Diesel Bombers - Wood cutters? Stihl MS-290 issues.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldude03 (Post 823600)

Cool. Thanks Mr. M. No caps on adjustment screws. This saw was bought by my brother in 2004. I'll take it out in a day or 2 to play with it some more. Gotta wait for the rain to stop first. Got around 2" inches yesterday and it's still not done yet. Calling for clearing this afternoon but I don't think anyone told the rain that!

I've actually been thinking of upgrading this saw anyway. I don't cut a lot... usually 7-10 cords a season. But my in-laws just had 55 acres timbered a few weeks ago and there's more wood sitting back there now than I can cut in 5 years.

There's nothing back there that can't be managed with a 18-20 inch bar, so I don't need a BIGGER saw. Just one maybe a bit lighter and more robust without giving up performance. I'm looking pretty hard at a Stihl 261. Nearly identical hp rating as the 290 (3.75 vs. 3.8) but almost 1.5 lbs lighter. Plus it's a "Professional" model, which I guess justifies the $560.00 price tag. Any experience with them?

I'm glad you said it first because I'm usually the one to be labeled a giant jerk with my opinions but my very first post actually looked like this before I edited it:

"First thing you need to do is get rid of that POS midrange saw and buy a real one...say a MS260 or 261." lol

The reasons are huge; case design, power to weight ratio (as you already noted), carburetor, piston & jug materials.....the MS261 is a professional user saw that is light years ahead of the MS290.

the 290 is a decent saw for what it is but when compared to anything in the pro line it will fall short by a long ways.

I would see how much your local Stihl dealer will give you on trade and dump it for a MS261. You'll be much happier overall, in my opinion. :c:

Already checked. $150.00

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldude03 (Post 823703)

Already checked. $150.00

You could try to richen it up a bit and Craigslist it off for $250 or so. Or just take it in the pooper towards the 261.

If you have the scratch a MS361 is an awesome saw. Stihl "upgraded" the series to the MS362 but many dealers can access overstock of the last year's 361 for pretty good prices.

The 361 is about the same weight as a MS290 without a LOT more snort than a 261.

I thought about doing the craigslist thing but I didn't want whoever bought it calling me all hours of the day crying "the damn thing quits running 5 minutes into a job blah, blah, blah". I'm trying to talk wifey into getting me the 261 for Christmas but I don't think she's biting.:ouch:

Tell her the 261 is lighter so you'll have more energy left to help with housework.

Tell her the 361 is faster so you'll have more time left to help with housework.