7:51 is where it starts

This just popped in my feed. Watching it, I burst into laughter when he said "I am chomping at the bit for 2020." If only he knew what it would hold...

I've always liked the look of red pines, good looking tree, planted about 60 on my property in the last couple years.

I was shopping for a saw two years ago right around the time I found your channel. My dealer showed all those same differences. I asked him about the cases. He said the MS 261 Pro .saw was magnesium to aid in the cooling of that engine. He said that is a key for someone that cuts everyday all day. The cooling aids in the saw lasting longer. Great feature for those pro rated saws. Internet search and KZfaq vids and experience using a 036 pro saw I knew I wanted the MS 261 Pro. For me I chose the MS 271. After talking to the dealer I knew the amount of wood I cut a year 3 full cord or 6 face cord. So MS 271 came home with me and set on the shelf waiting for it’s first day of use. So a week later I am at my Doctors office for a problem with my hand(Dupuytren Contraction). Surgery two weeks later. Oh pretty new saw see you soon. A month after that I meet with my shoulder surgeon. Shoulder surgery scheduled. Oh pretty saw we will cut wood soon. I go through all the rehab and physical therapy that my insurance will cover. I feel pretty good but not read to cut firewood. So I wait to get stronger and more confident with this newly scoped shoulder and reattached bicep. I had two good months and I was back at my surgeon in pain wishing I never had the surgery. As you guess it and if your still reading what was the next step. Yes Surgery and a complete shoulder replacement. I had 5 total visits to physical therapy. Two of the visits lasted an hour. After that ten minutes and all the physical therapists scratching their heads out how well I felt and how quickly progressed. So about two months after surgery I looked at my never used pretty saw we had our first dance and cut some firewood. I put one tank of fuel through my new saw and was so happy to have done that. Oh yeah I didn’t mention I am only 47. I love that saw.

Good video Mike. I have a MS 270 and it has improved with time over the years, it cuts faster now than when it was new. The big difference between the 271 and 261 is the 271 is a clam shell and the 261 is a split case. The case and side cover etc. on the 271 is plastic and the case and side cover on the 261 is magnesium. I have run both with both the chains you mentioned. Both are great saws and with proper care will last many years. I also have a MS 390 and that has the decomp valve on it as well as an adjustable oiler.

Hey Mike thanks for the vid! I have owned both, but currently i own the 261c-m. My buddy runs a firewood business and needed a new saw so i sold him my 271 that was just barely a year old. The 271 surprised me for being a mid grade saw for the money. It was pretty good on gas too. The 261c-m i have is definitely a pro saw and will really surprise you with the power to weight. It is really ergonomic and just a joy to run. The differences of the 261 over the 271 Magnesium case and side cover Felling sights Decompression valve Heavy duty air cleaner Elastostart starter Supposedly a better anti vibe system Higher compression I think it revs 1k rpm higher Easier to rebuild the top end Captured bar nuts Adjustable Oiler with metal gears vs plastic Stainless steel muffler vs zinc plated Rim sprocket clutch setup I have a ms261c-m which is the m-tronic version. So far i love it. It simply just rips. I’m still breaking it in and it’s still impressing me. I’ve grown up around pro saws my whole life as my family is fourth generation loggers. That’s why i went with the 261 after i owned the 271, but for the money the 271 is a great saw don’t get me wrong. For the 261 I bought the sprocket cover side felling dog that matches the inside one that comes on the saw and it helps with bucking thick barked wood and also flush cutting stumps. I also put a full chisel rapid super chain on it before i even started it for the first time. Mike, can i suggest maybe re-tuning your 261 or getting it re-tuned? I can see that yours isn’t the m-tronic version and it sounds like it’s possibly not tuned to its potential. You should be able to get more speed and faster acceleration out of it.

Hi Mike, I have a MS271. I don't cut nearly as much wood as you but it's a really Great saw, I would recommend to anyone. Perfect for my heavily wooded 5 acres down here in Florida.

Bought myself a new 271 for Christmas,had to have a new saw to go with a new truck. It cuts a bit slower, but just for firewood and cutting a down tree out the road,it does fine. Main reasons why I bought it, this new addition makes number 14.

