STIHL MS 270, Why?

[Sagetown]

Had my heart set on the Stihl MS260 Pro, but my Dealer didn't have one in stock. What he did have was a newly arrived MS270. I pondered on it. Took home some literature and read up on both, and came to the conclusion I wasn't losing much in power, the weight difference was to small to worry about either. I don't intend to work that saw all day long at a time, so the professional grade isn't neccessary, and finally, the MS 270 was sitting on the shelf waiting for me to return.

So, I got the MS 270, but the 16" Bar had to go. All my Dealer could put on it was a Farm Boss in 20" Bar. I couldn't wait, so I took it. I'm going to add a Rollomatic ES bar later on, and get some RSC chains to go with it, and very likely change the Spur Sprocket for the RIM type Sprocket just for fun.
Felled a nice sized elm tree just to get the feel of it. Hey; I like this saw.

 

[WVshooter]

Hey; I like this saw.

^ And that is the important thing! Enjoy it regardless of the Pro/non-pro status, as it's likely you won't wear it out with proper maintenance.

Looks good, I hope it makes a good runner for you!

 

[brages]

Nice looking saw... I have run a 260 and 270 back-to-back and I didn't notice a huge difference.

Personally, I would have stuck with the 16" bar though...

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

I like the 260 because of the weight thing but have owned a 270. The 270 has alot better AV than the 260 and responds very well to a MM also. Mine was a turd with out the MM. MM it and you will be very impressed.

 

[Hillbilly Rick]

Ok I need a glossary here, what's MM?

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

Ok I need a glossary here, what's MM?

MUFFLER MOD

 

[zr900]

I wouldn't worry about putting a ES bar on the saw until you wear out the E bar. The only laminated bar I have ever ran was the used E bar that came on my 460 and after 3 years of cutting with it the rails aren't chipped and haven't spread. Just dress the rails every now and then and it will last a long time.

 

[sawinredneck]

Why not?
Your happy, it does what you need it to do, what does it matter what we the peanut gallery think of it?
A buddy of mine has one, with an 18" on it, I don't like it because of the stupid toolless bar tensioner, but other than that it cuts fine!
Have fun, cut wood, that's what it's all about anyway!

 

[MacLaren]

^ And that is the important thing! Enjoy it regardless of the Pro/non-pro status, as it's likely you won't wear it out with proper maintenance.

Looks good, I hope it makes a good runner for you!

I couldnt agree more.

 

[Sagetown]

The 16" Bar is what I've used for MANY years, and they've worked great. This new 20" Bar is a WHIM that I want to try out. There's still a few large OAK and Hickory on the Ranch that range in diameter from 17 in (44cm) to 24 in (63 cm). I've rebuilt my home-made log splitter to work off my retired Tractor that should have no trouble splitting this hardwood.

 

[josh1981]

Nice saw and tractor. I am a big fan of both. I really like the 270 great saw.

you sure have the best money can buy.

 

[SawTroll]

I wouldn't worry about putting a ES bar on the saw until you wear out the E bar. The only laminated bar I have ever ran was the used E bar that came on my 460 and after 3 years of cutting with it the rails aren't chipped and haven't spread. Just dress the rails every now and then and it will last a long time.

Nothing wrong with the Rollomatic E - and they are light!

 

[Saw Dr.]

That tractor is NICE! If that is your "retired" tractor, I'd like to se the working ones. Maybe you meant re-tired? Tires look awful shiny in the second pic.

Those 270/280's are great saws. They get a little reduction in respect around here due to the clamshell design. I would not worry about that. It is doubtful you will ever have to rebuild the saw, and if you do it is actually easier. I like rebuilding clamshell saws because the crank bearings are easier to get out if I need to. Spring anti-vibe on them is very smooth. Like 460 said, you will gain quite a bit of free power by opening up the muffler. No hurries on that though. If you like it the way it is, have fun and let the chips fly!

 

[redoakneck]

Nice saw!!!... and I like that big green calf-puller!!!

Stihl makes great saws, the non-pro models hold up fine. Put the right gas in them, keep the air filter clean, and store them properly and you won't have any trouble.

The biggest part of having a good cutting saw is always having a SHARP CHAIN

 

[teacherman]

I'd stay with the E bar

If you go to an ES, you have to go to 3/8 pitch, and I know from experience that the 026 hasn't the torque to pull the fat chain, and cutting efficiency goes down. I run a 16" on a 50 cc saw. No reason I can see to pay to switch over to get less performance. Just sayin.

Now the 032 can pull 3/8, but it is a more torquey, slower turning engine.

Enjoy your new saw!

 

[autis]

my dad bought my brother a ms270 last year and ive used it quite a bit and i have to say i really like it. really smooth AV and we have the same E bar you have and its balance is really great. if it was my saw id prolly have a 16 or 18 inch bar on it but if it was a guys main saw id stick with the 20. easier on bigger trees although it is a bit slower in the cut with the 20 inch bar. just a good little work horse IMO

 

[Sagetown]

If you go to an ES, you have to go to 3/8 pitch, and I know from experience that the 026 hasn't the torque to pull the fat chain, and cutting efficiency goes down. I run a 16" on a 50 cc saw. No reason I can see to pay to switch over to get less performance. Just sayin.

Now the 032 can pull 3/8, but it is a more torquey, slower turning engine.

Enjoy your new saw!

I didn't know that until this morning. I stopped by the STIHL Dealer and chatted with him. The verdict was Stihl doesn't make the ES in .325" pitch. And I'm not about to try the 3/8" for the very reason you stated. I did pick up a 'RIM Sprocket System' however. Can't wait to put that on, but not now. It's a chilly 22F /-6C in my shop. And yup, this is my main saw, I've got a couple small saws to do the lite work.

p.s. Those shinny Tractor tires had just taken a summer bath, and we (me and the tractor) only work enough to keep from gettin stove up.

 

[grack]

i tried to get a 270 last year everywhere i tried was out so i picked up a 290 im happy with it but now since the new 271 are coming out and there are always more hands than saws when we cut firewood im going to pick one up the 270 feels better to me but the ones i used cut much better with a 18 inch bar and rsc chain than with 20 inch bars but it could just be me.

 

[Sagetown]

i tried to get a 270 last year everywhere i tried was out so i picked up a 290 im happy with it but now since the new 271 are coming out and there are always more hands than saws when we cut firewood im going to pick one up the 270 feels better to me but the ones i used cut much better with a 18 inch bar and rsc chain than with 20 inch bars but it could just be me.

I like the general contours of the 270 better. The weight difference is hardly noticable, and the Dealer has a shelf full of the 290's, as they sell pretty fast.
I'll take you at your word on the 18" vs 20" bar. Mine is fixin to get tested for sure. I slapped the 'Rim Sprocket on 'er this a.m., and fitted 'er with the new RS chain. I just gotta put that little motor to work and experience it for myself.:soldier:

 

[mama]

270

I used a friend of mines 270 and it is smooth as silk.