Best Chainsaw for Firewood Cutting??

dig

dig

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Hey everyone,

I’m looking to upgrade my chainsaw and could use some advice. Right now, I have a Stihl MS170, which is great for limbing and small jobs, but it struggles with larger logs. I cut firewood for personal use (about 5 face cords per year), mostly oak and maple.

I went to a dealer, and they strongly recommended the Stihl MS 261 ($855 CAD). They also sell Husqvarna but claim their shop is always filled with Husky repairs while Stihl saws rarely come in.

I know there are strong opinions on brands, but I’d love to hear from people with real-world experience. Should I go with the MS 261, or is there a better option in the same price range?

Looking for thoughts on:

  • Power-to-weight ratio – I don’t want something too heavy for long sessions.
  • Durability & reliability – Less downtime, fewer repairs.
  • Cutting performance – Needs to handle hardwood well.
  • Best bar length – Should I go with a 16” or 18”?
Would love to hear from those who’ve used Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, or any other solid saws in this range.

Thanks in advance!
 
Hey @dig, the MS 261 is a solid choice lightweight, powerful, and great for firewood. It’ll handle oak and maple way better than your MS 170, especially with an 18” bar. Also, if you’re cutting 5 face cords a year, you’ll appreciate the durability and fuel efficiency. Husqvarna makes great saws too, but if your dealer is better with Stihl, that’s a big plus for service down the road. 👍
 
Hi!
Another option to consider is the Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf. It’s a bit more affordable than the Stihl MS 261, but still has great power for hardwoods like oak and maple. It’s well-regarded for its reliability, and the 20” bar would give you more flexibility for larger logs. It also has a good power-to-weight ratio, making it a great choice for longer cutting sessions without feeling too heavy.
 
Sounds like you're really putting some thought into this! Both the MS 261 and Echo CS-590 are solid choices. If you’re leaning towards Stihl because of the dealer support, that’s a big factor. But if you want to save a bit and still get a lot of power, the Echo might be a good route. Have you tried holding both models to see which feels more comfortable in your hands?
 
Good points so far! @dig, have you thought about how much weight you're comfortable handling for long cutting sessions? Balance can make a big difference!
 
Both the MS 261 and Echo CS-590 sound like solid choices! If dealer support is key for you, Stihl's probably the way to go, but Echo gives a good bang for the buck too. Have you tested out both to see which feels better in your hands?
 
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