Opinions on the "newest" model ms261/ms261cm and the husky 550 please help!!!

[Khntr85]

Andrew's SkinnyPins' 241 against my SkinnyPins' 261 NE.

I also have a stock 241 and have not tried a modded 241 nor a stock 261 NE.
As to which I prefer or would recommend, it depends, unfortunately. The 261 covers a wider range, but if you've a bigger saw to call on and would definitely need it regardless of what small saw you'd use, then I'd say a modded 241. If you could benefit from running just one saw and often see hard/dry timber above 16" but no more than about 20", I'd say grab the modded 261.

I'm a simple guy, like things kept simple and had hoped to sell either the 241 or the 261 NE once the latter got here. But I like them both for different reasons and it has just screwed up a good three saw plan (241,7900,395). Yeah, I know, first world problems and all that.

Wow looks like that 261 has a hell of a lot of torque.....it didn't sound like it lost a lot of RPMs when you "leaned" on her...very nice....


Do you guys that have ran a 261 and a 550 think that the 261 has more torque for sure....and obviously the 550 is a crazy fast revving saw.....

 

[GCJenks204]

Rebuilding a Husky? A large bottle/ barrel of Locktite?...

 

[Khntr85]

Rebuilding a Husky? A large bottle/ barrel of Locktite?...

Lol I knew someone would say that....are they really that bad about bolts coming loose??

 

[GCJenks204]

Lol I knew someone would say that....are they really that bad about bolts coming loose??

I can only respond. "I read it on the internet so it must be true..."

 

[Husky187]

Lol I knew someone would say that....are they really that bad about bolts coming loose??

Can't speak on rattling any bolts off that were "vital" but there is a reason Husqvarna incorporated the retainer nut on the clutch cover. I've rattled off quite a few of those...

 

[sawmikaze]

Wow looks like that 261 has a hell of a lot of torque.....it didn't sound like it lost a lot of RPMs when you "leaned" on her...very nice....


Do you guys that have ran a 261 and a 550 think that the 261 has more torque for sure....and obviously the 550 is a crazy fast revving saw.....

550s/2253s have plenty of torque..261s just feel different.

 

[Ktoom]

550s/2253s have plenty of torque..261s just feel different.

Yea, what he said!!!^^^^^^

 

[longbowch]

I have a 550 and I run a 16" bar and 3/8 chain and it takes a lot of pressure to slow it down. I'm impressed every time I run it and I consider myself a Stihl guy!

 

[Locust Cutter]

Well just let me say to all you guys I really to appreciate all the responses.....as I stated before I have all Stihl equipment by default(only dealers around).....however I do believe that I am going to be trying a husky 550....I have a guy who I buy non-runners from and he says he has a few coming his way...so I told him if he wants to part with one I will take it.....now this saw will need work/rebuilt, but either way I look forward to getting her going....

As I said before, when I held the 550 in my hands it felt very small/light, in a good way!!!

I will keep you guys informed as I am very excited to try out a husky......I have been watching videos of them and wow the throttle response is very fast!!!

That's the main reason I like it, similar to a 346xp and the J-red version(s).

Wow looks like that 261 has a hell of a lot of torque.....it didn't sound like it lost a lot of RPMs when you "leaned" on her...very nice....


Do you guys that have ran a 261 and a 550 think that the 261 has more torque for sure....and obviously the 550 is a crazy fast revving saw.....

Yes, but not as much for the non-hamfisted operator. The 550 isn't lacking by any means, but slows down noticeably more than the 261 in much of the wood I cut, partially due to it starting out faster. The 2 saws are 2 different avenues to the same destination. The difference is similar to a built 327 Chevy vs a Built 350 Chevy - The 327 will accelerate faster while the 350 will have a bit more torque.

As to the comments earlier about bearings, etc: With proper maintenance, fuel/oil, and operation, both saws (and the 241) will last a long time. They do punch above their weight which makes them more versatile in firewood and more tempting to use for limbing and larger bucking. However if they're routinely used for tasks that should be given to a 60-70cc saw, especially in a heavy-handed manner, they're not going to last as long. following the analogy above, both engines in a truck will get a lot of work done, but will fail prematurely when subjected to loads that should be pulled by a 454 or a Diesel...

