Which first saw? It's about time!!

[dragoneggs]

Just wondering... no one is talking about the homeowner Stihl MS251... is there a big difference between the pro and homeowner series for weekend warrior types like me? Price is a BIG difference.

 

[Coyote machine]

If you want a saw to last you 'forever' pick something light enough to handle most of what you think you will be using it for. Extra weight is not your friend over time. Of all the saws I have I find myself using the MS180C and MS230 for a lot of trees. I mostly use 16" bars and when if I need something more beefy I reach for the MS 270 or '038. Just having turned 62, I like not having to wield a heavy saw any more than absolutely necessary. Stihls are the best, IMHO, and having worked as a pro years ago, I know that pros often need stronger built saws than weekend warriors. Big isn't always better, it depends on your actual uses and how well you maintain your equipment, or not. Buy the Ultra oil with a Stihl and it will extend the warranty 1 extra year, last I checked. You can always go up in weight/cc's after you use a smaller saw while getting into the 'game'. If you buy too big right away you may not be happy dragging a big saw, especially on camping trips.

 

[newbury]

I've 4 Stihls, an 021, 660, 660, 088. 2 Efco's - 35cc, 62cc. The EFCO's are with me because the 35cc was new w/ 2 chains for $50 and I won the 62CC at Arborist Site.

All the Stihls run like a top. To me the most important thing is DON'T use ethanol gas.

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

Yet you confuse us all

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

Some saws are heavier because of build. I'd rather carry an extra pound or so than have to buy another saw halfway thru a tree. The one problem with buying a Stihl Pro saw is with minimal maintenance they NEVER seem to wear out. I can't use the excuse the saw won't start.

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.

I subscribe to the multiple saw theorys.
First of all ALWAYS have 2 saws (one may even be just a bow saw) so you can get the first saw unstuck when it gets pinched.
A cheap BB store saw might do as the second saw, if you have a bow saw or axe handy.

Three saw theory:
Have 3 saws, one small for limbing, one medium (50CC) for bucking, one big (90CC} for taking down the big tree. Here a cheap 50CC BB saw works in better because you never REALLY need it so you don't have to rely on it.

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.

If they are GOOD go for it.

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.

I bought my 3 bigger Stihls used. I've had to repair my first Stihl 660 with a pull cord. I upgraded one 660 w/ a Dual Port (DP) muffler. The other had a port by Brad Snelling and a mild muff mod.

The EPA or someone has apparently made regulations for saws. Some mfg's responded by tuning saws, Stihl responded at first by slapping a muffler on them and decreasing the chain oiling. My 660's went from Clark Kent to Superman w/ the muffler mods and a high output oiler. In Australia they are SOLD with the DP muffler and high output oiler.

As DB wrote a SHARP chain makes a big difference. When I milled I tended to do a "touchup" about every 10'.

Sharp chain, no ethanol, plenty of oil makes for a long lasting chainsaw.

/edit - I've got the 088, a 120CC saw, because it was ALMOST new and came w/$200 worth of extras for $450. Couldn't pass it up.

 

[LD1]

I'd check out some dolmar's too.

I aint up on their current models. But a ps5105 would be a good choice.

 

[DeereMann]

Just wondering... no one is talking about the homeowner Stihl MS251... is there a big difference between the pro and homeowner series for weekend warrior types like me? Price is a BIG difference.

Yes, Stihl cheapened the homeowner variant models quite a bit, I don't recall exactly what, and whether it would impact reliability or durability for occassional use. Surely TBN'r will know, or you can check with your dealer.

Seeing as I cut every year (24 years & counting, God willing), I went with 'pro' grade & haven't regretted a dime of my investments.

Good luck!

 

[Bluegill2]

Stihl is the most 'popular'... But not the best!

Every brand makes good models and some turds. Best to learn what the differences are!

 

[PapaPerk]

Not to get too far off my original track plan, but if I were going to do only one saw, would the MS361 be a better option for versatility or is that too big? I just don't want to be buying another saw down the road (if possible).

I have a 361... I think it's too big for "just one saw". 261 is better if you are not cutting big wood.

 

[PapaPerk]

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.

The 261 was heavy?!

 

[Deerherd]

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

I'm with Eddie on this one. For what the OP described get a CS 310 for $200 and don't look back. 5 year warranty and starts every time. I have had the CS 310 for two years with zero problems and would also be great for the camping trips the OP described.

I also have the Echo CS 500P chainsaw, a Echo PS 225 "chainsaw on a stick and trimmer" and Echo blower. All start right up and all use the same oil/gas mixture, which is great for us older forgetful guys. I've sold my Stihl's and don't plan on going back. Good luck in your search!

 

[Bluegill2]

I have a 361... I think it's too big for "just one saw". 261 is better if you are not cutting big wood.

ms361 was one of Stihl's best saws, too bad the ms362 gained weight & size. Same with the ms261, good saw but BIG for a 50cc saw! Same size as a 357XP...

