ms260 vs ms390

[bnew]

Why is the 260 more than the 390? The 390 has 1+ more hp and more cc's and is claimed BY stihl to be there best mid range saw.Currently I own two craftman saws and two huskys and would like to own a stihl to see what the hype is about.

 

[Max]

Welcome. Your question is the type of question that has been batted around here for years. Try the search feature and you will find droves of info on these saws. In a nut shell "pro vs homeowner" perception on the saws.
I do feel that there is to much placed on the pro saw issue here lately.
I had an 029 for a number of years and it cut all my firewood with ease.
I did not use it in a professional manner though.
You won't go wrong with either one.

 

[rustyb]

That was one of my first questions here.

Was in the market for a new saw & to me, at casual glance, the 290 looked like a better value. Look at the power to weight ratio though. The 260 has more power per pound. I like light weight things so went w/ the 260.

 

[timberwolf]

I don't have much bad to say about the 390, other than it's a bit heavy for the power and comes set up with a spur sprocket rather than a rim.

In the field my 260mod cuts circles around brotherinlaws stock 390 in all but big hardwood, say 12 inches and up. That seems to be where the 260 chain speed gives up to 390 torque.

 

[GASoline71]

Ditto on what Max said about the seach feature for more info. But for a quick answer to your question. The MS390 is the largest cc "homeowner" saw Stihl is producing today. The MS260 is the smallest cc "pro-level" saw (with the exception of the pro-arborist saws) they are producing. However the power to weight ratio of the 260 is superb, that is why it is so popular with pro-level users. Sure the 390 has a little more power and cc's, but the 260 is set up for the rigors of pro-level use.

Gary

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Do that search, and you'll have alot of reading on differences in construction, case materials and power-to-weight ratio.

These two saws really aren't comparable. Either in hp, weight or construction, though both will handle firewood and farm tasks easily. The 260 will be a gem to use due to it's weight, but the 390's hp will help it in longer bar applications, but if you're gonna be working timber or asking the saw to work for you on that level consistently, consider the 361. Same hp on paper, but a wider power band, especially opened up, better anti-vibe, less weight, and professional grade construction.

But if you end up with the 390, or 290 or 310 for that matter, don't base your entire impression on Stihl's line on those saws alone. Get a 44 or a 66 in your hands before you make your decision.

Jeff

 

[G-MAN]

ditto that, for a couple more bucks over the 390 you can get a 361. for all the same reasons above. try one you'll see the difference.

 

[Simonizer]

Just quality. Like Lexus vs Toyota, Infinity vs Nissan, Acura vs. Honda. Same company, superior designs.

 

[12guns]

Just quality. Like Lexus vs Toyota, Infinity vs Nissan, Acura vs. Honda. Same company, superior designs.

WELL PUT INDEED

 

[tony marks]

ditto that , although i think the 026 should be compared to the 029 ,not the 039.
ive never run the 039. but my henry 026 is my first saw out ,altho im not using them much rite now.

 

[Simonizer]

WELL PUT INDEED

Thanks. (As a Lexus and MS260 owner) ha ha. Cheers buddy.

 

[12guns]

Now I need a Lexus...Funny this came up, I have been looking at one for the wife to drive. But I hear Lexus' don't drag chains and trees very well...

 

[Simonizer]

Now I need a Lexus...Funny this came up, I have been looking at one for the wife to drive. But I hear Lexus' don't drag chains and trees very well...

The SUV's do.