For much of the routine firewood that I cut, I could get by with just a 261 or 246 and if I lived in Southern VA, I could probably get by for a number of years with only a 241, 261 or 550xp with careful selection of the trees to be cut and and properly sharpened chain, letting the chain do the cutting.

Living in KS, there are some large trees and a lot of relatively hard ones, Locust and Hedge being among my routine targets. There's not a tree that I cut (usually with my Dad) where either the MS201T and/or at least one of the 3x 50cc saws (346xp, 550xp, 261) isn't used simply due to the large canopies and simple economy of effort. Any of the 2x 60cc saws, 1x 70cc saw and 1x 90cc saw may come into play if/when needed, but the 50cc saws and the MS201T are simply to light and hand NOT to use for the brush and smaller bucking. If you're smart about their employment and diligent in their maintenance/care, they should last a VERY long time. Maybe not Mac 10-10 long, but long enough to recoup the $400-600 investment, with interest. Just my 0.02...

This would be where @sunfish should chime in.

Good Luck with your decision, as there really isn't a wrong choice.

 

[Khntr85]

That's the main reason I like it, similar to a 346xp and the J-red version(s).



Yes, but not as much for the non-hamfisted operator. The 550 isn't lacking by any means, but slows down noticeably more than the 261 in much of the wood I cut, partially due to it starting out faster. The 2 saws are 2 different avenues to the same destination. The difference is similar to a built 327 Chevy vs a Built 350 Chevy - The 327 will accelerate faster while the 350 will have a bit more torque.

As to the comments earlier about bearings, etc: With proper maintenance, fuel/oil, and operation, both saws (and the 241) will last a long time. They do punch above their weight which makes them more versatile in firewood and more tempting to use for limbing and larger bucking. However if they're routinely used for tasks that should be given to a 60-70cc saw, especially in a heavy-handed manner, they're not going to last as long. following the analogy above, both engines in a truck will get a lot of work done, but will fail prematurely when subjected to loads that should be pulled by a 454 or a Diesel...

For much of the routine firewood that I cut, I could get by with just a 261 or 246 and if I lived in Southern VA, I could probably get by for a number of years with only a 241, 261 or 550xp with careful selection of the trees to be cut and and properly sharpened chain, letting the chain do the cutting.

Living in KS, there are some large trees and a lot of relatively hard ones, Locust and Hedge being among my routine targets. There's not a tree that I cut (usually with my Dad) where either the MS201T and/or at least one of the 3x 50cc saws (346xp, 550xp, 261) isn't used simply due to the large canopies and simple economy of effort. Any of the 2x 60cc saws, 1x 70cc saw and 1x 90cc saw may come into play if/when needed, but the 50cc saws and the MS201T are simply to light and hand NOT to use for the brush and smaller bucking. If you're smart about their employment and diligent in their maintenance/care, they should last a VERY long time. Maybe not Mac 10-10 long, but long enough to recoup the $400-600 investment, with interest. Just my 0.02...

This would be where @sunfish should chime in.

Good Luck with your decision, as there really isn't a wrong choice.

Hey thanks for the detailed reply....I rebuild saws here and there, so I always have some smaller saws that I limb with(mainly to break them in before selling), but the are "homeowner" type saws...my line up of most used saws are 024, 026, and 461....I had a ms362, but I just sold it last weekend....I just don't ever use it anymore....it was a good saw, but anything 20" on up I cut with the 461 now.....it's just faster/easier to me, I let the saw do the work.....

Son with that said that's why I was considering a "newer" 50cc saw....it till get most of the use no doubt, but I will say this, I use the 461 more that I ever thought I would....

 

[chipper1]

Rebuilding a Husky? A large bottle/ barrel of Locktite?...

I don't normally knock stihls as I own quite a few, but let's not forget mention a large pocketbook if he decides to rebuild a stihl .

 

[chipper1]

From another thread.

Well let's here it chipper....what turned you off about the Vll 261....was it mtronic or standard carb....

I am curious because I tossed around the idea of getting a Ms261 or a 550.....it turns out I may be getting a 550 to rebuild....I have never ran a "pro" husky saw as there aren't many in my area....I have been told by guys that are not brand dependent that the 550 may take me to the dark side LOL....

