STIHL MS500i

[Code54]

Was wondering if anyone has got one and if so how they like it. I put my order in for one the other day and dont really have any idea when it will come in but hopefully in the next month or so.
The fuel injection was a big factor in my decision as well as nice jump in hp over my current farm boss.

 

[Code54]

Ended up getting the saw a a different shop on the other side of town. WOW - very impressive. Always had the Farm Boss and liked it but this is in a totally different league.
TONS of power and revs extremely quick. The fuel injection is worth it, starts on the first pull with almost no effort, hot or cold doesn't matter.
They are expensive but at this point I am glad I spent the money and now have a really nice saw.

 

[s219]

Only negative I have heard is that they are thirsty. But I haven't run one myself to know. My 461 already swizzles fuel like crazy so I'd hope the 500i is not much worse.

 

[Code54]

I read that somewhere also. I am not sure yet- didnt seem any worse than my old Farm Boss but I will have to pay attention. Wonder where the balance point is between the saw cutting faster vs more fuel is used? A slower cutting saw may use less fuel but you cut less wood so I would guess there is balance there? I am just using it at the house so Im not too concerned, I doubt I would use more than 5-10 gallons a year and that is a lot of wood cut in my case. I can certainly see where a guy running it 40+ hrs a week may have an issue if it sucks fuel.

 

[xyz123]

Seem hit and miss if you get a good one or dud. Friend that logs loves his for felling.

This guys 500 was 1 month old running stihl premix.

Something about a sealing ring goes bad on injector. Under warranty they take care of it. Out of warranty $300 for just injector plus labor time. Then topend cost too.

 

[dodge man]

That would suck. I rebuilt my MS250 for $100, new jug and piston and a few gaskets and I could have got by cheaper using lower cost parts. I realize a MS 250 is in a different league entirely but $300 for the injector, ouch.

 

[ArlyA]

Was wondering if anyone has got one and if so how they like it. I put my order in for one the other day and dont really have any idea when it will come in but hopefully in the next month or so.
The fuel injection was a big factor in my decision as well as nice jump in hp over my current farm boss.

If there are users of this saw, please post your impressions.

 

[Code54]

"
Seem hit and miss if you get a good one or dud. Friend that logs loves his for felling.

This guys 500 was 1 month old running stihl premix.

Something about a sealing ring goes bad on injector. Under warranty they take care of it. Out of warranty $300 for just injector plus labor time. Then topend cost too."



Wow - first I heard of that. (99% of the forums seems positive.) Hopefully it was a one off issue.

The Stihl lightweight bar is worth the little extra in my opinion. Sort of balances the saw a bit better at least with the 25" bar. I am going to get a 20" bar so I can swap to that when I want something smaller but not sure if a lightweight bar is needed with a shorter bar.

 

[Jchonline]

362 still going strong after a few years. I am always nervous about new automated fuel control systems at my altitude. Hope yours works out great!

 

[xyz123]

"
Seem hit and miss if you get a good one or dud. Friend that logs loves his for felling.

This guys 500 was 1 month old running stihl premix.

Something about a sealing ring goes bad on injector. Under warranty they take care of it. Out of warranty $300 for just injector plus labor time. Then topend cost too."



Wow - first I heard of that. (99% of the forums seems positive.) Hopefully it was a one off issue.

The Stihl lightweight bar is worth the little extra in my opinion. Sort of balances the saw a bit better at least with the 25" bar. I am going to get a 20" bar so I can swap to that when I want something smaller but not sure if a lightweight bar is needed with a shorter bar.

One word. Forums . That says it all. They have active members in the 10-60 range.

I run a repair group of 45,000 folks. Who do you think is going to tell the truth about break downs. We have 10000 to 15000 active a day.

 

[grsthegreat]

My old farm boss is 26 years old or there about. Still runs strong, but now needs maybe 4 pulls first time out to start, than restarts rest of day on one pull.
I have thought about replacing it, but it’s hard to get rid of something that is so reliable. I have seen some newer ones out there with easy twist chain release and tightening, etc, but there’s just too much plastic on them.

 

[ericm979]

I found the "easy" tool-less chain tensioner on my MS250 to be harder to use than the regular type. Fortunately I still had the parts to convert it back. Not all of them can be.

 

[Skeans1]

"
Seem hit and miss if you get a good one or dud. Friend that logs loves his for felling.

This guys 500 was 1 month old running stihl premix.

Something about a sealing ring goes bad on injector. Under warranty they take care of it. Out of warranty $300 for just injector plus labor time. Then topend cost too."



Wow - first I heard of that. (99% of the forums seems positive.) Hopefully it was a one off issue.

The Stihl lightweight bar is worth the little extra in my opinion. Sort of balances the saw a bit better at least with the 25" bar. I am going to get a 20" bar so I can swap to that when I want something smaller but not sure if a lightweight bar is needed with a shorter bar.

Been running one almost daily since the first of the year without a lick of issues running 32’s and 36’s. One thing I’ve noticed with it is this isn’t a short bar saw they love cutters and aggressive grind chains. If you’re interested in a short bar saw look into the 462 it’s happiest with a 28 with a max of a 32 with semi skip chain.

My complaints with the 500 and 462 both air filters plug quickly as well as the anti vibration springs are soft for west coast work, plus the pull start handle are garbage.

This is of a 500 after a 6 hour day of cutting timber.

 

[Septemberwheat]

Was wondering if anyone has got one and if so how they like it. I put my order in for one the other day and dont really have any idea when it will come in but hopefully in the next month or so.
The fuel injection was a big factor in my decision as well as nice jump in hp over my current farm boss.

I have two, my first was the MS261 and it’s a beast. The MS series are seriously good saws. I imagine you’re going to love it. Pound for pound & dollar for dollar they’re the best value on the market. Every time I use mine it makes me smile. It’s a significant upgrade from the farm boss.

 

[Browneyesvictim]

I was on a waiting list for months, but just picked up my new MS500i. I haven't cut a toothpick with it yet, but I'm impressed with what I see and cant wait to get it out in the brush... Time will tell.

 

[NPurdy1112]

If there are users of this saw, please post your impressions.

Love the saw. No matter what the job i seem to be grabbing the 500 even if its smaller. Only "complaint" is the air filter seems to get clogged up with dust and chips pretty quick. Only property use for me so its not a big deal to bring it in after a few tanks and blow off with the compressor.

 

[Code54]

Used mine several times and am also very happy with it. TONS of power and is running flawlessly so far.

 

[ArlyA]

My old farm boss is 26 years old or there about. Still runs strong, but now needs maybe 4 pulls first time out to start, than restarts rest of day on one pull.
I have thought about replacing it, but it’s hard to get rid of something that is so reliable. I have seen some newer ones out there with easy twist chain release and tightening, etc, but there’s just too much plastic on them.

Make sure it doesn't just need a tune up kit and valve adjustment.

 

[sd455dan]

Valve adjustment??

i would say that saw starts like most non computer saws 1-4 pulls cold start and once warm 1 pull rest of the day.

 

[ArlyA]

In the 2nd summer of using our Stihl KM 131R it wasn't starting all that well any more so I brought it back our dealership. A tune up kit and valve adjustment brought it back to two pull starting. This is what our dealer said he did to it.