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

[kenmac]

The 55 is a good saw, but would be better with a 18" bar and maybe better with .325 chain.

I sold my 372xp after running the 562xp for a year. The new 562 is just so much lighter, smoother and handles better, also just as fast in smaller wood. I cut a lot of wood (15-20 cords of oak a year), but not much over 20" dia. Also do a fair bit of logging & thinning... I'm 52 and when I run a saw, it's for hours at a time and my back just likes lighter saws better.

The 372 is about $100 more here. Guess your dealer had the 562 too high, or a screaming deal on the 372?

Like I said, the 372xp is a classic, fantastic saw and it will serve you well...

I think the weight difference between the 2 saws is 1 1/2 lbs or less..... 372 is a little over 14lbs. and the 562 is close to 13 lbs. Isn't the 562 the saw with auto tune ?? If so, I was concerned about it having problems. like most new things that come out. I like to wait a couple yrs after the bugs are worked out.... I don't recall the dealer's price for the 562. I got the 372 OTD for $760.00. That's the best price I found for this saw. I agree , my rancher saw would perform a lot better with the 18 bar and smaller chain. I'm going to change it over some day

 

[kenmac]

Interesting - have you or anyone you know run them? How do they compare to Stihl, Husky, Jonsered?

There is a member here LD1 that runs Dolmar saws. He has several

 

[Bluegill2]

I think the weight difference between the 2 saws is 1 1/2 lbs or less..... 372 is a little over 14lbs. and the 562 is close to 13 lbs. Isn't the 562 the saw with auto tune ?? If so, I was concerned about it having problems. like most new things that come out. I like to wait a couple yrs after the bugs are worked out.... I don't recall the dealer's price for the 562. I got the 372 OTD for $760.00. That's the best price I found for this saw. I agree , my rancher saw would perform a lot better with the 18 bar and smaller chain. I'm going to change it over some day

Yep, that is the weight diff. 1.5 lbs is enough to feel after a while. I bought my 562xp first part of 2012 and the auto tune has been flawless. There have been a few problems saws, but not many. Carb trouble, not AT... The AT also makes more power over a wider power band and it's a pleasure to run. You got a great saw, I just don't need a 70cc saw myself.

 

[RobertN]

Interesting the issues folks have had with the 026/260/024 starting; have used them for years at home because they start so easy and handle so well. They are my "go to" saw because of that. I have a mix of Stihl and Husky.

We use Stihl mostly in our Fire Dept. Those saws(chain saw and circular saws) HAVE to start right away. There are a few Husky sprinkled in. But, those saws get started and checked all the time(weekly).

 

[Redbug]

That's interesting you mentioned about starting, Robert. I have several Stihls and they all start well. Except for my newest one...an MS290 Farm Boss. I don't know why it floods and won't start. I treat it the same as all my others. Any other people have problems with their 290's?

 

[Bluegill2]

My brother bought a ms290 8-10 years ago and has had a lot of trouble with it. Starting issues and oiler issues. He stop using it a few years ago.

 

[Bluegill2]

My brother bought a ms290 8-10 years ago and has had a lot of trouble with it. Starting issues and oiler issues. He stop using it a few years ago.

When my brother went to the Stihl dealer, he asked for Stihl's Best saw. They sold him Stihl's Best Selling saw. He got the Best Saw for the dealer, but not for himself...

 

[TSO]

Just left my local Stihl dealer. MS291 $450, MS261c (pro model) $620. Tax not included.

Dolmar 5105 (pro model?), $450 total, shipped.

Specs on the D5105 & the 261c are nearly identical.

So that's my current debate ...

 

[Bluegill2]

Just left my local Stihl dealer. MS291 $450, MS261c (pro model) $620. Tax not included.

Dolmar 5105 (pro model?), $450 total, shipped.

Specs on the D5105 & the 261c are nearly identical.

So that's my current debate ...

The 5105 is a no brainer between the two.

But I'd rather have a 346xp or 550xp. Smaller, slimmer, lighter, smoother, faster...

 

[TSO]

The 5105 is a no brainer between the two.

But I'd rather have a 346xp or 550xp. Smaller, slimmer, lighter, smoother, faster...

I understand, but at what cost? The 5105 should be right around 11.5 lbs... right with the 261c.