My two Stihl's.

[Topkicker]

Agreed.

If you can get by with a smaller saw, the Dolmar PS350 and PS420 have about teh most awesome AV of any saw I have ever ran:thumbsup:

I'd like to try a Dolmar. They look like a high quality saw. They make the only saw I would consider other than Stihl. Whats a comparable Dolmar saw to a MS290 or a MS310?

 

[LD1]

I'd like to try a Dolmar. They look like a high quality saw. They make the only saw I would consider other than Stihl. Whats a comparable Dolmar saw to a MS290 or a MS310?

PS5105....Comparable in CC's only. The dolmar is much smoother, faster, and lighter.

I havent heard much or ran the PS460 and PS510, But are probabally more comparable in speed and weight

 

[SpringHollow]

Stihl makes some lower vibration chains as well, their RSC chain for example.

And the 361 and 660 are both wonderful saws.

Ken

 

[RobertN]

I want an 090. Just because...

Or a Contra/Lightning...

I dream of a MS 660 too. My cusin in GA has one with a skip tooth full chisel chain. You can take that bad boy out of the case and the tree gives up and just falls.:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[Topkicker]

Stihl makes some lower vibration chains as well, their RSC chain for example.

And the 361 and 660 are both wonderful saws.

Ken

My MS290 came with the low kickback chain on the 20in bar. I switched to a RSC the second day I owned it. Major difference in cut time.

 

[xyz123]

I'd like to try a Dolmar. They look like a high quality saw. They make the only saw I would consider other than Stihl. Whats a comparable Dolmar saw to a MS290 or a MS310?

PS5105....Comparable in CC's only. The dolmar is much smoother, faster, and lighter.

I havent heard much or ran the PS460 and PS510, But are probabally more comparable in speed and weight

I dont think Dolmar even builds a PO like a plastic 290 or 310. The 5105 is built like the stihl MS260 MS261, husky 346xp. Pro grade not cheap grade crap.

 

[LD1]

I dont think Dolmar even builds a PO like a plastic 290 or 310. The 5105 is built like the stihl MS260 MS261, husky 346xp. Pro grade not cheap grade crap.

I guess I though he meant comparible as far as weight and cost were concerned.

Do doubt the dolmar is MUCH higher quality than those two particular stihls

 

[9973720wb19]

was using my Stihl just this past Monday and it was very windy...had my regular eye glasses on yet the saw dust was flying and blowing...ended up at one of those 24 hour medical care places in bad pain from the saw dust scratching into my eye. missed work tuesday and still in pain...never do that again!!, ordered some nice wrap around protective safely glasses. let's all learn from this...

 

[Coyote machine]

Started using Stihls made in western Germany back in '65 or '66 when I had my first real job working for the largest tree outfit in northern NJ. Ran everything they threw my way, ALL Stihl. No chain-brakes, not even hand guards on the top of the saw in those days, no ear plugs, chaps, or helmets, or eye protection. The branch chippers we ran were way more deadly than those used today. No kill bar or anyway to stop them when operated by one guy. Came too close to going in the chute too many times.
Have 7 Stihls now- nothing amazing, size wise or cc wise, but all good saws for my own use and my hired hand, whom I'm teaching to run the saws effectively.
See signature below.:thumbsup:

 

[HickoryNut]

The 290/310/390 series beg to be muffler-modded. Serious power gain, quicker acceleration, and mechanical longevity when you Dremel out the muffler baffle/port and re-tune the carb properly. Tons of google info on this process.

 

[cqaigy2]

I did very simple muffler mod and re-tune on my little stihl. Well worth the time! And I didn't spend much time doing it.

 

[The Deerslayer]

I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment. Have a 290 and just received a 180 for Christmas...gotta luv Santa. These two seem to be a great combo for limbing and handling the big stuff as I cut and split for heating with our woodstove. Nothing better than bringing home the wood and hope to be able to keep going for many years....I know the saws will! Also have a Still trimmer and backback blower...can't say enough about the quality.

 

[LD1]

I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment. Have a 290 and just received a 180 for Christmas...gotta luv Santa. These two seem to be a great combo for limbing and handling the big stuff as I cut and split for heating with our woodstove. Nothing better than bringing home the wood and hope to be able to keep going for many years....I know the saws will! Also have a Still trimmer and backback blower...can't say enough about the quality.

Have you ran anything other than stihl???

Because to say "I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment" based on just the MS180 and MS290:confused2:

If those were MY only two experiences with stihl, I would NOT be impressed.

I can just imagine the look on your face if you ever run a 361 or 441 Because you'll probabally never touch a 290 again.

 

[The Deerslayer]

Have you ran anything other than stihl???

Because to say "I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment" based on just the MS180 and MS290:confused2:

If those were MY only two experiences with stihl, I would NOT be impressed.

I can just imagine the look on your face if you ever run a 361 or 441 Because you'll probabally never touch a 290 again.

Granted, I may not have quite the stable of saws that you have listed...however I mentioned additional Stihl equipment in the post beyond the 290 and 180. What I did not mention was the number of family members and friends in and out of the tree service business that swear by Stihl. We all have our preferences...enjoy yours.

 

[Coyote machine]

Have you ran anything other than stihl???