Thanks! I know this is last year but I found it very helpful. I live in a farming area of Southern California, San Diego (Yep, that's right, North San Diego has lots of farming). Both of my local Stihl Dealers are terrible at explaining the differences between their saws and line trimmers. I tend to copy what I see the tree trimmers use that work for San Diego Gas and Electric. It sure would be helpful if Stihl would train their people to be as helpful as you are here. Where I live the attitude is kinda like if you are buying a Stihl, you should already know what model you want. So the counter people are more like Sales Clerks and not Salesmen/women.

Great video! Hit every point I was debating while I was searching for a new saw. I went with the 261-more power, less weight. I also chose the M-tronic option. I've never had fiddle with carb settings, and it's worked perfectly.

Great video, Mike! I bought a MS 261 back in September and I love it. It’s light, but strong for that size saw. Definitely a featherweight compared to my MS 661.

Good comparison!!, I have the 261 and love it!! Over time it has paid for the difference , IMO!

Nice comparison video Mike, thanks! We have a 271 and like it quite a bit. It starts, runs, and idles. All day every time we use it. It does what we need it to do.Keep 'em coming. God Bless.

Great video Mike . Love these comparison videos . Darn it . Now I want to get a MS261 saw . Funny thing is I don't need one . Glad this holiday season is over and we can get back to normal . This cold rainy weather is driving me nuts . Got a few shows to go in Toronto .... boat show and a couple of sportsman shows . Kinda breaks things up . Our weather is like yours . Rain and a bit of snow . Snows gone in a few days . Thankful for that . Don't know how you can keep yourself so busy . Right now I don't want to do anything . Not even wanting going to the grocery store . Need a few sunny days to perk me up . Spend my time trolling on you tube videos . I'm bad . That was a great video with the cross bow . Was happy to see that you were able to use the old pair of chaps . Many people still don't wear chaps . I guess they like playing Russian Roulette .

We live on 5 acres of wooded land and I have the 271 for firewood, and the 170 for limbing. I love both of those saws. The captive nuts would be amazing , because I've lost 2 out in the field.

Hey Mike go down to Levi's house and gather up those pine trees that you piled up there. Those will make nice lumber. Ron

I own the 261 c-m (no needles, No Bogging!) and can't say enough about the saw for long days cutting firewood, It's light and for the size and weight it's amazing. Just open the exhaust port a bit and take the baffle out and it rips!

I've had a Farm Boss for a number of years. No more wood than I cut, I'm absolutely pleased with it. Also have a 180 that I use for

I think that weight difference is the main difference for me and my back. Next I think a faster saw is exponentially more fun. All the little things are hard to put a price on but also make cutting wood more enjoyable. I’d go with the 261 not for the money but for the enjoyment factor.

I have the ms261c, the captive nuts are a must when your fumbling around with gloves. I've had it for 2 years now and love it. This summer I did have a NO start problem after the saw was hot. That ended up being a solenoid issue that caused it to flood.

That slight difference in speed could be because of break in. Will need to see a comparison after they are both broke in. God bless

Happy New Year to the Morgan family. Quote of the day: Smile every chance you get; not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you choose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have, and all the problems you don’t have. You must accept the that life is not perfect, that people are not perfect, and that you are not perfect. that’s okay, because the real world doesn't reward perfection. It rewards people who have intent and are determined to get things done. Each of us has the power to make a difference regardless of how trivial it may appear to us at the time, It is the intention that carries the true meaning of the act! Kindness and love are the most rewarding gifts we can give, and they don't have a price tag attached to them. Make today your chance to give something back...your reward will be in how it makes you feel! ~ George Wheeler

I personally own. 271, and run a 261 for my job. Both excellent saws but the weight difference is noticeable when cutting trail to a fire. I feel a 16” bar offers the best length for power! Great video! You got a new sub out of it!!! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦🤙

That 1/2 hp made a little difference and at the end of the day the lighter weight of the 261 would as well,great info Mike,thanks for sharing.

The 261 is a pound and a half lighter and has more power. For me, that made it a a no-brainer. I'm pretty good at no-brainers. I got the 20-inch bar. And when I found out they had a C-M saw where you didn't have to adjust the screws anymore, well, yeah, to me it was worth the extra money not to have to adjust those screws. I've been very happy with my saw.

Hey Morgan's !!!! You KNOW I love my MS 261 :) Thank you SO much Be safe out there and God Bless

I have my guys run a 271 for a top/brush saw with the occasional bucking as well. It has been a great saw and saves my company some money. Iv not had any complaints and i feel the 271 is a excellent saw for professional use. Ours get ran almost daily and has been for the last 3 yrs with no issues whatsoever.

Good video. I have the Farm Boss. Very good saw. That 261 runs nice. I may have to get one. I’ve been dropping Red Pine trees for 6 years now. I manage my hunting property by opening up the canopy. The red pine were planted as part of a Christmas tree farm in 1989. I wish I could harvest them but the access road is just a small two track. By putting half these trees on the ground the sun light is now getting to the forest floor and it is green instead of a carpet of brown pine needles. Always a challenge when cutting trees that are so close together. It is also best to cut them in the winter because of the pine sap. I’ve put about 250 down and have about 100 more to go. Thanks for the videos.

after a ton of research, I decided on a 271 2 years ago. I had tried an old 029, and it was just too much beast for me. I've felled at least 30 trees with it, and cut them up a bit. if I had some more spending money, I probably would've went with a 261 just for the weight of it, but i'm happy with my 271.

Happy New year Morgans, I've had the Farm series MS291for about 5 years now, been utterly faultless, I use it as a second saw for smaller work in dry Aussie hardwood. My only criticism is that it doesn't quite oil as quickly as I'd like (although the Stihl synthetic chain/bar oil does help with this). As for the rain, we are happy to have some of it down here if you'd like to send it, might quench the fires!

I started my stihl ownership with a ms 390, great saw. I had another pos saw lying about that was constantly giving troubles and got rid of it for a dinky ms171, I love it. Last but not least a 461, what an animal

Good video. I just bought a year old 261 yesterday, and it starts WAY easier than my old Poulan ( I know..I know)...and, you can feel a drastic difference in the extra 10cc immediately. Well built saw, cant wait to give it a test.

Had a 271 and I caught on fire. Got a 261 to replace it and its been amazing. Starts great with the electronics.

I think one thing that few have mentioned in the comments, although Mike does in the overview of the saws, is the weight. I have cut firewood for over 40 years, some from purchased logs and more recently from a hundred acre property I bought 5 years ago. While the difference of a pound and a half may not seem much when you’re 30 or 40 or even 50, for most of us, once we hit our 60’s, even half a pound makes a difference when you’re throwing a saw around for hours at a time. This is less noticeable if you’re just bucking up logs, but when felling, limbing, as well as bucking, that little bit of weight is really noticeable on 60-something (or 70... or 80) year old bodies. Many of us develop arthritis and are living with old injuries (usually from silliness in our youth!) that we really feel after hours on a saw. I started on finger-numbing, ear-splitting Pioneers with no chain brake, and after a close call on a kick-back (with the scar to prove it), I moved to a “modern” Stihl 028 Wood Boss. That saw stills runs like new with only a few carb cleanings to keep it going, but over the years I have acquired a MS170 (wilderness camping and light work), a MS250 (best power to weight in the Stihl consumer saws), a MS362 for bigger work, and recently a MS261. The power, lighter weight, and virtually zero vibration on the 261 and 362 are amazing. However, given all of these saws I own and use, for anyone that wants the absolute best performing all around LOW COST LOW WEIGHT saw for occasional use with moderate size wood, my top recommendation would be a MS250 with an 18” blade - it is an outstanding combination of power, weight, and cost. Check the specs - the 250 is 3hp at 10.1 lbs. The 271 is 3.5hp at 12.2 lbs. You’ barely notice the hp difference but you will surely feel that extra 2.1 lbs!

271 Plastic case is just a housing the engine is bolted into it. Crank case and cylinder are one piece. Ms261 case is the crankcase and the cylinder is removable. 261 also has better vibrations damping

i just got a used 261 for $350. bar and chain are well used, but the power head looks nice. that difference with the mag case is well worth the money in my opinion. somewhere for the heat to go when your bar is buried. thank for the video. a lot of first time buyers don't realize the differences, they make them look the same on purpose.

Love my 261 but it lost spark last weekend so I just dropped it off at the dealer to see what happened. Picked up a 271 to have around as a spare.

On another note, watching the background of PA as your driving, love how y'all are building to the lay of the land keeping the chracter of the land and sceneries intact. Down here they'll spend thousands of $$ up front before the foundation is poured in "leveling the lot"... Most all 80% of housing is leveled lot built and all the character of the land is lost. Most places just look plain & the same in lay of the land... I really like how PA builds!!❤👍

Nice demo if I was still working would use the farm boss just because I like the name. Great plans on the new building doesn't sound like a" she shed". Glad your using some of the wood from your property saves some money Good luck with the plans

I use my 261 at -20F and it's flawless. Usually take 5 or 6 pulls at that temp but it always starts and runs for me. Coldest I've tested it at was -43F and even then it wanted to run but I sure didn't want anymore than to cold start it just to see how reliable it is in extreme cold and it's crazy.

If you put 400 hours a year on the saw, the price diff is .50 an hour. If you put 25 hrs on it it’s an $8 difference. Choose the farm saw unless you do enough to need the robustness and features.

I have a 261 as well as 4 other Stihl Pro saws and it's the best one I own. Power to Weight is awesome. Just a pure workhorse.

Hands down I agree Mike. Definitely, the 261 is worth the extra $$ . Thanks for the comparison. Very helpful. Cheers!

Back in '62 my dad planted red pine at the suggestion of the DNR here in WI. The boy scouts came and did the planting many are only 4 feet apart. We had 3 sections of them, one of which we clear cut over 10 years ago and another was thinned at the same time. Some have gotten decent size but not for the 50+ years they have taken up space. In the early 90's dad cut out a few that I used for rafters in my then new wood shed. I didn't know any better so I used them as is. They have been peeling themselves ever since and I doubt they will ever quit. It is a mess! In spite of their varying size I managed to get the roof mostly straight. I never heard of a construction use for them officially but mine have held up fine as round rafters.

My take on it would be for a guy like myself who isnt running a firewood operation, just cutting for own use. the 271 farm boss is going to be just fine, put the extra 200.00 in the Mason jar to put towards the fuel Injected saw that will be in my sights when I wear this one out.

Used 025 ,farm boss 271 just bought a 261 a few month's ago. First thing really liked was the weight reduction. Second, noticed much less vibration with 261. Maybe because a brand new saw opposed to older used saws but noticeable to me.

I got the Farm Boss. I use a saw 3+4 times a year so I'm good.

I have a 261 and love it! I’ve been seeing 271s on FB and Craigslist for pretty cheap and have been considering one as another back up. Thanks for the video!

Always love your vids, but this was really informative and useful! Thank you and hope 2020 is a great year for the Morgans.

Hi Mike. I am currently running a MS290 with an old 029 as a back up. Both have 18 inch. bars. We heat our house with wood and have to buy logs. I am currently cutting up the logs from the second tri axle log truck. I have been very happy with the MS290. Thanks for the comparison on the 2 saws.

I have a ms251 C-BE that has served me well for our wooded property. It has the spring assist starter which is so smooth. Just a like pull as it loads up the spring and then it snaps over. Also has a pretty easy to use no-tool bar tensioner that works well. I have no complaints with that saw. The 46cc does just about everything I have needed.

Levi I bought you a gift son. But first I have to try it out. Every father in the world. Lol God bless

If you plan on cutting lots of pine, you will need to use some type of lubercant to keep as much of the pine sap off your equipment. It will clog everything up.

