Which first saw? It's about time!!

[Buggs67]

After getting into the shop today and feeling them I think the 291 maybe a bit too heavy, the 180 a bit too small, and the 250 just right. So I think I'll go two saw, starting with the lighter 250, then if I need more power and size, I'll look into a 300 or 400 pro series.

I've had a Stihl 025 for about 18 years. Only a 16" bar but I've used it on trees up to 26". I've burnt about 4 cord/yr for those years and 90% was cut with that saw. It cuts like a demon. It owes me nothing. Tough starting right now ... seems to be carb problems.

Get an extra chain or two and sharpening jig for on the saw sharpening. I don't think you'll need another saw.

Good luck.

 

[RobertN]

I am a big fan of the 024/026/26x series. Using a 024AV my Dad got when they first came out.

If you buy a saw, buy a good chain sharpening system. Saw is no good without a properly sharpened chain... I use this sharpener
OREGON brand bar-mount filing guide

 

[Buggs67]

I have a similar unit. Good to use in between hand sharpening with the free-hand guide.

 

[Bluegill2]

I have 5 STIHL saws. M250, 038, 038 super and 2 MS660 Mags along with 2 Husky 395 XP's, The 038 and the 038 super have 12,000 and 10,000 cord under their motors. The 038, i ran over with my skidder and had to replace the handle and air cover box. Im not in love with the 250 because its to small but the 660's pack the punch with a 42" bar and a 25" bar. Both of those are around 500 cord each with no problems with any of the STIHL's. the Husky's are ok but start hard and are wearing out fast. 500 -600 cord each and their both looking toward the great brushpile in the sky. For my money I will stick with STIHL. My saws will run all day long other than fuel and oil and do this 6 days a week, now thats asking a lot from a saw. John

Are you cutting that many cords in firewood length, processed, or full log length?

Huskys wearing out fast? Not here! My oldest XP is over 13 years old and goin strong.

038 was a very good saw! I like some of the older Stihl saws!