new Stihl chainsaw or used one?

Well, it seems to have grown legs. I've been having a lot of rennovation work done around the farm and a lot of questionable individuals have been on the property.

I want to get another Stihl- but my question is this. Are the newer series like the MS310 or the MS290 farm boss any better than the somewhat older models like the 029? I've seen an 029 with 20" bar advertised used for $200. I wonder if this would be as good as my 310? The newer ones have the "intellicarb" and other buzzwords...

I just don't know enough about the various stihl models to know which models are particularly good or bad. All I know is that the one that was stolen was a fantastic saw, and beat the pants off my little 16" Poulan POS (which they didn't steal, dang them...)

andy b.

I tend to agree with those who say that the older Stihl saws were a bit more durable and well-made than the current Stihl saws, but Stihl still makes good saws. I bought an MS360 Pro new last year, and it is a great saw. (Stihl now makes a 361 instead of the 360.) Lots of other good saws around as well (Husqvarna, Shindaiwa, Jonesred, even the old "blue" Homelites).

The MS-Pro Stihl chain saws are quite a bit more expensive than Farm Boss or odd-numbered models. For example, I think the price difference between a 250 and a 260 Pro is over $100. Depends on how much you are going to use the saw and how important a better power-to-weight ratio is to you. Lots of people buy too much saw for what they need. (I was in a guy's garage once and saw a nearly new Stihl 088 with a 36" bar. Asked him if he was planning to do some logging (Knew the guy was from the city) and he told me he bought it to cut firewood but saw was too heavy!)

People can and do misuse and abuse chainsaws in a variety of ways; mostly by not using the saw properly and by lack of routine maintenance. I wouldn't totally rule out buying a second-hand saw, though. You wouldn't believe how many people buy saws, use them once or twice (or not at all) and then the saw just sits in a garage or shed. Lots of people decide that saws are too heavy, noisy, etc. or that they need money, and want to part with them. Spring and early-summer are "off" times for chainsaw sales, and you can get good buys on used saws.

If you plan to use the saw a fair amount and can afford it, I'd look at a 260 or 360/361 Stihl. If you are on a tighter budget and can stand a lower power-to-weight ratio, I'd look at a 310 or 290.

If it were me, I'd look on ebay and check local auctions, garage sales, and what not. If you spend $150-$200 on a used saw, you can spend a little to have it tuned up, buy a new chain and still be ahead.

Joe

I got in the middle of one on a chainsaw forum last fall when I first bought the 346xp. Man, those guys made mince meat outa me. You can probably figure out why considering my response to your post.

Joe

I am going to have to lug it up to the road, put a "for sale $50" sign on it. Some idiot will hopefully steal it after dark. Probably sue me for tempting them to steal junk like that.

Joe

My experience with the 029 is not that great; it's heavy and not particularly well made. If I buy another Stihl, it will be the MS260 or MS360. These are lighter than the MS290 and MS390 (respectively), but put out the same power.

He said that pretty much the even numbered models are a better grade than the odd (using the old number scheme). So an 028 is better than an 029.

Your comments about the ms260 or ms360 are in line with what he said.

Yup- whatever I get, gotta lock it up!

Buy a good new pro saw, take care of it, lock it up. Don't loan it out to anyone, not even your mother. Buy a throwaway for a loaner.

I've had a new 029, it was the worse saw I have ever owned. Yes mine was a lemon, but in my opinion, the best 029 ever made was only a good saw and it's all down hill from there.

Joe