What's up buddy.
I saw your thread and was going to respond there(and decide to move it there ). No definitely no the mtronic turning me off, I really enjoyed my 441cm, and have the 241cm as well, and am looking forward to the 462(hopefully in a cm model). I got the saw thinking I would be replacing my 346 saws as well as one of the 241's, but after running a few tanks through it I was unimpressed. It had more power than 346's(stock or MM only) in the higher rpms and more torque in the low to mid rpms(the 353's/2152's have good torque for what you pay) , sold right. No, then the deal breaker I've had 550's and ran others as well and the 261 didn't feel lighter than any of them and didn't have the power of the 550, so I sold it right away.
I didn't take the handling into consideration as I cut teeth on a 346 so I feel a little biased towards them, but I go back and forth between husky and stihl on a normal basis and I prefer the handling of the huskies. I'm also only 5'8" and feel with my stature is part of why I like the 346/2153 and the 353/2152. The 550 has a very similar feel to those saws.
For the cost I might as well buy a 2152/353 grab a 346 cylinder and have it ported and have a great little screamer, or if you want it to be a bit quieter then get a 550.

The 241 is so close to the 025/250 in specs it's kind of funny. Similar to the 450 rancher and the 353/2152. The main difference is the quality of build ease of working on them and how much you can build them. I say this part knowing you enjoy running your little plastic saw. I have a 450 rancher I run on a pretty normal basis, great little plastic saws. Also a buddy just finished an 025 and he wanted to grab up one of the 241's from me and he said he thought his 025 had more power. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this paragraph but I try hard not to be biased based on the pro designation or what everyone else says.
Also a coulpe post ago you said you sold your 362, I had one of the earlier ones and it was the most disappointing pro saw I've ran.
For you if you can get a deal on those 550's go for it, if you can't with having the dealer support you have down there go with the 261 or a 241. Even saying that you should really get your hands on them all and cut in the wood you cut in with them.
I just buy them all and sell the ones I like the least,
Brett
Hope this helps someone.

 

[paragonbuilder]

From another thread.

What's up buddy.
I saw your thread and was going to respond there(and decide to move it there ). No definitely no the mtronic turning me off, I really enjoyed my 441cm, and have the 241cm as well, and am looking forward to the 462(hopefully in a cm model). I got the saw thinking I would be replacing my 346 saws as well as one of the 241's, but after running a few tanks through it I was unimpressed. It had more power than 346's(stock or MM only) in the higher rpms and more torque in the low to mid rpms(the 353's/2152's have good torque for what you pay) , sold right. No, then the deal breaker I've had 550's and ran others as well and the 261 didn't feel lighter than any of them and didn't have the power of the 550, so I sold it right away.
I didn't take the handling into consideration as I cut teeth on a 346 so I feel a little biased towards them, but I go back and forth between husky and stihl on a normal basis and I prefer the handling of the huskies. I'm also only 5'8" and feel with my stature is part of why I like the 346/2153 and the 353/2152. The 550 has a very similar feel to those saws.
For the cost I might as well buy a 2152/353 grab a 346 cylinder and have it ported and have a great little screamer, or if you want it to be a bit quieter then get a 550.

The 241 is so close to the 025/250 in specs it's kind of funny. Similar to the 450 rancher and the 353/2152. The main difference is the quality of build ease of working on them and how much you can build them. I say this part knowing you enjoy running your little plastic saw. I have a 450 rancher I run on a pretty normal basis, great little plastic saws. Also a buddy just finished an 025 and he wanted to grab up one of the 241's from me and he said he thought his 025 had more power. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this paragraph but I try hard not to be biased based on the pro designation or what everyone else says.
Also a coulpe post ago you said you sold your 362, I had one of the earlier ones and it was the most disappointing pro saw I've ran.
For you if you can get a deal on those 550's go for it, if you can't with having the dealer support you have down there go with the 261 or a 241. Even saying that you should really get your hands on them all and cut in the wood you cut in with them.
I just buy them all and sell the ones I like the least,
Brett
Hope this helps someone.

Excellent honest post!
I ported a 346 for my brother-in-law and I love it. But I have a stock 350 with a muffler mod, that run so well The way it is I'm hesitant to even put a 346 top on it.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Khntr85]

From another thread.

