husqvarna 550xp vs Stihl ms 261

[skip sail]

Was bragging about my Stihl 241 the other day to a young arborist,and mentioned that I would like to try a 261. He said that he had owned one,and that his Husky 550xp left it for dead. I know nothing about the 550,and would be interested in others opinions?

 

[Khntr85]

I debated these just awhile back, both have fans.....

I decided that the 024, 026, and the dreaded ms250 will work for my small saws for now...

Good luck and looking forward to which one you get..

 

[CapitaineHaddoc]

Both are great saws IMHO, really strong for 50cc saws, but the 550 is lighter and more compact.

 

[mdavlee]

550 is more nimble. 261 feels better to buck 20" wood

 

[Khntr85]

Oh I forgot, I did have a buddy of mine bring by a 550, I only got to hold it as it never had gas in it and he was selling it......I must say it felt good/ light in my hands....if I could find one to run locally, it may have been the one I chose to get....

 

[Cobby08]

This seems like the new "oil debate" thread.

 

[Willard]

I'm on the fence right now too at the moment .
I got a good sized cottage lot clearing job this weekend and need another small brushing saw.
Already have a NE 346 and a 550XP but looking at either a MS241CM ot the NE MS261C.
Not sure if there is a NE 241 available designed like the latest 261. Just to make note the new design is based on the series that the MS462C is based on.

Now the reason I want the 241 or 261 is I can order it with and readily buy the 63PS chisel Picco b/c and rim sprocket setup for the saws .
Hete in Canada you can order either saw with the 63PS . What Stihl Canada calls the "MS 261 Tuning Kit."

 

[Willard]

So to add to my last post does anyone know if the MS241C has been upgraded to the new design with the new reinforced sprocket cover and sloped backed cylinder fins?
Thanks
HolmenTree.

 

[Adirondackstihl]

So to add to my last post does anyone know if the MS241C has been upgraded to the new design with the new reinforced sprocket cover and sloped backed cylinder fins?
Thanks
HolmenTree.

Is this the HolmenTree fella from Forestry Forum?

 

[Cobby08]

It's hard for me to justify the 241 for me. At $539.95 retail, its 12lbs with an 18" 3/8P setup with now fuel or oil. The 261 Type II is 13.7lbs with a .325 setup 18" and retails for $569.95. So for 1.7lbs and $30 you get an extra .9hp. As far as the weight goes, I can't tell the difference as the balance seems nicer on the 261 for my liking. Just my .02

 

[Cobby08]

As of right now I don't see any changes to the 241, still has the poly chain and recoil.

 

[Khntr85]

So to add to my last post does anyone know if the MS241C has been upgraded to the new design with the new reinforced sprocket cover and sloped backed cylinder fins?
Thanks
HolmenTree.

 

[Khntr85]

I'm on the fence right now too at the moment .
I got a good sized cottage lot clearing job this weekend and need another small brushing saw.
Already have a NE 346 and a 550XP but looking at either a MS241CM ot the NE MS261C.
Not sure if there is a NE 241 available designed like the latest 261. Just to make note the new design is based on the series that the MS462C is based on.

Now the reason I want the 241 or 261 is I can order it with and readily buy the 63PS chisel Picco b/c and rim sprocket setup for the saws .
Hete in Canada you can order either saw with the 63PS . What Stihl Canada calls the "MS 261 Performance Kit."

How do you like the 550....how does the 550 match up against the 346??

 

[Cobby08]

And just to "level" the playing field a little more, a 241 sporting a .325 setup 18" is 12.2lbs

 

[Keith Gandy]

Ported 346xp with 357 mods, 2152 with the same, 2153 , 550xp are all very good runners

 

[Willard]

Thanks guys for your responses
Yes I'm HolmenTree from F.Forum

My NE 346 with a extra muffler outlet is strong but I like my out of the box 550XP alot better. Auto Tune with Rev Boost makes very quick spool up and always at WOT with the best sweet spot, no matter what outdoor temperature or age of fuel. Never had a problem with it yet, same with my 562.
550 ergonomics is alot better too.

So I just went to my dealer and ordered a MS261CM, guaranteed latest off the assembly line of the 200 they have in the warehouse in the city. Will have it in 2 days.
The dealer had a 241 on the shelf since 2015 on clearout but I'm not interested and like you showed khntr85 the 241 still has no upgrades.

I tried to order the 261 with the 63PS b/c but it only comes with the .325 23RS. To upgrade to the 63PS I would have to order the 261 63PS Tuning Kit (3 loops of 16" 63PS, 1 Picco rim and 16" bar) as an accessory. I already have the kit.

 

[Redfin]

550 is more nimble. 261 feels better to buck 20" wood

Nailed it.

 

[Keith Gandy]

Ported 241c with strato gutted with a 16" which is almost 18" Cannon Supermini in C1 mount with a PS sprocket and chain is a heck of a lil beast

 

[Willard]

Nailed it.

Yes but is that the new MS261 II. I heard it's a whole new animal than the old edition.

 

[Willard]

Ported 241c with strato gutted with a 16" which is almost 18" Cannon Supermini in C1 mount with a PS sprocket and chain is a heck of a lil beast

Yeah but I need a saw that will go hard 8 hours a day 5 days a week.
Here's a full pic of the MS261 63PS Tuning Kit.