Stihl Chainsaw Question: Mid-Range vs. Pro Models
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 168
From: Central Texas
I just bought an MS250 and think it is slightly underpower. It has a 16" bar on it but can be upgraded to 18"...don't think so. It barely has ~5hrs on it so I'm hopeful that it'll improve once it's broken in. I heat my house with wood and this saw replaced my OLD Poulan that started/run great, but the clutch is shot and I can't find parts for it anymore.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 759
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From: Buckeye Country
I'm gettting a pole saw this spring. The neighbor's 85' pine overhangs my driveway and I want to limb it up high enough on my side so that when it goes, there is no question it will miss my house! 
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,175
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From: charlotte nc
I saw where most chainsaw accidents that result in death are from "kick backs" My liitle stihl has a chain break and the new stihl I plan to get will have one. I looked at them today.Only thing I can say negative about them is the cost of repair parts. My 010 model had the coil go bad and a new one cost over 100bucks....I can replace the saw for less than 200
Last edited by thefarelaneman; Feb 22, 2007 at 11:23 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
> If a "pro saw" is too dangerious every saw is too dangerious
If I had started with my Husky 3120 instead of my Poulan Wildthing I probably would have injuried or killed myself. It is dangerous, especially when dropping a tree because there is no way to hold onto the saw with a kickback, clutch brake or not, because your hands are out of position. The thing will cut you in 1/2 before you even realize it if it pushes back in the cut.
The chain and bars on the pro models are dangerous to use, much more then the lower end models. The dealer was correct on them being dangerous, just probably not 100% truthful on why he does not stock them.
fwiw: I rather be shot in the leg with a BB gun or .22 then a 12 gauge with 00 shot or a sabot. My odds of surviving would be much greater.
If I had started with my Husky 3120 instead of my Poulan Wildthing I probably would have injuried or killed myself. It is dangerous, especially when dropping a tree because there is no way to hold onto the saw with a kickback, clutch brake or not, because your hands are out of position. The thing will cut you in 1/2 before you even realize it if it pushes back in the cut.
The chain and bars on the pro models are dangerous to use, much more then the lower end models. The dealer was correct on them being dangerous, just probably not 100% truthful on why he does not stock them.
fwiw: I rather be shot in the leg with a BB gun or .22 then a 12 gauge with 00 shot or a sabot. My odds of surviving would be much greater.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 4
From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Well I live back in the woods of Southern Virginia...and I had a poulan..little fart can saw...$150 when new... It wore out more parts than I could count...I guess it would be good for a city slicker!!
I just bought my Stihl MS 290..I was going to the 310..But I got a very good deal and bar and chain upgrade on the MS290.. 20" heavy Bar and a Carbide tip Chain...This dude will flat *** cut some wood!!
I had a kid who worked for the local Fire Department , hit one of my big oak tree's out front..about 70' tall and a good 50' wide.. My Cuz and I with 2 MS 290's and a day til the sun went down..and a log splitter..made about 7 cords of wood out of it!! I havent used the Central heat at all this year..Just burning the semi green wood!!
Anyway... I got the MS290 and 2 bars 2 chains and the carry case for $300 out the door!! JMO..
Russ
I just bought my Stihl MS 290..I was going to the 310..But I got a very good deal and bar and chain upgrade on the MS290.. 20" heavy Bar and a Carbide tip Chain...This dude will flat *** cut some wood!!
I had a kid who worked for the local Fire Department , hit one of my big oak tree's out front..about 70' tall and a good 50' wide.. My Cuz and I with 2 MS 290's and a day til the sun went down..and a log splitter..made about 7 cords of wood out of it!! I havent used the Central heat at all this year..Just burning the semi green wood!!
Anyway... I got the MS290 and 2 bars 2 chains and the carry case for $300 out the door!! JMO..
Russ
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 32
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From: North Central Iowa
That's a heckuva deal Russ!!!
