Homeowner needs help on choosing a stihl(250-290)

[jonnysteals]

I own approx 30 acre's of woods. I do not heat my house or do I even have a fire place for that matter. I may put a woodstove in my garage some time in the future but that is still up in the air because they are illegal in NJ. I need a chainsaw right now to cut down about 10 tree's. The biggest being around 12 inches in diamater with a mixture of pine and oak. After this I plan on maybe thinning out my woods a little bit and just really using it as needed. The reason for the purchase is I had a older cheaper saw and it was always giving me problems so I need a new one.

I was looking at stihl because there dealer network seems to be everywhere and it seems like everyone I talk to tells me to buy a stihl. I want to buy a saw that will last me a very long time with just basic maintance. I am not a professional and I am not going to spend 700 dollars on a saw. That being said I was looking at either the stihl ms250 or ms290. The one dealer I went to seemed to only carry the higher end saws and the 290 was his smallest saw. He really didn't have anything to say about the 250 besides I can order it. I picked up the 290 and it is rather heavy with the 20 bar. I decided to shop around some more and went to another stihl dealer.

He seemed more interested in my needs and recomended the 250 over the 290. The dealer was out of stock of the regular 250 and only had the quick start model. Its price is 350 which is a little more than I wanted to spend. He will not be getting any regular 250's for some time. The 250 had a 18 bar and he seemed to say he never had issues with the saw unless someone bought it and tried to cut to big of a tree/abused it. My question is between the 250 and 290 what would you buy. I am going to be getting the 6 pack of oil to double my warranty so out the door its around 400 for the 250 quick start and 18 inch bar and 450 for the 290 with the 20 inch bar. Is the 50 dollar increase worth the jump to the 290 or should I wait a while and save the 100 bucks and get the regular 250. I dont think I will ever cut a tree over 18 inches myself.

If you recommend the 250 is the 50 bucks worth the upgrade to the quick start no tools adjustable model. I am 25 years old and rather strong so I don't think I need the quick start model. Is the no tools adjustable bar needed or is more a pain than its worth.

I am sorry for the million questions but I don't want to buy a saw and only regret it later. I would rather spend and get a saw that with a little maintance will be a quality reliable saw for me. Online it seems people either love these cheaper stihl and most pro's bash them. Any insight would be great and I appreciate the input.

 

[Jon1212]

I own approx 30 acre's of woods. I do not heat my house or do I even have a fire place for that matter. I may put a woodstove in my garage some time in the future but that is still up in the air because they are illegal in NJ. I need a chainsaw right now to cut down about 10 tree's. The biggest being around 12 inches in diamater with a mixture of pine and oak. After this I plan on maybe thinning out my woods a little bit and just really using it as needed. The reason for the purchase is I had a older cheaper saw and it was always giving me problems so I need a new one.

I was looking at stihl because there dealer network seems to be everywhere and it seems like everyone I talk to tells me to buy a stihl. I want to buy a saw that will last me a very long time with just basic maintance. I am not a professional and I am not going to spend 700 dollars on a saw. That being said I was looking at either the stihl ms250 or ms290. The one dealer I went to seemed to only carry the higher end saws and the 290 was his smallest saw. He really didn't have anything to say about the 250 besides I can order it. I picked up the 290 and it is rather heavy with the 20 bar. I decided to shop around some more and went to another stihl dealer.

He seemed more interested in my needs and recomended the 250 over the 290. The dealer was out of stock of the regular 250 and only had the quick start model. Its price is 350 which is a little more than I wanted to spend. He will not be getting any regular 250's for some time. The 250 had a 18 bar and he seemed to say he never had issues with the saw unless someone bought it and tried to cut to big of a tree/abused it. My question is between the 250 and 290 what would you buy. I am going to be getting the 6 pack of oil to double my warranty so out the door its around 400 for the 250 quick start and 18 inch bar and 450 for the 290 with the 20 inch bar. Is the 50 dollar increase worth the jump to the 290 or should I wait a while and save the 100 bucks and get the regular 250. I dont think I will ever cut a tree over 18 inches myself.

If you recommend the 250 is the 50 bucks worth the upgrade to the quick start no tools adjustable model. I am 25 years old and rather strong so I don't think I need the quick start model. Is the no tools adjustable bar needed or is more a pain than its worth.

I am sorry for the million questions but I don't want to buy a saw and only regret it later. I would rather spend and get a saw that with a little maintance will be a quality reliable saw for me. Online it seems people either love these cheaper stihl and most pro's bash them. Any insight would be great and I appreciate the input.

Welcome to AS. You are entering a territory that can become a slippery slope.......i.e. one saw can't possibly do it all, can it?...........LOL!!!

