The 50cc STIHL MS 261 C is often cited as one of the best chainsaws.
It’s a favorite of arborists, tree care workers, firewood businesses, and other heavy chainsaw users.
The 261 is one of STIHL’s best-selling chainsaws; you will find a lot of chatter about it in the chainsaw forums and Facebook groups. There are a few versions of the saw, and, on the whole, all of them have been well received.
Why is it so popular, and is it as good as its reputation?
STIHL 261 Chainsaw Versions
The 261 is a pro-level chainsaw—a step up from the ‘Farm and Ranch’ or homeowner chainsaws.
This means it will cost more than a similarly powered model in those other series, but it is much better, and if you can afford it, it is worth it.
One of the best things about the MS261 is that it has an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 1.6.
To explain this further, let’s compare the weight and power with the cheaper STIHL MS 271, which is in the Farm Boss range:
- MS 261: 10.8 pounds, 50.2 cc, 4 hp, 2.9 kW
- MS 271: 12.3 pounds, 50.2 cc, 3.5 hp, 2.6 kW
But more than that, the 261 is made from better materials and components.
There are at least five versions of the 261:
- Stihl MS 261 – base model
- Stihl MS 261 C-BE – with tool-free quick chain tensioning and STIHL Easy2Start
- Stihl MS 261 VW – Artic System with heated handles and carb
- Stihl MS 261 C-M – M-Tronic engine management system
- Stihl MS 261 C-MQ – M-Tronic with Quickstop Plus (additional chain brake feature)
You can still buy a 261 with or without the M-Tronic system. Some people love it, and others hate it. Let’s look at the pros and cons.
M-Tronic Vs Non-M-tronic
Here are some comments from STIHL Facebook Groups about the M-Tronic system from 261 owners and users:
Pros/positive comments:
- “I got my M-tronic 261 a few months ago, and I love it!! I wasn’t sure about it because of the M-tronic, but I haven’t had any issues so far, and I have been using it almost every day.”
- “Get the M-Tronic for sure. As a tech, I have seen how it performs as well as how it can save itself from blowing up by adding more fuel instead of running lean and causing a seizure.”
- “I love my 462 M-tronic. Just reset the computer occasionally, and it will rip.”
- “You will like the 261. With regular upkeep and learning the carb reset, you shouldn’t have a problem with the m-tronic system.”
- “I have 4 M-Tronic models and no issues with any of them. Never had to do any resets. Running non-e-mix @45:1.”
- “M-Tronic has a carburetor, but you don’t have to tune them. They set themselves to the conditions. The 500i is the only STIHL saw that has fuel injection.”
- “I have a 30-year-old 026 that runs fine and was scared to go to M-tronic. But am I glad I did.”
Or these longer comments:
I like my 261 M-Tronic. Bought it new in August and cut quite a bit of ash with it.
After reading some great posts in this group I went out and did the reset since the weather cooled off.
It cuts a lot better after the reset. Couple minutes to reset and go, how do you beat that?
And:
I avoided M-Tronic. Then I finally broke down and got a 462 which is M-Tronic and loved it!
I now updated all my saws to M-Tronic V3.0!
So they’re very optimistic about the self-tuning carb.
Cons/negative comments:
I have both, the Mtronic saw absolutely rips when it runs right… it’s hit or miss though.
If you accidentally open the decompression valve sure it pulls easier but you will rip on that cord forever getting it to start… The standard carb saw starts the exact same way every time and runs perfect.
I’m getting a 462 next and it’s gonna be a standard carb.
Understandable.
If you are going to be using them daily for a couple hours a day you would want to be able to manually adjust your carburetor in my mind so that they can be tuned rich and you are saving or greatly extending your engine’s life!
I’ve seen new 261cm’s smoked in 3 years because they were run on 50:1 and were blasted everyday… mine and my buddies are still like new internally and they have been run a lot… 12k 12,5 tops and 40:1…
But any saw that’s “blasted everyday” isn’t going to have a long life expectancy.
