242xp vs 550xp

[Landmark]

Thats the thing with a lot of current machines…we get used to something and its not until we try out a up to date saw that you see what the differences are yourself. Nothing like a bit of "First hand" experience rather than reading some review or comparison survey.
I like to take things on there own merit and often like saws that other don't…Vive La Difference

You are exactly right. We never know anything better is out there until we run a different saw once in a while. Then again i would have never wanted a 550 if i had not ran one last week. Now i am going to go back by the dealer and see if its still there. Ha

 

[Tor R]

You are exactly right. We never know anything better is out there until we run a different saw once in a while. Then again i would have never wanted a 550 if i had not ran one last week. Now i am going to go back by the dealer and see if its still there. Ha

you wont regret getting an 550 or 2253.
Some people doubt in this autotune system, I bought my 2253 the first day it was released, it has worked flawless, absolutly no issues.
In Southern Norway spring time we can experience 3 season weather in just one working day, you actually have to carry with you one screwdriver to adjust carbs in those weather changes, my 2253 doesnt care about those things, it's starting and work no mather weather!

 

[KenJax Tree]

I get years out of saws, and I'm sure this one will be the same. It hasn't even worn out its second bar yet!!!!

Well after you told me the cylinder just fell off, i wasn't sure[emoji1]

 

[Landmark]

so just curious, how does ms261c compare to the 550xp. I've never ran a 261

 

[Tor R]

so just curious, how does ms261c compare to the 550xp. I've never ran a 261

I felt 261C had a tad more torque compared to 2153 and 2253, but lacked throttle respons and handling, kinda felt it was one class bigger in size.
That said, I dont know if they changed body shape and handling on MS261 mk II

 

[Ktoom]

I felt 261C had a tad more torque compared to 2153 and 2253, but lacked throttle respons and handling, kinda felt it was one class bigger in size.
That said, I dont know if they changed body shape and handling on MS261 mk II

I agree 100%. Been cutting with a 550xp for almost 2 months strait at work. Since we havent gotten much snow this winter, we've been cutting tree's and over growth along the interstates. This past week ive also been cutting some tree's on my property. I decided to bust out my masterminded 261cm to do some bucking and limbing. In big wood, the 261 felt strong, but when im limbing i notice the lack of higher rpm and i notice the saws girth compared to running my 550xp at work. Dont get me wrong, my 261 is still a ripper, is very smooth and has better air filtration.

 

[Termitebuffet]

so just curious, how does ms261c compare to the 550xp. I've never ran a 261

My 550 will smoke my 261c, both stock except Muffler Mod
I ain't timed them though

 

[Termitebuffet]

I felt 261C had a tad more torque compared to 2153 and 2253, but lacked throttle respons and handling, kinda felt it was one class bigger in size.
That said, I dont know if they changed body shape and handling on MS261 mk II

The 261 does feel big for 50cc

 

[CR888]

I felt 261C had a tad more torque compared to 2153 and 2253, but lacked throttle respons and handling, kinda felt it was one class bigger in size.
That said, I dont know if they changed body shape and handling on MS261 mk II

Well said! I like my ms261's however the 550xp is smaller with much better throttle response and more nimble. The only real thing the 261 has over a 550 is better air filter and factory dual dawg option. Master control is better on 550 too, I like being able to just pull the starter on hot restarts.

 

[wigglesworth]

The 242 is a fast saw in small wood........Put it in more the 4" wod and the rpms drop way down.

I've not found that to be the case at all....

 

[Locust Cutter]

I'd say that was doing JUST fine... LOL

 

[Locust Cutter]

Hmmm, I may know where a 242 is...

 

[dbittle]

Hmmm, I may know where a 242 is...

I know where one is too....

 

[wigglesworth]

Hmmm, I may know where a 242 is...

I know where one is too....

Either of y'all know where a nos piston for one is? Lol

 

[dbittle]

Either of y'all know where a nos piston for one is? Lol

Now that I can't help you with. Are the Meteors still available?

 

[Locust Cutter]

Either of y'all know where a nos piston for one is? Lol

Ony in the saw that I *may* have a line on but it would likely stay complete to be modded, unless a different barter/drug deal could be made. I'll see what I can do.

 

[rburg]

I like those square trees you have in Kentucky.

 

[Tor R]

Now that I can't help you with. Are the Meteors still available?

I dont think the meteor 242 pistons are true 242 piston, they look for me to be 42/42 special piston.
Hopefully other people then me send them question about 242 piston.......

 

[wigglesworth]

Ony in the saw that I *may* have a line on but it would likely stay complete to be modded, unless a different barter/drug deal could be made. I'll see what I can do.

I got stuffs... Jus so you's knows...

 

[dbittle]

Bumping a slightly dated thread to report on a modification success....
I filed .011" off the flywheel key on my 242xp and got a chance to run it last weekend in oak, hickory and pine. It pulled hard and my brother in law commented that it had more torque than the other similarly sized saws that he used.