Stihl MS280

[buckwheat]

The MS280 is still pretty new and for the most part, the jury is still out. There was one comment about them not holding up for a logging operation.
I checked out the MS280 and thought it was rather "bulky" compared to the sleek profile of the 260, but yet far better than the 290. I have not run the 280.
If you're truly looking for a saw that's a proven performer right out of the box, go with the 260.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

Husky 353.

Has been used by several members and they seem to like them.

260 is too expensive for a ground saw that may occasionally get into dirt, rocks, etc

 

[jokers]

Anyone besides Marky actually own one of these yet?

I`m curious to know what anyone besides those with a vested interest in selling them might have to say about them. I`ll tell you this much, I`ve got one and I`d rather have another ms260.

The 280 is too expensive for the weight and performance that it offers at nearly $400, and the antivibe is so soft that it feels like it`s broken. You can feel and see the bar sag when you grab the saw by the handle bars and pick it up.

I also dislike the plastic cage over the intake but I guess it`s necessary to support the flimsy filter, but there is no reason to put an internal baffle in the muffler and then seal the can is there? It just makes the inevitable muffler mod that much harder.

The 280 in stock form seems to have a narrow powerband with a poor midrange, but it also seems to lack screaming top end performance like a good 260 or 346xp. Maybe it will improve with time but compared to so many other saws that I have, it isn`t much fun to run.

I hope that if Stihl decides to retire the 026/260, they opt for an ms261 as Glen has wished rather than backfilling that spot with the 280.

Russ

 

[jokers]

Hi Rock,

I don`t think I`d be buying a 280 for the stick picker. A 250, maybe.

I think I 250 with a modified muffler will cut with the 280 for about a hundred bucks less but for work around the chipper, a stock 250 would do fine and be quieter which I find to be a relief. Getting old I guess.

Russ

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Just another example of the once #1 saw losing ground!

 

[stihltech]

losing ground?

 

[Van]

I went to the local Stihl dealer I use and asked about the 280 just last week. I need a limbing saw smaller than the MS 440 or the 038 Super that im using. Dealer told me I dont want on and he wont stock them, said he had enough models and I would be happier with a MS 260 or a MS 361 which he showed me. He thought the 280 should have been the 291 by its performance.
Van

 

[bwalker]

losing ground?

Id call it losing ground when teir 70cc and 50 cc saws are ten+ year old designs yet they coat more than other brands. Dont get me wrong I like Stihls. Its just they havent brought anything new to the plate in some time save the 361. Hopefully a 261 and 441 will follow.

 

[stihltech]

new models

You may very well be right. That is how the last two model series started out.

 

[Lawn Masters]

I hope stihl gets something new on the shelf soon, otherwise my money is going towards a Husky.