HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II vs Stihl MS 261 C-M
A professional head-to-head for 50cc all-day production — published specs side by side for reference, no paid placement and no winner declared.
Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on — husqvarna.com.
Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on — stihlusa.com.
HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II
The HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II is a professional forestry gas chainsaw, built for all-day felling, bucking, and production cutting, with a 50.1 cc engine making 4 hp and a 16-inch bar. It weighs 11.7 lb (5.3 kg).
Stihl MS 261 C-M
The Stihl MS 261 C-M is a farm and ranch gas chainsaw, suited to occasional heavier cutting — fence-line work, firewood, and storm cleanup, with a 50.8 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.
- HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II Forestry / production felling and bucking larger trunks in sustained professional use (50 cc · 16-in bar)
- Stihl MS 261 C-M Farm & ranch occasional firewood, limbing, fence-line clearing, and storm cleanup (51 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 | HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II | Stihl MS 261 C-M |
|---|---|---|
| Power-to-weight | 0.75 hp/kg | 0.83 hp/kg |
| Bar length | 16-in bar | 16-in bar |
| Weight | 11.7 lb | 10.9 lb |
| Displacement | 50 cc | 51 cc |
Full spec head-to-head
| Spec | HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II | Stihl MS 261 C-M |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Displacement | 3.06 cu in (50.1 cc) | 3.1 cu in (50.8 cc) |
| Engine Power | 4 hp | 4.1 hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 0.3 gal (1.12 L) | 0.13 gal (0.5 L) |
| Power | — | 3 kW |
| Power-to-Weight | — | 1.6 kg/kW |
| Bar & Chain | ||
| Chain Gauge | 0.058 in | 0.050 in |
| Chain Pitch | .325" | .325" |
| Guide Bar Length | 15.75 in (400 mm) | 15.98 in (406 mm) |
| Oil Capacity | 10.88 fl oz (321.76 mL) | 9.13 fl oz (270 mL) |
| Oiler | Adjustable flow, no flow at idle | — |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Length | — | 17.64 in (448 mm) |
| System Weight | — | 12.81 lb (5.81 kg) |
| Weight | 11.71 lb (5.31 kg) | 10.89 lb (4.94 kg) |
| General | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Sound Power Level | 117 dB(A) | — |
| Sound Pressure | 107 dB(A) | — |
| Vibration Level | 4 m/s² | — |
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Alternatives
- HUSQVARNA 550 XP G Mark II — 3.06 cu in (50.1 cc)
- Echo CS-4920 — 3.06 cu in (50.1 cc)
- Stihl MS 261 — 3.06 cu in (50.2 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 HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II and Stihl MS 261 C-M 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.
What is the power-to-weight of the HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II and Stihl MS 261 C-M?
HUSQVARNA 550 XP Mark II: 0.75 hp/kg; Stihl MS 261 C-M: 0.83 hp/kg. These are the published figures for reference; we leave the judgement to you.
Are these specifications reliable?
Specs are compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison. Verify critical numbers with the manufacturer before purchase.