What's up buddy.
I saw your thread and was going to respond there(and decide to move it there ). No definitely no the mtronic turning me off, I really enjoyed my 441cm, and have the 241cm as well, and am looking forward to the 462(hopefully in a cm model). I got the saw thinking I would be replacing my 346 saws as well as one of the 241's, but after running a few tanks through it I was unimpressed. It had more power than 346's(stock or MM only) in the higher rpms and more torque in the low to mid rpms(the 353's/2152's have good torque for what you pay) , sold right. No, then the deal breaker I've had 550's and ran others as well and the 261 didn't feel lighter than any of them and didn't have the power of the 550, so I sold it right away.
I didn't take the handling into consideration as I cut teeth on a 346 so I feel a little biased towards them, but I go back and forth between husky and stihl on a normal basis and I prefer the handling of the huskies. I'm also only 5'8" and feel with my stature is part of why I like the 346/2153 and the 353/2152. The 550 has a very similar feel to those saws.
For the cost I might as well buy a 2152/353 grab a 346 cylinder and have it ported and have a great little screamer, or if you want it to be a bit quieter then get a 550.

The 241 is so close to the 025/250 in specs it's kind of funny. Similar to the 450 rancher and the 353/2152. The main difference is the quality of build ease of working on them and how much you can build them. I say this part knowing you enjoy running your little plastic saw. I have a 450 rancher I run on a pretty normal basis, great little plastic saws. Also a buddy just finished an 025 and he wanted to grab up one of the 241's from me and he said he thought his 025 had more power. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this paragraph but I try hard not to be biased based on the pro designation or what everyone else says.
Also a coulpe post ago you said you sold your 362, I had one of the earlier ones and it was the most disappointing pro saw I've ran.
For you if you can get a deal on those 550's go for it, if you can't with having the dealer support you have down there go with the 261 or a 241. Even saying that you should really get your hands on them all and cut in the wood you cut in with them.
I just buy them all and sell the ones I like the least,
Brett
Hope this helps someone.

Hey buddy, thanks for such a great detailed reply!!!!

I hear you about the ms250...I know it's not a "pro saw" platform/case, but contrary to what we sometimes hear, they are all 90% of homeowners/small firewood guys need....I (as you know), have put my MM'ed 250 threw the ringer and she always is fighting for more run time.....and I have a 024, 026, 461, and just sold the ms362....so I have a few saws in that range to compare it to...

I have watched a lot of videos on the 550 and I will say this, that saw gets up to speed VERY quickly!!!

My buddy that is fairly local to me says that the 550 is a great saw, and he says the husky 562 is the best stock saw he has ever ran, and he has ran Every model and brand made.....

I am hoping that he gets these 550 and I can get one as I have wanted to run/own a pro husky saw for awhile now....if/when I get it, I will definitely report back to everyone....

As far as the ms362....I mean it just didn't ever really wow me in any way....mine was a 2012 model standard carb.....I always ran a 20" bar on her, and I personally wouldn't have wanted to go any bigger....,after I got the 461 last year or so, I never used the 362, unless it was for something small or I took it out just to knock the dust of it.....I will say that I never ever had any problems with it and it was dead reliable no matter if it was 95 degrees or -10, always easy to start and ran good.....

For what I do and cut the 50cc and the 70cc are just a perfect combination for me!!!!

 

[Ktoom]

From another thread.

What's up buddy.
I saw your thread and was going to respond there(and decide to move it there ). No definitely no the mtronic turning me off, I really enjoyed my 441cm, and have the 241cm as well, and am looking forward to the 462(hopefully in a cm model). I got the saw thinking I would be replacing my 346 saws as well as one of the 241's, but after running a few tanks through it I was unimpressed. It had more power than 346's(stock or MM only) in the higher rpms and more torque in the low to mid rpms(the 353's/2152's have good torque for what you pay) , sold right. No, then the deal breaker I've had 550's and ran others as well and the 261 didn't feel lighter than any of them and didn't have the power of the 550, so I sold it right away.
I didn't take the handling into consideration as I cut teeth on a 346 so I feel a little biased towards them, but I go back and forth between husky and stihl on a normal basis and I prefer the handling of the huskies. I'm also only 5'8" and feel with my stature is part of why I like the 346/2153 and the 353/2152. The 550 has a very similar feel to those saws.
For the cost I might as well buy a 2152/353 grab a 346 cylinder and have it ported and have a great little screamer, or if you want it to be a bit quieter then get a 550.