So far the best one I've located is a Stihl MS310 with 18" bar for $389...1 chain/no case. The dealer said that is $40 off the regular price. Sounds like I need to keep looking. Was your saw from a regular Stihl dealer? Thanks for your reply!
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 4
From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Yeah Jimmy sure was.....I think the deal now is a bar and chain upgrade if they keep the one it comes with stock..for $15 and you have to tell the dealer to fill out the Stihl form..and your Case comes in the mail Via USPS...
But the MS310 is what I really wanted...I wasnt sure the 290 would do the job..But with the bar and chain upgrade, I had no problems with it...
I bought mine here in Virginia at Southern States Farm Supply..there real good to us Rednecks!! LOL..
Russ
But the MS310 is what I really wanted...I wasnt sure the 290 would do the job..But with the bar and chain upgrade, I had no problems with it...
I bought mine here in Virginia at Southern States Farm Supply..there real good to us Rednecks!! LOL..
Russ
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: charlotte nc
I was told by the stihl dealer when I bought a pro trimmer last year the main differance in the pro and occasional use one was the clutch . He said a pro trimmer used all day long wouldnt over heat the clutch like the cheaper one would. I guess with chain saws alot more things have to be considered. A new user shouldnt use a heavy powerful saw. The 2 things I respect the most are #1 a loaded gun, #2 a chain saw,
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 32
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From: North Central Iowa
Thank For Your Advise...Bought a MS310 w/ 20" Bar
Guys, your discussion was a big help in making my decision. Couldn't travel today due to blizzard in midwest...so went in to local Stihl dealer and bought a MS310 with a 20" bar. I checked about half a dozen Stihl dealers across 3 states and they all priced it at $400.
I gave serious though to a Husqvarna 455 Rancher - they are in about every store. Our local farm store had them at $370, but on eBay right now you can get NIB 455 Rancher's for as low as $300 BIN. I got a feeling that Husqvarna is going the way of McCollough - building a cheaper saw and selling them every where.
The ice has brought down several trees, so I'll give it a roadtest, if the wind ever drops under 40 MPH.Thanks for your help!
I gave serious though to a Husqvarna 455 Rancher - they are in about every store. Our local farm store had them at $370, but on eBay right now you can get NIB 455 Rancher's for as low as $300 BIN. I got a feeling that Husqvarna is going the way of McCollough - building a cheaper saw and selling them every where.
The ice has brought down several trees, so I'll give it a roadtest, if the wind ever drops under 40 MPH.Thanks for your help!
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Originally Posted by thefarelaneman
I was told by the stihl dealer when I bought a pro trimmer last year the main differance in the pro and occasional use one was the clutch . He said a pro trimmer used all day long wouldnt over heat the clutch like the cheaper one would. I guess with chain saws alot more things have to be considered. A new user shouldnt use a heavy powerful saw. The 2 things I respect the most are #1 a loaded gun, #2 a chain saw,
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 44
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From: Woodbridge, Virginia
can't get the left side cover off
Thanks
Terri
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
First, make sure you have spark. Most chainsaws, especially much older ones, do not fair well with the alcohol added to gas. So, replace all the fuel lines (in tank), the gas filter, and the line to the carb vent. Check the screen for the muffler and make sure it is not carboned up. If you have a compression relief valve, make sure it is not carboned up too.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
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I bought a 290 Farm Boss and had a 20" bar and 325 chain put on and it cuts ok for me, but it's on it's third fuel line. First one lasted a year second one 3 yrs. Bought next one in 07. Other than that it starts and runs good. I head with wood most of the time. Nov-Mar. Got a case,hat and extra chain for about $350.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Been beating up an .028 for the past 11 yrs. and thought it finally bit the dust. Last task it went thru was taking out a hugh oak, to include using to assist in removing the stump, dirt, rocks, and that kinda thing. Went to Stilh repair shop to purchase another but decided to check and see if it could be repaired, came to $38 for it's first tune up. Got so excited decided to treat it to a new bar.