what specific differences between Stihl Pro saws and "Midrange" saws?

[dadouthat]

What exactly are the major differences between the Stihl "mid range" and Stihl "Pro" saws?

Specifically, how do the ms270/280 differ structurally from the 260? (I am not concerned here about differences in power.)

Also, I saw a comment in another thread stating that the AV system of the 270/280 are essentially identical (excepting a rubber mount to spring change at one location) to the older designs such as the 260. Hasn't the location of the fuel tank also changed?

As a second question, what are the design differences between the "old type" pro level saws such as the 260 and the "new design" 361?

 

[Lakeside53]

lot's of questions...

Do a search on AS - many answers to the question of pro verses consumer over the past few years.

In short:

The 280 is a fine saw, and has many of the attributes of a pro saw, like magnesium casings etc.. It's "half way" between the consumer and true pro models.

The major difference in construction between the true consumer models and the pro models is a vertically split crankcase and a cylinder that mounts on the case top. The consumer models have a case that is split horizontally at the crank, but the engine assembly is inserted into a big nylon (PA66GF plastic) frame Both work fine - the pro model is a lot easier to repair/overhaul. The pro models have the oil tank as part of the crankcase so the oil is warmed by the engine heat. Much better in cold conditions.

The 280 is basically a "magnesium" version of the 290 construction without the separate nylon cradle. It would be real nice if all the consumer saws were like this. As for your original question of physical comparison to the 026 - it's just the crankcase construction and ease of service, although the 280 is pretty easy to work on also. The location of the tanks has not changed.


The 026 the 361 physical construction? - not much, other than refinements and change of all but one mount to springs..

 

[dadouthat]

Lakeside53,

Thanks for the information. The specifics that you provided answer the questions that interested me. I had done searches a while ago but few of the threads had any very specific information.

As an aside, I have owned and used a bunch of saws over the years. Not a pro at all but depend heavily on them and sometimes using them a long way from anywhere. (safety is then the most important feature) They have included a Jonsred 520 (?), Stihl 028 (pre-brake era), an old Poulon, an 064(no compression release!), an 025, an 018, and more recently the MS 280 CBQ. All have done the job and performed well (even the ancient and tiny Poulon ca 1975 with no antivibe or brake.).

As an old guy, ease of starting in very cold weather, convenience in fueling, chain adjustment, and safety are all a lot more important than they were a couple of decades ago.

For those reasons, compression release valve, the 2nd chain brake, quick adjust tensioner, and no-tool caps are very worthwhile features to me. I especially like the second chain brake, and having used it, I doubt that I would buy another saw that didn't have it. Even though it is distained on the forum, I suspect that it will be a very common feature in another decade or so. Remember how long it took for the front brake to become universal?

 

[NapalmDeath]

Good questions asked about the 270/280 for us "non-pro's" here. I had wondered the same thing more then once.