Chainsaw advice

[samtmc]

Hi all I am in the market for a new chainsaw and my budget is about $400.00.
I am currentl looking at the stihl ms-270 and the ms-290, and am looking for some input. After talking to a couple of retailers they are all saying the ms-270 is the better saw? any comments or sugestions would be appreciated.
I am open to other saws but generaly like stihls.
thanks all.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Personally, I like the Stihl MS260PRO. A little more'n your budget, but a wood cuttin' machine if there ever was one!

Stihl saws last. If you need service or parts, they're a tough act to beat. We use 'em hard, bordering on what some would consider abuse. They never flinch. The PRO series saws are as good as it gets.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Stihl, Echo or Johnsonred....it really depends on whether you're looking for a 10 year, 20 year or 30 year saw....I personnaly have never thought much of the Stilh bars, and really like/trust the big Echos.. BobG in VA

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

for Stihl, my preference is for even numbered models: 180, 260, etc...
also if you're not familiar with chainsaws, never use ethanol/gas in them - the ethanol causes the 2 cycle oil to separate out and you'll score a cylinder, which is not a warranty repair.

 

[greggh]

I purchased a 290 a month ago. I was going to buy the 270 but the dealer was out and I needed a saw that day. I have been pleased with the saw, I don't think you would go wrong with either one.

 

[vtfx4]

I have a Shindawa 488 with 18" bar and it was right around $400. It is a 49cc does everything I need. I got it because I really like the Shindawa trimmers and have used them since i had a little landscaping business during the summers in high school and college. They are not a cool as the orange ones with tough names, much the japanese have really perfected the small two smoke engines.

 

[Soundguy]

whichever you buy.. budget some money for a good set of personal protection equpment.. like chainsaw chaps.. erhaps the kevlar gloves, and the arm liners, if you will be cutting in thick brush with lots of vines or saplings that can snatch the saw around...

that and a good hat and some eye / ear protection..

soundguy

 

[daBear]

I have had a Stihl 029 Farm Boss for several years and it is the best saw I have ever owned. I imagine the newer ones are even better. Stick with Stihl and you will never go wrong.

 

[6sunset6]

I have had a Stihl for 20 years . On the third bar and maybe 10th chain.
Still runs fine. Use it every year. I use gas with ethanol, thats all there is around here, use some gas saver and most important let it run dry when I am done with it. I think ethanol dries and leaves a film on the jets which will not come out with carburator cleaner.

 

[windy acers]

I HAVE A STIHL MS 310 ABOUT 6 YEARS OLD.IT IS A BIT HEAVY BUT I BOUGHT IT FOR THE HEAVER CHAIN. IT IS A 16 IN BAR WITH ANTI KICK BACK CHAIN LET THE SAW DO THE WORK AND IT WON'T SEEM AS BIG.IT IS A GREAT SAW FOR 12 TO 20 INCH LOGS. ALWAYS STARTS WELL NO NEED TO LEAVE IT SIT IDLEING TURN IT OFF.USE ONLY STIHL OIL. I USE PREIMIUM GAS IN ALL LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

 

[intel]

Windy acres, why are you yelling?

 

[jomifo]

I was deciding between MS-270 and MS-290. My dealer steered me the opposite way towards the MS-290, saying it was built a little tougher at the sacrifice of weight and vibration. Traits which were more important to me.

 

[devildog1]

All I can tell you get a Stihl ! I have a 041 Farm Boss that I bought new in 1979, I also purchased a Home lite too.The Home Lite is long gone but the Stihl is still running just fine. I used it hard in the 80's and 90's when I was into cutting wood and heating the home. The last few years I just use it once or twice a year to cut low branches that seem to find my head when mowing.But-------- It never fails to start, even when It sits in the root cellar for one year. Now how much better could you ask for?
DevilDog

 

[jcummins]

I was deciding between MS-270 and MS-290. My dealer steered me the opposite way towards the MS-290, saying it was built a little tougher at the sacrifice of weight and vibration. Traits which were more important to me.

Weight and vibration was two reasons I bought the MS270. To me it's large enough to do the job without the weight. I like it. Would buy again in a heartbeat.

 

[chh]

I have 290(current Farm Boss), it is a great saw. It is about 4 years old now and been used not for cutting firewood, but clearing and fencing work. I replaced the air filter, spark plug, bar, and chain this month. That is the only service the saw has had yet.

 

[mgamber]

for Stihl, my preference is for even numbered models: 180, 260, etc...
also if you're not familiar with chainsaws, never use ethanol/gas in them - the ethanol causes the 2 cycle oil to separate out and you'll score a cylinder, which is not a warranty repair.

How do you do that? There is NO gas available that does not have up to 10% ethanol.

 

[nunyabinis]

Guess I'm the odd man out.

I've got an old 46cc 20" Poulan that I've had for longer than I can remember and have cut more wood than you can shake a stick at and it only cost me $179 brand spankin' new. I ALWAYS use fuel stabilizer in the gas mix and it never fails to crank no matter how long it's been sitting. If I keep the chain sharp it'll throw chaff the size of my thumb nail.


Whatever you get make sure you get one with a system that fully isolates the engine from the handle bars to eliminate vibration and "dead hands"...... and ALWAYS use fuel stabilizer or a two cycle oil that has stabilizer in it.

 

[DieselnHooters]

Under 50cc - Shindaiwa

50 to 70cc- Husqvarna(Jonsered) or Stihl....but only the PRO models

over 70cc- Shindaiwa

 

[WilliamBos]

We have a Husky 55 Rancher, can't say a bad thing about it. Would buy another in a second.

 

[studor]

I have had the MS290 for four or five years -- 18" bar --- starts, runs, cuts.All weather -- might be a bit heavy after a day of cutting but most times I like the weight. The 260 is a nice saw as well. Not too long ago this very topic was discussed in the lawn and garden forum. As I remember it the 290 was purchased in the end
regards