Which Stihl for me?

   / Which Stihl for me? #11  
I've had the MS290 with a 20" bar for a 3 years now. Make about 5-6 full cords of firewood per year for our heating ... Couldn't be happier with this saw overall. It would fly with a 16" bar!

Frank

Run an MS-250 with an 18 inch bar with a full chisel chain (see "A MORE AGGRESSIVE CHAIN" thread)

Generally like the saw, although it is a little light in theass it does everything I require of a chainsaw, especially now that I broke through the dealer's safety barrier and am running a full chisel chain.

Had it to over again, would probably purchase the MS-290.

You'll get a lot of criticism from the pseudo Paul Bunyan braggarts that these are "Harry Homeowner" toy saws.
Size and power wise that may be true, but if you aren't cutting the big stuff consistently, and if you aren't compelled to show off your saw prowess and especially if you don't want to wear yourself out lugging a huge saw all day, then these little Stihl saws fill the bill nicely.

I just took down a 40" white ash tree with the MS-250, sure it took a little extra 'conflugering' to down the tree, but it isn't worth owning a bigger saw just to down that big tree you run into every several years or so.
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #12  
I second the opinion of the Stihl MS261. I have had mine for a few weeks now and every day it gets better. Very nice weight size and power for a 50cc saw.

I third the opinion. Of all the saws you mention, this is the most all arounder for your type of use. CC's are not everything in a saw and certainly not the only aspect to consider. From what you stated you want in a saw, this seems to be the perfect fit for you. If you can find a lightly used 260 or even a 260 new in box that someone may have bought a bunch of, you cannot go wrong with that one either.
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #13  
I'd suggest the MS261 w/ 18" bar...it's what I have. I picked it because it was a professional grade model for robustness, had handle isolation to reduce the vibrations felt by the engine, was one of the lightest. The saw is under 12 lbs and has almost 4hp. I've got a ton of use out of it and it runs great.

STIHL MS 261 Chain Saw - Professional Use Chain Saw | STIHL USA Mobile
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #14  
I have a MS250 with 16" bar and a MS361 with 18" bar. If I just had one saw I would also recommend the MS261. Same weight as the MS250 with a little more guts.

I used to have a 029 Farm Boss. Great HP saw but heavy by the end of the day.

I like both of my saws but I use the MS250 three times as much as the MS361. Only use the 361 for falling large trees and blocking big logs. Everything 10" or less I cut with the MS250.
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #15  
i would say look at the stihl 391 in the farm and ranch section of stihl site or a pro saw 361 or 362 but i think the 391 would work for you its cheaper then the 362 and it will handle a 20'' bar no problem i would not go under a 60cc saw send the extra you wont be disappointed you ll be happier
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #16  
If it's got to be a stihl. I would move up from the plastic made saws IMO. Get a pro grade magnesium cased MS261.
 
   / Which Stihl for me?
  • Thread Starter
#17  
Thanks for all the replies. I was looking at the MS261 as it is about the same horsepower as the MS290 but weighs just over a pound less but it is also almost $200 more than the 290 and I'm not sure for the amount that I cut that the extra cost is worth it.
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #18  
$200 well spent and worth it IMO.

If you wait till April or after I hear the 261 will have M-tronic and you will never have to adjust a carb again or worry about getting it right with weather changes.

My Autotune 550xp and 545 does that and noticed it with temp changes.

If your worried about money and want to save even more. Look at a 50cc PP5020AV. Comes with 20" 3/8 for $165 to your door with case and all.
I bought one to compare and IMO it is the best bang for the buck right now. Considering a 290 56.5cc is $400 or more out the door.

The 5020 has husky written all over it and reminds me of the 450. Even though the cylinders are different.
 
   / Which Stihl for me? #19  
Plastic crankcase just like a 290, but 5020 is user friendly to work on if needed. Weighs almost 1lb less then 290 PHO weight, not quite 1lb though. Just make sure you have a splined carb tool $10 for adjustments if you know what you are doing.

So knock another $200 off if you want. It comes with 20" 3/8 but I like 16" 3/8


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With 16"

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with 18"

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   / Which Stihl for me? #20  
husky emblem all over it.

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