Stihl Ms 261, Ms 261s and Ms 261sx: Review of the Best Stihl Chainsaw

The Stihl Ms 261 is one of the most popular models of chainsaws due to its excellent value for money and quality. With an increasing number of reviews posted on the internet this saw has become the most reviewed out of all models in its class. A large proportion of consumers consider this saw to be “the best”. This review will take a look at the history and development of the Ms 261 as well as examining specific features such as fuel consumption, handling and general maintenance. This will allow you to make an informed buying decision based on your needs.

Stihl Ms 261
Take A Close Look At The Features And Benefits Of Stihl Ms 261

What is a Stihl Ms 261?

This is a middle class chainsaw with a 2-MIX engine and M-TRONIC electronic control system. The saw was created to replace the MS 260 model, which has been produced since 1985. This model belongs to the group of lightweight professional saws. The weight of the device is 7 kg with a guide bar length of 50 cm. This gas saw can cut up to 1.4 m3 of wood in one hour.

The new model has many advantages over its predecessor: more power, improved reliability, cleaner and more economical fuel consumption. The main feature of this tool is its modern design.

Ms 261s 

The main advantage of this model is the advanced design of the air filter, which provides reliable protection against dust and other fine particles during operation. In addition, the developers have increased the power of the saw by 2 horsepower, thereby significantly increasing its efficiency and productivity. The updated cutting unit has a lowered center of gravity, which improves the stability and controllability of the tool. The new saw has improved ergonomics, which makes it more comfortable to work with it for a long time.

Design features

The Stihl MS 261S chainsaw has a gasoline engine with an air cooling system and an electronic ignition system, which ensures stable start-up and smooth operation of the unit throughout its service life. For easy start-up, there are two return springs that guarantee reliable compression in any position of the piston. It is also worth noting that such a design makes it possible to start a saw even at low temperatures.

Stihl Ms 261SX

The most popular model of STIHL chainsaws.

The main reason for such popularity is a perfect balance between size and power. The light weight of the saw with a small number of vibrations makes it easy to handle it.

STIHL MS 261SX comes in two-color design, the front part is orange and the back part is white. This color scheme was designed specifically for those who are engaged in professional logging and other forest activities, so that they can be easily seen by other people among the trees.

Also, STIHL MS 261SX has a special function called: Quick Chain Adjuster (B). It facilitates chain tensioning by 50%. You do not need to use any tools to adjust the chain tension on your STIHL chainsaw.

Specifications

specifications

Stihl Ms 261, Ms 261s and Ms 261sx. How to choose?

Recently I was in the market for a new chainsaw. My trusty Stihl MS260 was getting a bit long in the tooth and I was looking for something more powerful but still light enough to use one handed.

The Stihl MS261 fitted the bill perfectly. The MS261 is the most popular model of Stihl chainsaw and with good reason. It is a very powerful but still light and easy to handle saw that is well suited to felling medium sized trees and general property maintenance. It has a 14 inch bar which makes it much more useful than the smaller homeowner saws such as the Stihl MS180 or Stihl MS170 but not as big as the heavy duty professional saws like the Stihl MS461 or Stihl MS660 that are just too heavy to hold one handed.

But before I go any further let me make this clear: This article is not intended to be an exhaustive review of all possible aspects of these chainsaws. There are plenty of other websites that have done this already (see links at bottom of this article). 

Stihl ms 261, Stihl ms 261s and Stihl ms 261sx are the most popular models of professional chainsaws among homeowners. These saws are universal, reliable and powerful. The main purpose of these saws is cutting wood in home conditions. The key difference between them is the power.

The main purpose of the saw is cutting wood in home conditions. The key difference between them is the power.

1.Stihl ms 261c-m – 45,6 cubic cm, 3,2 kWt
2.Stihl ms 261 – 45,6 cubic cm, 3,4 kWt
3.Stihl ms 261s – 45,6 cubic cm, 3,4 kWt
4.Stihl ms 261sx – 48,0 cubic cm, 3,6 kWt

Stihl Ms261

Available here.

Buying suggestion

All 3 of these models have a 2 mix fuel system which means that they can use E-10 fuel with no issues. They also have a decompression valve on the cylinder head and a manual pump to prime the carburetor. The primer is a plastic bulb located on top of the carburetor.

The MS261 has an electronic ignition system while both the MS261S and MS261SX are equipped with a magneto ignition system.

The difference between these two systems is that magnets on a flywheel provide power to ignite the spark plug with an electronic system while with magneto systems, there is no need for electricity to be generated by magnets. Instead, electricity is generated when coils pass through magnetic flux created by permanent magnets as they rotate around in their cyclyes.

The Stihl MS 261, MS 261S and MS 261SX are three variations of the same basic chainsaw model. All three models are intended for professional use by commercial businesses such as tree removal companies and lumber mills. Each model comes equipped with a gas-powered engine capable of producing 60 horsepower.

Chainsaw engines work by converting fuel into energy through a chemical process called combustion. Oxygen, heat and power are all involved in this process. As air flows into the engine, it mixes with fuel and combusts inside the cylinder. When this happens, the piston moves downward, which drives the crankshaft. The drive shaft then transmits energy throughout the rest of the machine and powers the saw blade.

The Stihl ms261 is one of the most popular models of chainsaw ever made. Its been around for many years and has proven to be a very versatile, reliable and powerful saw. Its one of the heaviest saws in its class, but most people feel that the extra weight gives it better balance. This is very important if you plan on using this saw all day long.

I have owned a few of these saws in my career and they were all great performers. I think that Stihl chainsaws are built to last a long time, which is why they are so popular.

The ms 261 has a lot of power for a saw this size. The engine is right at 50cc and puts out close to 5 horsepower. The cutting chain can cut through just about anything that you can put in front of it. The chain is also easy to change because it is not held in place with any special tools or pins like some other Stihl chainsaws.

If you are looking for a professional grade chainsaw under $500, you should definitely take a look at the 261 series from Stihl. It will serve you well for many years to come.

The End

Stihl is a company that focuses on chainsaws production and their products are very popular among a lot of people who use them for different purposes. Based on the experience described, we can say that Stihl MS 261 is the best model to purchase for people who want get it right once and for all. The MS 261, MS 261s and MS 261sx are simple, fuel efficient tools that can perform very well when properly cared for. If you need a chainsaw for light-duty work, then any of these models will perform well for you.