greenskeeper
ArboristSite Operative
just picked up an MS250, can it last as long as my cheapie poulan pro 16" (16 years) ?
MS250
- Thread starter greenskeeper
- Start date
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It should..keep the filter semi-clean and the chain semi-sharp and most any saw will last a long time. I'd also add that the proper ratio of a decent oil in the premix is helpful too.
calebng15
Always lookin' for somthing to cut!
Couldn't say it better. Keep her maintained, and she should last you that long time!
I just sold a Stihl 025 for $150 that ran perfectly. Dang it, I gave it away. I loved that saw, but I couldn't run that one and two Stihl 026 PROs at the same time.
My Dad who cuts about 5 cord a year has ran his for 20 years and loves it. He even paid $150 to have it fixed after a log fell on it a few years back! Still loves it. I thought he'd be impressed with using my 50cc husky hot rod 346xp awhile back and his two word review was "too heavy"! He was 78 though! Lol
Some may disagree but I would say the 250 is the best homeowner saw stihl makes.
lefturnfreek
Sharpen the chain, chuck chips ...repeat...
I have one but I would skip the quick adjust bar unless your in a clean, snow free cut site as they can get princess'y. I finally just gutted it but it is still only held by one spot as the standard setup of 2 nuts and hold a whole lot better....and don't drop it in a beaver swamp .... other than that it's been an awesome saw!!
Agent Orange
Hacktastic®
250 was/is my first saw, I've beat the snot out of it. Cut probably 4 cords with it this year without a hitch. I stocked up on air filters at 2.90$ a piece it's a no brainier. After those 4 cords the filter looked pretty bad even with religious cleaning and you might put a small film of grease at its base for a better seal/fine particle stopper.
greenskeeper
ArboristSite Operative
The saw comes with a one year warranty unless you buy 6 bottles of STIHL oil for $11, then it doubles to a two year warranty...no brainer!
greenskeeper
ArboristSite Operative
This saw has the "traditional" bar adjustment and not the quick adjust.
Agent Orange
Hacktastic®
Did you get the 18" stock bar? I dropped down to a 16" with RM/ yellow chain. Without the adjustable oiler, the 16" oils better and the saw stays in the upper RPMs a bit better.
Swamp Yankee
Addicted to ArboristSite
Same here.
My nephew bought one lightly used last summer. First thing I noticed was the stock 18 inch bar was extremely borderline for the oiler. Popped a 16 inch with RS on and the saw is indeed a lot happier. Actually it's a pretty peppy little saw for what it is.
Take Care
Khntr85
Addicted to ArboristSite
Personally I still find myself using my ms250 quite abit... It's light, tough, and mine cuts great with a 18" bar... I just not to long ago modded the muffler and opened the H idle screw and I can definitely tel a difference....any way learn to properly sharpen a chain with the stihl 2in1 and file rakers when needed, and how to dress bar and it will last you a long time....Kyle
WoodTick007
Addicted to ArboristSite
I had one/two 025's the first one would not run out of the box. . .it had a fixed low jet on the carb. The second one ran ok, but was still on the lean side. . .so I ended up selling it. It was light years ahead of the heavy bulky toastmaster 029/290.
If u use it 40 hours a week all year long I doubt it will last 16 years. If u use it 40 hours a year it very well may. We had 1 (025) at the state tree nursery and I expect that was about how long they had it before replacing it after I left. It was well used by multiple abusive operators , including prison inmates with a grudge. Tough little saw for what it was meant to be, easy to handle for long periods and snappy enough to maintain a good pace limbing and cutting smaller diameter firewood. I liked it well enough to include an 025 in my work line up with 1 to back it up if needed, but the back up hasn't been needed. Back up looks near mint since it barely has been used.
They work well with 16" .325 but so far I like 16" 3/8 picco better. I get another running, I may put a 14" on it. I like them for felling trash and firewood trees on steep ditch banks and for a beater saw to flush cut when needed.Currently running my 1st carbide chain on mine.
They work well with 16" .325 but so far I like 16" 3/8 picco better. I get another running, I may put a 14" on it. I like them for felling trash and firewood trees on steep ditch banks and for a beater saw to flush cut when needed.Currently running my 1st carbide chain on mine.
lefturnfreek
Sharpen the chain, chuck chips ...repeat...
I would love to get some carbide chains for my MS250 and the Ski350 for rough work but I have to buy whole rolls from the dealer here cause "no one else would use it" and just haven't bothered to order any from south of the 50, just yet.
The 025 that I sold and the one that I liked using the most was outfitted with 3/8" Picco and cut like crazy. The one that I retained has .325 pitch, .063 gauge. I sold the better one, and I really have to agree that the Picco chain works better with these saws.
There was a time on AS where a homeowner saw like this would be written off as junk. Glad to see the pendulum has swung and folks again recognize the value of mid range homeowner saws.
A former coworker lives in hardwood country and does all of his cutting with a 025. As we know a 16" bar will cut trees to nearly 32". He cuts about 12 cords a year with it and has done so for years.
A former coworker lives in hardwood country and does all of his cutting with a 025. As we know a 16" bar will cut trees to nearly 32". He cuts about 12 cords a year with it and has done so for years.
Khntr85
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yes sir svk, I agree maybe not made like a pro saw but take care of her, keep chains sharp, good gas and oil, filters, she will definitely last and make you happy... I know personally bra aide I have one I use a lot....