Because to say "I'm a huge fan of Stihl equipment" based on just the MS180 and MS290:confused2:

If those were MY only two experiences with stihl, I would NOT be impressed.

I can just imagine the look on your face if you ever run a 361 or 441 Because you'll probabally never touch a 290 again.

Is there some special criteria that Deerslayer has to meet to be a huge fan of Stihl?:confused2: Personally I doubt it, but there's always someone who has to rain on the parade- give the guy a break, there are different levels of use/appreciation for equipment. Otherwise they'd only make one model saw.

 

[ruffdog]

My dad has a ms180 and is very happy with it. We have cut wood since I was not much more than knee high to him. Now that he is getting older, he doesn't feel up to running the big saws like his Deere 80ev. I wished I had a boy of my own to cut wood with now.

 

[LD1]

Granted, I may not have quite the stable of saws that you have listed...however I mentioned additional Stihl equipment in the post beyond the 290 and 180. What I did not mention was the number of family members and friends in and out of the tree service business that swear by Stihl. We all have our preferences...enjoy yours.

Is there some special criteria that Deerslayer has to meet to be a huge fan of Stihl?:confused2: Personally I doubt it, but there's always someone who has to rain on the parade- give the guy a break, there are different levels of use/appreciation for equipment. Otherwise they'd only make one model saw.

My post was not meant to be taken in a negative light as it seems to have been.

There is no doubt that stihl does make exceptional equipment including chainsaws. That I am not denying. The only reason I dont own any is because of cost. IMO, you can get more for your money with other brands. That just means I feel there is more value elsewhere, and does NOT mean their saws arent top notch...because they are.

I am just pointing out that it is confusing to me to say how great stihl saws are based on two of their lower end models. The ms290 in particular. Overweight and underpowered are two of the most common words that describe that saw. Their "pro" saws are indeed awesome performers.

I guess in my eyes, it is kinda like one saying Dodge makes great vehichles because they own a dakota and neon.

Let me clarify, I meant no disrespect to anyone. I know there are people who dont use saws, or enjoy them as much as myself. But I just dont see where it makes any sense to pick two "bottom of the barrel" saws in stihls line-up and proclaim how great they are.

That is why I made the comment that if deerslayer ever gets a chance to run a 361 or 441, he will have a smile on his face that will last for days

 

[LD1]

he doesn't feel up to running the big saws like his Deere 80ev.

That is one heck of a good ole saw.

Heavy and slow, but gobs of torque.

If you didnt know, that was one of the "deere" saws made by echo. The 80ev is the same thing as an echo 750evl:thumbsup:

 

[Coyote machine]

My post was not meant to be taken in a negative light as it seems to have been. OK
There is no doubt that stihl does make exceptional equipment including chainsaws. That I am not denying. The only reason I dont own any is because of cost. So now the truth reveals itself!
IMO, you can get more for your money with other brands. That just means I feel there is more value elsewhere, and does NOT mean their saws arent top notch...because they are. True dat!

I am just pointing out that it is confusing to me to say how great stihl saws are based on two of their lower end models. The ms290 in particular. Overweight and underpowered are two of the most common words that describe that saw. Their "pro" saws are indeed awesome performers.

I guess in my eyes, it is kinda like one saying Dodge makes great vehichles because they own a dakota and neon.

Let me clarify, I meant no disrespect to anyone. I know there are people who dont use saws, or enjoy them as much as myself. But I just dont see where it makes any sense to pick two "bottom of the barrel" saws in stihls line-up and proclaim how great they are. Bottom of the barrel is good enough for some...

That is why I made the comment that if deerslayer ever gets a chance to run a 361 or 441, he will have a smile on his face that will last for days Those saws may be the best of the best but may not suit his needs.

Refer to blue text above. And, I for one don't want to encourage those who are using the smaller saws to spend unnecessary $ on a saw that is too much for their needs. For some the Dakota is plenty of truck for their needs- they aren't looking for an Escalade or stinkin' Navigator:laughing:
And weekend warriors and general use chainsaw users don't need ported/modded saws, unless that's their passion/ passtime, agreed?:thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

And weekend warriors and general use chainsaw users don't need ported/modded saws, unless that's their passion/ passtime, agreed?:thumbsup:

Yes, we agree.

But you are the one who jumped my case saying I need to give him a break, and not to rain on his parade, etc.

I just wanted to be clear....

I wasnt intending to jump anyones case, or rain on anyones parade.

And I am not saying this is the case, but.....

TOO many "weekend warriors" thing the 290 is a "pro" saw and that it is one of the best stihls made (because it is their most popular). ANd this simply isnt the case. Actually, most "pros" dislike the 290, me being one of them. But it does have its place.

I am just trying to say that making a comment to the effect "stihl equipment is the best", when all you have ran is a 290, is obsurd. Because actually, if you run ANY saw from ANY of the other major players in the game, the 290 will come in LAST everytime.

I am NOT arguing that stihl is good. I am just disputing making "stihl is best" comments based on the use of a 290. Because it is clear to me someone who says such things is brand blind and un-informed.

Now if you run a 361 and say things like that, no beef with me at all. Because that IS a great saw, unlike the 290.