Is the Stihl 025 a good saw? opinions wanted

[mattinky]

Title says it all......... Matt

 

[WRW]

Yeah.

Title says it all.

 

[bobbyb13]

Yep

Tuffer than a pine knot.

 

[computeruser]

If you do a search for "MS250" or "250" you'll see a number of answers to this question.

In short, the answer is yes. It is a durable and reliable saw without any particular vices that recommend avoiding that model. It is not as modern a design as some, which means that the air filtration and anti-vibration will not be as good as with some other brands and models. Nonetheless, it is a proven design and a durable platform that will capably meet the needs of lots of people.

 

[SawTroll]

I have never touched an 025, but I have run and maintained 250s enough to state this;

They cut slow, vibrates a lot, and the air filter get dirty pretty fast.

They also have an overwhelming feel and look of cheap plastic...:hmm3grin2orange:

....but they are not really bad, and do what they are intended to do.umpkin2:

The Husky 350 is a much better saw in most respects, and I would also take a 345 over a MS250.

 

[Dadatwins]

Any saw that starts, runs, and cuts in that order would be classified as a good saw in my opinion. You will get better answers if you say what you will use the saw for. If you planning on milling out slabs of 36" oak, or bucking up 24" rounds of sugar maple for firewood then No, the 025/250 would not be a good choice. Plan on cutting some downed limbs around the yard, maybe a fence post once in while, an occasion 6 x 6 for a planting border, then Yes , the 025/250 would work. good luck

 

[WoodTick007]

Another saw that you should look at in that price range is the Husqvarna 350... I had both saws and sold the ms250. The reason being was the I just liked the feel and low maint of the Husky....both saws run well and will do great job for your firewood cutting.

 

[Lakeside53]

It's not clear he's buying new MS250 -he did say 025...

 

[stckciv]

I dont like the O25/250, take a look at the Dolmar PS-460. MUCH better saw for the same price!

 

[AJLOGGER]

I own a 025 and used 025's when I worked for the utility company. I really like mine. For a $250 saw it runs like no tomorrow. I own several other Stihls as well but still pick up the 025. It is not a "pro" saw and does have a plastic crank case. BUT, when I was on the utility company we did not maintain our saws worth a crap. Guys never cleaned the filters or sharpened the chains. They would throw them in the truck and were just generally hard on them when they cut with them. However I never saw one fail to run or perform like they should. Matter of fact, the one that I own I got from the utility company. A guy was using it to cut a downed tree on some power lines and dropped a large limb on top of it and destroyed the top end. I put a few dollars worth of parts in it and away we went. But that is how these saws were treated and they never missed a lick.

 

[Lakeside53]

Just to be picky... the 025 does not have a plastic "crankcase" - that's all metal.. it sits in a plastic chassis...

 

[WRW]

OK, anybody around my neck of the woods got a stock 345/350 or a PS460 that I could try out? I'll supply the wood.

 

[SawTroll]

I dont like the O25/250, take a look at the Dolmar PS-460. MUCH better saw for the same price!

Probably, but also much heavier.....

 

[04ultra]

I have never touched an 025, but I have run and maintained 250s enough to state this;

They cut slow, vibrates a lot, and the air filter get dirty pretty fast.



....but they are not really bad, and do what they are intended to do..

Next time sharpen the chain and you will have chips not saw dust... Vibration from dull chain is normal on all brands. Slow cutting with a dull chain sounds like all brands.

Now put a sharp chain on and tell us....



..

 

[Kenskip1]

025

I Had to chime in on this.I got one that was a rental. Badly abused. I put a carb kit, drive sprocket, 14in B/C, and now it is the easiest saw to start that I own. With this B/C combination this thing cuts like hello. Ken,

 

[SawTroll]

Next time sharpen the chain and you will have chips not saw dust... Vibration from dull chain is normal on all brands. Slow cutting with a dull chain sounds like all brands.

Now put a sharp chain on and tell us....
..

You Heathen - Ok I know you are just teasing....:hmm3grin2orange:
The only chain problem I had with those was that it is practically impossible to mount a .325 Narrow Kerf set-up on them, because they have that silly small Stihl bar mount. :angry2:
They would probably fared a bit better with that set-up, at least in the cutting speed department......

 

[04ultra]

You Heathen - Ok I know you are just teasing....:hmm3grin2orange:
The only chain problem I had with those was that it is practically impossible to mount a .325 Narrow Kerf set-up on them, because they have that silly small Stihl bar mount. :angry2:
They would probably fared a bit better with that set-up, at least in the cutting speed department......

I just had to.......:hmm3grin2orange:



.Tom would be proud of me..

 

[Bermie]

I've had an MS250 for about a year and a half now. It's a fine small saw, starts and runs just fine,but I do think I will attempt a trade in for a 260, I want the extra power for a saw thats about the same size, as I already have a rockin little 021 for a small saw.
I run 'yellow' chains on the 250 and in the hard casuarina here it just is a bit, how can I say it...'blah'.
I think it comes down to your application, what you're going to use it for.