Stihl, ms290 opinions wanted

[Tig]

Thanks for the input guys. I've been reading all the threads, trying to get my head around which saw is right for me. My FIL loaned me his 390 when I cut down a 36" maple 5 years ago. Using it was a dream compared to the Mac. The 290 seems to be similar featured unit, just smaller. The 270 is nicer by all accounts but as I mentioned the 390 was already a dream compared to the Mac. I'm afraid that if I get the 270 I may clear cut my entire property. I like the idea of a "pro" saw but it's probably overkill for my purposes.
One more word on the Mac. That recoil start must be well built. It's got as many hours on it as the bar does and it's been solid.

 

[digger2]

Just bought a ms290 in august.Works great compared to the old Poulan,but the poulan did do good for what i paid for it.I still have it and use it when i might hit a nail or something.
What got me to buy the Stihl was -I bought a Sears that was on "sale" two years ago figuring i was getting a deal.Yeah right,what a peice of junk.
Made really cheap,recoil broke after a month or two,the so called "tooless bar adjustment" is a joke.Sits out in the shed,i dont even bother using it.
Lesson learned again-you get what you pay for............Digger2

 

[studor]

Tig -- if I had access to a 390 (means you can't get divorced and have to get along with your FIL!) I would probably opt for the 270 -- couple of pounds lighter and probably good for everything you want to do. What it can't do, you would probably have to borrow the 390 for anyway -- JMHO
regards

 

[Birdmayon]

I've got the MS310 (same as MS290 but a bit more oomph). I agree with others, it is a tad on the heavy side if you're cutting all day with it. Overall I really like the saw, however if I could go back in time I'd probably spend a few more bucks and get an MS260. I think it's got a bit less power by spec, but from what I've read, is comparable to some of the bigger saws due to the way it makes power. It is lighter and slimmer than the 290/310/390.

 

[Tig]

Thanks again for all the input. Here and in previous saw threads.
No problems with the FIL or SWMBO but the 390 has only ever been lent out once. Probably intended to show me how a real saw worked. I don't like to borrow things for more than a "test drive". The only reason I even used it was because the Mac had been torturing me in every way imaginable for two days while the 390 sat there.
This morning I went to the JD dealer in town who sells Stihl. I explained what the intended use was and he walked me right over to the 290. There was a smaller saw and a larger one also on sale. 260 and 270 were both more money, no sales there.
I asked about an 18" bar. Dealer's opinion was that an 18" bar worked well but 20" would hurt performance.
So here I am proud owner of a new saw with 18" bar, carrying case, extra chain, DVD, hat, 6 pack of oil and 2yr warranty.
I was very pleased with the people at the dealership so I was glad that I drove 20 extra miles to bring them my business. I would have preferred to buy from the Stihl dealer 3 miles from my home but quite frankly he is not good at his chosen profession.

 

[amigauser]

I have a MS290 that I have owned a couple of years now with an 18" bar. No problems at all with it. It is a little on the heavy side compared to the Stihl Pro line saws, that is the only down side that I have found with it.

 

[studor]

Happy sawing!! I didn' get the DVD but isn't it a great hat for $450?

 

[dirt ditch]

It is a really good video to see and is free to watch on the Stihl website. Don't know why Stihl doesn't include the DVD with every new saw, or at least with the purchase of the case and hat.

Link to the video here:



STIHL Incorporated USA -- Information -- Manufacturing the World's Number One Selling Brand of Chain Saws

 

[vsteel]

I used to have a 290. It was a good saw. The saw isn't a pro saw, its a mid grade saw. Its not designed for 8 hours a day work, but it is made for a lot of use. It will pull a 20 inch bar happily. The only reason I sold mine is the dealers around where I am suck.

The saw will really come alive if you open up the little holes they have in the muffler. There are two holes the exhaust comes out of under the deflection cover. Just connect the holes so instead of two holes you have one oval shape. It helps the saw run cooler and really lets the power out.

If you want to really make it cut good, get rid of the anti kickback chain and get the aggressive pro chain. Though if you are not failure with a saw, I would suggest you leave the anti kickback chain on until you feel safe with the saw.

Depending on how much you like your dealers in the area or if you like options you can also look at a Husky 55 rancher. Its the equivalent saw.

 

[natem]

Love mine, has plenty of power works great. No problems yet.