I bought a saw. Then I started to read this forum. Not the right order to do things in, I know. I bought a Stihl MS310 with a 20" bar. I probably paid too much for it too: $350. My Dad has an older 031AVT(?). NO, I didn't think that the saw that I bought was the same as dear old Dad's. I looked at the Husky product 346XP and 357XP, but bought the Stihl. The saw was not sold to me as a pro saw. I bought a small piece of recreational property: 20 acres. The land has been logged, and there is a ton of clean up to do. We don't burn wood, except outside bone fires. I have cut NOTHING with the saw and I just bought it yesterday. I am considering returning it for an 026 or even an 039 and not buying another saw for 10 or more years (I hope). So how bad did I screw up and which saw should I trade up to, 039 for about $500 or a 026 pro for $400? First post on the board - sorry for the dumb questions. Clay
Ms310
- Thread starter Clay
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I bought a saw. Then I started to read this forum. Not the right order to do things in, I know. I bought a Stihl MS310 with a 20" bar. I probably paid too much for it too: $350. My Dad has an older 031AVT(?). NO, I didn't think that the saw that I bought was the same as dear old Dad's. I looked at the Husky product 346XP and 357XP, but bought the Stihl. The saw was not sold to me as a pro saw. I bought a small piece of recreational property: 20 acres. The land has been logged, and there is a ton of clean up to do. We don't burn wood, except outside bone fires. I have cut NOTHING with the saw and I just bought it yesterday. I am considering returning it for an 026 or even an 039 and not buying another saw for 10 or more years (I hope). So how bad did I screw up and which saw should I trade up to, 039 for about $500 or a 026 pro for $400? First post on the board - sorry for the dumb questions. Claytreeclimber165
Member A.K.A Skwerl
The 026 is an excellent choice for less than $400. List is $400, they got wiggle room. I prefer the .325 pitch full chisel chain on an 18" bar but it will run a 20 easily. Check out the other threads on modifying the muffler slightly to let it run cooler and produce a lot more power. (#$%^&# EPA!) Most anyone who has ever used one will have good things to say about the 026.
I always thought the 029-039 series were bloated pigs with composite crankcases. Wouldn't be seen holding one in mixed company!
I always thought the 029-039 series were bloated pigs with composite crankcases. Wouldn't be seen holding one in mixed company!
sedanman
Just cut the piano!!
I vote for the 026!
Stihl has a 7 day satisfaction guarantee. Take it back if you woud like something different. Any good Stihl dealer will trade around for the full price of the saw towards something you want.
Sounds like an 026 (MS260) would serve your needs better. The difference in weight will be welcome at the end of the day. Yes it should last longer than an 029,it is a pro saw.
Sounds like an 026 (MS260) would serve your needs better. The difference in weight will be welcome at the end of the day. Yes it should last longer than an 029,it is a pro saw.
Thanks for the prompt responses. What about bar length, is an 18" better for me or should I go with a 20" again? You know that I went to a Stihl dealer so that I would get some direction and some sound advice. The first dealer, when asked to show me how to cut with the saw, told me that he didn't have time but that I should take a class at the local tech school. The second guy, didn't seem to know anything except bigger saw is better and I will take more money from you. He showed me how to start it and that is it. I asked for good sound info on chainsaw use and asked if they had a video that they could sell me if they didn't want to show me and was told that Stihl makes a video, but they didn't carry it. So is there a good video that you guys can direct me to, before I cut my leg off? I did order the 9 layer chaps - they didn't have them in stock either.
026 .325
How do these guys sell saws?
I like the 18 inch bar. Gives you a little extra length. A 20 on it in hardwood is going to make it work hard.
I think I have seen some sites on the internet that would help you out as far as cutting wood safely. Also look in your owner's manual. Didn't they give you a safety manual? Shame on them.
How do these guys sell saws?
I like the 18 inch bar. Gives you a little extra length. A 20 on it in hardwood is going to make it work hard.
