnellis3025

3 жыл бұрын

Look on puregas.org They list places in your area that sell non-ethanol gas.Some places list octane #s. The saws need higher octane to run good, they lose octane when you add oil. I buy my non-ethanol gas from a little airport, 100 octane. pricey but way cheaper than tru-fuel. Good luck!

@lewiemcneely9143

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnnellis3025 Tru-fuel is 2 years good open top and 5 year closed. I don't EVEN have to worry about it and the synthetic oil is just fine. And I don't have to hunt an airport to get gas.

@johnnellis3025

3 жыл бұрын

@@lewiemcneely9143 You must have a lot of money, Tru-fuel is about $20 gal. Airplane gas will last longer than Tru-fuel and others. If you need to worry about your fuel expiring, then it sounds like you don't use your saw much.

@lewiemcneely9143

3 жыл бұрын

@@johnnellis3025 Perzactly!

@johnnellis3025

3 жыл бұрын

@@lewiemcneely9143 You must not use you saw much. I go through a gal. of gas on a weekend. That's about $20. of Tru-fuel. Airplane gas lasts 5 years in your closed gas can, and 2 years opened. And way cheaper too. Yes, you have to add oil. Still about $15. a gal. cheaper. Tru-fuel about 93 octane? Airplane gas 100 octane,not that you need it,but it won't hurt. Some gas stations sell non-ethanol gas, again 5 yrs. closed, 2 yrs open. About $17.a gal. cheaper. You don't have to hunt for the airport either! If i used only 1 gal. of gas a year, i would still go to the airport! And it's fun to watch some planes take off and land!

Is this the newest, latest most redesigned version of the Stihl MS 261 CM M-TRONIC? Who's the best shop please, selling this at lower prices near me in New England USA? Thanks 👍🏼

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Therese, I'm sorry but I live in Canada so I can't help you with the best shop, but yes it is the latest model of the 261, Thanks for watching

@Hundert1

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 No problem, thanks for getting back to me and your interest in making informative videos. I found the best place near me in Connecticut USA and now understand about the most recent ms261 cm chainsaw. 👍🏼

Hi the fuel and oil caps are great!! Own every pro saw from Stihl except for the ms881. All caps work fine. How much is too much fuel ????Compare to what ??

@loggerjohn01

Жыл бұрын

Compared to my Ford F150.

@michelleruger9394

Жыл бұрын

That makes sense. FORD= Found On Road Dead. It doesn’t use any gas when it don’t run. Sorry had to put that in there!Great Video!!!!!

@jeffcoulter7181

Жыл бұрын

Agree re fuel caps

Hello from Tenn I use a Stihl 046 Magnum too cut fire wood nice chann

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello! Thanks a lot ,I'm glad you enjoyed my channel . The 046 is a big saw. Take care

How's she goin'? I bought a Stihl brush cutter. I had to bargain hard with the dealer for a deal and I managed to get 2 little bottles of 2 stroke oil is all. Then I went back to see him about if I needed a special tool to grease the brush cutter head gear. He had no idea you even had to grease it. So I guess my dealer was much like yours, not too knowledgeable about their wares. But your saw looks like a good one, aside from the dealer woes and the fuel consumption. A pretty frank review. Nice!!! I'm looking forward to seeing your 'Wood Shed' Talks. We always said what goes on in the wood shed stays in the wood shed, but I guess that's not going to be the case here!!! Take care buddy!!

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

LOL....Hello Mike. Its good to know that there are other incompetent dealers around too. My wood shed has no secrets . LOL. I'll have to find out about this calibration in the off season. Hope all is well down East

Enjoyed your review John. I own some other pro Stihl gear and was really quite keen on one of these or a 550 XP Mk II but was surprised and disappointed when I realised they were both heavier than my trusty 35 year old 50 cc Jonsered 590. I am also frankly tired of feeling like I'm being gouged when I buy stuff at the Stihl jewellery shops. I watched and read a lot of reviews including your fine one and also became more uneasy with annoying things like the flippy craps and uneasy with the m-tronic. In the end after watching and reading plenty of positive reviews I bought a Shindaiwa 501sx (same as Echo CS 510 P). It is also an all magnesium pro saw but significantly lighter than all of them, with all of the upsides but an ordinary carb so no downside electronics and solenoids to cost me time and money down the track. Lovely little saw, very happy with my choice.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for watching. I really like this saw, at first I wasn't so sure. It is likely the best saw I have ever run. It handles so smoothly. I guess time will tell about the m-Tronic. I have a small Shindaiwa( 305) Model. Not a pro one. Not that happy with it. Just seems underpowered and had into the shop 3 times to adjust the carb. It was not running 100 percent. It is what it is, great for small trees and cleaning up around your house. Just looks cheaply made. My wife's uncle has a pro-Shindaiwa that he really likes. I just bought a small Stihl MS 170 model to replace the small Shindaiwa. Haven't even run the new saw yet. LOL, but just looking at it and comparing it to the Shindaiwa, the Stihl just seems so much better made. Take care

