Echo CS-501P vs Stihl MS 261
A professional head-to-head for 50cc pro value — published specs side by side for reference, no paid placement and no winner declared.
Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on — support.echo-usa.com.
Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on — stihlusa.com.
Echo CS-501P
The Echo CS-501P is a farm and ranch gas chainsaw, suited to occasional heavier cutting — fence-line work, firewood, and storm cleanup, with a 50.2 cc engine and a 16-inch bar. It weighs 10.4 lb (4.7 kg).
Stihl MS 261
The Stihl MS 261 is a farm and ranch gas chainsaw, suited to occasional heavier cutting — fence-line work, firewood, and storm cleanup, with a 50.2 cc engine making 4.1 hp and a 16-inch bar. It weighs 10.9 lb (4.9 kg).
Best suited for
Each model's factual fit, from its duty class and key specs — no winner declared.
- Echo CS-501P Farm & ranch occasional firewood, limbing, fence-line clearing, and storm cleanup (50 cc · 16-in bar)
- Stihl MS 261 Farm & ranch occasional firewood, limbing, fence-line clearing, and storm cleanup (50 cc · 16-in bar)
Job fit
| Felling | Rear-handle production saws sized for dropping trees; longer bar and more displacement reach larger trunks. |
|---|---|
| Bucking | Strong torque and chain speed cut rounds all day. |
| Limbing | Heavier than a top-handle saw — keep two hands on the ground; not for climbing. |
Power-to-weight & key specs
| Metric | Echo CS-501P | Stihl MS 261 |
|---|---|---|
| Power-to-weight | not specified by manufacturer | 0.83 hp/kg |
| Bar length | 16-in bar | 16-in bar |
| Weight | 10.4 lb | 10.9 lb |
| Displacement | 50 cc | 50 cc |
Full spec head-to-head
| Spec | Echo CS-501P | Stihl MS 261 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Displacement | 3.06 cu in (50.2 cc) | 3.06 cu in (50.2 cc) |
| Engine Power | — | 4.1 hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 0.13 gal (0.5 L) | — |
| Power | — | 3 kW |
| Power-to-Weight | — | 1.6 kg/kW |
| Bar & Chain | ||
| Chain Gauge | 0.050 in | 0.050 in |
| Chain Pitch | .325" | .325" |
| Guide Bar Length | 15.98 in (406 mm) | 15.98 in (406 mm) |
| Oil Capacity | 9.47 fl oz (280 mL) | — |
| Oiler | Automatic/Adjustable (Clutch-Driven) | — |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Length | — | 17.64 in (448 mm) |
| System Weight | — | 13.62 lb (6.18 kg) |
| Weight | 10.36 lb (4.7 kg) | 10.89 lb (4.94 kg) |
| General | ||
| Anti-Vibration | Yes | — |
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Warranty | 5 yr | — |
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Alternatives
- Stihl MS 261 C-M — 3.1 cu in (50.8 cc)
- Shindaiwa 493 Rear Handle — 3.06 cu in (50.2 cc)
Independent reference database. Specs are compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How do the Echo CS-501P and Stihl MS 261 compare?
SawFacts presents their published specifications side by side as a neutral reference — it does not crown a winner. Compare the spec table and choose what fits your job and budget.
Are these specifications reliable?
Specs are compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison. Verify critical numbers with the manufacturer before purchase.