Stihl questions and answers

[stihltech]

I just joined the forum. I am a Stihl tech in my 20th year. I have worked on many makes, just about every modern saw I have seen on this forum. I am a LITTLE biased, but I know we all think ours is the best.
Why Plastic handlebars? I sell 046 and 066 metal handlebars as fast as I get them. I have replaced 2 plastic handlebars. I don't even stock them anymore. Stihl tested plastic handlebars on the 066. When they got them back ,they were cut in two with a hacksaw because the loggers were so pissed they could not break the "cheap plastic thing". How many metal ones you want to buy?
O29 and consumer line. These are the homeowner and low hour user line. Not intended for pro or high hour use. No good you say? Then why do I have 2 failures out of 250 I have sold?
I sell them for their intended use. I like to figure 20 cord a year or less.
Folks, any saw will give a lond life if MAINTAINED. Sharp chain=clean air filter. Clean air filter=long life. On any brand.

If I can answer anything let me know.

 

[slabberman]

G'day stihltech,

Welcome aboard! Im sure there will be many questions for you from the guys here, including me!
In fact, I will start you off with this one. Have you worked on the Stihl 090, and what did/do you think of the saw?
Again - welcome.
Cheers,
Charlie.

 

[stihltech]

090

It has been a few years. We kept one with a 5 foot bar for stumps and shade trees. Like all older stihls, very durable. Not to bad to service. but the clutch was a bear. Special tool a must. If it would have had a seat and steering wheel it would have been a great German car!

 

[slabberman]

090 Clutch

G'day stihltech,

Can you expand a bit on the clutch issue you mentioned? I have a new 090 for milling, and it would be nice to get a tip or two for the servicing!
And what special tool do you mean?
Thanks.
Cheers
Charlie.

 

[DDM]

StihlTech? I have 4 new Stihl saws Or i bought them last november a MS200T, 021 {Dont ask} ,036 Pro,046 mag Every day after use i remove bar chain ect blow them down with air replace chain ect lightly blow down airfilter and thru recoil side cover and always keep sharp chains on them how long should i expect these saws to last? I own a tree service and probably run them 3-4 days a week.

 

[Dennis]

Stihltech...Glad to have you on the ship! This is a great site with alot of good people...(except for them Canadians..watch them..hehe) Seriously, it is always great to have another techs opinion..and who knows..ya could learn something yourself!!

 

[WOLF_RIVER_MIKE]

welcome stihltech, looking foward to your viewpoints.

 

[ricksvar]

Greetings Stihltech,thanks for your comments and look forward to your future posts!I'am sure there's several visiting this board that will benefit from your knowledge

 

[Walkerized]

Hi Stihltech welcome and a few words of advice dont let these guys get you taking sides for one particular brand or they will eat you up. LOL

John W

 

[treeclimber165]

Muffler adjustments- 026Pro

As most of you know, I'm getting back into climbing after an 18 month hiatus. All my saws were 'liberated' by my crack-addict helper about 3 weeks after I quit climbing, so I'm starting from scratch.
Besides my Echo 3400 climbing saw, I'm picking up an 026Pro with about 10-12 hours on it. I like the 026, had 2 before but never modified either. Besides throwing away the screen, is there anything in particular I should know before opening up the muffler?

 

[WRW]

Welcome stihltech and thank you for the description of the consumer line of saw. Too often, the reply to "I'm cutting 2-3 cords a year, what saw should I get?" is "Nothing less than a Professional grade saw". I don't take sides on brands, I like 'em all, but I do feel that consumer saws have their own niche in the market.

 

[davefr]

There's nothing wrong with consumer saws. The problem is that the Stihl consumer saws are very poor value.

Originally posted by WRW
Welcome stihltech and thank you for the description of the consumer line of saw. Too often, the reply to "I'm cutting 2-3 cords a year, what saw should I get?" is "Nothing less than a Professional grade saw". I don't take sides on brands, I like 'em all, but I do feel that consumer saws have their own niche in the market.

 

[WRW]

Still got your needle stuck in that groove, huh?

 

[stihltech]

090

Guess I am just spoiled by todays easy clutch service. I remember a puller and a cone device to get the shoes back on after replacing the springs. Like all the older Stihls, if you could pick it up on the log it would cut anything. Remember, maintain!

 

[Fish]

I have to disagree on the 029/ms310/039. Calling
a poorly made saw "consumer" or "low hour" is
another way of saying it is not made that well.
The same crap the salesmen were spouting out
about the fs36/44 trimmers. Stihl earned a good
rep by selling quality, and now they are hurting
their image by selling junk in the guise of a
consumer line.

 

[ricksvar]

Now Now Fish,you bad boy!One man's junk is another man's treasure

 

[WRW]

Fish! I thought you'd retired!
20 cords/year sounds like fair quality for a consumer grade saw. Not that that's been my experience, but that's what stihltech says to expect.
Don't know about the trimmers, and he didn't mention them.

 

[eyolf]

Stihl consumer line

I'm not a big Stihl fan, but i am somewhat familiar with their 029/290. Yes, it is made to a lower standard than, say, the 026. But it sells for less, too.

There is a class of buyer out there that wants to own a product made by a premier maker, but will not pay for the pro-line. I am reminded of GM's Buick Apollo (chevy nova with the buick crest) or Caddillac Cimmarron ( chevy celebrity).

Should Stihl just rollover and give up on the consumer market? The consumer saw market is much larger than the pro market.


Of the 3 cubic inch and under market, how many saws ever really get worn out? I bet the percentage is low. Suburban Joe just buys another one when it won't start because the carb is varnished up.

 

[Fish]

Not retired, just buried in lawnmowers.
When most people are sold a Stihl, they are told
they are buying the best, and they get mad when
they find out otherwise. The dealer tells customers
here that the ms310 is the new version of the 031.
They have decided to retire their old 031 after 25
years, and they expect another one to last a while
too. The smaller models that come out with the
.043 junk chain usually need the chain replaced when
they bring it in for sharpening, as the cutters are
bent. When they are told about the chain, they want to
switch to the .050 ga. chain. But they get real mad when
they find out they have to get a new bar as well.
The cheap junk route is a path that most of the
manufacturers have taken. Their executives are
run by the new breed that sacrifice product quality
for short term sales/profits. They don't worry about
their brand 10 years from now, as they will be working
for someone else anyway. Homelite and McColluch
used to have some decent products, and where are they
now?

 

[WRW]

I'll agree on that point. If the dealer is telling the consumer that he is buying the best...Shame! If the consumer looks at the literature and still believes the dealer...Shame on him too. I'd have to wonder why the saw that has more power costs less than the one with less power. It sure ain't the CD player.
Havin' trouble with the MS310 already?