What's the real difference between Stihl Professional vs. Mid-Range Products

[mountainlake]

I don't think it saves any wieght as there are some light clamshell saws made, don't know why the 290-390 Stihls are as heavy as they are. One other thing why even bother making the 290 or 310 when it can't cost more than a cuople dollars more to make a 390. Steve

 

[Mpbowyer]

To go from a "homeowner" bicycle to a "professional" bicycle, you're talking $400 to $4,000
To go from a "general use" car to a "race" car is $4,000 to $40,000.
To go from a cheap RC car to a "hobbyist" RC car is $50 to $450.

Chainsaws are one of the only things where the difference between "general use" products, and "THE BEST IN THE WORLD" products is only ~30%. When I was shopping for my saw I was in disbelief that if a guy needed a 4.5hp saw, farm saw was $560, and the pro saw was only $710. I would have expected the pro saw to be at least double.

When I showed that to the War Department, she said, "yea, just cut down another tree." When I showed her videos of ported vs. stock saws, she said, "yea, just cut down another tree."

Its literally just ONE 2 hour job difference. Its not like this bucket truck vs. that bucket truck that'll take years to make up the difference. It is two hours.

I understand that the OP's question wasn't "should I get a pro saw", but rather, "is the difference of a pro saw worth $200". My answer is that the difference would have to be so minute to make it worth $200, even using once a month, that yes it is worth it.

 

[missedbass]

I think you need to run a pro saw and a similar mid range saw to get the answer. 261 vs 271. Anyone run both long enough to answer the op's question?

 

[SawTroll]

hmmmm i don't see no plastic here

Not there, each seems to have a different opinion on this - but what I see is a small metal insert bottom piece that is just an insert, in a plastic case. All clamshells I know of is some variation over that basic way to do it.

 

[saw dog]

Buy a MS460R, they do it all. Best production saw on the market and last a life time if properly maintained.

 

[sunfish]

What is the difference between 'Mid-Range' and the lower Stihl models?

With Husky, you have a mag case and pro quality, but with less power in the 'Mid-Range'.

Not trying to start anything, but this is the first I've heard 'Mid-Range' with Stihl. :msp_mellow:

 

[SawTroll]

What is the difference between 'Mid-Range' and the lower Stihl models?

With Husky, you have a mag case and pro quality, but with less power in the 'Mid-Range'.

Not trying to start anything, but this is the first I've heard 'Mid-Range' with Stihl. :msp_mellow:

Stihl use "mid range" as a way to market their larger consumer class saws (at least in the catalogs), in about the same way Husky currently uses "rancher". It is just marketing, and not even close to what I would call semi-pro. Earlier, "rancher" meant semi-pro with a mag case, but not so by now.

As you surely know, Husky still makes some true "semi-pro" saws, but they don't use that designation. The 555 and 545 are among those, as was the 353 and 359 - I would say the 365 also is, and the 570 (now history).

 

[RLfailuer]

 

[rageej]

Polycarbonate = synthetic resin = plastic = @SawTroll for the win.

 

[Lowhog]

I might get ran outta here for this,but I just really aint all that impressed with the 260.It is light and easy to handle ,but to me it seems a little on the weak side.Or just maybe over hyped.If you use a saw once a month,maintain it ,store it correctly,a pro saw will last you a lifetime.It will be lighter and easier to handle.On the other hand,a mid range saw will probably last a lifetime to.Sharp chain,good clean mix,and keep the carb adjusted right,those things are what its all about.I bought a Stihl 271,its a good saw,cuts fast,I think its light and well balanced,and it didnt break the bank

From what I read the ms260 is 3.2 hp and the new ms261 is 4.0 hp. I have the older model ms260. ms291 is the same weight as the ms271 and more hp when needed. Why buy a 271?

 

[RLfailuer]

From what I read the ms260 is 3.2 hp and the new ms261 is 4.0 hp. I have the older model ms260. ms291 is the same weight as the ms271 and more hp when needed. Why buy a 271?

Direct from their product pages you are correct, the 271 runs 3.49 HP @ 12.3 lbs., and the 291 runs 3.76 HP @ 12.3 lbs.
http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/ms271/
http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/ms291/

Up until recently the reason to get the MS 271 over the MS 291 was the price, 271 was @ $399 and the 291 was @ $499. Not really much different for $100. About 2 months ago they dropped the MSRP down to $449 though, making the 291 more attractive for the price. The reason I went with the MS 270 is because it was traded in by a local golf course and with a little loving I had a great running saw for < $100.

 

[VA 372xp]

If you run a homeowner style saw have good sharp chains and your really won't have much difference then the pros as they cut bit better with a dull chain I have made plenty of money with just a 359 husqvarna

 

[a. palmer jr.]

The pro saws vertically split case is more condusive to being repaired vs the clamshell design. It essentially is a lifetime investment because it can all be replaced.

Uh, so can the clam shell design. I've replaced tons of parts on them this year. You can even replace the case if need be. Some say they're harder to work on but it depends on what you're replacing.