Chainsaw advice

[samtmc]

Hi all I am in the market for a new chainsaw and my budget is about $400.00.
I am currentl looking at the stihl ms-270 and the ms-290, and am looking for some input. After talking to a couple of retailers they are all saying the ms-270 is the better saw? any comments or sugestions would be appreciated.
I am open to other saws but generaly like stihls.
thanks all.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Personally, I like the Stihl MS260PRO. A little more'n your budget, but a wood cuttin' machine if there ever was one!

Stihl saws last. If you need service or parts, they're a tough act to beat. We use 'em hard, bordering on what some would consider abuse. They never flinch. The PRO series saws are as good as it gets.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Stihl, Echo or Johnsonred....it really depends on whether you're looking for a 10 year, 20 year or 30 year saw....I personnaly have never thought much of the Stilh bars, and really like/trust the big Echos.. BobG in VA

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

for Stihl, my preference is for even numbered models: 180, 260, etc...
also if you're not familiar with chainsaws, never use ethanol/gas in them - the ethanol causes the 2 cycle oil to separate out and you'll score a cylinder, which is not a warranty repair.

 

[greggh]

I purchased a 290 a month ago. I was going to buy the 270 but the dealer was out and I needed a saw that day. I have been pleased with the saw, I don't think you would go wrong with either one.

 

[vtfx4]

I have a Shindawa 488 with 18" bar and it was right around $400. It is a 49cc does everything I need. I got it because I really like the Shindawa trimmers and have used them since i had a little landscaping business during the summers in high school and college. They are not a cool as the orange ones with tough names, much the japanese have really perfected the small two smoke engines.

 

[Soundguy]

whichever you buy.. budget some money for a good set of personal protection equpment.. like chainsaw chaps.. erhaps the kevlar gloves, and the arm liners, if you will be cutting in thick brush with lots of vines or saplings that can snatch the saw around...

that and a good hat and some eye / ear protection..

soundguy

 

[daBear]

I have had a Stihl 029 Farm Boss for several years and it is the best saw I have ever owned. I imagine the newer ones are even better. Stick with Stihl and you will never go wrong.

 

[6sunset6]

I have had a Stihl for 20 years . On the third bar and maybe 10th chain.
Still runs fine. Use it every year. I use gas with ethanol, thats all there is around here, use some gas saver and most important let it run dry when I am done with it. I think ethanol dries and leaves a film on the jets which will not come out with carburator cleaner.

 

[windy acers]

I HAVE A STIHL MS 310 ABOUT 6 YEARS OLD.IT IS A BIT HEAVY BUT I BOUGHT IT FOR THE HEAVER CHAIN. IT IS A 16 IN BAR WITH ANTI KICK BACK CHAIN LET THE SAW DO THE WORK AND IT WON'T SEEM AS BIG.IT IS A GREAT SAW FOR 12 TO 20 INCH LOGS. ALWAYS STARTS WELL NO NEED TO LEAVE IT SIT IDLEING TURN IT OFF.USE ONLY STIHL OIL. I USE PREIMIUM GAS IN ALL LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT