Looking for my first chainsaw: Stihl MS251 or Jonsered 2255?

[Sevin]

I've been lurking on the forum for quite a while and had been hem hawing around on a chainsaw purchase. We got hit by a big ice storm last week so I need to make a decision. I don't do much with chainsaw currently, but I do have a small amount of property (3 acres) that I'd like to clear one day and I'd like to have a reliable saw around for random jobs and emergencies. I had my mind made up on the Stihl MS251 as it seemed like a good fit. My eye wandered a bit and I the found the Jonsered 2255. I know I'm not comparing apples to apples here, but MS251 comes in at $329 and I can get the J2255 for $315. I'm not really concerned with the $15 difference but it seems like the 2255 is a lot more saw. I also have a TSC and Stihl dealers relatively close to me.

I feel like I can't go wrong either way. Any thoughts or opinions that might sway me one direction or another?

Thanks for the help!

 

[jpm1]

Don't want to be rude but go with the STIHL. Jonsered is a good saw but my dealer whom i've did business with for 30 years now would say the same. He sells Stihl, Husky's and Jonsered's. Moves about twice as many Stihl's as the others and he said there's a lot less "tinkering" with the Stihl's. I have a MS251, 038, 038 super (which have cut between 10,000 and 12,000 cord each with no problems other than worn out oiler pumps) and a new MS 660 Mag. I'm sold on the Stihl's Heres my new MS 660 mag , and yea its on the kitchen table!

 

[murphy1244]

Try a Echo if you have a Dealer near you.

 

[murphy1244]

Here's one of mine.

 

[motownbrowne]

I liked the echo I had, cs341t, but I love my stihl, ms 361. I'd say get the stihl, but if possible save up for the 261, a pro saw. Or if that's not an option, buy a ms 260 used (that'd be my choice to avoid emissions control). Whatever you do, leave room in the budget for chaps, a helmet, steel toe boots, etc. This safety gear is not optional.

 

[sixdogs]

Stihl by a wide margin. Plus they start easy.

 

[DKCDKC]

I had several hardware store type chainsaws back in the 1980s, but noticed the pros herebouts used Stihl exclusively. I switched to a Stihl Farmboss (029) in 1994 and still use it. I've run through three blades and a number of blades, but it has never failed me. I take it in every four or five years for a cheap checkup at a local dealer - that's it.

Had some timber cut last year and noticed that the pros were still using exclusively Stihl.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I've had it with Stihl. Owned quite a few of them. The bigger saws are alright but leak bar oil like crazy and I can't even use those cases they give in packages because they end up full of oil, so I have to leave the saw lying on it's side without using the case.

The smaller saws just don't start, or don't stay idling.

My next saw will be a Huskie! Stihl doesn't deserve any kind of a reputation. IMO!

Maybe utilities and government agencies use Stihl because it's not their money. Just a thought.

Don't get me wrong. I could have issues with Huskie as well. I have never owned one. A close friend has, has had good results but works for a company with a branch that sells them so this is my reason for considering that brand next.

Oh, I have also heard how Stihl bullies their dealers and that never impresses me much nor makes me a great fan! Let the quality of a product and the market decide market share, not corporate pressure on their dealers!

 

[leveled]

I bought a echo 355t, this is a top handle saw with easy start. I love the saw for trimming trees and cutting up smaller logs its light easy to hold while trimming and fast to start and fast to cut.

ECHO CS-355T 35.8 cc Top Handle Chain Saw - ECHO USA | ECHO USA

 

[caps]

I say go with the Stihl. I've had Husky, Jonsered and a Stihl 250 - all about the same size and the Stihl has been the
most reliable. The Stihl was rough starting for the first couple dozen hours or so but after it was broken in, it starts
easily every time. I've trashed the Husky after a couple years of use - the case cracked badly and I didn't even drop it - can't remember the model number but it was really heavy. Still have the Jonsered - it is
in the garage someplace and if the Stihl breaks, Ill use it, but I like how the Stihl feels better.