husqvarna 550xp vs Stihl ms 261

[Ronaldo]

Gary I know your 261 is modified but the other 2 guys , one backing up the other with the stock 346 tells me theirs are stock

My 2152 has a muff mod and deleted base gasket, same on the 261 and the 5105 has the catylist gutted and muffler opened up. I tested with Carlton chisel chain in both .325 and 3/8 and found they cut faster w/ the 3/8. That's just my hillbilly findings[emoji106]

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[longbowch]

My 2152 has a muff mod and deleted base gasket, same on the 261 and the 5105 has the catylist gutted and muffler opened up. I tested with Carlton chisel chain in both .325 and 3/8 and found they cut faster w/ the 3/8. That's just my hillbilly findings[emoji106]

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I have a 550 with a muffler mod and I like using 3/8 Oregon DPX chain with a 16" bar. I think the extra bumper makes it a little smoother.

 

[Willard]

My 2152 has a muff mod and deleted base gasket, same on the 261 and the 5105 has the catylist gutted and muffler opened up. I tested with Carlton chisel chain in both .325 and 3/8 and found they cut faster w/ the 3/8. That's just my hillbilly findings[emoji106]

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Deleted base gasket alone is a far greater h.p. increase over any simple muffler mod. I'm sure you matched up the transfers, intake and exhaust too.
Your in modified territory buddy.
No longer stock even with a simple muffler mod.

 

[Ronaldo]

Deleted base gasket alone is a far greater h.p. increase over any simple muffler mod. I'm sure you matched up the transfers, intake and exhaust too.
Your in modified territory buddy.
No longer stock even with a simple muffler mod.

No work on the transfers, intake or exhaust. Muff mods and base gasket delete only.

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[CapitaineHaddoc]

From what I know of Guillame @CapitaineHaddoc he doesn't own a stock saw.

Actually I own some stock saw, but I don't use them really often.

But from my experience with a stock 261, they run great with 3/8 even with a new chain in hardwood.

Of course, if you run "18 or "20 bars for bucking hard wood most of time, .325 or picco RS could be better options, but for an all around saw or for limbing conifers "under the bark", 3/8 is the best choice.

 

[Willard]

Ok fellas we'll call it a truce hahahahaha.
From looking at all the sponsors Dozer Dan, Mastermind, Snellerized what can I say

Let's stay on topic here with a factory delivered saw and the art of free hand touch up filing at the stump.
I'll keep on track with the specs:
New edition Stihl MS261CM
50.1cc
4.1 bhp
10.8 lbs

Husqvarna 550XP
50.1cc
3.75 bhp
10.8 lbs

 

[Willard]

Just reread this old thread lots of memories from last year.
Well ended up selling the 550XP (Actually as some of you may know it's the 550XP that my dealer replaced the first 550 with from this thread). First one ended up having an air leak right from the factory and ended up with some lean seizure damage.
Here's the replacement my dealer gave me .I upgraded it with a Sandvik/Windsor Mini Pro bar with 20LPX. Only a hour or 2 on it sold it for $600 a couple of days ago.
Last pic is the last day on the job for the 550. The MS261CM ll is a keeper.

 

[Manofstihl661]

I know this thread has almost been dead for 2 years but I’m going to Lazarus it for a second to say thanks for going through all this. I was deciding between a 550xp and ms261cm when I came across this thread and it was extremely helpful. Ended up going with the ms261cm but unfortunately the tuning kit is not available in US so eventually I’ll change it over by piecing it out myself.
Once again thanks for sharing this little journey and wanted to let you know it did help someone else out down the line!

 

[GCJenks204]

I know this thread has almost been dead for 2 years but I’m going to Lazarus it for a second to say thanks for going through all this. I was deciding between a 550xp and ms261cm when I came across this thread and it was extremely helpful. Ended up going with the ms261cm but unfortunately the tuning kit is not available in US so eventually I’ll change it over by piecing it out myself.
Once again thanks for sharing this little journey and wanted to let you know it did help someone else out down the line!

Last I checked I should be able to land a tuning kit on your doorstep for about $120USD.

 

[Manofstihl661]

Last I checked I should be able to land a tuning kit on your doorstep for about $120USD.

I may get with you on that. Let me price it out local in pieces, which probably will cost more, and I can hit you up after that alright? I figure taxes here will get me for sure

 

[Willard]

Last I checked I should be able to land a tuning kit on your doorstep for about $120USD.

Gary, any word on availability of the new Stihl 23RSPro NK chain?
Saw it listed in Stihl Canada's fall flyer.
A .325 chisel Narrow Kerf chain would make the 63PS tuning kit obsolete.

 

[GCJenks204]

Gary, any word on availability of the new Stihl 23RSPro NK chain?
Saw it listed in Stihl Canada's fall flyer.
A .325 chisel Narrow Kerf chain would make the 63PS tuning kit obsolete.

I honestly don’t think it is much different really just a marketing change. It is the only .325 that dealers I visit have.
I don’t run any .325 at all so not really the right one to ask.

 

[full chizel]

I may get with you on that. Let me price it out local in pieces, which probably will cost more, and I can hit you up after that alright? I figure taxes here will get me for sure

I have the tuning kit that i bought from the UK. A week after I bought it I got a new MS 241 with that set up so I never put it on my 261.

Buying in pieces will be expensive. Last i knew the bar alone was $75, then add in $20ish per chain (3), and the rim.

 

[Manofstihl661]

I have the tuning kit that i bought from the UK. A week after I bought it I got a new MS 241 with that set up so I never put it on my 261.

Buying in pieces will be expensive. Last i knew the bar alone was $75, then add in $20ish per chain (3), and the rim.

Yeh I figured it would be more to piece it out. Are you saying you want to sell
Yours or was that just passing info?

 

[hseII]

I know this thread has almost been dead for 2 years but I’m going to Lazarus it for a second to say thanks for going through all this. I was deciding between a 550xp and ms261cm when I came across this thread and it was extremely helpful. Ended up going with the ms261cm but unfortunately the tuning kit is not available in US so eventually I’ll change it over by piecing it out myself.
Once again thanks for sharing this little journey and wanted to let you know it did help someone else out down the line!

What’s this tuning kit nonsense?

My baby saw is now a 261CM.


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[GCJenks204]

What’s this tuning kit nonsense?

My baby saw is now a 261CM.


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It is a kit Stihl offers in Canada including a Picco Rim, bar and 3 chains.

 

[Willard]

It is a kit Stihl offers in Canada including a Picco Rim, bar and 3 chains.

$100 CAD

 

[Manofstihl661]

Found it in the Uk as well for about 114lbs of jewels per crown or however they do that [emoji23]

At least I think I’m funny

I wish they would’ve done an 18” bar but no big deal...every inch counts right?

 

[shadco]

Found it in the Uk as well for about 114lbs of jewels per crown or however they do that [emoji23]

At least I think I’m funny

I wish they would’ve done an 18” bar but no big deal...every inch counts right?

That depends if an IUD is involved sometimes it makes sense to hold back a little.

.

 

[hseII]

Found it in the Uk as well for about 114lbs of jewels per crown or however they do that [emoji23]

At least I think I’m funny

I wish they would’ve done an 18” bar but no big deal...every inch counts right?

Man,

Run a 18” or 20” .325 RS & sharpen it with a 13/64” file.

Same gains, Less Pain.


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