Best Chainsaw for under $400??

[D7E]

I also suggest the Stihl MS290 Farm Boss.I think unless the price has went up in the last two years they are under $400.Its also to the best of my knowledge Stihls most popular saw.There may be other saws out there that are just as good,but i'm happy with mine.
digger2

026 or 260 is their best seller sureley, I know it used to be .

 

[brucew44guns]

There is lemons in anything, but I own 3 Stihl saws, and an FS250 Trimmer, I think they are all great machines, can't keep my place together without all 4 of them. One fuel in all of them, and they always start and work.

 

[horsinaround]

Don't forget that the Stihls also have that automatic boot oiler feature, with their "upgraded" fuel and oil caps. If you don't do it just right, it will spill all over you.

 

[newbury]

OP
Before you follow any of the advice here you should have let us know your skill level and application.

Example - Are you a suburban home owner with big trees around the house that realizes he needs a saw for the emergency when a tree comes down?

You just got a need for firewood?

Are you the type to ALWAYS run it dry before putting it up for a few months?

From some of your prior posts it seems your a new one to home building etc.

The 290 might do you but if you plan on using it to only cut a few small trees it could be overkill. But if you envision cutting 6 cords a year you might want to increase your price and get a 362 or a Husky of the same size.

 

[Stringer]

Yes, before today I had zero experience with a chainsaw. I have some small acreage, heavily wooded. I was just getting tired of paying $$$ for this type of work. Well I decided to get the MS 290 farm boss with a 20" bar. So far it's great! Starts up on the first or second pull, and cuts super. Cleared out some trees along the property line to make room for a privicy fence.

There was this tree with a giant branch in the way of the fenceline, face height. It was actually as big around as the base of the tree, maybe 18" or so. It looked dangerous to cut. The neighbor and my gf told me I would be crazy to try it, and to call someone. I said screw that, I just spent $400 on this thing with some oil and all. Down it went. Just chinked it to fall where I wanted and it worked perfect. Ate right through it and asked for seconds. I did get the bar kinda stuck on the smaller stuff, just a learning curve I guess. I'm sure glad I didn't get one of the home-use saws. When I got home I wiped it clean, ran the gas dry, and filled it with bar oil. I still have to read the manual to see what else I need to do. But this thing is great!! Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

 

[xyz123]

The mS290 is a plastic cased homeowner saw. Pita to tear down for ring replacement when needed. JMO. heavy for cc size. Yes I owned one and sold it fast.

I have been picking Husqvarna 346xp pro saws for $400-$415 Power-head only on the last two I bought. I didnt want or need their 18" 325 bar or chain.

I dont know your needs but finding a good used PRO grade saw would be the way to go. The last Stihl 026 I sold that was like new imo went for $200 shipped.

 

[rekees4300]

:thumbsup: Take care of the "Boss" and it will take care of the trees. Just be careful because all chainsaws are EXTREMELY dangerous. A major injury can occur in fractions of a second. Memorize and follow all the safety tips in your owners manual.

 

[Stringer]

The mS290 is a plastic cased homeowner saw.

no, its a midrange

I have been picking Husqvarna 346xp pro saws for $400-$415 Power-head only on the last two I bought. I didnt want or need their 18" 325 bar or chain.

Ok mine was 369.99 and I got the entire saw, not just a "power head".

 

[xyz123]

The mS290 is a plastic cased homeowner saw.

no, its a midrange

I have been picking Husqvarna 346xp pro saws for $400-$415 Power-head only on the last two I bought. I didnt want or need their 18" 325 bar or chain.

Ok mine was 369.99 and I got the entire saw, not just a "power head".

Mid-range :laughing: Didnt know you already bought it. :ashamed: Oh well enjoy the saw it is what it is :thumbsup:.

There is no comparison between a MS290 and 346xp or MS260 pro grade type saw.

The reason I dont by bars and chains with saws. I have bulk chain and bars on hand. . I actually get a credit for not getting them installed.

 

[Storm56]

The 290 Stihl will work just fine for the home/farm owner. No it is not a pro saw but the average dude will probably never wear one out. They are a tick heavy for the power but again I doubt the home/farm owner cares. They just need a good solid reliable saw when the time comes to use it and the 290 delivers on those traits. I do not care for Stihl's new flippy style caps but the saw is solid.

That said I have a 290 along with a 360 Pro, Dolmar 510 and a Makita/Dolmar 6401 with the big bore kit. I even still have a Stihl 028 wood boss that I bought in 1983, still use it a few times a year too!

The 290 will serve you well, best of luck with it. Keep good fuel and oil in it, use some stabilizer, be sure to clean the air filter after you use it, make sure you run it several times a year and you will probably pass it on to your kids.