Stihl 280 CQS or 260 Pro ?

[TonyM]

I really don't think the 260 would give up anything to the 280 for cut speed. The 280 is only rated .1Hp more, and the 260 has more torque, according to the dlg tests. When I had an 029 Super and an 026 Pro at the same time, I was surprised that the 029 would just barely outcut the 026 Pro, and then only when making bar length cuts. The 029 was rated at 3.75Hp. I just looked at the Stihl website, and the QS version weighs 12.1 lbs! Just get the 260 and do like Boston says, don't look back.

 

[k650vt]

Look at ebay and see how many Stihl saws and parts are there and how many other brands. See what they sell for used. I'm not an expert on saws but I can see the Stihl name holds it's value . You can buy almost any part you can think of for a Stihl saw there, and ebay is loaded with 026s. I know "BUYER BEWARE" The Stihl dealer told me the 026,260,036,360,361,044,440 and up were pro saws and built better. I don't see the 280 in there. Although some say even numbers are PRO and odd are Homeowner. Look at the price of the 260 and you'll see a big price jump for that saw only. You can get the regular 260 for about $50 less but in 5 to 10 years the PRO model will be worth $50 more. The decompression valve and the adjustable oiler are a waste of time, but the oiler on the PRO model doesn't work unless the chain is running,don't know about regular 260. Dealer also told me they won't stock the easy start model,forgot why but I can imagine it'll cost a lot more to fix. Pulling the cord on a 260 will be like nothing compared to a 044. Go with a saw that you have a local dealer.

 

[Marky Mark]

Like I said I have run both with 3/8ths and the 260 is the one in my book. But what do I know about a chainsaw.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

The differance is, Rich a stihl or Husky part will be to me in several days and may not even require ordering in the first place. With dolmar or sol, or any of the other off brands you are going to have to order right off the bat. In the case of Dolmar I waited three weeks for a plastic piece. Face it Solo, or Dolmar cant have the distribution network or parts inventory of the large OPE companies like Stihl and Husky.

I understand this. But, I have ordered parts from Solo and have had them in a few days.

The only thing that the dealer is doing is saving you the hassle of ordering the parts yourself!!!

I can't comment on Dolmar, haven't had the need for parts though.


Makita dealers can get parts for the Dolmar built Makitas. Obviously the dfferent colored plastic parts don't figure into this.

 

[sedanman]

Rich, My understanding is that the Makita dealers CAN get the plastic parts in the Dolmar colors, just use the Dolmar part numbers which are on the Dolmar website in the form of pdf parts catalogs. Makita want to do what they can to increase sales, do you think they'd restrict plastic parts availabilty to any of their parts outlets (dealers)?

 

[Justin Garrison]

I would go with the 260 pro. I would just enjoy one more than a 280, 280 is quite big. I would not worry about the quick chain adjustment. I have it on my ms180c because that is all I could get and I wanted the extra hp and dogs over the 170. If I could I would scrap the thing I have only carved aproxx 8 hours with it and the little black wheel you turn to tighten the chain is all like stuck. You have to turn it really hard. I will try to clean it out I guess. final decesion for me would be 260. You said you had to fell a BIG tree, whats wrong with the 044

 

[Moze]

Thanks for your reply Justin. Absolutely nothing is wrong with the 044. In fact, as I said in my first posting, that was my first saw (actually traded an 024 and some cash for it). I never had a single problem with the 044. The thing is a beast and I used it for about 4 years on about 10 cord a year. Never a problem with it. But that was then and this is now and I no longer have the 044. I just need a saw suitable to get this tree down and I'm trying to decide between the 260 Pro and the 280 with all it's 'extras'. By what everyone has said and the poll, it looks like the 260 is the way to go. My local dealer is having their annual sale later this month and I should be able to get around 10% off, knocking the cost down to around $425 or so. I wanted to stay around $400, so I'll likely just get the 260 Pro. Thanks for the info on the Quick Adjust. Why have the "quick" feature if it's just going to get clogged down and need continual cleaning? MIght as well do the traditional method. Plus, as you said, the weight difference. That little 260 is so light and has such a great feel...Thanks again to everyone for your input...!

 

[SawTroll]

I am not convinced that either the QSS or QCT will benefit you in the long run, and both features could very well end up being major PITA's. I think of them as marketing gimmicks, until convinced otherways!

I think the same thing about the TAC (Triple Action Chainbrake), availiable on smaller Huskys.

Has anyone used them long enough to state that I am wrong in my assumption?

 

[a_lopa]

for track record the 026 leaves them all for dead.if you want a good saw for a few years buy a husky its as simple as that.

 

[Justin Garrison]

I personally like the stihl and would buy a husky if a chance arose I think they are both good saws. I think knocking one another is not right. If you can get a discount run with it.

 

[Moze]

I'm with you Justin. Both saws HAVE to be good or they woudn't have been around for this many years with the following they have! I had a Stihl before, so I'll get one again. Never a problem with it.