A MS 250 with a 16" bar, and a MS 290 with an 18" bar are good options if you are dead set on a new stihl within your budget. You apparently have only talked to Stihlheads though, and I think you should check out saws from other manufacturers (Jonsered, Husqvarna, Dolmar/Makita), and see what feels the best in your hands. Dealer support is important when buying "new", so keep your options open.
Personally I've never been a "fan" of the tool less adjusters, one more thing to break, and they tend to need more attention while cutting.
In the event that you would consider buying used, there are a whole host of possibilities for "more" saw, and if you have dealer support for that particular brand you will be able to get parts, and service easily.
Questions are always welcome here, especially when they are written in a clear and concise manner.
Good luck with your new purchase, and remember you'll need a backup..........LOL!!
Jonathan

 

[old-cat]

Your STIHL dealer is 100% dead on! I have an MS 250 with 18" b/c and MS 290 with 20" b/c. That 250 is a real work horse and you don't have to baby it. Just keep the chain SHARP.

 

[Jon1212]

Your STIHL dealer is 100% dead on! I have an MS 250 with 18" b/c and MS 290 with 20" b/c. That 250 is a real work horse and you don't have to baby it. Just keep the chain SHARP.

Really? You know the dealer he went to? The 250 is a workhorse? It's a good firewood/ ranch saw, but a workhorse, I think not. Yeah, just keep the chain sharp, don't worry about cleaning the air filter, or not storing it for long periods with fuel in it..............

Do you work for Stihl by chance.............:msp_wink:

 

[KenJax Tree]

I would say Stihl's smallest workhorse is a MS 261

 

[jonnysteals]

Welcome to AS. You are entering a territory that can become a slippery slope.......i.e. one saw can't possibly do it all, can it?...........LOL!!!

A MS 250 with a 16" bar, and a MS 290 with an 18" bar are good options if you are dead set on a new stihl within your budget. You apparently have only talked to Stihlheads though, and I think you should check out saws from other manufacturers (Jonsered, Husqvarna, Dolmar/Makita), and see what feels the best in your hands. Dealer support is important when buying "new", so keep your options open.
Personally I've never been a "fan" of the tool less adjusters, one more thing to break, and they tend to need more attention while cutting.
In the event that you would consider buying used, there are a whole host of possibilities for "more" saw, and if you have dealer support for that particular brand you will be able to get parts, and service easily.
Questions are always welcome here, especially when they are written in a clear and concise manner.
Good luck with your new purchase, and remember you'll need a backup..........LOL!!
Jonathan

Yea I tend to proofread what I write so that its easier to make sure my ideal's/opinion is clearly stated. I am not opposed to used saws but in my area used saws are more money then what they cost new or look like they fell out the back out the truck and drug for miles on end. Then I was reading up and it looks like used saws are only as good as how the prior owner treated it. I looked at a used ms290 and I was surprised it was running considering its condition. Thats when I went looking at new saws. I see that this can be an expensive hobby but I already have a few expensive hobbies as it is. I have two boats, a diesel truck, a diesel compact tractor and as many tools as I can afford. Whats another expensive hobby on top of my other ones lol. I am going to look a little harder at used saws but so far they aren't looking promising.

I have looked at plenty of saws lately. I looked at echo and husky but still seem to lean towards the stihl brand. I liked the echo 400 but it was 300 dollars so if I can get a stihl for the same price I think the choice is pretty clear to me.

Your STIHL dealer is 100% dead on! I have an MS 250 with 18" b/c and MS 290 with 20" b/c. That 250 is a real work horse and you don't have to baby it. Just keep the chain SHARP.

I am leaning towards the regular ms250 without the quick start and the tool free adjustment. I am going to call around to see if any local stores have one in stock.

 

[jonnysteals]

Really? You know the dealer he went to? The 250 is a workhorse? It's a good firewood/ ranch saw, but a workhorse, I think not. Yeah, just keep the chain sharp, don't worry about cleaning the air filter, or not storing it for long periods with fuel in it..............

Do you work for Stihl by chance.............:msp_wink:

For my use do you think the 250 would be fine. Just cutting down 10 tree's now and as needed in the future. My brother has a ms290 as well so If i need a bigger saw I could borrow his but I am not sure I would want to fell a 20 inch tree by myself.

I would say Stihl's smallest workhorse is a MS 261

It should be considering I can get 2 250's that price. That's just out of my price range I want to spend on something that I am not going to use that much.

 

[dsell]

Do you have any Dolmar / Makita dealers around? I would think a 501 would be a more solid choice and perhaps comparible in price. Or, how about a Husqvarna 353? Stihl is great, don't get me wrong, I'm just tryiing to think in your price range and still have you get a well built saw.

 

[Jon1212]

For my use do you think the 250 would be fine. Just cutting down 10 tree's now and as needed in the future. My brother has a ms290 as well so If i need a bigger saw I could borrow his but I am not sure I would want to fell a 20 inch tree by myself.



It should be considering I can get 2 250's that price. That's just out of my price range I want to spend on something that I am not going to use that much.

As stated previously, I think a 250 would be fine. I was merely saying that there might be something else out there that you would like better.

 

[Arbonaut]

Lot of farmers cut all their firewood with a MS250. A lot of tree services get them, cause they do cut and they also get dropped, smashed, kicked and stolen. That's easier to take in a cheaper saw. I know enough guys cutting with 250's who do the kind of work you are talking about to recommend it. You got brother with the bigger saw, and find a 250 with regular side chain adjuster and starter- go get it. Rep for you, too. Stihl the best, JonnyStihl. Welcome to the site.

 

[Jon1212]

Well there goes the neighborhood.

 

[Roll Tide]

If I had to choose from the two I would get a 250 , I wouldnt even consider the 290.

 

[NPKenny]

The regular MS250 and a 16" bar would work the best of your options. Don't be tempted to get the larger bar... That is a marketing strategy to make you think you are getting a larger saw than you really are.

I picked up an MS210 for a while (same chassis as the 250) and it was not a bad saw for small stuff like you are describing. The MS250 has more features and power than the 210.

Purchase at least one extra chain and a few files to make sure you keep a sharp chain. Yellow marked chain (non-safety) will perform better.

 

[Arbonaut]

Your STIHL dealer is 100% dead on! I have an MS 250 with 18" b/c and MS 290 with 20" b/c. That 250 is a real work horse and you don't have to baby it. Just keep the chain SHARP.

Good advice. Good saw. Rep for Old Cat.

Well there goes the neighborhood.

Yup.

 

[Chris-PA]

If you're considering a plastic clamshell saw like an MS250 (which sounds like it would be perfectly appropriate for what you need), save your money and get a Poulan Pro PP4218AV and a good chain. It's quite a bit less expensive and has a strato engine, a fully adjustable carb and the bar studs don't screw into the plastic housing.

 

[hrhunter]

If the choice is between a 250 and 290, I would consider getting an 026 in good shape, for less money than either one. I love mine.

 

[jonnysteals]

The regular MS250 and a 16" bar would work the best of your options. Don't be tempted to get the larger bar... That is a marketing strategy to make you think you are getting a larger saw than you really are.

I picked up an MS210 for a while (same chassis as the 250) and it was not a bad saw for small stuff like you are describing. The MS250 has more features and power than the 210.

Purchase at least one extra chain and a few files to make sure you keep a sharp chain. Yellow marked chain (non-safety) will perform better.

Well all these responses seem to make my decision easier. I did look at some smaller husky and echo's as well. I'm no saw expert but I didn't see any glaring quality issues with any of the saws I looked at. I even looked at some of the 800 dollar saws to see what they had and didn't see anything where they cheaped out to much.

My question is why do you only recommend the 16 inch bar. The 18 inch bar is a marketing scheme because it was only 17 inches when I measured it. Does 1 inch really make that much difference. I plan on buying an additional chain and will but the yellow chain per your recommendation. From my research it seems that the safety chain was put on there to prevent kickback but this also hindered the performance of the saw. Any issues with switching to yellow chain.

I also plan to mod the muffler once I get out of the warranty period. It seems like a really easy mod and it certainly can't hurt the saw to let it breath a little better.

 

[RAMROD48]

The regular MS250 and a 16" bar would work the best of your options. Don't be tempted to get the larger bar... That is a marketing strategy to make you think you are getting a larger saw than you really are.

I picked up an MS210 for a while (same chassis as the 250) and it was not a bad saw for small stuff like you are describing. The MS250 has more features and power than the 210.

Purchase at least one extra chain and a few files to make sure you keep a sharp chain. Yellow marked chain (non-safety) will perform better.

MS250's are only available through e-sales and NES with 18" bars now. As thats what most people were buying anyway.

For what this guy is describing I would say the MS250-18 would fill his need pretty well.

Also the newest green chain from Stihl is a very good cutting chain!

of these 2 saws, the 250 is the better purchace for him.

 

[7sleeper]

I'm sorry but the tooless chain adjustment(tca) is not any more faliure prone than the simple bar nuts(maybe a little but not significantly!). A simple proof of Stihl's quality is that it is even available on pro saw models. There are a few threads of people who use tca in a semi pro / pro scenario.[http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/205395.htm]So the usual blah blah against tca is simply a flatulenz. I must say that I am someone who likes to keep it as simple as possible so I wouldn't buy a tca, but if it was the only model available I wouldn't feel bad for one second!
In your situation any of the two mentioned will make you happy. If you feel the 290 is too heavy then listen to your intuition! There is a reason why intuition is talking to you. Keep the chain sharp, the air filter clean, the gas/oil mix fresh and let the saw do the cutting.
Further any saw in the 50-60cc class by the major brands (Dolmar/Makita, Echo, Efco/Emak/Oleo Mac, Hitachi/Tanaka, Husqvarna/Jonsered[/Mc Culloch/Poulan], Solo or Stihl) will make you happy.

Other brands are sometimes unexpected pearls(in disguise) so don't close your eyes to other ladies and the price should make you smile. http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/192321.htm

7

 

[jonnysteals]

If you're considering a plastic clamshell saw like an MS250 (which sounds like it would be perfectly appropriate for what you need), save your money and get a Poulan Pro PP4218AV and a good chain. It's quite a bit less expensive and has a strato engine, a fully adjustable carb and the bar studs don't screw into the plastic housing.

Its funny you mention this. I read someone's review on the Poulan® Pro PP 5020 AV and was very interested that it scored such a high review. I would purchase this but my concern is what is the durability of this saw vs the durability of the clamshell stihl's. Im looking for years of use and haven't found any long term reviews on the Poulan Pro's.