Stihl MS290 vs Husqvarna 61

[Jason280]

I have a chance to pick up a like new MS290 at a good price, but don't know much about them. How do they compare with a Husqvarna 61? Are their outputs (displacement and HP) similar, and is one necessarily a better saw? I all ready have two 61's, so will a 290 do anything they can't?

Thanks!

 

[Justsaws]

If the 61s are in good shape, pass on the 290 unless it is almost free. Not much to be gained by adding a 290, other than just one more saw.

 

[SawTroll]

I agree, the 290 is not a very good model, so pass on it if you Huskys is in working order......

 

[andrethegiant70]

A few weeks ago I sold an MS290 to a guy who, at first, disputed that the saw was indeed an MS290 but was instead an 029. My first thought was, "Geeze, I'd RATHER have the older non-EPA stuff provided the saw is a good one" (which it was). Well, the saw was indeed an MS290 (thank you, Andy) but I was amazed that in the process of figuring things out the fellow said "I ONLY work with MS290s." Everything worked out just fine (he was a good guy, actually), but there are some folks out there who will always choose differently. The guy just LIKED them for some reason, probably because he had had a generally good experience with them.

Provided the 61 is in good nick, my vote is for the 61. Bulletproof, lots of used parts still out there, easy to work on, many upgrade possibilities, and lots of low-end grunt. You will find it a bit heavy and slow, but you can say that about the 029/MS290 also.

Just me talking, but I feel the need to remind you that you're not just limited to those two saws. I'm a 61 fan, but it IS old. You don't have to spend too much more money (if any more at all) to get a saw that is lighter and faster.

 

[2000ssm6]

opcorn: opcorn: opcorn: opcorn:

 

[Bermie]

I have an MS290, its 56cc and weighs 13lbs, 3.8bhp(2.8kW) I run an 18" 3/8 pitch bar and chain and that is about max for the saw. It is a bit heavy for what it is.
It works just fine though, mine has cut a LOT of wood with no problems at all but I will upgrade for a 361 when I can afford it as I need to run a bigger bar for some of the stuff I cut and the 290 won't hack it. ( I need more power with a longer bar for the super hard timber) I suppose it depends on what you want to cut with it really.
If you can get it cheap, its an OK saw, does the job but its not their professional grade, i.e it has more plastic parts.
Sorry, don't know anything about the Husky 61.

 

[Jason280]

Thanks for the info. I think I am going to pass on the 290 for now, as it seems it really doesn't offer anything over the 61's I have. The guy only wants $150 for it, which is why I considered it in the first place.

I've always had good luck with Husqvarna 61's, and its been pretty much the only saw I have run for the last ten or so years (mainly for firewood). Between my father and me we have three of them, one of which is over 20 years old and still purring along.

What is the general concensus on the 61, especially compared with other saws of similar displacements? Also, what would be the current equivalent to the saw?

 

[SawTroll]

The 61 has a good reputation, but it is the least powerful saw in that "family" of saws, goinng from the 61 to the 272xp. The 162SE was the first one, and the 61 originally was a "farmer" version (less power and a few shortcuts in construction) of that one.

Current "equivalent" should be the 359.......

 

[andrethegiant70]

I can't speak for everyone, as lots of the guys here just use the newer saws. If you have 3 61s and you just cut firewood, you don't need a thing. On the other hand, if you're bored with them, sacrifice one of them and bolt on a top end and intake/carb system from a 266xp. Instant power! Fun project too. The Jonsereds 670 is also a candidate for the same parts.

If you really want a change (and maybe something lighter), I've heard some great stuff about the Stihl 026/MS260. Gonna have to get me one of those.... Seems like it replaced the 034, which I do have....fabulous saw.

 

[SawTroll]

....
If you really want a change (and maybe something lighter), I've heard some great stuff about the Stihl 026/MS260. Gonna have to get me one of those.... Seems like it replaced the 034, which I do have....fabulous saw.

The 026 didn't replace the 034, the 340 and later 341 did.

I'd say that the 026 replaced the 028, less weight and about the same power as the 028 Super.

The 260 isn't anywere near the 034 for power.......:greenchainsaw: