Stihl Pro Saw vs. Farm/Ranch

I go over the differences between the Stihl pro saws and the regular "homeowner/farm/ranch" saws.

[rustygoodrick]

Amazing... most other people take 3 times as long to go over it... quick and full of all the things I needed to know!

[douglasedwards]

I appreciate the clear info on the differences between the farm and pro versions. Not easy to find this information in such a specific way that you presented it.

[paulwharton]

A really excellent, thorough review on the reasons why to buy a "pro grade" ms261 over the " home owner/farm range".
I've got both and the ms261 is heaps better in every way - easily well worth the additional cost.
Many thanks for making the video....and wishing you a full recovery very soon !

[TahoeMd]

Neat review, great to see how these saws now look under the hood. I have an 038 Super that was made in the mid 80s I think, I am second owner of her, and she still eats wood like a new saw. Looking at this video, it appears that the 038 has a mix of what are now pro parts and homeowner parts. Stihl makes a great product, I do wonder though if these new electronic components will have the durability / lifetime to last as long as my 038 has.

[aaronhelms]

I'm 23 years old and I also trim trees and fall them.. I have a lot to learn but I used a big 261 today for a climbing job on a pine and it was tough.. been watching your channel for quite some time and I have to say your my idle. I enjoy your work as well as your info and input in your work. I can only hope to be as good as you some day. But being low income I'm stuck with terrible equipment and a big trim saw lol. But thanks for your videos

[markmueller]

Your comment about the compression release reminded me of my co-worker
trying to kick start his Harley. As I mounted my Honda CB750, he
muttered, "If it's not worth starting, it's not worth riding". I just
smiled at him, pressed the start button and rode away.

Am purchasing 20 acres in God's country that needs a little tidying up.
Hmmm, gonna need a chainsaw. The last chainsaw I handled was my dad's
Homelite, 45 years ago. Thanks for this review. You just helped me
narrow my search down to the MS261CM. I will smile every time I use
that compression release.

[TheReiserrob]

Thank you for finally posting a knowledgeable review of the differences in the lines

[Bournefort]

Well, you convinced me. I was debating between the MS391 Farm/Ranch and the MS362 Professional. It seems like the extra cost is well-worth the hassle in rebuilding the engine, lighter weight, better frame design, and general build quality.

[DUGDlMMADOME]

All these people talking about how their homeowner saw has lasted them 10 years...

Because you use it once a year! You're a homeowner. The pro models are designed for every day tree work, they just work longer.

[redthunderheart]

Most awesome Stihl video I have ever seen; and I've seem many! Great job! Thank-you

[gunfighter]

I really want a 261. I have an 018 that's over 20 yrs old and still runs great. Thanks for information that I couldn't even get from Stihl.

[nitrjunki]

I own a 271. Have had it three years. Runs like a champ and is so powerful it will get away from you if you’re kid careful. Only cut wood for personal firewood so I saw no need it hundreds more for a pro level unit. Got mine for $349 and am totally satisfied.

[rorybryant]

You sold me a ms261cm at arts about a year ago and I love it!! No problems with it at all. Keep up the good work.

[gregkiger]

Excellent comparison that spans time and models. They cost more but they do more, both are great, just depends on level of use. One extra note, pro saws / big saws cut faster, but that can be a mixed blessing. Unless you use a saw a lot you may need / appreciate those extra seconds, pro saws make deep face cuts fast, cut through hinges, pinch faster etc. Everything is speeded up so experience and anticipation are needed. Ranch models are awesome and run forever so no shame there, still have mine. Lastly - pro saws with Mtronic carbs do better with varying quality of gas, like older gas. I have let gas get stale (more than 15 days) and my old saws would not run right at all, but the Mtronic adjusted and kept on. Obviously always using fresh premium fuel is the way to go but again, for the occasional user, that would be a plus of an Mtronic. Safe travels...

[jdailey]

One of the biggest sellers at our local dealerships is also the MS170. Great little saw for basic cleanup. You can get a thicker bar and chain, and metal felling spikes, and it improves the saw a lot. I am considering buying one to carry in the trunk during the winter months in case I come upon a fallen tree across the road. I know guys who do this, carry them in their gear for camping and also strap them down on the back of a 4 wheeler when riding through trails and clearing out hunting land.

[keltingr]

Got a 271 been running great over 4 years now, also bought a MS 170 to go with it and still less than the 261 cost

[mikeb.]

Hey thanks for making this video! I always wondered the differences between the home/ranch vs. pro saws. I knew about the magnesium vs. plastic construction and about the clam shell though I was not certain what clam shell meant but you really spelled it out here. I have 25 year old Stihl 021 that just keeps running with basic maintenance but this is great info as a look for a second larger saw. The 261 is looking good and I think the newest version of it is a bit lighter and more powerful (10.8 lbs and 4hp) to match the Husky XP 50cc saw.

[saltysteel]

I'm still running my old Stihl 029 with a 20 inch bar and a Stihl 009 with a 12 inch bar.
Even have an old all metal Homelite that has more compression than any saw I've ever tried to pull start.

I grew up working with my dad's tree service. We had over 40 different saws. All Stihl and Husqvarna.
We had Stihl: 009, 029, 036, 044, 066 and many more.
They only Husqvarna I can remember the number of is a 394XP with a 4 foot bar.
It has 9+ horsepower.
We had a 6 foot bar that we would run on it sometimes.

[kevinpilkington]

Thanks for a great review! I have many saws and none electronic! 066...early 361, early 310, 170 just naming a few stihls and I have put the home/ranch saws through the same misery that my pro saws go through on a daily basis and as long as you keep ethanol away from them and use good oil about 40 to 1 or so and dont gittem with a skidder, dozer, or drop em hard and far they all seem like perty dern good saws. I have saws that I've retired from about 1970 and before that are still good saws...point being....I like em all, just have no need for autotune yet!..Many Blessings, Kev

[kiltmanm]

Good objective review... thanks. This will help me decide which saw to buy.