Love the test it was very insightful!! Last week I tested the MS 391 and let me tell you, Stihl is putting out some great power saws!!! Keep up the great vidios

Nice video, thanks. I bought a Stihl Farm Boss after we got hit with a Tornado about 7 years ago and had 8 trees down around the house (thank God not on it), I used it this morning on a down tree in the yard after storms yesterday. It's been a reliable good machine for the price and for someone who only has to use it when nature calls, I have had nothing but good luck with mine.

I bought a 271 today and I couldn't be happier. Great video. Keep up the great work !

Always good to see a first hand comparison by an experienced user. I personally am happy with my battery operated saws as I just do light trimming and no firewood processing. Thanks for the demo. Hey Hunter! 👴🏻👍🏻

Plane those cookies and sell them as Morgan Cookie Trays!

I just got the 261cm. I've cut about 8 cords of wood with it. Honestly I cant tell a difference in power or cutting speed between this saw and my 90s model 029 with exhaust mod. It also takes the same number of pills to start. 3-5 when cold. Not a really fair comparison because I'm using the green semichisel chain that came with the 261 and my 029 has a full chisel on it but it's also a 3/8 where the 261 has a .325 I guess all my blabbing here is to say that even if you buy an old stihl saw that still runs good you will have nearly as good of a saw as a brand new one. Yeah my old saw weighs 2 pounds more but even that isn't a huge deal

I am not an expert by any means, just a guy that has run a lot of different Stihl saws. I have always gravitated towards the Pro series. My most recent saw is a MS 362 after my Stihl 032 finally hit the end of its serviceable life. The reasons I stayed with the Pro series is 1) serviceability, 2) greater power to weight ratio, 3) the Pro series seems to rev more quickly and bog down less, especially when running a longer bar and 4) I like the metal vs plastic parts. Oh and so far I am loving the m-tronic carb though time will tell. These are just some of my reasons. The Farm Boss is a great saw. I have used several and all of the Stihl saws I have run have worked well. I am not a brand fan boy, I just need equipment that works and so far in 50 years I have never had a Stihl tool let me down.

Great comparison Mike, also sounds like some awesome plans for 2020! Also I’m sure you done a comparison on the different chains and I’ve just missed it but I was hoping you would throw the other back on to see the difference with the full chisel chain compared to the semi chisel just for fun :) thanks Mike, keep up the great work!

MS 261 CM is nice the m-tronic is a good rig.

I've had an MS-271 for almost 2 years now. You are right, for occasional use and cutting down trees for firewood it does just fine. I use mine to cut down/cut up mostly oak and hickory trees on 35 acres. Nothing of any real quantity, probably 2 or 3 cords of wood per year.

Thanks for the comparison. I’m looking for a little more power than my 291, but that saw has been and is a great saw for my needs. The more I learn the better educated I’ll be for when or if I buy another powersaw. Thanks

Good morning from No. VT - we have had pretty much the same weather pattern as you so far this year. Way too much warm weather. Today is high 20's and we had about 3 or so inches of snow overnight. Starting to look like Vermont should the first week of January. Thanks for the Stihl comparison, useful timing for me. Thinking about a new saw for the lake camp, so understanding the differences from a practical perspective is very useful for me. Your priorities align really well with my thinking so it is more useful to me than reading spec sheets. Thanks for doing the video.

I had to get certified on chainsaws last year event though I have years of experience. This for Wildland firefighting. Anyway the instructor had a couple of Huskies and a couple of Stihls. The Stihls were the pro Series with compression release. The Huskies didn't have that feature and were a huge PITA to start. The Stihls no problem. Also the new Stihls have a wrap around handle but at lates check the wrap around handle model doesn't fit into a plastic case. This was last June ish.My old saw from decades ago was a o41 Farm boss. A solid saw but heavier and no chain brake or compression release.The compression release releases when the saw starts. I'd get one if it could be justified but then its all the other stuff to go with it, axe, chainsaw pants, fuel/oil container, files, hardhat/faceshield, ear gear, yada, yada, yada.Also Stihl has a promotion on at the moment at least here in Western Canadia.Best to all in 2020.

