I have been following this forum for a few days now. My old Poulan 2300 recently got a crack in the fuel line and I started looking at new saws. This forum has given me a great deal of useful information. My Poulan is being repaired and I expect to get it back next week. I have been looking at the Stihl 250, but my question is, do I really need it. Will it really be that much better than my old 2300. I realize that the Stihl is a much better saw overall, but if the 2300 is running good and sawing well, will a 250 give me that much more benefit (its like the new car bug I guess). I mainly cut a few cords of firewood each year and use the saw around the farm maybe once or twice a month. The 2300 has served me well and I have never had a problem with it, but if the 250 would give me more power and flexibility I might invest. Any advice and suggestions?
New Saw or Not?
- Thread starter sstterry
- Start date
Help Support Arborist Forum:
fishhuntcutwood
Full wraps and long bars!!!!!!!!!
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 3,601
- Reaction score
- 395
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Even though, I guess your 2300 did break...it'll be up and running before long. I hate to be indecisive, but it's up to you. Of course a quality new saw will (should) run well and with proper maintenance will last a good long time. But if your old standby is still standing by, then I'd say you're doing OK. And there is the added benefit of having two saws. You could get the new Stihl and keep the 2300 as a backup saw, or a go-to saw for when you need to buck fencposts with nails in them, or you need to cut up something less than desirable for your new shiny saw. The 044 Project Saw in my signature is just such a saw.
But it almost sounds like you're looking for us to justify a new saw purchase for you...in that case then yes, go buy the 250!
Welcome to the site.
Jeff
But it almost sounds like you're looking for us to justify a new saw purchase for you...in that case then yes, go buy the 250!
Welcome to the site.
Jeff
Lawn Masters
Addicted to ArboristSite
From my point of view, the 2300 only needs a new line, and it'll be going strong again. good machine, fairly light, and one of the better poulans I've worked on, or used myself. ok guys, flame away, I know its gonna happen for saying theres actually a good poulan model out there.
If you want an MS250, go right ahead and buy it, you wont be disappointed by that model, though it'll also be substantially more powerful, and bigger than your 2300 is by a good few tenths hp or so.
If you want an MS250, go right ahead and buy it, you wont be disappointed by that model, though it'll also be substantially more powerful, and bigger than your 2300 is by a good few tenths hp or so.
Last edited:
Well if it is the right tool for the job and it is working for you, then fine. No need for anything with more power, new, etc. (Is the way I look at it.)
With all the projects I get involved with, there are plenty of situations which come up where I don't have the right tool for the job and need to buy it. So save your money for such a situation.
With all the projects I get involved with, there are plenty of situations which come up where I don't have the right tool for the job and need to buy it. So save your money for such a situation.
Safety
sstterry , I have used my Poulan 2000 for 16 years and it has no antivibration mounts or chain brake . The newer saws have a lot less vibration and have better control with the wider hand spacing , also they are safer with the chain brake .
sstterry , I have used my Poulan 2000 for 16 years and it has no antivibration mounts or chain brake . The newer saws have a lot less vibration and have better control with the wider hand spacing , also they are safer with the chain brake .
West Texas
ArboristSite Guru
You only have 'one' saw?? Shame on you. Be poor like the rest of us and own three or four; its a lot of fun for sure.
Lawn Masters
Addicted to ArboristSite
three or four? tis still NOWHERE NEAR enough. one must have like 10-20 running saws to be able to feel comfortable. I have 7 that run and will cut right this minute.
Agreedfishhuntcutwood said:But it almost sounds like you're looking for us to justify a new saw purchase for you...in that case then yes, go buy the 250!
Agreed again.scottr said:
The newer saws have the safety features and it is nice, however if what you have is all you need then like it was stated, YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE. By the way welcome to the forum.
Rotax Robert
Addicted to ArboristSite
Don't listen to these guys they don't know what they're talking about, go with a new saw and even upgrade a bit. Its only money and they print more of it every day.
Rotax Robert
Rotax Robert
fishhuntcutwood said:But it almost sounds like you're looking for us to justify a new saw purchase for you...in that case then yes, go buy the 250!
Welcome to the site.
Jeff
edited your response huh Jeff
But you are right. I guess I am lookint to justify the purchase. But would a new 250 at 45 cc's be noticeibly better than my 14 or 15 year old 38cc 2300?
fishhuntcutwood
Full wraps and long bars!!!!!!!!!
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 3,601
- Reaction score
- 395
sstterry said:edited your response huh Jeff
Not that I know of. ???
