Stihl MS 261 C-M

Can't rate just yet – I couldn't re-start saw after shutting off. Dealer gave me a new one because they couldn't fix. Hopefully this was just a lemon and my new one will do better.

One of the best chainsaws ever produced – I have numerous Stihl saws and my favourite was a 20 year old MS260. It was light, powerful for a 50cc, started immediately and could be used for hours on end every day. Two MS 362 were returned as one was replaced under warranty and the other was erratic. Having a 461, 441 and 462 it seemed Stihl has ironed out their M-Tronic problems (now on version 3), so I picked up a 261 recently. It revs faster than the previous model and holds power no matter how hard the timber one cuts. It has 100s of hours on and I would rate it as one of the best saws Stihl has produced, along with the 460. Have a look at the US Stihl review site and it has an excellent rating from hundreds of reviews.

What a weapon – Great saw, cuts aussie hardwood like a ninja, chuck norris would use this chainsaw as a beard trimmer or toothbrush... wish i'd purchased this saw years ago...cut 2 years worth of wood in an hour, what a weapon! Highly recommend! Would buy again and so would Chuck...love the captive bar nuts and the the thought stihl has put into this machine....Well done STIHL!

Very disappointed – Owned the 261 for less than 4 years and the engine is toast. Told by the dealer that it would cost $400 for parts + $100 for labour. I only use the saw to cut about 3 cords of wood per year, so it is not intense use. I will be looking for a different brand.