MS261 is 4.0 bhp, 10.8 lbs, $560
MS271 is 3.74 bhp, 12.3 lbs, Farm Boss, $409
1.5 lbs is a lot of weight if used all day. The side chain adjustors on a Stihl larger saws is nice to not loosen the bar to adjust.
Saw recommendations(went with stihl)
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MS271 is 3.74 bhp, 12.3 lbs, Farm Boss, $409
1.5 lbs is a lot of weight if used all day. The side chain adjustors on a Stihl larger saws is nice to not loosen the bar to adjust.
Yes, I absolutely always set the chain brake before starting any of my saws. Haven’t burned up any clutches yet.
I view it as common sense.
I had a guy work for me for a short while that once put a chainsaw through his leg (prior to working for me). He didn’t set the brake….
Slacker
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I also set chain break before pulling.
It doesn't hurt a thing far as I see.
Having owned a 290 farm boss for many years and using it alot I much prefer the 026/260/261s or 361/362 pro saws. Power to weight ratio and anti vibe is hands down much better than the farm boss line. 461 size is great saw but unless your using a 24” or longer bar buried or felling trees daily its probably over kill in wood around here or your needs but they are fun to run.
12” and smaller wood 261 be my recommendation with 18”-20” bar makes a great limbing and bucking saw. If wood is commonly 20” or so I would look to 362 ir bigger.
12” and smaller wood 261 be my recommendation with 18”-20” bar makes a great limbing and bucking saw. If wood is commonly 20” or so I would look to 362 ir bigger.
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I also have a 361 and like it almost as much as my 461.
Personally I prefer more power in a saw (up to the point where the weight becomes problematic). I would not want to use less than a 361 for doing a lot of hardwood sawing. It's just so much faster with an aggressive chain.
Trevillian
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A few years ago I was asking about a general use saw. Settled on a farm boss (271?, proof of how much I know I suppose).
It is absolutely perfect for my firewood needs. I'm not a constant user. But a Lowes saw would not have a long life I know.
If I was cutting as much as you say. I'd go the 261 or whatever that size Stihl pro model is. Just for the increased power, lightness, etc. I came close to pulling the trigger myself but knew I wasn't going to use it that much.
But for me now, a few years after my first purchase...
My boss keeps a little Stihl 170 in his tool box. (The shop has a rack full of abused 100-300 series stuff that I avoid)
If he lets me sharpen it. It is my favorite saw of all. So much lighter than my farm boss. No it doesn't have the power for repeated bigger cuts, but. Other than sawing up hardwood rounds for firewood. It has plenty of power, is easy to carry around and is just super handy.
I need to get my old 011 climber saw cleaned up and running again. For the sole purpose of getting someone to trade me for a newish 170😁
It is absolutely perfect for my firewood needs. I'm not a constant user. But a Lowes saw would not have a long life I know.
If I was cutting as much as you say. I'd go the 261 or whatever that size Stihl pro model is. Just for the increased power, lightness, etc. I came close to pulling the trigger myself but knew I wasn't going to use it that much.
But for me now, a few years after my first purchase...
My boss keeps a little Stihl 170 in his tool box. (The shop has a rack full of abused 100-300 series stuff that I avoid)
If he lets me sharpen it. It is my favorite saw of all. So much lighter than my farm boss. No it doesn't have the power for repeated bigger cuts, but. Other than sawing up hardwood rounds for firewood. It has plenty of power, is easy to carry around and is just super handy.
I need to get my old 011 climber saw cleaned up and running again. For the sole purpose of getting someone to trade me for a newish 170😁
I wish threads like these didn’t come up. I went looking for a bigger saw to replace the stolen 30 plus year old McCullough. I got a surprise on shortages again. 3 places had no Stihl 261, 271, or 361/362. I’d love to find a 361 as it doesn’t have the EPA crap technology required now. Anyone runs across a 361 in western NC hit me with a PM.
James River there in Newton usually has alot. If not they are getting shipments quite regularly.
And prices shouldn't vary much dealer to dealer.
My favorite saw has no chain brake. 🤓
I feel like I’m stealing the thread. I went to James River this morning and yet another lack of product on what I needed. So I ordered a MS391 with a 20” bar because it also came with the more aggressive RS3 chain. 18” bar was not at any of their stores. They asked me not to pay for it until I felt the weight which is a massive 13.6 lbs. Plenty of saws in smaller sizes but scarce in more powerful stuff. The good- less of the BS emission and no electronic computer. Wish I could have found a plain MS261 at 10.5 lbs and 4.0 bhp but everybody had the 261C-M.
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I used to work on a lot of small engines and I am slowly switching everything to Echo. I’m slowly getting rid of my Stihls and switching.
RedneckFur
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I've been using Sthil saws for years. First an 026, and an 048 magnum that replaced it. For firewood, bucking, and most chores, I'd go with the 260 or 360 every day. (modern day version of the 026 and 036). 44's and 48's are a beast of a saw, and honestly overkill for most saw jobs. Your back will thank you.
I find Sthil a little easier to work on than a husquvarna, but I've had good luck with both.
Recently saw a Sthil vendor demonstrate their line of battery powered saws. When it comes time for a new saw to use at home, that's what I'm planning to get.
I find Sthil a little easier to work on than a husquvarna, but I've had good luck with both.
