Stihl 261 Best Price Guide (5 Pro Tips for Firewood Prep)

As winter’s chill starts creeping in, thoughts naturally turn to the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire. For many, that means stocking up on firewood, and for those serious about getting the job done right, the Stihl MS 261 chainsaw often tops the list. I’ve spent years in the woods, felling trees, processing timber, and preparing firewood. I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools can make all the difference, and the Stihl 261 is a workhorse that consistently delivers. But finding the best price and mastering the art of firewood prep are key. In this guide, I’ll share my insider tips, learned through trial and error (and a few close calls), to help you get the most out of your Stihl 261 and efficiently prepare firewood for the cold months ahead.

Stihl MS 261: Finding the Best Price and Understanding Its Value

Before diving into firewood prep, let’s talk about the Stihl MS 261 itself. It’s a professional-grade chainsaw known for its power, reliability, and relatively light weight. It’s a significant investment, so finding the best price is essential.

Understanding the Market: Where to Buy

• Authorized Stihl Dealers: This is your safest bet. You’ll get genuine Stihl products, warranty support, and expert advice. Prices might be slightly higher than online retailers, but the peace of mind is worth it. I always recommend building a relationship with your local dealer; they can be invaluable for maintenance and repairs down the line.
• Online Retailers: Sites like Amazon or eBay can offer competitive prices, but be cautious. Ensure the seller is reputable and the product is genuine. Check reviews carefully and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. I once bought a “Stihl” chain online that turned out to be a cheap knockoff – a costly mistake.
• Used Market: Buying a used Stihl 261 can save you money, but it’s a gamble. Inspect the saw thoroughly before buying. Check for signs of wear and tear, damage, and improper maintenance. Ask about its history and run it if possible. I’ve seen some great deals on used saws, but also some lemons.
• Seasonal Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially around holidays or the end of the season. Stihl dealers often offer discounts or package deals.

Factors Affecting Price

• Location: Prices can vary depending on your location and the availability of dealers.
• New vs. Used: Used saws will always be cheaper, but factor in the risk of repairs.
• Bundled Deals: Some dealers offer packages that include extra chains, bars, or safety gear. These can be a good value.
• Taxes and Shipping: Don’t forget to factor in taxes and shipping costs when comparing prices.

Price Comparison Example

Let’s say you’re looking for a new Stihl MS 261 with a 16-inch bar. Here’s a hypothetical price comparison:

• Authorized Dealer: $750 (includes assembly and warranty)
• Online Retailer (Reputable): $700 (plus shipping and taxes)
• Used (Good Condition): $550 (private seller, no warranty)

The best option depends on your budget and risk tolerance. For me, the peace of mind of buying from an authorized dealer often justifies the higher price.

5 Pro Tips for Firewood Preparation

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: preparing firewood with your Stihl MS 261. These tips are based on my years of experience and will help you work safely and efficiently.

The type of wood you choose and how you season it dramatically affect its burning properties.

• Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and beech are denser and burn longer and hotter than softwoods like pine, fir, and spruce. However, softwoods ignite more easily, making them good for kindling.
• BTU Content: BTU (British Thermal Units) measures the heat output of wood. Oak has a high BTU content, while pine has a lower one. A cord of oak will provide significantly more heat than a cord of pine.
• Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut and has a high moisture content (often 50% or more). Seasoned wood has been dried and has a moisture content of 20% or less. Burning green wood is inefficient, produces more smoke, and can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney.
• Seasoning Process: Seasoning involves stacking wood in a well-ventilated area for 6-12 months (or longer for thicker pieces). The sun and wind will gradually dry the wood. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content.
• Wood Identification: Learn to identify different types of wood in your area. This will help you choose the best firewood. A simple test is to look at the bark and the grain pattern.
• My Experience: I once tried to burn a pile of green oak. It was a disaster. It barely burned, produced tons of smoke, and coated my chimney with creosote. Lesson learned: always season your wood!

Data:

Strategic Advantage: Choosing hardwoods and properly seasoning them will result in more efficient and cleaner burning fires, saving you money and reducing the risk of chimney fires.