To me, the question isn’t if the m-tronic is working well now, or 5 years from now. It obviously works and works well. It’s 10-15 years down the line.
Will Stihl discontinue the current m-tronic parts?
With the standard carb model, you don’t really have to worry about that. I don’t have to worry about finding the electric carb for my older 026 and 036.
I deal with a ton of older 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines (dirt bikes, ATVs, saws, etc…) and the hardest part to find for the older stuff is the electronics.
Good points.
Mtronic was a bad move on Stihl’s end. A computer in a chainsaw just doesn’t make sense.
Another way to get you back into the place of purchase to get it calibrated via a computer.
There is a way to reset it by running the choke but it is just a pain in the a**.
Resetting the card is pretty straightforward, as shown in the video above.
Bought the 261c to replace an 026. Not impressed. Won’t idle very well, always having to restart it.
Sometimes it just WONT start. Pull and pull and pull when it’s plum warm and won’t start. Eventually have to pin the throttle and drop start it which I hate cause it’s sketchy.
After cutting for 7 hours this weekend i truly could not start it, put it down and used my old saw for the last 30 min of the day.
To determine if your (or another) 261 is MTronic, check the off-on choke lever: if it’s MTronic, it will have off, on, and a triangle symbol. If it’s non-MTronic, it will be off, on, half choke, and full choke like a regular saw.
Also, there will be no carb adjustment holes on an M-Tronic saw.
STIHL MS 261 Reviews
Highlights of the MS 261 include:
- Very good power to weight ratio
- Lightweight—weighs about 10.8 pounds with a 4 hp engine
- Useful for felling, limbing, and bucking
- Compatible with 16 – 20 inch bars
- Magnesium case, as opposed to a plastic or polymer case
- M-Tronic system—autotunes your chainsaw to optimal levels
- Captive bar nuts keep you from losing them
- Decompression valve—not necessary, but sometimes useful
- Farm and Ranch chainsaws have a one piece case, whereas the 261 has multiple parts for easier access
- It’s a great middle-of-the-road chainsaw—’grab and go’ for all tasks
The weight-to-power ratio matters and makes a big difference if you plan to use the saw often. It’s less important for infrequent or light use.
Here are some more user comments from threads on our Facebook page:
- Jack said, “Still have my original 026 bought new in the 90s. I love it, but the 261s will out-cut it hands down.”
- Skip said, “Love my 261. Last of the ones with an adjustable carb before they went to computer carb.”
- Bill said, “I had one, and it was nothing but trouble.”
- Jeff said, “We have 4 we use daily and have performed flawlessly for the last 2 years!”
- Tom said, “I’m old, and the 261c had been great for cutting firewood. I still have an older 026 that does the job, just not quite the power.”
Trevor said:
Just got a new one today, it’s a ripper for sure! Operates better than a 362 with less weight! Great pickup for our landscaping business.
Kevin said:
I have 7 Stihl saws and my go too saw is the 261 c model that I bought in 2020.
My 290 is strong but too heavy in weight, believe me weight is everything, 2 lbs makes a big difference.
If I had too start over fresh I would only keep these models:
- 500i with 25″ bar
- 261 with 18″ bar
- 194c with 16″ bar
- and for back up keep my 025 with 16″ bar
Steven said:
The 261 is a pro series saw it is very reliable and is definitely worth the money. It will run a 20 inch bar just fine.
It’s perfect for storm clean up or firewood. I’ve even cut 30 inch plus trees with mine
And James said:
Certainly damn good.
Enough power for most on the ground work, light enough to use all day, and compact enough to use in a tree when top handles just aren’t cutting it.
A 261 and a decent top handle and you should be set for any tree up to 24″ at least…
Specs And Features
The 261 is a 50.2cc gas chainsaw with a 4 hp engine.
Bar size is another important factor when buying a chainsaw with the 261 commonly sold with a 20-inch bar.
You can find it for sale with anywhere from a 14 – 20-inch bar, and 16″ and 18″ bars are other commonly used sizes.
