ModMech
Platinum Member
:thumbsup: pretty much says it all!
Bought a new saw from the local dealer, they went over everything from starting to daily inspections and what to look out for (sawdust in vents etc). Bought it with a case, spare chain and the initial lube in small bottles.
The operator's guide offered some excellant advice on felling, limbing and general saw operation that I was not aware of. Conclusion: READ THE BOOK!!!!
The MS290 is replacing the PoulanPro "WildThing" that, with it's 16" bar and smaller engine, just could not handle the large trees and limbs we deal with on our property. I had replaced the bar and chain on the old saw just last year for $55 with a good Oregon chain set and that old saw won't cut 10% as fast as the new MS290! During the past TWO years, I had not used 1/2 gallon of bar oil with the old saw, so it did not get used hard. I just was not impressed with the performance of the PoulanPro, even after a good clean up, plug, carb adjustment and new chain & bar kit, it was not up to cutting well.
TOTALLY different situation with the MS290 "Farm Boss" that is now THE SAW at our house......
I REALLY appreciate the enlightened fuel and bar lube doors, that was AWESOME! No more using a pliers or screwdriver to pry the fuel and oil caps off, just lift and twist! THANK YOU STIHL! Bar adjustment uses the sparkplug wrench tool, is easy and efficient.
I have used, just this week, 1 gallon of bar oil and about the same in mixed fuel thru it. This is a wood cutting ANIMAL! We had a major tree event on Monday evening, the tree service got there Wednesday am to remove the tree from the house in LARGE chunks. I have been running the new Stihl every day since Tuesday and have not needed to sharpen the chain, got it stuck in the wood or been in any way displeased with all that hard-earned cash that I used to make the purchase. The trunk of this tree is about 55" in diameter for 7' then it branches off - that is where I have been working, on the branches and leads. I cannot even roll the trunk although the root ball and leads are cut cleanly off, it is too damned heavy (tree svc est 8,000#).
Conclusion:
Well documented by Stihl
Powerful, well matched bar/chain to engine power
Not light, but easy to handle even for 2-3 hours per day actual cutting time with saw in hand making chips
Starts well cold, idles quietly and hot restarts are simple and quick
If you NEED one saw to count on, I would say, the Stihl MS290 FarmBoss is YOUR NEW SAW!
Regrets?
I did not purchase the Stihl chain sharpener when I made the purchase, now it seems silly to have left it there.... another opportunity for a trip to town Monday. I need more bar oil, gasoline, diesel and groceries anyway
Bought a new saw from the local dealer, they went over everything from starting to daily inspections and what to look out for (sawdust in vents etc). Bought it with a case, spare chain and the initial lube in small bottles.
The operator's guide offered some excellant advice on felling, limbing and general saw operation that I was not aware of. Conclusion: READ THE BOOK!!!!
The MS290 is replacing the PoulanPro "WildThing" that, with it's 16" bar and smaller engine, just could not handle the large trees and limbs we deal with on our property. I had replaced the bar and chain on the old saw just last year for $55 with a good Oregon chain set and that old saw won't cut 10% as fast as the new MS290! During the past TWO years, I had not used 1/2 gallon of bar oil with the old saw, so it did not get used hard. I just was not impressed with the performance of the PoulanPro, even after a good clean up, plug, carb adjustment and new chain & bar kit, it was not up to cutting well.
TOTALLY different situation with the MS290 "Farm Boss" that is now THE SAW at our house......
I REALLY appreciate the enlightened fuel and bar lube doors, that was AWESOME! No more using a pliers or screwdriver to pry the fuel and oil caps off, just lift and twist! THANK YOU STIHL! Bar adjustment uses the sparkplug wrench tool, is easy and efficient.
I have used, just this week, 1 gallon of bar oil and about the same in mixed fuel thru it. This is a wood cutting ANIMAL! We had a major tree event on Monday evening, the tree service got there Wednesday am to remove the tree from the house in LARGE chunks. I have been running the new Stihl every day since Tuesday and have not needed to sharpen the chain, got it stuck in the wood or been in any way displeased with all that hard-earned cash that I used to make the purchase. The trunk of this tree is about 55" in diameter for 7' then it branches off - that is where I have been working, on the branches and leads. I cannot even roll the trunk although the root ball and leads are cut cleanly off, it is too damned heavy (tree svc est 8,000#).
Conclusion:
Well documented by Stihl
Powerful, well matched bar/chain to engine power
Not light, but easy to handle even for 2-3 hours per day actual cutting time with saw in hand making chips
Starts well cold, idles quietly and hot restarts are simple and quick
If you NEED one saw to count on, I would say, the Stihl MS290 FarmBoss is YOUR NEW SAW!
Regrets?
I did not purchase the Stihl chain sharpener when I made the purchase, now it seems silly to have left it there.... another opportunity for a trip to town Monday. I need more bar oil, gasoline, diesel and groceries anyway