@waterbourne9282

2 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Thanks for the reply John, enjoyed listening to you talk about it and glad you are very happy with it. I think my one will serve me well too. Best wishes from NZ.

I love Stihl products, but I’ve found that the people who sell the pro products do not know much about the products. Upgraded my trimmer to a brush cutter, at first they didn’t sell me all the pieces, so I tried to do a job and wasted a lot of time in trying to get the cutter blade on the trimmer without one of the parts. I actually wasn’t able to do that job. Seems like the guys in the back who repair and maintain equipment are the ones who know about the equipment.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Douglas. Thanks a lot for stopping in. Your right , some of them seem clueless sometimes. I ordered a air filter for my 036 saw , they only sent me half the filter.....I'm like what's this? Where's the other half? The person was like....? Take care

@douglasedwards9076

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Just bought a new Stihl saw yesterday (261) and the guy was in such a hurry to get me out of the shop that he almost forgot to give me the manual and tool. The last Stihl saw I bought they did the sane thing. I had to come back in a week to get it. They had the manual (and tool), but they couldn't find it. I only wish I had an alternative to Stihl saws, but I do think they are the best and I have a lot of confidence in them. Their dealers could be a lot better I think.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@douglasedwards9076 Hello , You will like the saw , but make sure you read the manual because there are a few things you need to know . The saw will take awhile to break in so be patience. LOL. I like Stihl too but the service sucks

Most excellent! I'm thinking of getting one and it's nice to know all your likes and dislikes. I'm curious if the dealer is like the guy you worked with.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Steve T, Thanks for watching, I'm not sure if the dealer is like the guy I worked with????????

@stevet8121

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I just hope my dealer knows more about the saw than your dealer. My original comment was confusing, sorry.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevet8121 No Problem, I think most dealers are ok you just have to ask them lots of questions. Some just don't seem to care, just want to sell you something. Take care

I find your oil cap is hard to put on if you over fill.

Sad when I go to the dealer I know more than they do. Asked for a raker gage and he looks like I asked for a muffler bearing lol

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in , sorry I missed your comment. LOL yes your right . Hope all is well.

Just saw your video! Agreed customer service is lacking. My 261 is the manual model so tuning is all on you. Different weather does have very pronounced effects, I have found that I need to pay special attention to this.. a good digital rpm device is an essential tool. Check your saw every time you use it if you have the manual model. I also bought a 462 with the electronic tuning but I can’t seem to make the saw go through it’s self calibration function. I followed the instructions to the letter but as soon as I hit the throttle the choke lever goes to the run position and the saw runs normally, screams to the top. Called the dealer where I bought it and they had no idea what so ever. They did not even seem to know anything about the calibration procedure at all, very sad indeed. I had to email Stihl but no answer and no phone number either to speak with a technical guy about what I am doing wrong or if there is something wrong with the saw. At this point checking the rpm and the plug color is all I can do. I really do like my 261 and after the rings were seated, took a few tanks of fuel, the power is much better, it was disappointing at first, I did open up the exhaust exit hole and removed the spark arrestor screen which gave it even more power. I am running a 25 inch bar with a 3/8ths full chiseled chain and the saw loves it. I only use the saw to buck firewood in my yard and would never take it into the woods without the spark arrestor screen. The oil cap is a pain but by using a brush I am able to clean the area before opening to get the junk out of the gap at the front. Good video! Thanks! :)

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, I'm glad you could tune in. Yes, customer service is pretty much a thing of the past. At first, I was skeptical of the saw, but now I really like it. Lots of power and very user-friendly. Still hate the oil cap! LOL. I really hope you can tune in to more of my videos. Take care