The 241 is so close to the 025/250 in specs it's kind of funny. Similar to the 450 rancher and the 353/2152. The main difference is the quality of build ease of working on them and how much you can build them. I say this part knowing you enjoy running your little plastic saw. I have a 450 rancher I run on a pretty normal basis, great little plastic saws. Also a buddy just finished an 025 and he wanted to grab up one of the 241's from me and he said he thought his 025 had more power. I'm sure I'll get flamed for this paragraph but I try hard not to be biased based on the pro designation or what everyone else says.
Also a coulpe post ago you said you sold your 362, I had one of the earlier ones and it was the most disappointing pro saw I've ran.
For you if you can get a deal on those 550's go for it, if you can't with having the dealer support you have down there go with the 261 or a 241. Even saying that you should really get your hands on them all and cut in the wood you cut in with them.
I just buy them all and sell the ones I like the least,
Brett
Hope this helps someone.

Brett, I have always had the same thought about the ms250 and ms241..... They both has similar power specs and the 241 weighs about a half pound less. I loved my ms241!!! I always told people that the ms241 is the commercial grade version of the ms250 lol. Ive never ran both saws side by side, but I can only assume that the 241 just has more zip as far as chain speed goes. At my job, ms250's and 550xps are the common limbing saws.

I have no saw bias either, as I like them all. Each saw/brand has different characteristics and features that stand out to me.

 

[chipper1]

Excellent honest post!
I ported a 346 for my brother-in-law and I love it. But I have a stock 350 with a muffler mod, that run so well The way it is I'm hesitant to even put a 346 top on it.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, most don't want honest .
Just port a 346 cylinder and use a 357 intake and carb on it that will wake it up a bit. I have a 2145 with a ported AM P&C, fun saw and I don't have much into it.
Did you work the lower transfers on the 350.
One of my go to saws is my 2152c, grab it a lot, and it still has the cat on it why mess with a great starting and running saw. @Armbru84 will speak for it. I have a few 346's, but why get them dirty when I have the little jreds and a 450 rancher around lol.
I usually use an 18" bar on my 50cc saws just because I like the reach when limbing, but I like to use the 2145 on the log pile with a 16" since I'm not bending over as much. If your not burring an 18" bar with a sharp chain a good 50cc saw will do fine.
Here's the little 2145 with a 16 and a semi chisel chain(I ran 4 tanks in it with the same chain and didn't sharpen it.
I think I may run it today with a fresh full chisel chain .
Fun little saw that runs consistent.

 

[paragonbuilder]

I haven't touched it.
wiggs did the muff mod, and it runs great at 100 psi!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[paragonbuilder]

Eventually I'll put a ported 346 top end on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Khntr85]

Thanks, most don't want honest .
Just port a 346 cylinder and use a 357 intake and carb on it that will wake it up a bit. I have a 2145 with a ported AM P&C, fun saw and I don't have much into it.
Did you work the lower transfers on the 350.
One of my go to saws is my 2152c, grab it a lot, and it still has the cat on it why mess with a great starting and running saw. @Armbru84 will speak for it. I have a few 346's, but why get them dirty when I have the little jreds and a 450 rancher around lol.
I usually use an 18" bar on my 50cc saws just because I like the reach when limbing, but I like to use the 2145 on the log pile with a 16" since I'm not bending over as much. If your not burring an 18" bar with a sharp chain a good 50cc saw will do fine.
Here's the little 2145 with a 16 and a semi chisel chain(I ran 4 tanks in it with the same chain and didn't sharpen it.
I think I may run it today with a fresh full chisel chain .
Fun little saw that runs consistent.

Man I think I heard that saw say, give me more, give me more!!!!....sounds good!!!!

 

[Khntr85]

Oh, @chipper1 i forgot to tell you, I got that cherry little 024 av I got for $40 going, and she runs great!!!!

I think I got $80-$100 in her total...I cut down and bucked up a crab apple tree for $50 using just the 024, so she basically paid for herself LOL....

I tell ya I was shocked at the way the 024 runs the 16" .325 bar....i buried the bar numerous time in that flowering crabapple that was dry and fairly hard, the saw took it in stride....

I will grab a few pics when I get home of the saw, it's very clean and no doubt a low hour saw....it grew on me ALOT that first time I actually put her to work....