I think I have seen some sites on the internet that would help you out as far as cutting wood safely. Also look in your owner's manual. Didn't they give you a safety manual? Shame on them.
treeclimber165
Member A.K.A Skwerl
As a new saw user, you will be better off with the stock safety chain until you become more comfortable and familiar with your saw. The more aggresive chain is also more dangerous if you are not familiar with kickback.
As for books or videos, click on the 'Sherrill' link at the top of the site here. They are the major sponsor here and have an excellent selection to pick from. I've bought from them for years and always been pleased.
If this is your first saw, I'd get a file guide and files. Sherrill has the kit with instructions included. For the stock .325 chain you need the 3/16" files. I'd get a spare chain also, as chains dull quickly in the hands of inexperienced saw users. It takes a while to get the 'feel' and keep it out of the dirt. :angel:
As for books or videos, click on the 'Sherrill' link at the top of the site here. They are the major sponsor here and have an excellent selection to pick from. I've bought from them for years and always been pleased.
If this is your first saw, I'd get a file guide and files. Sherrill has the kit with instructions included. For the stock .325 chain you need the 3/16" files. I'd get a spare chain also, as chains dull quickly in the hands of inexperienced saw users. It takes a while to get the 'feel' and keep it out of the dirt. :angel:
Methoss084
ArboristSite Operative
Although you didn't buy the MS310 based on your Dad's experience with his 031. I've heard some dealers selling the MS310 to former 031 owners and telling them that It'll last and run just as good as their old saw, whata crock. And if you do trade the saw for the O26 make sure that you sign and get a copy of the warantee card for that saw.
I stopped at a different dealer tonight. One that was closer to me. Since the place that was to give me a great deal didn't, nor did I get the customer service that I expected, I will return for a full refund (they said no problem). When everyone is talking about the 026 as a pro saw, and then they sell the MS260 and the MS260 Pro - which exact saw are you recomending?
The other dealer that I stopped at at tonight said that repair work on the pro saws was less expensive than on the consumer saws, because they are easier to work on.
He told me the MS360 Pro was more saw than I needed. He also liked 026/MS260. I still look at the MS310 which comes with an adjustable automatic oiler, Ematic guide bar and Oilomatic saw chain. It also has IntelliCarb compensating carb and a bigger motor. It has 4.02 bhp vs the 026's 3.5 bhp. I like that the 026 is lighter.
So I should trade this MS310 in for a reg MS260? On paper it doesn't look like a good trade, but you guys have the experience with these actual units and I am a newbie looking at the saws on paper not on wood. Thanks
The other dealer that I stopped at at tonight said that repair work on the pro saws was less expensive than on the consumer saws, because they are easier to work on.
He told me the MS360 Pro was more saw than I needed. He also liked 026/MS260. I still look at the MS310 which comes with an adjustable automatic oiler, Ematic guide bar and Oilomatic saw chain. It also has IntelliCarb compensating carb and a bigger motor. It has 4.02 bhp vs the 026's 3.5 bhp. I like that the 026 is lighter.
So I should trade this MS310 in for a reg MS260? On paper it doesn't look like a good trade, but you guys have the experience with these actual units and I am a newbie looking at the saws on paper not on wood. Thanks
Fish
Tree Freak
The ms310 appears to be a ms290 [029] with a 3/8
chain on it. Get the ms260[026] and be happy.
Fish
chain on it. Get the ms260[026] and be happy.
Fish
sedanman
Just cut the piano!!
The 026/ms260 is a pro saw. The 026PRO/ms260PRO is the same thing with adjustable oiling and the inteli-carb. Most on this board don't like the inteli-carb so they give up the adjustable oiling and go for the 026/ms260. My thought is, if the fixed rate oiler works as it's supposed to then no big deal.
026
If you need a compression release then get the 026pro. If not, get the regular version.
If you need a compression release then get the 026pro. If not, get the regular version.
treeclimber165
Member A.K.A Skwerl
As I just posted on another thread, if you need a compression release on this saw, you got no business running it! I have no idea why Stihl makes both models. Can't they just make the 026 with an adjustable oiler and drop the second model?