@TheSagerider

2 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I am on board Sir. :)

@gravityloose

Жыл бұрын

@@TheSagerider Hey there, I'm planing to buy Ms 261 as my only allround saw. I have few big trees hardwood 30" diameter, would this saw be capable for felling and bucking those diameter? Others trees are max 13-20" diameter, probably 80% of all land I have. Thnx

@TheSagerider

Жыл бұрын

@@gravityloose Hey Buddy! 30 inch logs/trees are pretty good sized but the big question I have is what species of 30 inch tree? Up here in Montana where I call home it is mostly fir and pine but mostly fir, for hard wood read to the end. Fir is not a very difficult wood to cut and neither is pine unlike oak or other hard wood type species. I would not shirk away from a 30 inch diameter fir tree with my 261 with it’s 25” bar and a fresh 3/8 full chisel chain. I am talking my saw with the modifications to the muffler I did to open it up slightly. Another story if your dealing with oak or other hard wood. My 462 is afraid of nothing but it can get heavy after a while. At 73 years old I get tired easy now so there is that. As I and everyone who owns a 261 says about being light and easy to use is correct it may take a bit longer to go through a larger tree but get through it it will eventually. I think the 261 is maxed out with the 25 inch bar and a 3/8ths chain but it does work very well for the smaller diameter you have as you mentioned. For me mine has only had one issue which was the coil going south and a replacement was cheap and easy to install. Being a principled sort of bloke I could never lie to anyone or misrepresent myself. I am just an old guy who bucks his own firewood because I get satisfaction out of it and some good exorcise. I get the wood the right length for my stove and life is good. I am no expert but just like you most likely I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty and having a good reliable saw that is easy to use and powerful enough makes me very happy. Bottom line is if your dealing with hard woods get the 462 and if your dealing with softer woods get the 261 and you will be happy too.

@gravityloose

Жыл бұрын

@@TheSagerider Thanx, we have black locust, Hornbeam, beech trees.. Those are really hardwood... I'm considering ms 362 also, so will see 😉 stay safe and cheers.

The saw being thirsty isn't an objective issue. There's people who complain about it and people who don't- thats subjective. Its a smaller motor and lighter saw that gets more power than many larger saws- more gas is used. You can't have your cake and eat it too, ya know?

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry but yes it is objective, especially when they advertise the saw as 20% better on gas then their previously models and it turns out is not. Would you call that false advertising ? I don't even like cake , I'm more of a pie man , so I like my pie and I like to eat it too .

@24cupsandcounting

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 I have a mtronic 261 as well and the number one thing that I dislike about the saw is that I too find it to be hard on gas. 40 minutes per tank is the most that I can get out of it.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for watching . I haven't timed mind but mind is less than that even . My big old 036 is better on gas.

@24cupsandcounting

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 the tank is also quite small on our saws, that is also a factor.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Your right they are small.Thanks

Good review New subscriber Cheers

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, take care

My experience with stihl 026 is very good. I bought 2 saws 25 years agoe and they run great.>If I had not fell a tree on one saw it had still be running good as the other does. I bought a new stihl 261c and expected it to be as good as 026. It was not. After tree years of cutting firewood it broke down with crankshaft failure. Stihl told me I was to blame not using the stihl motomix oil, or stihl premix gas. I have allways used shell-oil mixed 2%. New stihl saws are not so good any more and I am not happy with stihl service. No more stihl for me.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for your story. It is sad that they don't make stuff that will last anymore . The stihl 026 was one of the best saws Stihl made. The premix gas is too expensive ,besides I always use premium gas and the motomix oil. It is also sad that they only offer a 2 year warranty when other companies like Echo offer 5 years, where I go the service sucks and unfortunately it is the only Stihl dealer in my area. What company would you go with now? Take care

@Bamse52

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 Hi thanks for answer. I think my next saw is a Huquarna 550xp. Son has one and is very happy with it. As you said. Stihl dont make as good saws as they once did. And when guarantee depends on you must use Stihls own oil it makes me wonder. Are they realy so finetuned that they wont last on other brands oil. Why-?

