026 vs 028

[Tony Snyder]

I took in a used 028 on trade. A friend had an 026.
The 026 beats the 028 (Both new chains) Does that surprise anyone?

I had heard so much bragging about the 028, I was surprised.

 

[Mountainman]

Try that 026 against an 028 Super and see what happens. I had one of each. I sold the 26 and kept the 028 Super. It's a much better saw IMO. I saw nothing really bad about the 26. It was just a matter of personal preference.

 

[spreaderman]

match it up

the rpm's, chain type, chain size, chain pitch,?? were all these the same, I have both saws and they are very close, properly tuned an matched 026 and 028wb...

 

[Tony Snyder]

The 028 had a 16", new piece of Carlton K3LM. The 026 had an 18", also new piece of Carlton. Both standard sprockets. We did not tach them, Just set the high speed to a little richtil they gargled. Both air filters cleaned. The 028 did have a brand new carb on it. I ordered kit but got the whole carb so used it.

The 028 was labeled 028 AVEQ (not super)

I looked them up and I guess the 026 has a couple more cc. Odd model number system Stihl had.
Boy I don't care much for that spring detent choke stop lever deal. The spring gets a little off and things don't work well.

Both saws ran great.

 

[stihltech]

vs

I should think an 026 would beat an 028. Faster, more cc, newre technology.
But now we come to the part we all disagree on, is speed everything?
I have a lot of customers with 028s. Just TRY to take them away. A very smooth saw, maybe because of the extra weight?
It is all preference, but I would not down all 28s because of 1.

There are also 3 sizes of 028, the first on actually came with a 15 inch bar.

 

[Stihl088stock]

026

What year did the 026 first come out? I want one, but I don't like to buy at the end of the production run...makes it hard to get parts years down the line.

 

[Tony Snyder]

My book shows it first appeared in 1990. I guess they are MS260s now.

 

[dozerdan]

026 year

My Stihl books state that they started the 026 production in 1988.
Later
Dan

 

[Stihl088stock]

026

That's what I was afraid of, looks like the 026 may be on its way out? seems like they only keep a model for about 15 years max?

Thanks for looking up the years

 

[treeclimber165]

I do not understand your reasoning, Stock. 028's have not been produced in many years, yet they are still popular saws and parts are still readily available at any dealership. But if you do not want to buy an 026, that's fine with me. Your loss. I really like mine (ever since I finally got that stupid fixed jet carb set up right).

 

[Stihl088stock]

026

Stihl says that they will make parts for at least 10 years after a saw goes out of production, and I'm sure that since the 026 or MS260 (why did they change the names) is popular enough that there will be plenty of parts in the future. I just never cared for buying obsolete unless it's used. It's hard to say when a production run will end in any case.

 

[sonny]

I always liked the 028. Im so glad stihl just brought it back. The 280
time will tell.

 

[Tony Snyder]

Danny, my look up was only a price guide type book. Your Stihl books would certianly be more authoritative.
Tony

 

[Stihl088stock]

028

Originally posted by sonny
I always liked the 028. Im so glad stihl just brought it back. The 280
time will tell.

Really??? They just brought back the 028/280? Does anyone know when it will be available?

 

[treeclimber165]

Re: 028

Originally posted by Stihl088stock
Really??? They just brought back the 028/280? Does anyone know when it will be available?

Are you serious? There are several threads here about it, including one or two current discussions. No need to re-post the same info in this thread.


Back to the topic at hand- An old friend had an 028 that I used about 15-18 years ago. At the time, I was impressed with the power for such a small saw. It was many years later before I had the pleasure of running an 026. Therefore, I don't think I could offer an objective comparison between the two. More than likely the one with the sharpest chain would be the fastest.

 

[stihltech]

280

The 280 will be out in March. It is a different breed than the old 028, but it the 270 is any indication, it may fill the bill niceley.

 

[Stihl088stock]

Thanks for answering my question stihltech!