Tip 2: Felling Trees Safely and Efficiently

Felling trees is the first step in firewood preparation, and it’s also the most dangerous. Always prioritize safety and follow these guidelines:

• Assess the Tree: Before cutting, assess the tree for lean, dead branches, and other hazards. Look for power lines or other obstacles.
• Plan Your Escape Route: Clear a path away from the tree at a 45-degree angle to the direction of fall.
• Use Proper Safety Gear: Wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Notch Cut: Make a notch cut on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
• Back Cut: Make a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch cut. Leave a hinge of uncut wood to control the fall.
• Wedges: Use wedges to help guide the tree’s fall and prevent the saw from getting pinched.
• Calling “Timber!”: Warn anyone nearby before the tree falls.
• Dealing with Hangups: If the tree gets hung up in another tree, don’t try to dislodge it yourself. Use a winch or call a professional.
• My Experience: I once saw a tree fall in the wrong direction and nearly hit a coworker. It was a terrifying experience that reinforced the importance of careful planning and safety.

Detailed Steps:

1. Clear the Area: Remove any brush, debris, or obstacles around the base of the tree.
2. Assess the Lean: Determine the natural lean of the tree. This will influence the direction of fall.
3. Plan the Notch: The notch should be perpendicular to the desired direction of fall. The angle of the notch should be about 45 degrees.
4. Make the Notch Cut: Start with the top cut of the notch, cutting down at a 45-degree angle. Then make the bottom cut, meeting the top cut to create a wedge-shaped notch.
5. Make the Back Cut: The back cut should be slightly above the notch cut and parallel to the ground. Leave a hinge of uncut wood (about 10% of the tree’s diameter) to control the fall.
6. Insert Wedges: If necessary, insert wedges into the back cut to help guide the fall.
7. Push the Tree: If the tree doesn’t start to fall on its own, use a felling lever or push pole to help it along.
8. Call “Timber!”: Warn anyone nearby before the tree falls.
9. Escape Route: Move quickly to your planned escape route as the tree falls.

Tool Specifications:

• Chainsaw: Stihl MS 261 with a 16-inch or 18-inch bar.
• Helmet: ANSI-approved hard hat with face shield and hearing protection.
• Chainsaw Chaps: Full-wrap chaps made of ballistic nylon.
• Wedges: Plastic or aluminum wedges.
• Felling Lever: A tool used to help push the tree over.

Case Study:

I once had to fell a large oak tree that was leaning heavily towards a building. To ensure the tree fell in the opposite direction, I used a combination of wedges and a winch. I carefully placed wedges in the back cut to lift the tree slightly and then used the winch to pull the tree in the desired direction. It was a slow and methodical process, but it worked perfectly.

Benefits: Felling trees safely and efficiently not only protects you from injury but also ensures that you can maximize the amount of firewood you get from each tree.

Tip 3: Bucking Logs into Firewood Lengths

Once the tree is on the ground, you need to buck it into manageable lengths for splitting.

• Determine Firewood Length: Decide on the length of firewood you want to produce. Common lengths are 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches. Consider the size of your fireplace or wood stove when choosing a length.
• Measure and Mark: Use a measuring tape and marker to mark the logs at the desired length. A simple jig can help you quickly and accurately mark multiple logs.
• Cut Safely: Use your Stihl 261 to cut the logs at the marked points. Keep your feet firmly planted and maintain a good grip on the saw.
• Avoid Pinching: Be careful to avoid pinching the saw blade. Use wedges or support the log to prevent it from closing on the blade.
• Limbing: Remove any branches from the logs before bucking them. This will make the process easier and safer.
• My Experience: I used to just eyeball the lengths of firewood, but my stacks always looked uneven. Now I use a simple jig made from a piece of wood with a stop block. It makes the process much faster and more accurate.