It’s happy to be run with any of these bar lengths, though, according to users, 18″ seems to be about the optimal length. And yes, you will hear of those running a 25″ inch bar on it, but this isn’t recommended.
MS261c Specs:
- 50.2 cc, 3.06 cu in
- 3.9 hp, 2.9 kW
- 11.5 lbs/5.2 kg dry weight
- 2,800 rpm idle, 14,000 rpm max
- 1.76″/44.7 mm bore
- 1.26″/32 mm stroke
- 16″ – 20″ bars
- .325″ pitch, 0.063 gauge chain
MS261 Features:
- Decompression valve
- Metal construction
- Captive bar nuts
- Adjustable oiler
- Reduced-emission engine technology
- Pre-separation air filter
- Anti-vibration system
- Toolless fuel and oil cap
- Easy access chain tensioner
STIHL MS 261 Price
How much is a new MS 261?
In the US, you can expect to pay around $700 (check price on Ace Hardware). Prices vary from state to state, depending on taxes and other factors.
You can find used and second-hand Stihl MS261 chainsaws on eBay. However, always try to find out an accurate history of the saw before parting with your cash.
STIHL MS 261 C-M
If you own a 261, please review it in the comment section below. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Otherwise, we hope this has helped you determine whether or not this is the right chainsaw for you. It’s a great all-rounder, but at the end of the day, it’s a small chainsaw.
A lower-powered alternative is the homeowner-level STIHL MS 251 chainsaw, or for something bigger and better, check out the MS 461.
“Without fuel and oil, the 261 weighs 10.8 pounds and has a 4hp engine. The 271 weighs 18.6 pounds and has a 3.5hp engine. It’s a huge difference, right? But we’ll compare these two models further shortly.”
The MS271 is not 18.6 lbs, if you think that you need to go to the gym.
Thanks for catching that error, I’ve updated the post to state the MS271 weighs 12.3 lbs (powerhead alone without bar and chain).
I’m looking for a good used 261 as I already bought a 271 Farm Boss
I’d check FB Marketplace first, and then eBay, Craigslist, etc.
Hey. I have a MS261C in excellent condition, really low hours. It’s been used some but well taken care of. You can message me at 3374144609
Above they said 12.3 pounds. I think that’s a lil bit more accurate
Love how the 271 has loose nuts and the 261 has captive nuts. Just saying.
Thanks Benny, appreciate it.
I am in Ireland. I bought a new Stihl 261 with an 18” bar for €780 in 2017.
I had it two years when a Stihl agent told me they are not a good saw, I wouldn’t agree with him, by the following year the engine was worn out. The dealer I bought it off said it was because I wasn’t always using Stihl two-stroke oil (any excuse).
I have been using chainsaws for almost 50 years and in my opinion Stihl chainsaws haven’t got the quality anymore, you are just buying a name.
Thanks for the comment Frank – often the case.
I have a 261 up here in Canada. Great saw, put the performance package on it making it 20% faster. Have 3 acres of lakefront trees at the cottage and it cuts down anything with a 16 inch bar. Also bought a new Stihl 500i but have never used it yet.
Stihl is quality, endurance and performance to me.
All around great saw is what I think k
I the logging business for 25 years.
I own a MS 261. This is the lowest commercial saw they sell. I”ve owned almost everything besides Stihl. This saw makes them look worthless. Sharp chain and this thing goes through 2′ diameter oak in a minute or less. Need to be aware of over reving! At 14,000 max rpm’s i had to get used to how powerful this saw was vs others. I’ve cut roughly 20 cords so far w/ some of the trees 3’5″ diameter. It comes w/ a 16″ bar. I put an 18″ on it. I wouldn’t buy anything but another Stihl! I paid around $575 for mine.
How did you through 41” of tree with an 18” bar? With mine I can only get around 34” diam.
This saw is definitely worth the hype and lives up to its name. I’ve got 3 of them. I’ll pick up more when I see them listed at the right price.
