Stihl MS 261 vs Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II
Stihl MS 261 wins — Stihl MS 261 edges ahead on power-to-weight and anti-vibration; Husqvarna 550 XP wins on cutting speed per cc and AutoTu…
Scores: Stihl MS 261 7.2/10 · Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II 6.7/10
Stihl MS 261 edges ahead on power-to-weight and anti-vibration; Husqvarna 550 XP wins on cutting speed per cc and AutoTune's convenience.
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Stihl MS 261 | Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II |
|---|
| Displacement | 50.2cc | 50.1cc |
|---|
| Power | 3.4 HP | 3.5 HP |
|---|
| Weight (without bar/chain) | 10.3 lbs | 10.3 lbs |
|---|
| Bar Length Range | 16–20 in. | 16–20 in. |
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| Auto Carb Tuning | M-Tronic | AutoTune |
|---|
| Vibration | Lower | Slightly higher |
|---|
Stihl MS 261
What works
- Slightly lower vibration transmission — better on long daily sessions
- M-Tronic electronic engine management — reliable automatic adjustment
- Stihl's dealer network is the most dense in North America — easy service access
What doesn't
- Slightly slower chain speed than 550 XP in hardwood limbing tests
- No automatic carburetor system comparable to Husqvarna AutoTune
Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II
What works
- AutoTune automatic carburetor adjustment — ideal for variable altitude use
- Slightly faster chain speed — marginally quicker cutting in hardwood limbing
- X-Torq engine delivers efficient fuel consumption across the power band
What doesn't
- AutoTune adds electronics that require dealer service when they fail
- Slightly higher vibration transfer vs MS 261 in professional side-by-side tests
Bottom line
Our pick: Stihl MS 261.
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