Stihl MS 261C – review.

Under construction – update coming.

For many decades, Stihl did not produce any top level chainsaw, just few years ago, with MS 261C Stihl become on top, and today with some other big models too.  And maybe today it is better as it closest competitor Husqvarna 550XPG.

Stihl today is so good, that meany Husqvarna religious fanatics are looking at this chainsaw, and even buying it. Sometimes problem is all additional tools and accessories, which you already have for Husqvarna, and than it is hard, collect all new brand tools. Life is too short just drive with one car, the same as with chainsaw.

Worldwide, there are a lot factories to Stihl, and chainsaws are different a bit on quality. You must have your chainsaw number, and look at first number, if it starts with:

• “1” – that mean produced and assembled in Germany, sure some parts can be produced in China
• “2” – produced in USA
• “3” – produced in Brazil factory
•  “5” – produced on USA or UK facotries
• “8” or “9” – produced in China.

In the end or in front of product number if you have + or x, that mean it is tested on factory and engine is started.  If + or x is missing, chainsaw is not started on factory. There is no any problems, if it is not tested on factory. Sticker on engine Made in Germany did not proves anything.

Start/stop main switch are perfect. Pleasure that after stop it them-self coming back to middle position. Nice that during cold start you press button down and just start so many times, as engine become working. This is a bit better as Husqvarna. Fuel filler cap are the best at the market today, yes it is better as Husqvarna, might be this cap is patented and we will not see so quick on other chainsaw brand models. Chain oil filler cap are the same, excellent good.

Engine cover, comes off very easy and nice. Air filter are impressive, like this comes only to biggest Husqvarna engines. Easy to take of and clean. You must have air compressor to clean it out. Air injection system is working, but not so good as Husqvarna, and you will need much more often to clean up air filter, but this is not a big deal. Comfortable access to spark. All electronic wires are made very solid and contacts are long life.

Front handle bar have very nice corrugated lines, it is feeling that somebody have calculated and tested, how big or small these stripes must be, size and shape looks prefect, does not matter your hand is big or small. We did not feel any discomfort during test time.

Chain sprocket cover are exactly as it must to be, captive nuts are mounted inside of cover, you can not lose them in forest during maintenance. How brilliant is, that all is mounted inside of chain, and not on cover, clutch, brake, all placed inside. You have easy, quick and free access if you wish change chain bar and rim sprocket to another model, and place thinner or bigger chain bar.

In standard there is one bumper spike, in additional you can by more and place on other side too, very nice manual coming on set, easy to place this additional spike. Stihl logo on bumper spikes are different, that men spike from factory is not the same as additional.

Chainsaw engine winter protector you also can by additional, but will be nice if it will come as standard on models with electric heated handle. Handle bar heating works great, very recommend to have chainsaw with heated handlebar if you leave in region, where can be frozen or raining a lot. It is so high comfort to heat up your hands and dry out gloves during working time.

In front of chain sprocket cover are steel chain catcher, looks solid and very ok. On old Jonsered models it comes plastic. In rear part there is second chain catcher, it is from plastic, easy to replaceable with new, if you will need after some long, long working period.

Engine exhaust are made from stainless steel, this is very nice. During some working time it will change color, but generally looks very good and will serve to you long time.

Chain scabbard protection extension you can by additional one or two, if you have longer chain bar. That is very clever, did not saw this at Husqvarna ever.

Stihl chainsaw have very good owner manual, instruction is really good and it is important to read it, so many useful notes and new info.

If you have any comments, do not hesitate, leave them below. If you like this post, press that like button! Let us to know, which chainsaw brand/model are you interested, and we can do next review.