Are the MS290's and 310's really junk...?

[thombat4]

According to the dealer here they are. I was seriously considering a 290 since I had the chance to use one a couple days ago. I thought it did a very good job on the 30+ diameter oak I was working on. So I go to the dealer this afternoon to pick up some bar oil and I ask him how much for a 290 and he kinda rolls his eyes and says it and the 310 and another that I can't remember are all junk and that for 80 bucks more I should consider a 260 or even a 260 pro. I know the more you spend the more saw you'll get but with limited funds available we sometimes have to get what we can afford. Dealer also says he rarely sells 290's or 310's...are they really that bad? Need your expertise here guys and thanks.

 

[Sawmill]

I have an MS 290 that I bought new 7 or 8 years ago and the only thing I had go wrong with it was the gas line went bad a couple of years ago. This saw gets a lot of use around my sawmill and cutting fire wood.

 

[thombat4]

I have an MS 290 that I bought new 7 or 8 years ago and the only thing I had go wrong with it was the gas line went bad a couple of years ago. This saw gets a lot of use around my sawmill and cutting fire wood.

Thanks Sawmill,

That's the kind of response I was looking for. The dealer also said those saws have a habit of stalling in big pieces of wood.

 

[beerman6]

4 years with my 310,no problems whatsoever.I do want to go bigger though.

 

[Sawmill]

I just sawed down a 30 inch plus maple today and I didn't have any problems. I think the stalling problem may be how sharp the chain you are using is or maybe putting to much pressure on the saw to try and make it cut faster. I use to use it to cut down logs so the mill head could cler the log but I bought an Ms180 saw because it was lighter. I think that if a dealer told me that they were no good I would find a different dealer because he was tring to make more off the sale.

 

[thombat4]

I think that if a dealer told me that they were no good I would find a different dealer because he was tring to make more off the sale.

I'm beginning to think so too.

 

[Wirenut2266]

Tom; I would probably go to another dealer. Why would he want to push a potential sale away? Those saws you mentioned are great all purpose firewood saws, many years or happy service. Not too many people here balk at them. No, they are not pro grade, but sounds like that is not what your looking for. Go buy one or two, and have fun!!!

 

[Mike PA]

They are good firewood saws. They will stall out (bog down) when too much pressure is applied, especially in big wood, but they get the job done and reliably. Most firewood cutters I know use the 290 and are happy with it. There is a reason the 290 outsells everything else. The 310 and 390 are just more powerful versions of the 290.

 

[thombat4]

Thanks for the responses guys. I really wish you all could see this guys face when he talks about this group of saws. It's almost as if he has something personal against them. I tried the 290 and thought it was a very good saw. I would think the 310 would be that much better. I don't understand this guy sometimes.

 

[Mike PA]

Repair of these saws is a little harder, but no reason to knock 'em, especially since he drives away a potential customer. It's good to be honest and upfront about the products' limitations, but to say they are junk is silly and self-defeating. Some people are saw-snobs.

 

[KsWoodsMan]

I guess I don't understand him even saying that any Stihl is junk. I could understand that there are better saws in the lineup than a 290 or 310 but I wouldnt go so far as to call it junk. It was built with a purpose in mind and fills it's niche nicely , I think.

I have ran a (late) friends MS-310 and liked it. Not enough to go buy one for myself, but I liked it.

 

[Arbortec01]

One of the saws we use in our daily arsenal is an MS 310. It cuts great, never had any problems with it. The only thing I notice is that it seems to have more plastic parts, less metal, making it a little lighter, but a little less durable. But, I Wouldn't dissuade anyone from buying one, if you're looking for an economical choice, go with it. It gets the job done.

 

[MNfarmer]

The thing with these saws is they are kind of heavy for their engine size. That is why a lot of people say they are junk. I have a 290 and really like it. I've read it is Stihl's best selling saw for the homeowner. For the money.. they are a really good deal!!

 

[Qsky]

290

7 years with mine, not one problem. I cut firewood from April through November.

 

[thombat4]

The thing with these saws is they are kind of heavy for their engine size. That is why a lot of people say they are junk.

That was one of his other reasons for not recommending it...I didn't think it was noticeably heavy.

Thanks for all the input and advice fellas

 

[The Lorax]

My FIL has the old version of it the 029, he has had it since 1997 and has cut a lot of wood with it, I have used it a couple of times before I bought my husky and oleomac and I found it good, not great just good.
It is not super powerful for it's weight but it gets the job done.
If you don't need super speed then you can't really go wrong with one, it is stihls best selling saw and has been for a long time.
If you get one don't be tempted to try a pro saw out, you will want one.
You get what you pay for.

 

[ShoerFast]

Bought a 310 a few years ago to cut some firewood to sell,,,,, sold a few thousand dollars worth of firewood cut with her!

Had a couple stop by one day to ask if I would clear a lot they bought , needed 12 trees taken out, all huge Ponderisia Pine,,,,, 36+ DBH trees.

Bought a 36" ES bar and a loop of RSKL (F) chain and dropped all 12 trees, I had posted vid of the 310 with 36" chugging way here.

Not what most would ask a 310 to do, but she got the job done.

I sold that saw to a guy that has a log-skidding Co. He is now a member here and checks in every now and again.

I sold the 310 to buy a 361, but always ask if he would sell it back,,,, his answer before I complete the question is "nope'' !

 

[JeffHK454]

Have owned a couple 029/290 saws , great saw for the money.

I've owned my 029 for over 11 years and been through several bars , a mile of chain and 10 plugs but it's never not started or quit running when I needed it.


Tell that Stihl dealer that your going to go buy a Husky or Dolmar and see how hard he tries to sell you a 290!

 

[newb]

It sounds to me like the dealer is trying to sell what he has in stock. To say a saw is junk because he bought to many of something else is really bad business. The 290 Farm Boss with a 16" bar will last most homeowners a lifetime. Maybe that's another reason he doesn't want to sell you one. Pete

 

[Austin1]

I am not a Stihl head at all I like my saw's to be Red and Black Or Yellow and Black lol. But I cut the other day with a guy a complete stranger to me just met him out cutting wood. He had a brand new first time run 290 and it did fine for him. He was blown away by my modded 2159 but it's modded Apples to Oranges. And he never herd of a Dolmar before as I was using the 7900. But in the end He cut a full truck load of wood. No little load full size 3/4 ton long box.It might weigh more than a 260 but are you really going to carry it 1/4 mile through the woods to cut firewood?Heck I own a Poulan that is 5 years old and keeps cutting. Keep care of it and it will last a very long time.