ms280 vs j-red 2255
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traktorz
Bronze Member
Rather than the CS2255, get the 50cc or 60cc pro versions CS2252 or CS2258.
The MS 280 is no longer manufactured. It was a light duty, 54.68 CC saw. The MS 291 is the current model, and is a 55.5 CC "Farm and Ranch" saw.
Personally, in a 50cc Stihl saw, I'd get the MS261 as it has more horsepower and weighs less than the MS 291. However, like all professional saws, it comes with an elevated price tag - but, you get what you pay for.
Jonsered saws are Husqvarna saws in red with a few features, like the handle, that are different. Stihl, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Dolmar / Makita, or Echo - all good saws. Best power / weight ratio will be found in the professional level saws from Husqvarna, Jonsered, and Stihl.
I buy Stihl because the dealer is 7 miles from house and the Husqvarna dealer is 25 miles. My local Jonsered dealer is Tractor Supply. They don't have parts/service and their chainsaw "experts" consist of a rotating cast of shelf stockers.
Buy whatever brand you want - but, my advice is to look past the color or manufacturer and find the best total package that includes the availability of parts and service.
Personally, in a 50cc Stihl saw, I'd get the MS261 as it has more horsepower and weighs less than the MS 291. However, like all professional saws, it comes with an elevated price tag - but, you get what you pay for.
Jonsered saws are Husqvarna saws in red with a few features, like the handle, that are different. Stihl, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Dolmar / Makita, or Echo - all good saws. Best power / weight ratio will be found in the professional level saws from Husqvarna, Jonsered, and Stihl.
I buy Stihl because the dealer is 7 miles from house and the Husqvarna dealer is 25 miles. My local Jonsered dealer is Tractor Supply. They don't have parts/service and their chainsaw "experts" consist of a rotating cast of shelf stockers.
Buy whatever brand you want - but, my advice is to look past the color or manufacturer and find the best total package that includes the availability of parts and service.
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I got a MS261 about a month ago and I love it. It has good power and the a/v is good. I got mine with 3/8 lo pro chain.
The MS 261 is a great saw. Talk with the dealer about the length bar you want. I run an 18-inch bar on mine with a .325 chain. You can run a 3/8 chain on a 16-inch bar, but if you're going with a longer bar, like the 18 - then I would recommend talking with the dealer about the difference between the 3/8 chain and the .325 chain on the longer bar.
The saw will cut faster with the .325 chain on a longer bar because there is less friction in the cut as the chain size is smaller - giving the saw the ability to rev higher which equals faster cutting. I cut cedar, pinon pine, fir, and oak with my MS 261 - and it will cut all of them equally as fast.
It takes 3-5 tanks of fuel to get the saw loosened up and it will continually run better and faster as it breaks in. My Stihl saws seem to be sensitive to gas with ethanol in it and also lower octane fuel. If you buy the Stihl, do yourself a favor and buy at least one, 1-quart can of Stihl MotoMix or VP 50:1 fuel to see how the saw works on ethanol-free, 92+ octane fuel.
I found a noticeable performance difference with my saws using higher octane, ethanol-free gas. They start easier, rev faster and higher, and I can leave the fuel in the saw with no fear of deteriorated gas lines, gum forming in the carburetor, etc.
The saw will cut faster with the .325 chain on a longer bar because there is less friction in the cut as the chain size is smaller - giving the saw the ability to rev higher which equals faster cutting. I cut cedar, pinon pine, fir, and oak with my MS 261 - and it will cut all of them equally as fast.
It takes 3-5 tanks of fuel to get the saw loosened up and it will continually run better and faster as it breaks in. My Stihl saws seem to be sensitive to gas with ethanol in it and also lower octane fuel. If you buy the Stihl, do yourself a favor and buy at least one, 1-quart can of Stihl MotoMix or VP 50:1 fuel to see how the saw works on ethanol-free, 92+ octane fuel.
I found a noticeable performance difference with my saws using higher octane, ethanol-free gas. They start easier, rev faster and higher, and I can leave the fuel in the saw with no fear of deteriorated gas lines, gum forming in the carburetor, etc.
shallowwatersailor
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- Apr 17, 2011
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- Central Maryland
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- Toro Wheel Horse, Gravely, Simplicity, UFT, David Bradley
I'm not were in VA you are but last year I bought a Dolmar PS-5105 from the Dolmar dealer in Lovettsville. This was after being owning two Stihl saws and other small equipment by them. It is a very nice saw.
BobG_in_VA
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- Jul 4, 2003
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I've been following this thread....I've had a big Echo (CS670) ...4.1 cu. inch (I'm old school...like the inches vs. the ccs.) got it with a 24 inch bar literally 28 years ago...I cut firewood, etc with it for beau coup years for myself and a bunch of close friends. Still runs great, starts great and have only changed the clutch/sprocket once and had about 4 20" bars and 5/6 chains...(Note: I started cutting pulpwood when I was 12 down here in Goochland Co. so I'm pretty good at whetting a chain)... Now, my point is...you have a big Echo dealer right at Lake Anna at the big tractor place on 522...go check out one of their CS400s or so.. everyone I know that has an Echo wouldn't trade it ...Just my two cents and good luck! BobG in VA
BobG are you talking about tractor hill equip? I have bought several things from them, also I rent their no till drill to reseed hay fields. they are only 11 miles from me. next time I am down that way I will stop in and take a look at them. I might also slip on down to mineral and check out the new stihls, I have actually bought all my saws from Brooks Besley since about 1979 or 80, I just thought I would try something different for a change. I have done a lot of reading on the cs400, seems like every body likes them. I don't like dragging those 70cc saws around any more.
