Vinko
Well-known member
If so, what model did you get and how's it holding up?
anyone have a Stihl Chainsaw?
- Thread starter Vinko
- Start date
redwrench60
Well-known member
I have an eight year old MS290 with a 20" bar and RS (yellow label) full chisel chain. It sits with the tank empty and the carb dry until it's needed then it gets 93 octane ethanol free fuel and Stihl brand 2 stroke oil. It always takes three pulls to start and then runs like a raped ape slinging rooster tails of wood chips in its wake.
jkwilson
Well-known member
I have an 028AV that I've had for 22 years. It's been a great saw. I run ethanol free gas in it and drain it when it isn't going to be used for a while. Other than sharpening chains, I've only had to work on it once to rebuild the carb.
finn
Well-known member
Mine are old: a 41AV Farm Boss, 029 Super Farm Boss, and 460 Magnum.
The 029 Super Is an earlier version of the 290, which evolved to the 291, which in turn is the same saw as the 390/391 but with a smaller bore. These farm and ranch duty saws are better than the homeowner grade, but not as desirable, or expensive as the pro saws.
Stihl homeowner grade saws are no better than a number of other brands, while their pro saws, along with Husqvarna are top of the heap.
The Farm and Ranch saws are middle of the road.
Go over to the arboristsite.com chainsaw section for more opinions. Those guys are rabid saw enthusiasts.
The 029 Super Is an earlier version of the 290, which evolved to the 291, which in turn is the same saw as the 390/391 but with a smaller bore. These farm and ranch duty saws are better than the homeowner grade, but not as desirable, or expensive as the pro saws.
Stihl homeowner grade saws are no better than a number of other brands, while their pro saws, along with Husqvarna are top of the heap.
The Farm and Ranch saws are middle of the road.
Go over to the arboristsite.com chainsaw section for more opinions. Those guys are rabid saw enthusiasts.
Last edited:
vmusch
Well-known member
Also a 290, two years old, best saw I have ever owned.
The Toolest Guy
Banned
Have owned both Stihl MS200 and MS201.
The MS200 was old. Worked well. Had been rebuilt.
The MS201 I bought new. Never had any problems.
Currently own Stihl MSA160T (battery powered chain saw).
MSA160T works great without the stinking of fuel after use.
All are great saws.
In reality Stihl or Husqvarna, it doesn't really make a difference. Both are great.
The MS200 was old. Worked well. Had been rebuilt.
The MS201 I bought new. Never had any problems.
Currently own Stihl MSA160T (battery powered chain saw).
MSA160T works great without the stinking of fuel after use.
All are great saws.
In reality Stihl or Husqvarna, it doesn't really make a difference. Both are great.
Currently own a MS362 with a 20" and 24" bar, for a primary use saw. And a 660 with 24" & 36" bars. I use the 36 for bucking large stuff, cutting large stumps, but mostly for for use with my Logosol Chainsaw mill. Love them both. The Farmboss's are very nice saws no doubt, but I was buying new and I wanted to step up to a pro level saw, so I went for the 362. It's is simply awesome.
362 is sitting on the logs and the 660 is milling a cherry log. Both were sporting the 24" bar in these pics.
Stihl vs Husqvarna...is a Ford vs. Chevy or Nikon vs Canon, kind of debate.
362 is sitting on the logs and the 660 is milling a cherry log. Both were sporting the 24" bar in these pics.
Stihl vs Husqvarna...is a Ford vs. Chevy or Nikon vs Canon, kind of debate.
Dog Garage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2015
- Messages
- 575
They are great saws 
, and can be the start of CAD 
Chainsaw Addiction Disorder 
(myself Homelite's were the gateway saws and Stihl have 5 of them )........
...also known as Chainsaw Affective Disorder, Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder, Chainsaw Acquisition Disease .....jus sayin.
CAD Explained!
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/cad-explained.162192/
, and can be the start of CAD Chainsaw Addiction Disorder (myself Homelite's were the gateway saws and Stihl have 5 of them )...........also known as Chainsaw Affective Disorder, Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder, Chainsaw Acquisition Disease .....jus sayin.
CAD Explained!
http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/cad-explained.162192/
daddy2coull
Well-known member
i have an 034av i bought it second hand about ten years ago. it is a ***** to start but it's still a beast. i ought to spend some money on it because one day it'll let me down, but it hasn't yet
I have an 066 flat top currently. Wears a 25" bar, I don't use it all that much but it's nice to have the muscle when I need it. I used to have an 029, it was a great runner, but a little heavy, and it was almost all plastic. The good models to look for are the MS261/261/260, MS362/361, and MS440,441.
My other saws are all Husqvarna. You get more for your money.
My other saws are all Husqvarna. You get more for your money.
77thor
Well-known member
Mines about 35+ years old and still running good.
If you buy a Stihl get one of the pro models and here's why:
1. There will be a ton of aftermarket parts avail. (less so on the consumer models).
2. They are field proven
3. They are extremely easy to work on. You can rebuild the top end on the tailgate of a pickup with only 2-3 tools.
4. Power to weight ratio is better.
I prefer the non EPA versions.
The MS290 is not a pro saw and I would avoid it. It's a pig in power to weight ratio, hard to work on and has the plastic clamshell crankcase.
By contrast, The MS361 is one of Stihl's finest saws. The other good ones are 26, 260, 440, 044, 066, 660, 028, 038, 460, 034, 36, 360.
P.S. Chainsaws are like potato chips. You can't have just one. You need either the 2 or 3 saw plan to start with and it'll grow from there.
Last edited:
tcsalvage
Well-known member
As Davefr and others have said it gets addicting with Stihl's especially if you depend on them. My saws are 028av, 034 super av (2 of them) ms 390 (not the greatest saw) and a 048 super av (36 inch bar). If you look at an older Stihl make sure you get the av version since the other ones will wear out your arms in short order. The reason you need at least two saws are that sometimes you ''pinch'' one and need to saw it out. Also bars and chains make a very big difference in the way a saw performs (or doesn't) depending on what you are cutting so choose them wisely.
Last edited:
I am probably the odd one out but as a homeowner I only use it for fallen trees and limbs, no wood fires here.
I got the homeowner model MS251 last year. It is probably more than I need but it is a great tool.
I have used it 4-5 times and it is really nice having a saw with more than enough power.
My old one was electric and I hate dragging the cord out, it wasn't as sharp and it took a LOT longer to make a cut.
I got the homeowner model MS251 last year. It is probably more than I need but it is a great tool.
I have used it 4-5 times and it is really nice having a saw with more than enough power.
My old one was electric and I hate dragging the cord out, it wasn't as sharp and it took a LOT longer to make a cut.
038 and 066 are junk.Especially the 038. If you can find a cherry 020 or newer 200T jump all over it. Major power and reliability in a compact package. Like a snub nose 44 mag !
I gave up on Stihl's larger stuff 15 years ago. I'm a Husqvarna guy now.
I gave up on Stihl's larger stuff 15 years ago. I'm a Husqvarna guy now.
schmelpboy
Banned
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2012
- Messages
- 1,717
I have an MS290 and an MS362. The 290 has an 18 inch bar on it, and the 362 has a 24. I love the 290, cuts through anything, and quickly. The 362 is underpowered with a 24 bar on it, and it seems to take forever even with a sharpened chain. I usually stick to the 290 because I'm unimpressed with my new 362.
Yes, there are some good Husky's (and Dolmars).
My favorite small saw is the Husky 346XP. It's probably the finest 50cc class saws ever made. (just avoid the E tech version). Their 372XP "classic" is also a nice saw. The combination of the two is a marriage made in heaven.
hangfirew8
Well-known member
Aficionado's love to dismiss the 290 Farm Boss, but the power to weight ratio is appropriate for non-pro use (less vicious kick-back, more likely you'll rest when you need to rest). Any difficulty working on it is pretty much a non-issue because it is as reliable as an anvil.
Parts availability is NOT an issue for 290's. Take a look at eBay and ask your local Stihl dealer.
Disclosure: I own only a Stihl pro saw, but I have so many friends and neighbors that own 290's and love them.
MS250 and a 046 magnum
Wakefield
Well-known member
Could it be that the 362 is running lean? Is the dealer legally allowed to adjust it?
thebeekeeper1
Well-known member
My first was an 032AV I bought used in 1991. Still runs like new after many hours (I own a woods and heat with wood). I liked it so well I bought four more on Ebay. I do not know the history of these four, but they all run perfectly and were made in the early 1980s, or earlier. I have a little 019T I bought new about fifteen years ago. LOTS of hours on it, still like new.
A few weeks ago my dad gave me his 031 he bought in 1979, as he's in his 80s and figures I can do his sawing for him. I haven't started it so far (too hot out for chainsaw work), but it pulls nicely with good compression. He heated with wood for years so it has a lot of hours on it too.
If the question is "chainsaw?" the answer is always "STIHL." There is a reason they are number one by a large margin.
A few weeks ago my dad gave me his 031 he bought in 1979, as he's in his 80s and figures I can do his sawing for him. I haven't started it so far (too hot out for chainsaw work), but it pulls nicely with good compression. He heated with wood for years so it has a lot of hours on it too.