The 261 was heavy?!

Yes, for a 50cc it is... Stihl should have stuffed a few more cc's in there.

 

[Bluegill2]

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

Kind of a broad statement there bubba! It's more about the different models and less about the brand. An example would be; the big box stores don't carry the better Husqvarna models.

 

[peterc38]

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

Aw crap. I been cutting 20-30 cords a year with a 346xp & 371xp and never realized they were junk. Guess I gotta re-assess my choice of saws :confused2:

 

[Coyote machine]

Kind of a broad statement there bubba! It's more about the different models and less about the brand. An example would be; the big box stores don't carry the better Husqvarna models.

I wouldn't say all the others are junk, certainly not the Huskys, from what those who own one tell me.

Here's a better example re big box stores; Stihl doesn't sell any of their saws in BB stores.
The echo equipment I have is excellent, a backpack blower, two multi-use weed eater/chainsaw on a stick/ power-broom units, they start easily and run all day.

I considered a small Echo chainsaw to fit into the Stihl stable, but decide to stick with Stihl; been using them all my life, no need to jump ship.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I've got two older Stihl 024 Supers and an 026 PRO, they were the predecessors to the MS261, great all around saws. I also have an 036 PRO and an MS361. Little bit more power/weight. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the pro model Stihl saws. One of the 024 Supers was a Christmas gift from my Dad in 1987, my first saw and it's still going.

 

[kenmac]

Here's a better example re big box stores; Stihl doesn't sell any of their saws in BB stores.

. Stihl still builds an home owner grade saw ( farm boss) that's about the same quality as the husky rancher. Don't know why stihl doesn't break away from the dealer only sales. It has probably cost them $$$ not selling on the net or box store.

 

[Coyote machine]

Stihl isn't interested in the wallyworld market, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. That just cheapens their product line, like deere mowers and others who stoop so low to get every penny of market share. IMO, it's just not worth selling junk product just to gain whatever small percentage of market share.
I'm not saying all products sold at big boxes are junk, just that to compete on that level the product are forced to be of lower overall quality.
I went through this just recently when buying a gas pressure washer. The 2013 leftover Dewalt branded 3100psi model was marked down from around $600 when it first came out to yellow tag, out the door discount of $425. I figured good name, Dewalt, so I grabbed it on the way out, bought the 3 year extended and got it home. Read the online reviews which gave it around 64% /OK. Most reviews slammed the Chinese pump for leaking almost immediately and need to wait 6 weeks or more while the pump mfg. jerked around, NO help from DeWalt whatsoever- everyone referred to the pump mfg.
I looked for other brands, and found Generac; similar setup and around $600 with a known to be reliable pump, and a 94% positive rating in the reviews. Bought it from HD off their net site. Haven't decided whether to buy an extended since I shelled out the $600 instead of the $425 cost.
Home Depot knows and so does Dewalt and their Chinese licensed pump Co. that they are selling junk that one way or another will come back to bite us, the retail customer on the arse. It sux but they don't care whatsoever; it's all on us as consumers to try to beat them at their rigged game. With things like powersaws, chainsaws in particular I want to go to someone who knows their product line features, etc. Chainsaws aren't like shopping for a circular saw. Most circ saws will cut wood. Most chainsaws will too. In my experience, I want a chainsaw and a knowledgeable shop to sell and service the saw. If that cost me more it's well worth it.

 

[kenmac]

I bought my husky rancher from a dealer years ago. I don't know if a new rancher today from a dealer is any different from a rancher bought from Lowes . My old rancher is probably as good as a farm boss of the same vintage . Still has plenty of compression. I only have 3 chainsaws. the 55 rancher, 372xp and a 14'' homelite that I've had longer than the rancher. I really don't consider the homelite a chainsaw. It is a little better than a hand saw

 

[jpm1]

Stihl is the most 'popular'... But not the best!

Every brand makes good models and some turds. Best to learn what the differences are!

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

 

[Coyote machine]

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

Exactly right. When I worked, starting at around age 14 for the pros who taught me to do tree surgery and how to climb, they were two German brothers who had all Stihl saws. We beat the crap out of those saws daily for years. Dropped them off the back of the trucks, out of the trees, ran them over, etc. Replaced the broken handles or whatever and like a Timex watch they kept on ticking. Stihl or nothing for this dude!:thumbsup:

 

[FTG-05]

I just bought a Stihl MS362 CM chain saw. very nice saw, I love using it.

I highly recommend you a) buy the Pro version of whatever saw you decide to buy (lighter, better built) and b) get the Mtronic version (i.e. auto-tune); designated by the "C" after the model number. These saws are getting great reviews over on the Arborist.com site.

Good luck with whatever you choose.