Thanks for sharing! I've been curious how that pro series saw stacks up to the MS271. I have an MS290, which is a little older but it's my primary go to for firewood. Are the air cleaners different between these two saws? Just wondering because that's my only complaint with my MS290 is the air cleaner setup. Can't wait to see you cutting some softwoods on the saw mill. I'm curious about the building plans for your new building. Does it include a pool for Melissa? Have a day and tell Hunter I said Hello!

Nice info. Can't wait to see the building go up. Have a productive day.

Great video! Like the power to weight ratio comparison. Before watching this video bought a farm boss since it was cheaper. I go thru chains like crazy.

Since I'm cutting about only about 1/4 cord (2x a year to add up to 1/2 cord) , the MS 271 looks right for me. Your review helped me affirm that decision. Thanks

Mike; what I understand the differences are only in the type of bearings used in the main crank and piston quality as well plastics used to metal case of which need to dismantle to see the differences?! serial numbers have changed with the older saw of pro to farm boss. pro used to be even numbered to non pro were uneven numbered so have changed since last used the saws, like say as a number (260 pro to 261 farm boss). ask your dealer about these details? . Have you tried the huspvarna series saws as you will see finer barrs (less chips), good quality motors and light to handle. If I were to choose a saw now nearly would bye a Husky to a stihl because stihl has dropped their quality to their older series which were true pro saws. I think you will understand where I am coming from when we were saw-millers. Jonsered pro saws were a good saw to use as a all rounder series. When I was in saw-milling new all fine details but since away for a number of years have lost contact of pro series saws to all brands used though still have expertise of the fine details of saw management as stripped many saw in my day and saw the quality changes made to Stihl saws. would hate to strip a saw today as they are only made for throwaway society.

Nice saw comparison. I really enjoyed that! Thank you for sharing, be safe!

Really look forward to your shop build....good luck

Another advantage the 261 has is an over the rim sprocket. It is easier and cheaper to change then a whole clutch drum. It is also interchangeable between ,325 and 3/8 sprocket. I am running a 3/8 full chisel full skip chain on a 20' bar on my 261 and it is a ripping beast. Granted I live in Utah where the majority of our wood is soft woods. It is a great saw and well worth the extra money.

I have used a 271 for about 20 hours and it is a really good saw. Just bought myself a 362, really keen to get that one ripping into timber!

Years back when I had my farm and even before that when I logged, I ran a Homelite 750, an 090, a 075, 041 Then a husky 394. That was years back all big powerful saws. When I was looking for a new Stihl last month I chose the MS271, price was a big factor. I didn't need a "bullet proof" saw to cut a couple of cords of fire wood a year. I'm happy with my choice. $500 vs $800 for basically the same results.

Hi Mike, I have a MS 360 PRO Not sure if they still make this one any more, but has served me well our they years. Due to health reasons cant run saw any more but enjoy watching you do all the things I used to enjoy doing!

Good review. I have a 461, and I have cut up 2 large Red Oaks, both over 100 yrs old. It is a beast, but I am older and will be getting a smaller one for use when I can. Also, it is always good to have an extra saw available, just in case you get in a bind. I have lost so many nuts, so I am glad to hear about the captive nuts.

Mike Thanks for the awesome reviews.... great information for those considering either chainsaw! 👍

Whew....you better get a JUMP on it.....there's only 51 weeks left in 2020! ....And in the immortal words of Clint Black in one of the best country songs ever written....."There's no time to kill". As far as the Farm Boss 271 (20" bar), I have had one for about 3 years and I really liked it at first, but then got to the point I just wanted "a little more power" as it always seemed to not want to go as fast as I was wanting to go. However, my 362 does, and it just seems like it's the right amount of power to keep me not wanting more. So, I backed the bar on the 271 down to 16" and now use it on smaller trees and smaller firewood and am satisfied with it in that role. The captive bar nuts would be nice on it, though, as I lost 2 of them early on simply thru vibration, but now keep them regularly checked.

There are some good plans for a solar kiln i think it was university of oregon and one in virginia perfected it pretty good for some drying sheds!!

One of my saws at work is a 261c its a beast and has felled many Large trees over 50ft

I have a 10 yr old 260C and it has never let me down on cutting firewood. Great compare video.

