Mid-Range Stihl Chainsaws: **Got one** But I have more questions.....

[andersonjk4]

I am in the market for a new chainsaw.  I won't be using the saw a ton.  Just for about 5-10 cords of firewood a year and odd jobs around the house.  I have a buddy who works for a Stihl dealer, so I am pretty set on getting a Stihl.  My first instinct was to just get the MS290 Farmboss, but the more I look at the other models the more unsure I am on what I want to get.  I think at $400 the 290 is a good value, but then I look at the 291 and you get a little more advanced saw and save about a pound for an extra $100.  But then if I an going to spend $500 on the 291 then I might as well spend an extra $50 and get the 391 and more power, or spend $580 and go with the pro line 261 which is a lot of power in a nice light package..... I just am not sure what to go with.  So to all of you guys who have experience with these saws what would you recommend and why? 

[washelkhunter]

MS290.

[75johndeere]

290 and do a muffler mod you will never need more than that unless your doing it for a living

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[boneaddict]

There is a nice used one on here.  I honestly think it might be priced slightly high due to the current economy, and thats why its not selling, it looks to be a tremendous saw.  I dont/didn't want to insult the seller becasue they are an awesome saw and probably worth every penny.    Its an 056 I believe which will cut just about anything you stand in front of it.  Hatchetjack is the member selling it.  It may be gone.  044 is a great saw, 034 was a great smaller saw.   Not sure what you are after.  Take a gander at that 056   

[boneaddict]

here it is
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,114511.25.html

[quadrafire]

Anderson
I was in the same boat, and really was leaning towards stihl, but ended up with a husqvarna 346xp. It is a great little saw.
If you are not brand affiliated you might check it out.
This could easily turn into a ford/chevy conversation since I through the husky into the mix.........

I went back and re-read your post and you said you were set on getting a stihl (sorry to stir the pot)

[hntrspud]

If you get an 056 you are going to have seal and ignition issues somewhere in the near future. 290 wont be around much longer, and it has always been a great saw. The 291 is only upgraded due to emissions and is an ok saw, but not something worth spending the extra cash. The 391 is also a good saw, but you wont want to cut all day with it. All around, there is a reason that the 290 is the best selling homeowner saw Stihl has ever made. I am a certified Stihl Master Tech, I see over 350 units a year that I work on. My  is, get a 290, while you still can, and enjoy it. Use non-ethanol fuel for the life of the saw if you can. Keep it stock, if you dont and have an issue later, it will void the warranty.

[hntrspud]

Anderson
I was in the same boat, and really was leaning towards stihl, but ended up with a husqvarna 346xp. It is a great little saw.
If you are not brand affiliated you might check it out.
This could easily turn into a ford/chevy conversation since I through the husky into the mix.........

  Bad idea...LOL Just real bad....If you like a plasticy saw, buy a husky. If you want it to last, buy a Stihl.. 

[andersonjk4]

Thanks Bone... I've been eyeing that saw since it was posted... It looks like a great saw.  If it were closer I would definitely go take a look at it.  I just never get over to the westside.

And Quadrafire, I am in no way opposed to Husky saws.  My BIL has one and I have spent some time running it and a lot of time watching him fall wood with it and it is a great saw.  The main reason I am leaning toward Stihl and brand new is that I used to work for and I have a really good friend who still works for a Stihl dealer and by buying the saw through them I know I will get great customer service if I ever have any issues with the saw. 

Thanks for the info so far.... keep it coming.  Its very helpful.  Has anyone spent any time with a 291 or the 261? Are they worth the extra $$? 

[lostbackpacker]

farmboss 290

[quadrafire]

Anderson
I was in the same boat, and really was leaning towards stihl, but ended up with a husqvarna 346xp. It is a great little saw.
If you are not brand affiliated you might check it out.
This could easily turn into a ford/chevy conversation since I through the husky into the mix.........

  Bad idea...LOL Just real bad....If you like a plasticy saw, buy a husky. If you want it to last, buy a Stihl.. 

See......Told ya........

[andersonjk4]

If you get an 056 you are going to have seal and ignition issues somewhere in the near future. 290 wont be around much longer, and it has always been a great saw. The 291 is only upgraded due to emissions and is an ok saw, but not something worth spending the extra cash. The 391 is also a good saw, but you wont want to cut all day with it. All around, there is a reason that the 290 is the best selling homeowner saw Stihl has ever made. I am a certified Stihl Master Tech, I see over 350 units a year that I work on. My  is, get a 290, while you still can, and enjoy it. Use non-ethanol fuel for the life of the saw if you can. Keep it stock, if you dont and have an issue later, it will void the warranty.

Thanks hntrspud.  What is your opinion on the 261?  Is it worth considering stepping up to the Pro line? 

[hntrspud]

Not in your situation. The main bonus of a pro saw is that they are easily rebuildable. The 261 has good power to weight ratio, but the torque band is not the same as a 290. MOST of the time when a pro is running a small saw like a 261, it is to top, limb, or fall small trees. Municipalities use the 261 more than others. Also, the anti-vib system on the new saws makes them feel a bit spongy, if that makes sense. Too much give. The 261 isnt pratical for what you are using the saw for. I would hate for you to spend the money and want more.

[Buckmark]

If you get an 056 you are going to have seal and ignition issues somewhere in the near future. 290 wont be around much longer, and it has always been a great saw. The 291 is only upgraded due to emissions and is an ok saw, but not something worth spending the extra cash. The 391 is also a good saw, but you wont want to cut all day with it. All around, there is a reason that the 290 is the best selling homeowner saw Stihl has ever made. I am a certified Stihl Master Tech, I see over 350 units a year that I work on. My  is, get a 290, while you still can, and enjoy it. Use non-ethanol fuel for the life of the saw if you can. Keep it stock, if you dont and have an issue later, it will void the warranty.

Why are they dropping the 290? Are they replacing it with another saw or redesigned saw?
BTW my 032 is still running great...

[hntrspud]

Thanks for the update buckmark! Namely because of the emissions curve, they had to redesign the 290,310,390 line to meet emissions standards. That is also the main reason they had to get rid of the 044. the 291 is the new 290. Still to soon on this saw to be able to know enough about it.