@lewiemcneely9143

3 жыл бұрын

@@Bamse52 Don't let them pull that on you. I have a pal that's worked on the 026's for years and he says the only thing that went out was the p.t.o bearing. Replaced the bearing and seal and off they went. The regular orange bottle oil is fine. The synthetic slobbers too much for me.

maybe this is the reason it has slightly bigger consumption - not calibrated saw :D Well, I don't know. I'd probably prefer carburated MS260 instead overengineered MS261. IMHO STIHL put this calibrating instruction just to have some leverage during warranty period.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Maybe your right. A lot of new stuff is over engineered . I'm old skool and like the older stuff. Take care

I came here for an MS261 and left with a MS261 C-M. You might want to change the title. I'm thinking of a non C-M because I do not want the long term cost of repairs (even parts alone) for the M-tronics system.

Just got one 2 days ago

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for tuning in , enjoy your new saw. Remember to read your manual, there is stuff in there that the dealership won't tell you,

@tyronebrown3837

3 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 its funny you say that. I'm going call them .. They did not give me a owners manual. I was talking to the dealer and I new more about sthil then the dealer. very sad. Considering my knowledge goes back like 2 months. Love the video

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@tyronebrown3837 Yes it is sad, I was in to my dealer the other day to pick up some oil , The guy was too busy looking at his phone to even have conversation with me .

I'm having starting issues with my 2017 ms 261c. No spark. Dealer says it's the mtronic??? Wtf? Been in their shop for more than a week now...

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for coming by. That's too bad, hope they can fix it, I'm old school and love the old stuff that you can work on yourself. Time will tell if these new saws will last as long as the old ones. Take care

@rofo2107

3 жыл бұрын

hey yes, I heard more ppl have ignition issues on MS261. It has electronic ignition controlled by ECU. And seems it is not as reliable as old fashioned magneto ignition.

@heresmytake2782

3 жыл бұрын

Going on 2 months now...

somehow I knew when he said he had this off about three months this is going to be a 3 months review as stated in the title of the song that says everybody to repeat themselves

This was entertaining to say the least, dealership beware!

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Check out my other videos if you want real entertainment .LOL ( Canada Day special video) Take care and thanks for stopping by

I have the ms261 also. Mine have the carb adjusting screws I noticed yours don't. The calibrating might be for the saw to adjust the carb for the altitude you are in.

Let me start by saying the fuel and oil caps suck. Stating the the saw is thirsty means nothing without a point of reference are going by how long the saw runs on a tank of fuel ok what is the fuel capacity? a saw with a smaller fuel tank is likely going to need refueling sooner than a saw with larger capacity no? Still running a couple of mid 90s 044's and 026's and a 260 pro with new style caps and neighbor asked for saw recommendations so looking new 261 because the 026 is no longer made.

The gal at the Stihl dealership that I buy from is fairly knowledgeable, but that is really rare compared to just about any other place you go. With the exception of the Mennonites as they use just about everything they sell. My beef is with Stihl - not having a MS 261c in stock due to the China Virus. And have been waiting almost 2 months! I may find one else where but these folks have been good to me so I prefer to wait and buy from them. Thanks for the tips as I'm not keen on reading manuals.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello B Daddy, Thanks for watching, It sucks you can't get your saw. I bought mind in January of this year when it was on sale. Good luck

You need to remember your saw has a bigger engine then the old 261 by 25% so it will use more fuel as you are cutting more wood!

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Wayne. your right . But it does advertise that the new 261 is ( I believe ) 20 % Better on fuel than the older models, After running the 261 for almost a year ,it is gotten a lot better on fuel, I guess it just needed some broken in. Thanks

My Stilh don't seem to know much either.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

It's too bad but true now a days. Take care

I've had my ms310 for more than 10 years and the caps have held up fine on it and my ms441cm. The mtronic setup is good,but your dealer sounds aweful. Mine here in West Virginia (Meade Tractor) is very helpful,knowledgeable, keep a good supply of parts in stock. If they dont have what you need,theyll tryin find it in stock at other local dealers. The mtronic in my 441 constantly adjusts the carb and timing to temperature, altitude, whether or not your filters are dirty. Its different, but in a good way. I'd recently bought a non running husqvarna 550xp that needs rebuilt to replace my old dolmar/makita 111i that I cant find parts for any more. I'm sorting out some other problems on the husqvarna and it should be done. It's their equivalent of your ms261cm. I really think I'll sell it and my ms310 and buy me an ms261cm. The husqvarna just feels flimsy and parts for it are kinda pricey.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Hello and thanks for the information. My gas cap is fine, but my oil cap gives me trouble sometimes, apparently, other people have trouble too. But I did undo the little strap that keeps the cap from being lost and it seems to have helped. I never ran a husky before but people like them and swear by them, just like Stihl owners. It's kind of sad that it's getting hard to get parts for the older machines. You'll like the MS 261 with, great power to weight ratio. Take care

One thing that happened to customer service is big business owns your country, they've bought your politics and now don't have to worry about the consumer complaints.

