Which first saw? It's about time!!

[Bluegill2]

I have two Stihl chainsaws with one of them being the Farm 291 model you mentioned. It's a nice saw with plenty of power and capable of doing a lot of work. I've had Husqvarna, Poulan, McCulloch and Echo. My all time favorite is Echo by a good margin. When the Stihl dies, it will be replaced with an Echo of similar size. They start so much easier, with the same power and quality of Stihl that it's a no brainer to go with Echo. The others brands are just junk and I wouldn't buy another.

Eddie

Kind of a broad statement there bubba! It's more about the different models and less about the brand. An example would be; the big box stores don't carry the better Husqvarna models.

 

[peterc38]

They start so much easier, with the same power and quality of Stihl that it's a no brainer to go with Echo. The others brands are just junk and I wouldn't buy another.

Eddie

Aw crap. I been cutting 20-30 cords a year with a 346xp & 371xp and never realized they were junk. Guess I gotta re-assess my choice of saws :confused2:

 

[Coyote machine]

Kind of a broad statement there bubba! It's more about the different models and less about the brand. An example would be; the big box stores don't carry the better Husqvarna models.

I wouldn't say all the others are junk, certainly not the Huskys, from what those who own one tell me.

Here's a better example re big box stores; Stihl doesn't sell any of their saws in BB stores.
The echo equipment I have is excellent, a backpack blower, two multi-use weed eater/chainsaw on a stick/ power-broom units, they start easily and run all day.

I considered a small Echo chainsaw to fit into the Stihl stable, but decide to stick with Stihl; been using them all my life, no need to jump ship.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I've got two older Stihl 024 Supers and an 026 PRO, they were the predecessors to the MS261, great all around saws. I also have an 036 PRO and an MS361. Little bit more power/weight. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the pro model Stihl saws. One of the 024 Supers was a Christmas gift from my Dad in 1987, my first saw and it's still going.

 

[kenmac]

Here's a better example re big box stores; Stihl doesn't sell any of their saws in BB stores.

. Stihl still builds an home owner grade saw ( farm boss) that's about the same quality as the husky rancher. Don't know why stihl doesn't break away from the dealer only sales. It has probably cost them $$$ not selling on the net or box store.

 

[Coyote machine]

Stihl isn't interested in the wallyworld market, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. That just cheapens their product line, like deere mowers and others who stoop so low to get every penny of market share. IMO, it's just not worth selling junk product just to gain whatever small percentage of market share.
I'm not saying all products sold at big boxes are junk, just that to compete on that level the product are forced to be of lower overall quality.
I went through this just recently when buying a gas pressure washer. The 2013 leftover Dewalt branded 3100psi model was marked down from around $600 when it first came out to yellow tag, out the door discount of $425. I figured good name, Dewalt, so I grabbed it on the way out, bought the 3 year extended and got it home. Read the online reviews which gave it around 64% /OK. Most reviews slammed the Chinese pump for leaking almost immediately and need to wait 6 weeks or more while the pump mfg. jerked around, NO help from DeWalt whatsoever- everyone referred to the pump mfg.
I looked for other brands, and found Generac; similar setup and around $600 with a known to be reliable pump, and a 94% positive rating in the reviews. Bought it from HD off their net site. Haven't decided whether to buy an extended since I shelled out the $600 instead of the $425 cost.
Home Depot knows and so does Dewalt and their Chinese licensed pump Co. that they are selling junk that one way or another will come back to bite us, the retail customer on the arse. It sux but they don't care whatsoever; it's all on us as consumers to try to beat them at their rigged game. With things like powersaws, chainsaws in particular I want to go to someone who knows their product line features, etc. Chainsaws aren't like shopping for a circular saw. Most circ saws will cut wood. Most chainsaws will too. In my experience, I want a chainsaw and a knowledgeable shop to sell and service the saw. If that cost me more it's well worth it.

 

[kenmac]

I bought my husky rancher from a dealer years ago. I don't know if a new rancher today from a dealer is any different from a rancher bought from Lowes . My old rancher is probably as good as a farm boss of the same vintage . Still has plenty of compression. I only have 3 chainsaws. the 55 rancher, 372xp and a 14'' homelite that I've had longer than the rancher. I really don't consider the homelite a chainsaw. It is a little better than a hand saw

 

[jpm1]

Stihl is the most 'popular'... But not the best!

Every brand makes good models and some turds. Best to learn what the differences are!

I have 5 STIHL saws. M250, 038, 038 super and 2 MS660 Mags along with 2 Husky 395 XP's, The 038 and the 038 super have 12,000 and 10,000 cord under their motors. The 038, i ran over with my skidder and had to replace the handle and air cover box. Im not in love with the 250 because its to small but the 660's pack the punch with a 42" bar and a 25" bar. Both of those are around 500 cord each with no problems with any of the STIHL's. the Husky's are ok but start hard and are wearing out fast. 500 -600 cord each and their both looking toward the great brushpile in the sky. For my money I will stick with STIHL. My saws will run all day long other than fuel and oil and do this 6 days a week, now thats asking a lot from a saw. John

 

[Coyote machine]

I have 5 STIHL saws. M250, 038, 038 super and 2 MS660 Mags along with 2 Husky 395 XP's, The 038 and the 038 super have 12,000 and 10,000 cord under their motors. The 038, i ran over with my skidder and had to replace the handle and air cover box. Im not in love with the 250 because its to small but the 660's pack the punch with a 42" bar and a 25" bar. Both of those are around 500 cord each with no problems with any of the STIHL's. the Husky's are ok but start hard and are wearing out fast. 500 -600 cord each and their both looking toward the great brushpile in the sky. For my money I will stick with STIHL. My saws will run all day long other than fuel and oil and do this 6 days a week, now thats asking a lot from a saw. John

Exactly right. When I worked, starting at around age 14 for the pros who taught me to do tree surgery and how to climb, they were two German brothers who had all Stihl saws. We beat the crap out of those saws daily for years. Dropped them off the back of the trucks, out of the trees, ran them over, etc. Replaced the broken handles or whatever and like a Timex watch they kept on ticking. Stihl or nothing for this dude!:thumbsup:

 

[FTG-05]

I just bought a Stihl MS362 CM chain saw. very nice saw, I love using it.

I highly recommend you a) buy the Pro version of whatever saw you decide to buy (lighter, better built) and b) get the Mtronic version (i.e. auto-tune); designated by the "C" after the model number. These saws are getting great reviews over on the Arborist.com site.

Good luck with whatever you choose.