They make great saws , I have a 026 from 1996 . Still running strong I did pick up a new 271 last year runs great . Great saws !! 👍

I spent last summer working in Norway logging with my 261. Dudes said it’d die from the hard graft. They had 462’s. I ran an 18” bar and it made it through fine.

I bought the farm boss about a month ago and added the more aggressive chain to it and it cuts very quickly... thus far I've put about 6 tanks of gas though it and id have to say that I wish it had a decompression valve on it because after you shut it off for maybe longer than 5 minutes it's very hard to get started again if using the same day... if you don't pick it up again until the next day it will crank right back up with maybe 3 pulls . I believe this is a vapor lock issue that a decompression valve would greatly help with.

Nice video Mike. Hope we get to see you getting that red oak, and the pines as well. Thumbs up.

I'll be honest, id totally love getting a stihl as a gift, and would even buy a used one if it were super cheap and worked well on the "test drive"... id never again buy another stihl, new... been down that road a couple times... one of the string trimmers still runs, sorta, clutch is locked up and now direct drive, was like that since it was about a year old, hard to start, always was .. I have a ten year old Husky saw that runs perfect and starts on the second or third pull even after sitting in storage for a couple years... just checked the piston and cylinder and they look brand new still... thing still runs perfect, zero issues...

The weather here in ky has been miserable for the last few days. So i did take a day and clean the shop. Just like you, think about the shop, laugh, and say yea, i got that done. I think its 75 days til spring, cant wait. Say hey to the family and yall HAVE A DAY 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

MS261 for over a year now and absolutely love it. I spent the extra money for the pro saw and am really glad i did. Running full chisel on 18" and it has just been flawless. surprising how well is started in -15C Canadian winter. I would get the arctic version next time with the hand warmers.

Mike - Thanks for the info. Don't know as there's a chainsaw purchase in my future, but I learned something again today. I appreciate your efforts.

I had to make the same choice recently on another brand. I chose the pro version. The reason was it was lighter and on the price... I figured, yes, it did cost 150 extra but if the saw lasts me 15 years, that's only a 10 dollar a year difference. I am a weekend warrior when it comes to cutting wood, not a pro.

Also, the pro series crankcase cans be serviced/taken apart, you can see the gasket in the vertical middle. I also have the 261 WITH the adjustable carb, I did NOT want the C model with the M-Tronic computer chip. I like to be able to work and tune my equipment.

Had sprocket problems with 261’s never had a bit of trouble with 271. Both same age and use, don’t knock the 271 good little saw.

I have a 271 and it’s a good saw, I’ve had zero problems with it and I’ve probably cut like 30 cords of wood with it.

In my opinion there both a good firewood saw and I would say it depends on one’s application as to which they choose. My personal preference is a pro saw, they have better internals and more power. I also cut big wood 24”+ so a bigger saw suits me better but a farm saw will get the job done as well just not as quick.

I think the price difference is well worth it just knowing you bought a saw that will last for many many years and is easier to service. The pro saw is easier to change out a piston or clutch.. Mike there is a tiny little saw out by stihl that is slimy amazing. Best power to weight ration of any saw they make. Cant remember the model but I was about to get one.. I have to work slow and the weight gets to me.. But then after gathering up all my saws I had laying around one fired right up, stays idling when sat down and just runs perfect. Husqvarna 33... The little guy cuts better then my bigger saws so I've been using it... I never got the stihl... But remember all I cut is spruce and birch... A little cotton wood and nothing very big... No hard wood here in AK...

Happy new year! Really enjoy this channel. Looking forward to what you all get into on this channel!

Hello Mike, I own a ms261 for more than 2 years and no other saw will replace this ms261 except when I getting tired and I wish to continue for a little time clearing small trees branches or make small trails I 'm using the ms170 with a 16 inches bar . So in your vids I'm happy to see you with your ms261, you cut more hardwood than me and you appreciate that saw so imagine me in soft wood? Tyrrs and thank Mike.

I own the Farm Boss and really love it. I don't cut often but when I need it - its awsome.