Stihl anti vibration system

[20 20]

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?

Yes it does make a difference, especially if you're going to run the saw for long periods of time.

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.

If that is all you are using the saw for you would only need the 250. I have the 250 and the 310, I cut wood for heat and also have a small mill. Last year in fire wood alone I cut over 25 full cord 75+face cord. The 250 with a 16" bar is a light machine and easy to use for clearing and trail type work. It also has enough power for homeowner firewood.

 

[buck12]

Thanks for the responses. I hope to have time to go look at saws next week.

 

[n2deep20]

As stated earlier the anti vibration is a great feature. I have an older Stihl 025 and a new 361, both bullet proof saws.

Stihl and most other companies make several different types of blades, from full anti kickback to full on cutting and it makes a big difference in cutting time, aggressiveness of cut and handling the saw.

I love the 361 with an 18" blade but if I had to carry it very far or climb with it I prefer to use the 025 with the 16", much lighter and for me easier to handle.

Hope this helps

 

[Chilly807]

The 290 has anti-vibe system, as far as I know all the Stihl saws do these days.

Sean

 

[JakeBrake]

I have owned a Stihl 031 with 16" bar since 1980. The saw now has some problems. It will start and run as well as ever, but when I turn it off, I am through until it is stone cold, like the next day.

When I told my friendly Stihl dealer I wanted a saw to replace the 031, he immediately suggested the MS310 with a 3/8" chain and a 20" bar. I purchased the saw with a case and an extra chain for $485. So far the saw has been totally satisfactory. I use the saw for miscellaneous purposes on our property. This may be trimming small branches or it may be sawing off large stumps below bush hog level. Yes, this does dull the chain, but that's what chainsaw files are for.

Incidentally, Since 1980 I have also owned two Poulans which have fallen by the wayside.

After I purchased the MS310, I did a little research on the Stihl website. It appears to me (please correct me if I'm wrong) the basic specs for the MS310 and the MS361 are about the same. The MS361 has additional professional features.

 

[two_bit_score]

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.

With even a minor amount of care you'll likely have that saw for a minimum of 10 years. Probably more. That extra $100 for anti-vib spread out over 10 years will be money well spent. You'll never miss it but you'll probably remember it everytime you use the saw without it that you could have had it but thought it was to expensive at less than $10 a year.