Recently saw a Sthil vendor demonstrate their line of battery powered saws. When it comes time for a new saw to use at home, that's what I'm planning to get.
OP
A member offered up a lightly used older (pre epa bs) stihl O29, it fits the need for the “small” saw and at 54.1cc/3.7hp. It runs strong, saws like a champ and can fit up to a 20”bar. This also buys me time for a much bigger felling saw, got to use it this week and it did a great job. It takes different chains then what I have, so I’m going to pick up a couple full chisel and semi chisel chains this weekend. But for all those that said stihl, your voices were heard
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I replaced a 14 yr old 88 cc pro Husky saw (can’t recall the model) when the flywheel stated spitting fins. Replacement was hard to get and was going to be $500. I told them I’d never buy a Husky again and to go find Brandon.
Replacement was a Stihl 362 that’s been going strong and working it’s ass off for a solid 10 plus years maybe more. It’s still on the same spark plug I think. It’s had a mix of regular and non e fuel but I use either premix stihl or stihl synthetic oil.
Replacement was a Stihl 362 that’s been going strong and working it’s ass off for a solid 10 plus years maybe more. It’s still on the same spark plug I think. It’s had a mix of regular and non e fuel but I use either premix stihl or stihl synthetic oil.
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That being said I’m a stihl fan now. Backpack blower rocks. When my going strong Echo string trimmer dies I’m getting a stihl or red max
Buying a saw, I highly recommend a stihl professional grade saw. Buy once and cry once. Then never worry about it for a decade or more.
Buying a saw, I highly recommend a stihl professional grade saw. Buy once and cry once. Then never worry about it for a decade or more.
A Stihl farm boss saw will last a long time cutting 2-4 cords.a year.
Use ethanol free gas, just get 1.gallon at a time to keep it fresh, and at the end of the season, empty the gas a put some true fuel or stihl moto mix in the tank. Necessary or not.....i add a few extra drops of 2 cycle oil per gallon of fuel. Peace of mind???
Keep the chain sharp, and dont run the saw faster than necessary. Running the saw.too fast just dulls the chain faster. There is a sound and feel to when the saw.is cutting good. A sharp chain makes chips, not a.fine powder. Flip the bar over every so often so it wears evenly.
I am a firm believer in having 2 saws, one for felling and bucking large stuff, and a smaller saw for limbing and smaller stuff.
Use ethanol free gas, just get 1.gallon at a time to keep it fresh, and at the end of the season, empty the gas a put some true fuel or stihl moto mix in the tank. Necessary or not.....i add a few extra drops of 2 cycle oil per gallon of fuel. Peace of mind???
Keep the chain sharp, and dont run the saw faster than necessary. Running the saw.too fast just dulls the chain faster. There is a sound and feel to when the saw.is cutting good. A sharp chain makes chips, not a.fine powder. Flip the bar over every so often so it wears evenly.
I am a firm believer in having 2 saws, one for felling and bucking large stuff, and a smaller saw for limbing and smaller stuff.
Aardvark
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Good advice about storing with Stihl Motomix at end of season. Don't want to store them dry. Also, chain sharpening with just the correct round file is easier than many people think it is, so there's no need ever for dull chains. Better to keep three or four chainsaws though. SHTF you'll be able to trade one of them for a few goats, some chickens, maybe a masseuse.
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Awesome. You got a great saw without the low emmissions crap as you stated. My farmer friend has had his 029 about a decade and I highly doubt he has done one bit of preventative maintenance. Still runs like new.
Paid for my Stihl saw last week before going to Kansas. It was not in yet as promised and I asked for a six pa k of Stihl mix but he didn’t put it on the same ticket. Went to pick it up today and asked them to make sure it was registered and the guy tells me because he didn’t put it on the ticket last week I only get one year instead of two.
So I paid for the six pack and asked them to fix it. First dude says not possible even though I picked it up today. Got pissed, ask for my money back then a miracle happened and they can do it. Screw Newton James River. Worse location in their network. Dumbass bumpkins.
So I paid for the six pack and asked them to fix it. First dude says not possible even though I picked it up today. Got pissed, ask for my money back then a miracle happened and they can do it. Screw Newton James River. Worse location in their network. Dumbass bumpkins.
The old guy or the younger guy? The old guy is a dumbass
Well I was working with the older guy then today I just go in and younger guy gives me the no can do buddy. Then he hands me off to the older guy for him to fix. Then starts telling the older guy it’s not possible unless blah blah blah. So I told him if he didn’t want to help the first time let him handle it please.
Personally if Hickory Home and Garden could get their paws on one I would continue with them. Their parts prices are much lower and service department is better than most.
This saw is pretty heavy. Hope I use it enough to justify $693.
The young guys last day is today. I doubt he cared what happened.
I was in There to get some lift arm adapters and he was just standing there all dumb and stuff
Update:
Got a voice message today and called back. It was a Statesville number but could have come from Newton. Mike at James River apologized for the experience. Said he heard about it (maybe here or from the girl at a desk). When companies take the time to call you and apologize that means something to me. Most wouldn’t even bother. Here’s a salute to Mike.
Got a voice message today and called back. It was a Statesville number but could have come from Newton. Mike at James River apologized for the experience. Said he heard about it (maybe here or from the girl at a desk). When companies take the time to call you and apologize that means something to me. Most wouldn’t even bother. Here’s a salute to Mike.