[Crazy 4 grass]

Using stihl's old numbering system, even numbers were the pro saws. So the 026 036 044 were the pro models. Odd number saws were the homeowner model 017 021 029. Don't know how well it holds true with the new numbering system but the 026 became the 261 or 262

Yea the new numbering system changed things. The 026 became the 260 then became the 261

 

[stihlfan05]

Using stihl's old numbering system, even numbers were the pro saws. So the 026 036 044 were the pro models. Odd number saws were the homeowner model 017 021 029. Don't know how well it holds true with the new numbering system but the 026 became the 261 or 262

Still holds true with the new saws. It's just if the middle number is even or odd, not the ending number

 

[brydan]

The saw starts up really easy, 2 pulls and it roars to life. The old 026 was a bit harder, and the 346 is also 2 pulls. I could take or leave the decompression valve, don't really need it on a saw of this size.

I haven't kept up with the chainsaw market but at this point the 026 has probably been discontinued for the better part of 20 yrs by now. Not surprised the new generations of saws are running circles around them.

 

[ed2hess]

The oiler don't put out sufficient oil for big stump cuts. Yes I know how to adjust...dealer could find no problem with oiler mechanism but replaced itNo better

 

[Marshall96]

We have 2 261s and the guys like them so far as well. In the year we have had them only minner brake downs. had to open the oiler all the way to keep the bars from heating up.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Out of curiosity. How far open does stihl set the oilers at the factory?

 

[stihlfan05]

Mine slings lots of oil off a 20” .325 bar. My 462 didn’t oil enough so I put a HO oiler on it. I also use a thin bar oil, so that could be why I have no issues

 

[stihlfan05]

Out of curiosity. How far open does stihl set the oilers at the factory?

Not very much. On my 462, there was a pin I needed to punch in to get the max oil flow. I don't think the 261 has that pin

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Not very much. On my 462, there was a pin I needed to punch in to get the max oil flow. I don't think the 261 has that pin

Did you adjust yours on the 261?

 

[stihlfan05]

Did you adjust yours on the 261?

Yes. It wasn't turned up all the way. Just used the small orange flathead that came with the saw

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Yes. It wasn't turned up all the way. Just used the small orange flathead that came with the saw

Alright thanks for the tip. I'll investigate mine and see where its set. I've never messed with it

 

[Bitches_Brew]

Alright thanks for the tip. I'll investigate mine and see where its set. I've never messed with it

I like to set where the oil and gas run out around the same time.

My 2511t cranked all the way up spews oil almost twice as fast as gas. I find around 3/4 works well without too much mess.

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

I like to set where the oil and gas run out around the same time.

My 2511t cranked all the way up spews oil almost twice as fast as gas. I find around 3/4 works well without too much mess.

Yep currently mine run out about the sane time. Actually I run out of gas first, which is a plus

 

[Jashley73]

What is it about the 260/261 that makes it a "Pro" saw?

What makes it a better saw than < blah... blah... blah... >

I really appreciate everyone's responses to that question... Interesting stuff. (I just really like, and enjoy using chainsaws...)

Semi Off Topic - One of my first jobs after high school was working service at an eXmark, Stihl, etc.. dealer.

My 2-stroke knowledge was so-so at best, and I didn't stay there long before leaving to start my machining career.

I came to really appreciate how well Stihl products are engineered. It seemed like an engineering marvel at how well thought out their products were. Amazing how much service/repair work you could do with a bar-wrench, a T27 torx driver, flat screwdriver, 8mm socket, and for the really rare occasion, needle nose pliers or a custom-fashioned coat-hanger (for retrieving & changing fuel filters...)

I guess that's where I really came to love Stihl products.

My little MS171 chainsaw & FS80r trimmer are still excellent tools, 17 years later. Obviously I'm not felling the California redwoods with my MS170, but for less than $200, it cuts way better, and has lasted far longer than it ever should have. I am still impressed with it every time I use it. The string-trimmer still runs like a champ, and probably gets 6-10 hours of use a week even still...

If I ever picked up enough tree work to even get close to justifying a new saw- I've coveted the MS460/461/462 with the heated handles for years now. (I don't know if they still make the heated handles or not...)

I guess I'll have to add a 261 to that list too...

 

[Bitches_Brew]

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

I really appreciate everyone's responses to that question... Interesting stuff. (I just really like, and enjoy using chainsaws...)

Semi Off Topic - One of my first jobs after high school was working service at an eXmark, Stihl, etc.. dealer.

My 2-stroke knowledge was so-so at best, and I didn't stay there long before leaving to start my machining career.

I came to really appreciate how well Stihl products are engineered. It seemed like an engineering marvel at how well thought out their products were. Amazing how much service/repair work you could do with a bar-wrench, a T27 torx driver, flat screwdriver, 8mm socket, and for the really rare occasion, needle nose pliers or a custom-fashioned coat-hanger (for retrieving & changing fuel filters...)

I guess that's where I really came to love Stihl products.

My little MS171 chainsaw & FS80r trimmer are still excellent tools, 17 years later. Obviously I'm not felling the California redwoods with my MS170, but for less than $200, it cuts way better, and has lasted far longer than it ever should have. I am still impressed with it every time I use it. The string-trimmer still runs like a champ, and probably gets 6-10 hours of use a week even still...

If I ever picked up enough tree work to even get close to justifying a new saw- I've coveted the MS460/461/462 with the heated handles for years now. (I don't know if they still make the heated handles or not...)

I guess I'll have to add a 261 to that list too...

Ever looked at their latest edition the 500i ? Its supposed to be the cats miaow. First fuel injected saw on the market. Ive seen it head to head with the 462 and it smokes it lol

 

[stihlfan05]

Ever looked at their latest edition the 500i ? Its supposed to be the cats miaow. First fuel injected saw on the market. Ive seen it head to head with the 462 and it smokes it lol

I ran one for a little bit. Runs 28" and longer bars way better than the 462. Still wound up buying the 462 because my dealer had it for $1100 vs $1450 for the 500i

 

[Crazy 4 grass]

Had a bunch of trees blow down this week in a storm. I lost 20 mature birch trees all about 40ft tall and twelve inch diameter trunks.

Put five tanks of gas through the ms261 today love that saw

 

[Jashley73]

Had a bunch of trees blow down this week in a storm. I lost 20 mature birch trees all about 40ft tall and twelve inch diameter trunks.

Put five tanks of gas through the ms261 today love that saw

Stinks to lose mature trees, but sounds like a good time with the saw anyway. Silver lining i suppose. Hopefully you got some good lumber or fire wood out of it.

 

[douglee25]

Where did the Stihl 028 saw fit in the mix?

I had one but unfortunately lost it in a tornado. I really miss that saw.