Jeff
benefits?
If you don't use a saw often will you notice the benifits of the chain brake and anti-vibe? Yes. Will you notice the faster cutting and smoother ride? Yes. It's like asking if the new Kabota tractor is noticably different than the old Farmall A model. I gave a buddy of mine with a poulan and a couple of craftsman saws a new ported Husky 346XP for his birthday. Most folks here thought I was nuts for giving away a good saw for a birthday present. Did he notice a difference? He quit riding me about how much of a waste of money it was to port a saw and he gave away his poulan and two of his craftsman saws. He runs the husky with a 20" or 18" bar depending on what he's cutting. He also got a pole saw (Stihl) for trimming and now talks about how he wishes he had these saws 25 years ago. The walking and horse trails on his farm are trimmed and look better than they ever had in the past 30 years. He comments on how much less time it takes to do the same amount of cutting he used to do. He now admits upgrading was something he should have done years ago. You'll notice the difference and find you're asking yourself why didn't I upgrade years ago? It's one thing to have a tool that gets the job done and quite another to have a tool that does it better, faster, smoother and safer.
If you don't use a saw often will you notice the benifits of the chain brake and anti-vibe? Yes. Will you notice the faster cutting and smoother ride? Yes. It's like asking if the new Kabota tractor is noticably different than the old Farmall A model. I gave a buddy of mine with a poulan and a couple of craftsman saws a new ported Husky 346XP for his birthday. Most folks here thought I was nuts for giving away a good saw for a birthday present. Did he notice a difference? He quit riding me about how much of a waste of money it was to port a saw and he gave away his poulan and two of his craftsman saws. He runs the husky with a 20" or 18" bar depending on what he's cutting. He also got a pole saw (Stihl) for trimming and now talks about how he wishes he had these saws 25 years ago. The walking and horse trails on his farm are trimmed and look better than they ever had in the past 30 years. He comments on how much less time it takes to do the same amount of cutting he used to do. He now admits upgrading was something he should have done years ago. You'll notice the difference and find you're asking yourself why didn't I upgrade years ago? It's one thing to have a tool that gets the job done and quite another to have a tool that does it better, faster, smoother and safer.
Chris J.
Addicted to ArboristSite
a_lopa said:
What, a sqrench worth maybe $3.00 or $4.00 makes a Stihl the better buy
?Sorry Jeff,
No offense intended, I just didn't remember reading the line about justification.
But I guess that justification is what I need. I have a perfectly good saw and want a new one. I guess I shoud just buy the darn thing.
No offense intended, I just didn't remember reading the line about justification.
But I guess that justification is what I need. I have a perfectly good saw and want a new one. I guess I shoud just buy the darn thing.
fishhuntcutwood
Full wraps and long bars!!!!!!!!!
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 3,601
- Reaction score
- 395
No offense taken at all. I just didn't remember editing it, and was wondering if I'd just outright forgotten!
If you're buying a new saw just to buy one, that's fine. But make sure you do your homework, not just here but checking specs, maybe handling one, shopping around and seeing what else is out there. If you rush out and buy the first saw that catches your eye, chances are that it may not be the best saw for you, and you'll be looking to upgrade in short order. Buy the right saw the first time and you'll never regret it.
Let us know what you decide.
Jeff
If you're buying a new saw just to buy one, that's fine. But make sure you do your homework, not just here but checking specs, maybe handling one, shopping around and seeing what else is out there. If you rush out and buy the first saw that catches your eye, chances are that it may not be the best saw for you, and you'll be looking to upgrade in short order. Buy the right saw the first time and you'll never regret it.
Let us know what you decide.
Jeff
i had the same problem as you did . i have the poulan 2300 and wasnt sure if it was worth buying another.talked to a couple guys here they said do some research. i found the perfect saw for my not to big and heavy . but insanely fast cutting ability. i went with a husky 346 . is a pro line saw and nice and light. has a 18 inch bar as big as ill ever need and runs great.these guys here are excellent help and know there stuff unlike most local dealers.
Since no one has recomended it yet get an ms880 really goes with a 14" bar:yoyo: :yoyo:
Seriosly
Do you enjoy using your saw or is it just occasional "work". If you enjoy sawing indulge your self get one that you want and enjoy. If you just consider it occasional work run what you got. Just my .02cnts.
Do you enjoy using your saw or is it just occasional "work". If you enjoy sawing indulge your self get one that you want and enjoy. If you just consider it occasional work run what you got. Just my .02cnts.