I bought an ms261 in 2015 and it’ the best saws I’ve ever run. M-tronic is amazing. It is always running at optimal performance. 4-5 pulls cold, and½ pull when its warm. And it NEVER stalls or acts up. It will outperform most 60cc saws with the weight of a 40cc. This will probably be the last saw I will need to buy.
Of my 6 Stihl saws the 261 CM replaced my 026 as I wanted a lighter more powerful saw, there is an amazing difference. It was so good I retired my 046 saw for a 461 CM also a better saw in comparison, great power! These new electronic saws are lighter, start, run, and are all around better in every way than the saws they replaced.
Just bought a ms261 cm after retiring my old 041 farm boss that was over 30 years old. I’m looking forward to using this saw, should last me a good long time. It’s an amazing improvement over my old farm boss. Some things do get better with time.
This thing rips for casual use. Get the extra set of dogteeth to keep your bar wear even, the cap is magnesium and designed for it. Starts first or second pull for me every season, but I only use ethanol free and Stihl brand synthetic 2 cycle oil. Runs through fuel and bar oil fairly quickly but it doesn’t bother me. I get a lot of work done quickly with this one.
As a gentleman forester (weekend warrior) on my 25 acre (~10 Ha) woodlot, I love my MS261. If I’m sloppy, I flood its Carburetter easily. User error, not the saw. Short supply here in Ontario.
Have a 261 cm, had to replace the fuel solenoid twice, beware the solenoid is extremely sensitive to and kind of dirt in the fuel. That being said the thing runs like a raped ape.
I am interested in buying a MS261 chainsaw but I want to know why this is only a 50.2cc saw but has 4hp?
After only having husqvarnas I decided to get a still. My local dealer had a display 261 for $600, so kind of pricey. This thing cuts great. My only complaint is fuel tank size/ fuel efficiency. I don’t think I have been able to cut for 45 minutes without running out of fuel. If this were how I made a living I would not want to spend so much time refueling, but on the other hand you get a lot of rest brakes. All in all a very good saw.
Have been running a 261C for about 5 years.
Hands down the best saw I have used in 50 years of running saw.
When I first started using it I thought they had reinvented the chainsaw, it was that good.
Only trouble I have had is vapour lock if left sitting in the hot sun. Since I dont work in the hot sun this is not a problem.
I am running a 20″ bar with full chisel. It out-performs my venerable old 038. No contest.
I just ran my MS261 for the first time this past weekend on a stand of fallen oaks here in CA and found it to be a monster relative to my Husqy 240… which is like using a butter knife to cut a medium rare steak. It was a jump in cc’s, hp’s, and quality of saw yes, but given that, the anti-vibration was great and razor sharp blade ripped through the trees. The largest diameter trunks I bucked were 20″ diameter, and once the dogs got into the bark, I reved her up and dipped the bar in to get the chips flying. With the 20″ bar on, as long as I didn’t crank on the controls the powerhead did its job nicely. Manipulating the saw around during limbing was easy and after a full initial session, I didn’t feel like my arms were going to fall off. I decided to go for the pro saw for the serviceability and weight reduction. Buy once, cry once.
Purchased my MS261 to support my older 026 which ran flawlessly for over 25 years, until I left some gas in it and now have to replace the fuel line, filter, and carb (oops!). After less than an hour, the 261 overheated and wouldn’t start no matter what I tried.
Looked in the manual and learned to my surprise Stihl cautions that any gas under 89 octane may overheat the engine and lock up the pistons. This was a big surprise to me as my trusty 026 ran on regular 87 octane just fine for a quarter century and I expected the 261 to do likewise. I didn’t realize I bought the Lamborghini of chain saws. I’ll try the higher octane and hope for the best.
When it runs, the power is great, and there’s nothing like a brand new chain to throw the chips.
Good morning, great article. I will be buying a MS 261. I am still cutting wood with my 028 super. It’s been a great saw. Close to 40 years of use from this saw.
You mentioned that you can still find parts for these old Stihl saws. I am in need of a carburetor for my 028. Do you know where I can find one?
Thanks