I was just recently told my wife how bad this younger generation is at Customer service.. It is absolutely brutal in Calgary. Everywhere I go, the kids point the direction to go to find item you are looking for and go back to their phone..

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello there! The sad part is that these were older people I was dealing with. There used to be a young guy that worked there that was very good ,but he has moved on to another job. Take care

John I think the only time you have to re calculate the saw, is when you change something. For example a lot of people modify the muffler by cutting more wholes on the side. There are no adjustment on carb. So you run it on choke for a minute or so shut it off and it will adjust itself to the changes.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello John and thanks for the info, good to know! Take care

I’ve been using the bayonet type fuel and oil caps on multiple Stihl saws for the past 30 years and have had no issues. This is not a new a new innovation, but reviewers are still talking about it 30 years out. Treaded caps vibrant lose and then you have lost your fuel or have bar lube down your leg. Time to get over it. Stihl are not going to change back to trended caps!

@loggerjohn01

Жыл бұрын

If your treaded caps vibrate lose you have some serious issues with your saw. I have never had one come lose in the 40 years of cutting. The new caps suck and I have many people telling me the same thing. They can be a pain getting back on but that's not the issue for me rather they are big dirt collectors and are hard to keep the dirt out of there compared to the old tread-type ones. They are nothing but some stupid brainwave from an engineer at Stihl. Stihl claims that you don't need your wrench to take the caps off but yet you need your wrench to get at your air filter. Doesn't make any sense. People can't leave anything alone. If it is not broken then leave it alone. As far as Stihl not going back then I wonder why some of the new saws coming out at my local dealer have the old caps on them? Mmmm! Is it because they are having so many complaints. There are after-market companies offering the old caps too.

WOW dude.

It would be nice if there was an aftermarket for those gascaps and oilcaps. Cause, they suck.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

You got that right, I heard there were ones you could get. I couldn't find any online. Thanks

Can the MS 261 CM take a full wrap handle ? Do they make this for the 261 ? Can you fit a 25" Light weight bar on this saw? Must that bar be for a 3/8" chain ?

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

All good questions, not sure about the wrap-around handle, but I can't see why a light bar wouldn't work. Thanks for watching

@centermass3454

2 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 The Stihl Dealer told me yesterday that the MS 261 is a .325 chain and that size chain is not available in a 25" light weight bar. is This correct ?

@bryansteele8210

Жыл бұрын

Hey just a bit late to the conversation ( like a year) but yes you can run a 20 or 25” es light bar on the 261. Just need to swap out your .325 pitch sprocket for the 3/8’s. And run 33rs rather than 23rs chain. I’m on my 3rd 261, and yes they are a good saw. Not sure I would run a 25” if the saw is stock but to each their own😉. Personally I think ideal setup is short bar (16-18”), 8 pin sprocket and 325 chain. Just my preference. Glad you like the saw.

@centermass3454

Жыл бұрын

@@bryansteele8210 I ended up getting a saw this week. MS 400C it came with a 20" bar. I have a LW 28" and half skip chain on order. I wanted the 25" bar but could not find a saw with one a dead to wait 4 months just to get the one with a 20" bar. I will be ordering the full mod kit from West Coast Saw next week.

Ramble away!

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

I sure will! Thanks!

I'm with you I'm not a fan of those new style caps

@loggerjohn01

4 жыл бұрын

Hello Pyro Dude, I wish they would switch back. Hope all is well. Up here In the great white north the goverment is trying to take our guns away. Might be a fight they say....stay tuned.

@thepyrodude

4 жыл бұрын

@@loggerjohn01 indeed we southerners have been watching that gun situation there terrible

460 Rancher is 60cc, it’s a nice saw but, not a pro-series like your 261

The caps are designed to fail after about a year if you’re lucky. Then you have to go to the dealer to get OEM caps. Don’t even bother with the Chinese caps.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Andy, thanks for commenting. I asked about OEM caps and the dealer didn't seem to know about them.

