looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

[bobmisi]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

Most guys around here that I know, are looking for a good used Stihl saws and having them rebuilt using factory parts. They were better saws with less plastic and easy to adjust. Myself, I rebuilt a 024 Super for light work and an 038 Magnum for larger work. I always loved the 038, but now that I'm older (66) I really find myself going for the 024 Super for most of my firewood work. Much lighter and the heated handles are nice.

 

[disney]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

Most guys around here that I know, are looking for a good used Stihl saws...

I have kept a eye on craigslist for sometime, and have not seen much that was not either near the price of a new one, or near the end of its life. Central Fl is not big timber area...

is there much of a difference between a 250 and 251? opinion of the tool less chain adjuster? What about the easy start system?

And Unfortunately I am working tomorrow, so spending any real time at the dealer not an option...

Thanks again to all who have replied...

 

[s219]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

The Stihl homeowner saws (i.e., 250 or the newer 251) have a 50 hour emissions rating, which is a roundabout way of pegging the "optimal" life of the saw before a rebuild. The pro models have a 300 hour emissions rating. For the money, I think you're better off with the pro models. The 261 is a great saw (I owned one) in the range you're describing, as is the smaller 241. Both saws will outperform their larger homeowner/landowner Stihl cousins.

Echo makes a great homeowner saw that has a 300 hour rating, so if you're considering a 40cc saw, the CS-400 is a good option to look at. It's a better built saw at a homeowner price point than Stihl's offerings.

 

[bobmisi]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

I also have some echo tools, and must say they are very good, and you can't beat their warranty.

 

[Creamer]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

I wouldn't judge any engine by the Emissions ratings - they have to guarantee that they meet the requirements for that many hours. They do not want to warranty that any longer than they are required to. AS for useful life, my 029 I bought heavily used 22 years ago and cut 5-6 cords per year with it - mostly hardwoods - and have never done anything to it other than replace/sharped chains and replace the fuel cap and vent hose and of course cleaned it and didn't abuse it. Let's just say it is long over 50 hours. I am sure the emissions do not meet today's standards but this saw cuts as well today as it ever has - in fact it did cut today. That 20" oak definitely met its match.

 

[big bubba]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

just like tractor models today, there are more choices than the user wants to know about chain saws, both in power output & longevity of use. i've been using stihl for over 4 decades now. lots of other name brands out there..... although i've mainly stuck with the "pro" models along the way, i must say that the current pro models, although lighter, are also more prone to break down than they used to be. but i still feel the pro model is worth it if you're using it more than the suburban homeowner... more importantly, is to use ethanol free fuel with a stabilizer additive, and to start it a few times during off season. it will make all the difference keeping you away from the repair shop. it's not too much to ask for a hard working tool that does so much for you. personally, i like companion saws, a lighter one for limbing, etc, and heavier for grunt work. currently use the 260 & 460 (stihl) models.

 

[Coyote machine]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

No need for stabilizer with ethanol free fuel.

 

[CurlyDave]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

No need for stabilizer with ethanol free fuel.

As a chemical engineer I am going to disagree with this.

Any gasoline will eventually produce gum and "varnish" because some of the components can polymerize. As it comes to the station, gasoline is blended with enough stabilizer to prevent this polymerization for about 3 months. Adding stabilizer increases this time to about a year, and double or triple doses will prevent it for longer.

No stabilizer will allow gasoline to be stored indefinitely.

The addition of ethanol is for a totally different purpose, and does not really effect gum and varnish formation. Alcohol is hard on small engines because it can attack fuel system components, especially on older systems.

For small engines, I use non-ethanol premium gas with a triple dose of Sta-Bil. I have never had a small engine (generator, saw, Kombi powerhead) fail to start even after sitting for a year or longer with this fuel. I usually go through the fuel in about a year. I keep 15 or 20 gallons on hand and try to buy in the winter since a winter blend will start more easily in cold weather. If non-ethanol gas is not available, ordinary premium will also work in newer small engines.

Other people I know who use ordinary regular in their small engines usually need to have the carburetors serviced at least once a year.

 

[MF283]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

As a chemical engineer I am going to disagree with this.

Any gasoline will eventually produce gum and "varnish" because some of the components can polymerize. As it comes to the station, gasoline is blended with enough stabilizer to prevent this polymerization for about 3 months. Adding stabilizer increases this time to about a year, and double or triple doses will prevent it for longer.

No stabilizer will allow gasoline to be stored indefinitely.

The addition of ethanol is for a totally different purpose, and does not really effect gum and varnish formation. Alcohol is hard on small engines because it can attack fuel system components, especially on older systems.

For small engines, I use non-ethanol premium gas with a triple dose of Sta-Bil. I have never had a small engine (generator, saw, Kombi powerhead) fail to start even after sitting for a year or longer with this fuel. I usually go through the fuel in about a year. I keep 15 or 20 gallons on hand and try to buy in the winter since a winter blend will start more easily in cold weather. If non-ethanol gas is not available, ordinary premium will also work in newer small engines.

Other people I know who use ordinary regular in their small engines usually need to have the carburetors serviced at least once a year.

I guess i'm one of the lucky ones, i've run Egas in my 021 since it was new, the 310 & weedeater, zero turn run off it as well, haven't had a problem yet.
The 021 is around 20 years old, ran like a top the other day, if it dies the next time out, i can't say a negative thing about it. I do use the equipment year round on the farm, except for the ZT that i bought last year, the mower before it was 20 years old with no problems & i use the regular E gas.
Like i say, guess i'm just lucky.

Ronnie

 

[big bubba]

Re: looking to buy a stihl saw 14-16" 10% off at dealer tomorrow, recommendations?

I guess i'm one of the lucky ones, i've run Egas in my 021 since it was new, the 310 & weedeater, zero turn run off it as well, haven't had a problem yet.
The 021 is around 20 years old, ran like a top the other day, if it dies the next time out, i can't say a negative thing about it. I do use the equipment year round on the farm, except for the ZT that i bought last year, the mower before it was 20 years old with no problems & i use the regular E gas.
Like i say, guess i'm just lucky.

Ronnie

looks like you run the fuel often enough not to have a time related problem. in that scenario, a stabilizer may not be needed. for the occasional use homeowner who stores equip in the off season w/o use, to me it's the luck of the draw. btw, the 021 is (was) an outstanding saw, did you have the pro version? best regards