Stihl - 260, 270, or 280

[buck12]

Need some input. I have been looking at buying a chainsaw. I started out looking at the 290 but it is a bigger heavier saw than I need. What I really need is a good quailty light weight saw. My primary use will be to keep miles of old logging roads clean to include lots of limbing and cutting up fallen trees and occasionaly downing a tree. Also I am reclaiming some propert that has been let go. I also sometimes help my Dad cut wood for heating. I have used chainsaws for 30 years but Dad always bought cheap saws (Craftsman, Poulan). He currently has a Poulan and Husky. For the last couple of years I have been borrowing the Poulan from Dad and now am ready to buy a good saw. I have narrowed it down to the Stihl 260, 270, or 280. I like the weight and feel of these saws. My question is what is difference between the 260 pro and the 270? Stihl's website gives little explaination as to the differences between a pro and mid grade saw. The 260 is $90 more than the 270. The only difference I see is an adjustable bar oiler.

 

[thatguy]

From what I have read/understood - the 'pro' saws are made for more heavy duty use (ie better quality materials) and the vibration is much lower..

Im sure someone will be able to give you a clearer answer..
good luck

 

[whistlepig]

I have always paid the few extra few dollars to bump up to the Stihl "Pro" series weed eaters and chain saws.

 

[thatguy]

I have always paid the few extra few dollars to bump up to the Stihl "Pro" series weed eaters and chain saws.

a lot of ppl would agree with this statement as being well worth it.. and in the long run what is $90 spread over many, many years..

Brian

 

[buck12]

It seems that Stihl would give more information to educate consumers as to what is upgraded on the pro models. better bearings? better metal? etc

 

[DMW]

What Thatguy said,
The 260 also has a decompression valve for easier starting. The pro saws use more metal, less plastic in the housings/covers. Easier to rebuild/repair for extensive use.

I'm pretty sure you will be happy with either one. If your comfortable spending the extra money, I doubt you would regret getting a 260. Whichever you get , take care with their "new" style fuel caps. Once their cross-threaded, they apparently have a tendency to leak.

For elevating I like a gas trimmer powerhead with a pole pruner. I have a cheap one from Home Depot that I've used for several years now on 3" and under. Even cutting up felled limbs is easier than with a chain saw. You don't have to step over the branches to cut.

 

[easygo]

The MS280/310/390 are pretty much the same saw with slightly larger engine as the numbers go up. I have a 390 because that was the only mid-grade saw with decomp valve. It has plenty of power for sure probably more then I really need.

 

[whistlepig]

It seems that Stihl would give more information to educate consumers as to what is upgraded on the pro models. better bearings? better metal? etc

I have been buying Stihl chainsaws and weed eaters for decades. The Pro series is the level of performance Stihl started out with. It's not really an upgrade. It's when they introduced the "Homeowner" series that the Pro series became a choice. The "Homeowner" series is cheaper and lighter duty saws and weed eaters. "Occasional Use" as they say. There is a need for this lighter duty stuff but not for me.

 

[Nitro-Fish]

It seems that Stihl would give more information to educate consumers as to what is upgraded on the pro models. better bearings? better metal? etc

Better power to weight ratio, and easier to work on if necessary; parts readily available down the road. The 260 is a pro saw; stick with it and you will have a saw for a lifetime. If you are not dead set on the Stihl, you should take a very hard look at the Husqvarna 346XPNE (stay away from the trio brake version); quite possibly the best saw in this category as far as power to weight ratio goes, even died in the orange and white Stihl owners/uses have a hard time overlooking the 346XPNE, just ask some!

 

[captaincrab55]

What Thatguy said,
The 260 also has a decompression valve for easier starting.

2 years ago that valve was an option that did cost more... I bought my saw (260) with the valve, because I needed Carpal Tunnel surgery.. I used it often before surgery, but seldom use it now... It was wort the extra money.....