@glennllewellyn7369

3 ай бұрын

Rubbish.

They’ve got a lawsuit on the caps going on right now too lol

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

What's the lawsuit for?

@kingkevstr

3 жыл бұрын

Firefighters have gotten burned from fuel spraying out when opening the caps while fighting forest fires.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@kingkevstr ouch....that would be bad

Try getting Echo to actually talk to you about your 5 year warranty. Their customer service is not the greatest.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Mark, I have a echo weed trimmer , Fortunately my dealer for it has been excellent since I owned it ,( about 8 years). I also own a Shadawa chainsaw (Echo) I bought from another dealer, same thing excellent service there too. Both of them have stood behind the warranty . Of course there is always the small print that nobody reads......On the other hand my local Stihl dealer not as good, and some people that work there don't have a clue. Thanks for watching

@douglasedwards9076

3 жыл бұрын

I guess it's one thing to have a warrantee on paper, another to get some action on it.

The saw needs recalibration if the battery is replaced, otherwise don't worry about it.

@eddiesouthgate6654

3 жыл бұрын

Have you got anymore of that shit your smoking ?

Sounds to me like you have a shitty dealer. I think I'd have checked on them before the purchase, especially the service department. Don't trust anyone. These idiots don't deserve any more of your money.

@g.d.7629

3 жыл бұрын

Stihl has a bunch of those!!! Shitty dealers. Thats why I dont have one.

@g.d.7629

3 жыл бұрын

Husqvarna not much better!

The store didn't teach you to use a "professional saw". How dare they....

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Imagine that...... I didn't need to be taught how to run the saw. I picked up my first saw when I was 13, and now I'm 50. But it would of been nice if they went over a few of the features of the new saw.

@tractorbasil5713

2 жыл бұрын

600 dollars and misinformed about modern features of a next generation saw.... I'd be furious.

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

@@tractorbasil5713 Thanks and it was closer to 800 with tax

i get it the stihl guys are a bunch of weirdos but ur wining a ton for a guy that never opened the owners manual

@loggerjohn01

Жыл бұрын

Make like the birds do and flock off!

It doesn’t matter where you buy anything these days they’re not helpful or knowledgeable. It’s sad when you go into a store and know more about the product then they do.

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Taylor , thanks for stopping by. Sorry for the late reply. Your right ,they just want to sell you something and go home. Take care

@MrWkendwarrior

3 жыл бұрын

LoggerJohn01 I disagree....my Stihl dealer...also my tractor Toro/Wheel Horse/Simplicity....I have patronized for 32 years...after first 10 years they sold the business....but after establishing a trust...the front desk people have actual experience with the products they sell, my skill set, what I need, know I want models that are PRO grade level...for heavy homeowner use that will last. Sure...many of their customers like me or pros have extensive Stihl knowledge, but we can have questions answers without the deer in the headlights responses! We share breadth of knowledge respectfully. They will search for OEM parts at lowest costs. Problem the last 8 years is turnover of the mechanics! Quality of repair work for chainsaws is still there. My Stihl 028 I have had for 30+ yrs...wanna get the 361 saw...more power and light weight....love the MS170 when I get arm weary or small projects.

@snuffdipper6611

3 жыл бұрын

Same thing I’ve noticed. My stihl dealer doesn’t know anything about saws. Just sells them

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

@@snuffdipper6611 Hi there Snuff, Mine sure doesn't that's for sure. take care

Logger???

@loggerjohn01

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!!!!!!!!!!

Martin car gas

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

I use only Big J's bean gas in all my engines.

The people that work in the store are just employees with minimum training and potentially very little experience with what they sell

@loggerjohn01

3 жыл бұрын

Yes and also low wages too doesn't help, and some just don't care.

Hey, all this talk about bad service and poor dealers may be your lack. You don't ask a bad plumber or bad surgeon to do a job . Ask. We have a super dealer here, Ellsworth Chainsaw in Ellsworth, Maine. Knows his products ( Stihl and Husq ), doesn't push sales, always offers DIY help and advice. Once recovering from a rotator cuff fall since I couldn't pull my saws hard enough, he told me that I was "weak"; he was correct. Stop whining about bad/poor service and do some due diligence; ask around, question, investigate. I asked my orthopod before both hip replacements: "What's your hit ratio?"