550 XP Mark II or MS 261

[jcarlberg]

The shop
Owner said to do the reset, they never cease to amaze me…saws prob fine but these people selling saws are something else

I shoulda not listened to a word, and tossed the manual to boot. Double-checking the manual; somewhere early on it says don't run WOT during break-in (first three tanks). Kinda buried on page 30 of the manual. But in the safety instructions it seems to suggest run WOT. And so a new owner like me listens to the dude, reads page 34 which says (like most of you) the saw automatically adapts, but also hey if you want it to do so faster, calibrate it. Look forward to getting it into some wood right away; tons of oak and ash to fell & buck.

 

[Entisol]

I shoulda not listened to a word, and tossed the manual to boot. Double-checking the manual; somewhere early on it says don't run WOT during break-in (first three tanks). Kinda buried on page 30 of the manual. But in the safety instructions it seems to suggest run WOT. And so a new owner like me listens to the dude, reads page 34 which says (like most of you) the saw automatically adapts, but also hey if you want it to do so faster, calibrate it. Look forward to getting it into some wood right away; tons of oak and ash to fell & buck.

I wouldn’t worry about the reset. Probably not necessary for your new saw, but also not the end of the world if you did it. Just avoid UNLOADED WOT during break in. You can go full throttle when you’re in the wood. Have fun with your new saw!

 

[jcarlberg]

I wouldn’t worry about the reset. Probably not necessary for your new saw, but also not the end of the world if you did it. Just avoid UNLOADED WOT during break in. You can go full throttle when you’re in the wood. Have fun with your new saw!

Thank you I will run it that way. Makes sense.

 

[Khntr85]

I shoulda not listened to a word, and tossed the manual to boot. Double-checking the manual; somewhere early on it says don't run WOT during break-in (first three tanks). Kinda buried on page 30 of the manual. But in the safety instructions it seems to suggest run WOT. And so a new owner like me listens to the dude, reads page 34 which says (like most of you) the saw automatically adapts, but also hey if you want it to do so faster, calibrate it. Look forward to getting it into some wood right away; tons of oak and ash to fell & buck.

Ya let her eat, I think you like it a lot!!!!

Yes WOT in the wood (or under load as stihl puts it)….

 

[tps3443]

Picked 'er up today. Here's a few pics! About to run through the M-Tronic calibration.View attachment 414588View attachment 414589View attachment 414590

Pretty interesting that your Stihl 261 Mtronic is made in Germany. I just bought a Stihl 261 myself, however it is a Stihl 261 Non-Mtronic made in USA on 11/2023.

 

[jcarlberg]

Pretty interesting that your Stihl 261 Mtronic is made in Germany. I just bought a Stihl 261 myself, however it is a Stihl 261 Non-Mtronic made in USA on 11/2023.

Might be that I got mine in Canada?

 

[Wood Doctor]

Seems like a short bar for that saw. I guess we have to cut bigger trees in Nebraska. Most tree service companies here mount a 20" bar on a Stihl MS261, even though I recommend an 18", which is what I have on my Stihl 026 PRO. To each his own, I guess.

 

[jcarlberg]

Seems like a short bar for that saw. I guess we have to cut bigger trees in Nebraska. Most tree service companies here mount a 20" bar on a Stihl MS261, even though I recommend an 18", which is what I have on my Stihl 026 PRO. To each his own, I guess.

Love Nebraska; been through there many times!

 

[Jusgunn3]

Just got a 550xp recently and can’t wait to cut with it buts it been 107+ for a free weeks. I am running a 20inch 3/8 on it.

 

[Squareground3691]

Just got a 550xp recently and can’t wait to cut with it buts it been 107+ for a free weeks. I am running a 20inch 3/8 on it.

Put some 23RSPro .325 NK , on it

 

[Skiptooth Fred]

Sorry guys; first post is yet another “Help Me Decide””.” This is a decision between a 550 XP Mark II or MS 261 (16 inch bar on both). Local dealers have great prices on both right now. Husky is about $35 cheaper. Stihl guy is a bit closer & seems like great place for parts/service. Have a 390 XP (20 inch bar) I love so was leaning toward Husky until reading epic 261-vs-550 thread on another forum. Just want a reliable saw for felling & bucking firewood to sell semi-commercially. Wanting something in the 50cc class my sons can run & I can take it easier with. Will do plenty of fall/winter cutting. Appreciate any & all advice!

Pick tHem up roll tHem around and cHoose wHat feels the best to you ergonomically in the Hand
I know wHat I’d pick but it isn’t my money!

 

[Skiptooth Fred]

Thank you I will run it that way. Makes sense.

Full throttle is fine in the wood just dont swing hard on the dogs and load the guts outa’ it. I reckon you be fine, saws are damn tough bitta gear when you think they run their life pretty much flat out, now what other motors do that and last!

 

[jcarlberg]

Have put 10 or so tanks through this saw now - very pleased! Cuts almost anything I come across & is light enough to swing for hours. Great tool & could not be happier!!

 

[2000ssm6]

Depending on how you feel about the warranty, they respond well to a muff mod. CFB could make it even better with porting.

 

[jcarlberg]

This saw gets better & better. I never really understood how getting “broken in” would improve performance, but oh man she’s a little beauty!