If the question is "chainsaw?" the answer is always "STIHL." There is a reason they are number one by a large margin.
maddawg1952
Well-known member
I have a 20+ year old 026 used infrequently but has always worked as well as ever anytime I needed it usually starts on the 2-3rd pull as long as I keep some stabil in the fuel
Dave455
Well-known member
I've got an MS181. It's only 14 inch but I got it specifically because I wanted something handy!
It's been great! Easy to start, no problems, and spares available anywhere. When I need to replace my bigger saw it will be with another Stihl!
It's been great! Easy to start, no problems, and spares available anywhere. When I need to replace my bigger saw it will be with another Stihl!
stihlntime
Well-known member
We have several. A 028 I bought new in 84, it stihl runs like new. Also have a 261,261CM,(2) 361's,440,and a pro modded 460, and 660. For firewood cutting and general farm work the 261's are the chit. They will cut with a 361. The 261 is both lighter and has more power than the old 290. My boys cut and sell over 150 cords of wood each year. I work on saws every day. I prefer Stihl, commitment to build the majority of products in the USA. If you cut less than 20 cord a year a non pro saw is fine. The old 029/290 was their number one selling saw for over 15 years. The new 271/291 is a heck of a saw it would last most people a life time.
Heavy and slightly underpowered, yes. Junk? Definitely not.
The dealer can certainly adjust the carb within the constraints of the limiter caps. Although if you have the M-tronic version it's done automatically.
I think your problem is that you have too much bar. 24" is 70cc territory, your 362 will wear a 20" happily.
schmelpboy
Banned
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2012
- Messages
- 1,717
I don't think it's running lean, but it's only been used 5 times because I don't like it so much. If I could return it, I would.
Kellyblues
Well-known member
I started out using my dad's that he purchased MANY years ago that my brother still has. Those things are heavy SOB'S. Its the only brand I've ever purchased and have never had a single problem of any kind.
schmelpboy
Banned
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2012
- Messages
- 1,717
Yeah, I know that. When I bought it the dealer said it'd handle up to a 25 bar. I was cutting a 22" tree. He was wrong. I don't need a saw that can take a smaller bar, I need a saw that can take a bigger one...And I'm certainly not buying bigger because of his mistake!
stihlntime
Well-known member
It will take around 15 tanks of fuel to break in. I've adjusted the carb on many new 362's as the EPA requirements make mfgs set saws lean to pass their standards. You need to take it back to the dealer and have the set the saw at 13,800 rpm with a tach. 362's shine with 18 and 20 inch bars, 24/25" they will struggle. If your wanting to run 24/25" bars all the time get a 461.
rlitman
Well-known member
I have the HT-KM pole pruner attachment for my Kombi motor. The 12" bar is plenty for my suburban needs.
I recently picked up a cheap KM110 motor on eBay, and the telescoping shaft from some Stihl pruner with a blown engine. I put the gearbox from my Kombi attachment onto that and basically have an HT 131 frankenstein.
I recently picked up a cheap KM110 motor on eBay, and the telescoping shaft from some Stihl pruner with a blown engine. I put the gearbox from my Kombi attachment onto that and basically have an HT 131 frankenstein.
As was mentioned, don't give up on the 362, until she's broken in. Mine usually wears a 24, but is seldom buried 20"+. If I have 20"+ logs I grab my 660 and hold on!
Get yourself a 372XP and don't look back.
There it is. How on earth did that take so long?
I've heard really good things about the 372. Would love to try one out.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
020 AV Super
026
084
026
084
Wakefield
Well-known member
If using the same length bar I would think the 362 should be quite a bit more powerful than the 290 if both are adjusted properly?
Possible if the 290 has been muffler modded and richened up (I guess the dealer can't do that) that it would approach the pep of the factory 362?
Wakefield
Well-known member
A difference in the drive sprocket being inboard vs. outboard of the clutch between Stihl vs. Huskqvarna such that if the saw gets pinched into a cut one is quicker than the other to be able to disconnect the bar and chain (leaving them in the cut) so that the saw can be removed?
Elginz
Well-known member
I don't have any woods, don't burn wood, just a few trees here and there, make wood for the fire pit, and some cutting at our church campground. So I got the MS251. I wanted something that would start, hence Stihl. That worked out so well I got the Combi unit, KM56RC with the strait shaft trimmer, and the pole trimmer attachment. I will be adding attachments to that for sure.
Dagny
Well-known member
372xp is not for homeowners it is very popular among pro loggers around here.