Detailed Steps:

1. Clear the Area: Remove any brush, debris, or obstacles around the logs.
2. Measure and Mark: Use a measuring tape and marker to mark the logs at the desired length.
3. Position the Log: Position the log so that it is stable and won’t roll.
4. Make the Cut: Start the cut on the top of the log and cut down through the log.
5. Avoid Pinching: If the saw blade starts to get pinched, stop cutting and insert a wedge into the cut to keep it open.
6. Complete the Cut: Finish cutting through the log.

Tool Specifications:

• Chainsaw: Stihl MS 261 with a 16-inch or 18-inch bar.
• Measuring Tape: A measuring tape with a minimum length of 25 feet.
• Marker: A permanent marker for marking the logs.
• Jig: A simple jig made from a piece of wood with a stop block.

Case Study:

I once had to buck a large pile of logs that were all different diameters. To make the process more efficient, I sorted the logs by diameter and then adjusted the height of my jig accordingly. This allowed me to buck the logs quickly and accurately.

Benefits: Bucking logs into consistent lengths makes splitting easier and ensures that your firewood stacks neatly.

Tip 4: Splitting Firewood Efficiently and Safely

Splitting firewood can be a back-breaking task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done efficiently and safely.

• Hand Splitting vs. Log Splitter: You can split firewood by hand using an axe or splitting maul, or you can use a hydraulic log splitter. Hand splitting is good for smaller logs, while a log splitter is more efficient for larger logs.
• Axe Technique: When using an axe, position the log on a chopping block and swing the axe down with force. Keep your feet firmly planted and maintain a good grip on the axe.
• Splitting Maul Technique: A splitting maul is heavier than an axe and is designed for splitting larger logs. Use a similar technique as with an axe, but use more force.
• Hydraulic Log Splitter: A hydraulic log splitter uses hydraulic pressure to split logs. It’s much faster and easier than hand splitting, but it’s also more expensive.
• Safety Precautions: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when splitting firewood. Keep your hands and feet clear of the splitting area.
• My Experience: I used to split all my firewood by hand, but after a few years, my back started to complain. I invested in a hydraulic log splitter, and it’s been a game-changer. I can now split a cord of wood in a fraction of the time.

Detailed Steps (Hand Splitting):

1. Choose a Chopping Block: Select a sturdy chopping block that is about knee-high.
2. Position the Log: Place the log on the chopping block, ensuring it is stable.
3. Position Yourself: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
4. Grip the Axe: Grip the axe firmly with both hands, keeping your hands close together.
5. Swing the Axe: Swing the axe down with force, aiming for the center of the log.
6. Follow Through: Follow through with the swing, allowing the axe to split the log.
7. Repeat as Necessary: Repeat the process until the log is split into the desired size.

Detailed Steps (Hydraulic Log Splitter):

1. Position the Log Splitter: Place the log splitter on a level surface.
2. Start the Engine: Start the engine of the log splitter.
3. Position the Log: Place the log on the log splitter bed, ensuring it is centered on the splitting wedge.
4. Engage the Ram: Engage the ram of the log splitter, pushing the log against the splitting wedge.
5. Split the Log: Continue to engage the ram until the log is split.
6. Repeat as Necessary: Repeat the process until all the logs are split.

Tool Specifications:

• Axe: A splitting axe with a weight of 6-8 pounds.
• Splitting Maul: A splitting maul with a weight of 8-12 pounds.
• Hydraulic Log Splitter: A log splitter with a splitting force of 20-30 tons.
• Safety Glasses: ANSI-approved safety glasses.
• Gloves: Leather work gloves.

Case Study:

I had a customer who was elderly and unable to split firewood by hand. I brought my hydraulic log splitter to their property and split a cord of wood for them in just a few hours. They were extremely grateful and relieved to have their firewood supply taken care of.

Benefits: Splitting firewood efficiently and safely reduces the risk of injury and allows you to process more wood in less time.

Tip 5: Stacking and Drying Firewood Properly

Proper stacking and drying are crucial for seasoning firewood effectively.

