Which first saw? It's about time!!

[Bluegill2]

yes, yes - i have the original 026, but didn't want to confuse the OP with older model designations.

I really liked the 026 & ms260, but wanted more power & cutting speed. I came close to having a ms260 ported, but was waiting to see the ms261. After that I just bought another 346xp.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have two Stihl chainsaws with one of them being the Farm 291 model you mentioned. It's a nice saw with plenty of power and capable of doing a lot of work. I've had Husqvarna, Poulan, McCulloch and Echo. My all time favorite is Echo by a good margin. When the Stihl dies, it will be replaced with an Echo of similar size. They start so much easier, with the same power and quality of Stihl that it's a no brainer to go with Echo. The others brands are just junk and I wouldn't buy another.

Eddie

 

[hawk45]

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.

 

[xring100]

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.

How about a ms271
MS261 is a great saw the pro saws are built with more magnesium/aluminum and less plastic than the farm saws. The oil reservoir and the bosses that the bar studs are metal on the pro saws. On the farm grade it's all plastic. I couldn't believe it when working on my neighbors saw changing a stud and found the housing was all plastic.
Should have picked up an MS 880 or MS660 the MS261 would have felt like a toy

 

[hawk45]

They did have a 271, but it's 12.3 lbs, the heaviest of them all (250, 291, 261)

 

[motownbrowne]

Go with the pro model. Personally I'd buy a lightly used 260.

 

[xring100]

They did have a 271, but it's 12.3 lbs, the heaviest of them all (250, 291, 261)

Guess I didn't realize it was heavier than the 291

 

[adventure bob]

So now a counter opinion bound to agitate everyone...
Buy a big box store saw, 50cc ish for a under $200. Use the crap out of it. Then decide if you need a pro level saw. My little poulan from HD has been a killer bargain and if you put good chain on it cuts about like what you've described your going to use it for. Don't get me wrong, there's a place for a pro level saw, I have a couple, but if your not making a living with it, or clearing a ton of lumber on a regular basis its probably overkill.

 

[hawk45]

I have a line on a used 260 and 028, so I'll see if they pan out. If not, I may just grab the 250.

 

[DB Pilot]

Get a Stihl. I got a MS310. Used on ebay. Also have a Poulan pro 245. Have had to do more repairs to the Poulan. Pull cord broke, recoil spring came off, brake fell apart, auto oiler broke. I repaired and paid for all the parts. So I still use the Poulan but it will break again and I will not repair it. The Stihl works harder has needed oil and gas and that's it. I will never buy anything but a stihl from now on. But I think it is going to be awhile before it needs replacing. Both saws start easily also. :thumbsup:
Best advice that took me 20 years to figure out. Read up on how to sharpen the chain, I read the Oregon instructions that come with every chain. Get a sharpening jig (granberg) that will hold the angle and tilt required for specific size chain. Once I did these seemingly simple steps everything worked better. A sharp chain is a safe chain.

Bottom line get a solid saw or learn how to repair your Poulan.