Are you familiar with that saw at all? If not, you've purchased a much better saw than the Farm Boss. Yes, still 50ccs, but Farm Boss has a plastic case, the 261 has a magnesium one, which works as a heat sink, making overheating problems much less of an issue. You also got better air filtration, AV, and compression release. For roughly 200.00 more than the Farm Boss, you've gotten yourself a much better saw.

I've got a 260 Pro, a 261, and a 462. As much as the 462 makes me grin when I use it, the 261 is my "go to" saw for 70% of my work. I don't think you'll ever regret buying a pro level saw.

 

Jeff -

I Have read up on the differences, but have never used a 261. I have used my dads older magnum saws, my brothers MS 250 and Ms271 Farm Boss and then of course my little Ms170. I knew I wanted something in between and I do like things to be overbuilt for my use. I knew the Farm Boss was a solid choice, but my buddy convinced me to go "PRO".

Yea it was more than I wanted to spend, but it should hold up a long while. I like the lightweight and good power.

 

Jeff -

I Have read up on the differences, but have never used a 261. I have used my dads older magnum saws, my brothers MS 250 and Ms271 Farm Boss and then of course my little Ms170. I knew I wanted something in between and I do like things to be overbuilt for my use. I knew the Farm Boss was a solid choice, but my buddy convinced me to go "PRO".

Yea it was more than I wanted to spend, but it should hold up a long while. I like the lightweight and good power.

Nothing against a Farm Boss either. It's a solid saw as well. But that 261 that you've just bought can easily be a "lifetime" saw if it's taken care of. Use good oil in both the mix as well as on the bar, change the plug every once in a while, and clean the air filter, and that saw can easily last as long as you do.

I can't tell with the scabbard on, what size bar did you go with? I've got 16", 18" and 20" bars for mine. I found the 18" to be the happy medium. It's long enough that you don't have to bend over quite as far when bucking, but short enough that the oiler will still lubricate the tip well enough. With the 20" I just don't feel like I see enough oil reaching the nose sprocket. Other people feel that the tip still gets plenty of oil on a 20" bar though.

 

All the ones I could find locally were 20", but Winchester Equipment swapped it out for the 18" bar which I felt like was a happy medium.

I tend to take really good care of things as I hang onto equipment as long as I can. HP Ultra Oil and Platinum Bar oil for the win, although I did buy some MotoMix this go around just to try it when we get more into the storage season, although saws tend to never go in storage the Stihl FS131R should like it come Fall/Winter

 

I have a 260 and my dad has a 261. That 171 will immediately become an afterthought. The 261 is the same power as the 271 and a pound and a half lighter. I think the 18” bar is perfect. If you are cutting softwood the 20” would be great. As Jeff said, take care of it and it will last long enough to pass down.


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Added some MotoMix and she fired up on the 3rd pull. She sounds good. (MotoMix is pricey, but nice stuff). I figured I would break it in on this and the use it for storing season especially in the Trimmers since they don't get used from Nov-April.

 

My friend used an MS261 for his medium climbing saw. It's a great little saw and I think you will be well pleased with it. I have a little MS 170 I used as a climbing saw the last 5-6 years I climbed. I don't like top handles. I have an MS290 I call my truck saw, it stays on the back of the truck 24/7. It's close to 20 years old and never a lick of trouble. Since I run 3/8 chain on my MS 660, I converted the 290 to 3/8. I've had friends use it and ask if it's ported or if I put a 390 top end on it. All I've done is open the muffler up a little and change the chain. I have over 70 saws and I play heck keeping ten of my favorites running all the time. As you alluded to, there are periods when they ride the shelf a lot. I've tried to get in the habit of starting all my out door equipment up and letting it run at least long enough to cycle the fuel through the lines and carbs. If you only have a mower, blower, and a couple saws that shouldn't be hard, just get in the habit. I go through 5 gallons of mix a month easy, sometimes 5 gallons a week. I can't use any canned fuel, it's just too expensive. But, for a home owner it may be a good idea. I will promise you if you just walk out to the shed once a week and fire up that 261 for a minute or so, you will never have trouble with it. Sitting is a saws worse enemy. Good luck with it.

 

^ Amen. Sound advice.

 

I needed to do something about my Farm Boss. I am 78 and have some right solider problems. I have a very hard time starting it. After reading reviews and comments on several sites, I have a 261 CM 18" coming on Tuesday. I hope my experience matches what I have read here. The Boss will be listed on Craig's list. One note, I will have to watch my back around my son in law. He will turn John Deere green next time he is over.

 

I know there will be feedback about this, some people love Stihls...but they do have a reputation of being difficult to start....not just the saws...I don't buy them any more...I go with echo