Stihl anti vibration system

[buck12]

Considering buying a new chainsaw. When I buy it will be a Stihl because the local dealer runs an excellent business. I am seriously considering the 290. I noticed the 270 and 280 have an anti vibration system. What exactly is the anti vibration system? Does it really make a difference? I do not heat with wood but my parents do and I help my Dad cut sometimes. My main use is to keep old logging roads clean and to clean shooting lanes. I am also slowly cleaning up family property that has been neglected for years.

 

[beenthere]

The power head is isolated from the handles with shock absorbers. Takes the jolt out, and is easier on the hands (so they don't turn white ).

When I upgraded to the MS 361 (from an old 041), I was frustrated because I couldn't feel the saw cutting so I found myself forcing the saw into the cut. Realized it was the anti-vib feature kicking in, and then settled back to enjoy the ride.

I think the Stihl saws are great, and the MS 361 a classic for them.

Other brands are good too, but I will stick with Stihl. The old 041 is still a good saw, but doesn't have the brake system or anti-vib. It was new in 1975, and has never missed a lick nor had anything but minimal maintenance - filter and sparkplug and a gas cap. Now has a new bar that has not been used yet.

 

[buck12]

The power head is isolated from the handles with shock absorbers. Takes the jolt out, and is easier on the hands (so they don't turn white ).

When I upgraded to the MS 361 (from an old 041), I was frustrated because I couldn't feel the saw cutting so I found myself forcing the saw into the cut. Realized it was the anti-vib feature kicking in, and the settled back to enjoy the ride.

I think the Stihl saws are great, and the MS 361 a classic for them.

Other brands are good too, but I will stick with Stihl. The old 041 is still a good saw, but doesn't have the brake system or anti-vib. It was new in 1975, and has never missed a lick nor had anything but minimal maintenance - filter and sparkplug and a gas cap. Now has a new bar that has not been used yet.

Thanks for the reply. Since you have used Stihls with and without the anti vibration system, do you think its worth the extra cost?

 

[beenthere]

Can you get one with and without as an option?

 

[LD1]

I am pretty sure that all newer saws have an anti vibe system except maybe some of the real cheap ones. They are usually either rubber or spring mounts. Springs typically make the saw a little smoother than the rubber ones.

I am not sure what kind of prices you can get on the saws you are looking at, but I believe the MS310/311 is only about $50 more than the ms290. I cant comment on the 270 and 280 but the extra few buck to go from a ms290 to a 310 is money well spen in my book. The 310 also comes with the 3/8 chain instead of the .325. I have ran both the 290 and the 310 side by side making timed cuts and I was actually impressed with the 310. And that is comming from a guy who normally cuts with Dolmar 7900's and 120si's. The 290 was just a turd IMO.

 

[yomax4]

I have 4 Stihl saws. 018, 026 Pro, 034AV and an 039. I run the snot out of them. I burn 10-12 cords per year. I have used most brands while cutting with friends and a few of the other saws out there seem fine. With the Stihls I blow them out with the air hose, Sharpen chains, Replace filters every year and they never let me down. My 034 was made in West Germany before the wall came down. Runs like new and I call it the Screamer because that is what it does... Anti Vibe is a nice feature but I agree it feels strange at 1st Good Luck.

 

[art]

I have 4 Stihl saws. 018, 026 Pro, 034AV and an 039. My 034 was made in West Germany before the wall came down. Runs like new and I call it the Screamer because that is what it does... Anti Vibe is a nice feature but I agree it feels strange at 1st Good Luck.

Your 034 is also a commercial saw as well as your 26 pro and they both will cut better then the mid range saws or home owner series like the 039 or 018. It is not to fault them but you aren't quite comparing apples to apples!

I've got a 034 myself and other then a few chains and bars worn out they are a great saw.

 

[buck12]

Can you get one with and without as an option?

Stihl's website does not list the anti-vibration system as a feature of the 290 while it does list this feature on other saws.

 

[buck12]

I am pretty sure that all newer saws have an anti vibe system except maybe some of the real cheap ones. They are usually either rubber or spring mounts. Springs typically make the saw a little smoother than the rubber ones.

I am not sure what kind of prices you can get on the saws you are looking at, but I believe the MS310/311 is only about $50 more than the ms290. I cant comment on the 270 and 280 but the extra few buck to go from a ms290 to a 310 is money well spen in my book. The 310 also comes with the 3/8 chain instead of the .325. I have ran both the 290 and the 310 side by side making timed cuts and I was actually impressed with the 310. And that is comming from a guy who normally cuts with Dolmar 7900's and 120si's. The 290 was just a turd IMO.

Stihl's website list the 311 at $100 more than the 290 both equipped with 18" bar. I am not opposed to spending extra if it is truly worth the extra expense. Both are listed as "mid range" saws.

 

[LD1]

I have never ran the 311 but since it is basically the 310 I would have to say yes it is worth it.

My uncle owns a 1 year old 290 and my cousin just bought a MS310 about 2 months ago. The 310 he got for $440 OTD. if that helps.

Between me and dad we have several pro saws. dolmar 7900's, 6400's, 120si's 116si's a husky 266se, a dolmar 350, and some others.

We had a little family get to gether and was cutting cookies in some 14-15" ash logs. All freshly sharpened chains and the same operator we made some timed cuts for our own reference.
The 7900's were between 8-9 seconds.
The 6400 and the 120si's were pretty much even at between 10-11sec
The 116si was right around 11sec as well but is mildly ported.
The 310 stihl was ~17 sec
and the MS290 was a measly 26-27 seconds.

Not sure if it was just THAT saw or wether it was the .325 chain vs the 3/8 chain, or a combination of both. These are the only 290 and 310 that I have ran but like I said, I was not impressed. But the 310 was impressive. But this is just my opinion.

I would reccomend finding a dealer that will let you take the saws you are interested out back and cut on some logs. Be the judge for yourself if the extra $$$ is worth it.