• Choose a Sunny and Windy Location: Stack your firewood in a location that gets plenty of sun and wind. This will help it dry faster.
• Elevate the Wood: Elevate the wood off the ground to allow for air circulation. You can use pallets, scrap wood, or even rocks.
• Stack Loosely: Stack the wood loosely to allow for air to circulate around each piece.
• Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow. You can use a tarp or a sheet of plywood.
• Allow Airflow: Leave the sides of the stack open to allow for airflow.
• Monitor Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.
• My Experience: I used to just pile my firewood in a heap, and it took forever to dry. Now I stack it neatly on pallets and cover the top with a tarp. It dries much faster and looks much better.

Detailed Steps:

1. Choose a Location: Select a sunny and windy location for your firewood stack.
2. Elevate the Wood: Place pallets or scrap wood on the ground to elevate the firewood.
3. Stack the Wood: Stack the firewood in rows, leaving small gaps between each piece to allow for air circulation.
4. Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or sheet of plywood to protect it from rain and snow.
5. Secure the Cover: Secure the cover with ropes or weights to prevent it from blowing away.

Measurements:

• Stack Height: The stack should be no more than 4 feet high for stability.
• Row Spacing: Leave a gap of 2-4 inches between each row of firewood.
• Cover Overhang: The cover should overhang the stack by at least 6 inches on all sides.

Case Study:

I had a customer who lived in a heavily wooded area with limited sunlight. To help them season their firewood, I recommended building a lean-to structure with a clear plastic roof. This allowed sunlight to penetrate the stack while protecting it from rain and snow.

Benefits: Properly stacking and drying firewood ensures that it burns efficiently and cleanly, reducing smoke and creosote buildup.

Stihl 261 Maintenance and Safety

Owning a Stihl 261 is an investment, and proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance.

Regular Maintenance

• Chain Sharpening: A sharp chain is essential for efficient cutting and safety. Sharpen the chain regularly using a file or a chain grinder.
• Air Filter Cleaning: Clean the air filter regularly to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine.
• Spark Plug Inspection: Inspect the spark plug regularly and replace it if necessary.
• Fuel Filter Replacement: Replace the fuel filter annually to ensure a clean fuel supply.
• Bar Lubrication: Keep the bar and chain properly lubricated to reduce friction and wear.
• Chain Tension: Check the chain tension regularly and adjust it as needed.
• Professional Servicing: Have your Stihl 261 professionally serviced annually to ensure it’s running properly.

Safety Considerations

• Read the Manual: Always read and understand the owner’s manual before using the chainsaw.
• Wear Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Use Proper Techniques: Use proper felling, bucking, and splitting techniques to avoid injury.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from other people when operating the chainsaw.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for hazards such as power lines, rocks, and uneven terrain.
• Never Cut Above Your Head: Never cut above your head, as this is extremely dangerous.
• Don’t Use a Dull Chain: Never use a dull chain, as it can increase the risk of kickback.
• Don’t Modify the Saw: Don’t modify the saw in any way, as this can compromise its safety.
• Store Safely: Store the chainsaw safely when not in use, out of reach of children.

Technical Details:

• Chain Sharpening Angle: 30 degrees.
• Air Filter Cleaning Frequency: Every 10-20 hours of use.
• Spark Plug Gap: 0.020 inches.
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (gasoline to oil).

Strategic Advantage: Regular maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines will not only extend the life of your Stihl 261 but also protect you from serious injury.

Conclusion: Mastering Firewood Prep with Your Stihl 261

Preparing firewood is a rewarding but demanding task. By choosing the right tools, like the Stihl MS 261, understanding the nuances of wood types and seasoning, and following these pro tips, you can efficiently and safely prepare firewood for a warm and cozy winter. Remember, safety is paramount. Always prioritize your well-being and follow all safety guidelines.

Now, it’s time to put these tips into action. Start by assessing your firewood needs, finding the best price on a Stihl MS 261, and planning your firewood preparation strategy. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a firewood pro in no time. And as you sit by the fire on a cold winter night, you can take pride in knowing that you prepared the wood yourself, with your trusty Stihl 261 by your side.

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