New Chainsaw

[csdude]

Hi, I'm new to this site and I'm sure this question has already been asked, but here goes. I'm going to buy a new Stihl chainsaw ans I've narrowed it down to the ms250 and the ms290. I'll be cutting spruce, white birch and aspen up to about 16" diameter. I'll ony be cutting 4-5 cord of fire wood a year. Which of these 2 saws do you guys think would be the best option?

 

[2000ssm6]

The 250 should pull a 16"b&c fine, any bigger then go with the 290. Have you looked at the ms270?

 

[mini14]

i have the 290 its a nice budget saw, a little bit heavy for its, size the first day i got it i changed the sprocket to 3/8 and put stihls round chisel chain on it...the saw cuts oak like a hot knife through butter.

 

[sperho]

They'll both get the job done, just not as fast as bigger saws. Search on some logical keywords, your question has been answered ad infinitum.

 

[Bowtie]

Either one will make you happy for what you are doing. I would go for the 290 myself.

 

[mini kahuna]

if your going to cut 4-5 cords a year you are going to work the crap out of that 250,I would definitely go with a bigger saw but I wouldn't go with a 290.
If you are investing in a saw for number of years worth of cutting I would go at least the 260,alot more money I know but in the long run you will be glad you went with a better built saw.
I hate to say it but a 361 would be a saw that would make your cutting more enjoyable,faster and with less headaches for years to come,I know more money again sorry!!

 

[Bowtie]

if your going to cut 4-5 cords a year you are going to work the crap out of that 250,I would definitely go with a bigger saw but I wouldn't go with a 290.
If you are investing in a saw for number of years worth of cutting I would go at least the 260,alot more money I know but in the long run you will be glad you went with a better built saw.
I hate to say it but a 361 would be a saw that would make your cutting more enjoyable,faster and with less headaches for years to come,I know more money again sorry!!

Hes right on the money. It all depends on what YOU want for a long term saw.

 

[RiverRat2]

They are both good saws!!!

Either one will make you happy for what you are doing. I would go for the 290 myself.

But for the same Money as the 290 the MS270 is 1.3lb. lighter, has almost the same power, and is more nimble,,, Plus it is a pro-grade saw,,,,, Check it out,,,It even says it on the stihl webpage!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.stihldealer.net/productdetails-dealer-006774-prodid-540.aspx

 

[Bowtie]

But for the same Money as the 290 the MS270 is 1.3lb. lighter, has almost the same power, and is more nimble,,, Plus it is a pro-grade saw,,,,, Check it out,,,It even says it on the stihl webpage!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.stihldealer.net/productdetails-dealer-006774-prodid-540.aspx

You are absolutely right. I type corrected.

 

[Just Mow]

I have a 270 and 280 and both would do well for you.

 

[RiverRat2]

But iff your stuck on the homeowner grade saws???

:hmm3grin2orange: for 20 more bucks you can get the 310,,and it has 3/8 chain and a bit more zip than the 290 especailly with an 18" bar,,,,, the pro saws are just a bit easier to service and they hold their resale value well if you take care of them... Ohh I almost forgot welcome to AS,,,,,

 

[Just Mow]

But you should really get a 270 or 280. Much better.

And a big welcome from me.

 

[hornett22]

i have used the 270 and it is a very nice saw.

i would not waste my time or money on the 250.not for what you intend to do with it.

 

[ChuckinOhio]

Round these parts the 310 comes from the dealer with .325 chain as if it makes a difference to anybody.

Chuck

 

[NapalmDeath]

I went through the same dilemma not too long ago between the 250 and 290. After some good advice hear I went with the 270 and have been very pleased. I too only cut a few cords per year as a homeowner. I don't think I would have been happy with the 250. The 290 maybe, but I think the 270 is better. There have been times occaisionaly that I wished I had spent a couple hundred more on a 361 though. I have a 16" and an 18" bar for my 270 and the majority of the saws use is with the 18" bar. I don't usually cut anything bigger than 20" mostly between 12"-16" Oaks and Hickory and it serves me well.

 

[SawTroll]

But for the same Money as the 290 the MS270 is 1.3lb. lighter, has almost the same power, and is more nimble,,, Plus it is a pro-grade saw,,,,, Check it out,,,It even says it on the stihl webpage!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.stihldealer.net/productdetails-dealer-006774-prodid-540.aspx

But you should really get a 270 or 280. Much better.

And a big welcome from me.

I agree, except that the 270/280 isn't quite a pro grade saw, but pretty close.......

 

[maccall]

Hi, I'm new to this site and I'm sure this question has already been asked, but here goes. I'm going to buy a new Stihl chainsaw ans I've narrowed it down to the ms250 and the ms290. I'll be cutting spruce, white birch and aspen up to about 16" diameter. I'll ony be cutting 4-5 cord of fire wood a year. Which of these 2 saws do you guys think would be the best option?

For such little use I think the 250 would do just fine. Just skip the c-be of it and you'll get a very light saw with good enough power.

 

[2000ssm6]

muhahahaha

I agree, except that the 270/280 isn't quite a pro grade saw, but pretty close.......

We need some specs to back up your theory:help:

 

[Fuzly]

My buddy heats his home with wood in an outdoor woodburner he bought a few years ago. He has his firewood delivered in log length and cuts to stove length and splits himself. He tries to buy decent sized maple-ash-cherry.

He had only run chainsaws a few times in his life. He started out with a 230 Stihl. Not quite enough nutzskis so he sold it outright and bought a 270. He is now 100% happy and doesn't feel the need to move up to anything bigger.

 

[SawTroll]

We need some specs to back up your theory:help:

The case is magnesium, but it is not vertically split, like on a true pro grade saw. Power to weight isn't quite in the pro class either, but closer than the 290, 455, etc