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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

One more Stihl ?

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Dug

02-11-2006 07:54:20

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I have checked out several different brand/models and like the Stihl 270 with the quick adjust chain tensioner. Do any of you have this model or know first hand how well the chain tensioner works? I looked back in the YT archives and only found one comment, it was negative. Said the tensioner did not actually save any time...seems like the greatest thing since sliced bread, but would like to hear another opinion.

Also looked at the 390, way too heavy! The 360 is a nice saw, but an extra $100!! Husq 455 was nice, but I like the "looks" of the Stihl, hey, I'm superficial! ; -)

The 270 is my first choice, but a little concerned about the quick adjust. If the quick adjust is not a benefit, I'll probably go with the 360.

Thanks,

Dug

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Dug

02-12-2006 15:16:09

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

Bought the 290 Farmboss. Just tried it out and it's a nice little saw. weight isn't bad and it came with the 18 inch bar. I think she's a keeper!

Thanks for all the advice.

Dug

Now, I gotta start splittin'!

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Dachshund

02-12-2006 06:22:44

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

I just bought a Stihl 290. I have a Husqvarna 55 Rancher (now 455 Rancher) that was a total POS. Long story - I bought a Husky R55 5-6 years ago and it was a GREAT saw - right up until someone stole it out of the back of my truck. I liked it so much I bought another one. Second saw was junk from day one! Can't keep a chain on it more than 6-7 minutes. Tried all sorts of things - new bar, flip bar, new chain, old chain, dull chain, sharp chain, oiler, etc, etc. Husqvarna was ZERO help because it just HAD to be my fault. Now it is in the junk pile in the shed. As for the Stihl Quick Chain Adjuster - There were several versions of this in the 70's and 80's on other saws. Never really caught on much. Stihl offers it as a kit for all it's newer saws, so buy the saw without it - for about $30 and 15 minutes you can buy it later and if you don't like it, you will have the other parts to put back on.

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Bob/wis

02-13-2006 03:44:37

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dachshund, 02-12-2006 06:22:44

Dachshund,
Do you want to sell the dead 55 husky? I could use it for parts.
Thanks
Bob

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supergrumpy

02-12-2006 10:17:43

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dachshund, 02-12-2006 06:22:44

had same problem with my stihl after considerable abusive brush cutting, put on new bar and chain but chain kept coming off

got rim sprocket and clutch cover to replace stock open drive sprocket (Bailey's online), chain stays on now just fine, think its an Oregon brand

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Dachshund

02-12-2006 12:14:07

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to supergrumpy, 02-12-2006 10:17:43

Mine did it in the first 10 minutes I had the saw! I was cording some 8" logs and it zipped right off. It also would stretch the chain quicker than anything. I put on a good chain that had just been sharpened, had a Husqvarna dealer install the chain and adjust it. I cut ONE 8" thick tree HALF way through and the chain came off - and was stretched too far to go back on.

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Can't even use my name

02-11-2006 14:14:49

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

Get it without the quick tension option.

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Butch(OH)

02-11-2006 11:41:15

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

The quick tensioner works as advertised but we always take a tool kit anyhow so it saves us nothing realy. I see it as an advantage with people who dont know ding about saws nor have any common sence in that you cant overtighten the chain or bar mount. It wouldn't sway a saw decision for me one way or the other. Have not run a 270 so I cant comment on that. They are what STihl calls an occasional use saw but that should not cause you not to buy it as it still better made than most including all but the XP models of Huskies.

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teej

02-11-2006 10:05:12

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

Used to work on and sell these up until a couple years ago.

The quick tensioner, I"ve not seen it save much time for experienced saw owners, but it does help prevent people from over and under-tensioning the chain on the bar. Both of which are bad for the chain and bar.

I can install the bar and chain and tensioner just as quick with the old style nuts as I could with the quick tensioner.

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Dug

02-11-2006 10:20:40

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to teej, 02-11-2006 10:05:12

hey teej,

Is the quick tensioner (QT) just a gimmick that is going to give me headaches down the road? I want a good saw that will be around in 15 - 20 years and am concerned about the QT being more of hassle than a help with breakdowns, replacing parts, etc.

When I first saw it, I thought it would be a great feature to limit time and tools needed in the field. But, so far, I have not heard anything positive. If push comes to shove, I'll just stick with the tried and true method with the nuts.

Thanks,

Dug

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teej

02-11-2006 20:13:00

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 10:20:40

I've never seen anyone have a problem with it. Its a pretty simple device. Dealer should be more than happy to take a saw and show you how it works, and what its made of. Its kind of hard to describe how it works without seeing it.

I've not seen anyone damage the quick adjuster, except the one that was run over by a tractor, but even that saw was fixable, as long as you didn't mind some cosmetic blemishes. I'm sure it can be damaged, I've just not had anyone where I work do it yet without resorting to excessive abuse.

Instead of using the screw to move the adjuster that moves the bar to tighten the chain, it uses the thumbwheel to move the adjuster that moves the bar. And then you tighten the wingnut on the side to secure it, just like you do the nuts and wrench.

I'm not sure if Stihl offers it for the pro saws, such as the 360 or not.

Your local dealer should be more than willing to demonstrate it to you, and let you check it out in detail.

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RMG

02-11-2006 08:41:37

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

I live in east Texas where they log a lot of pine and hardwood timber. Most of the guys I know have Husqavarnas. Know one guy in particular in his mid 50's that has sawed logs all his life. He has a Stihl and a Husky, and said the Stihl is all plastic and junk compared to the Husky.

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Dug

02-11-2006 10:30:57

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to RMG, 02-11-2006 08:41:37

I compared the 455 Rancher, 360 Farmboss and 270 Woodboss side by side and would hesitate to call one junk over the other. Both seem to be pretty good saws and their reputations are strong. To each their own. For that matter, the Poulan Pro is not a bad saw for the money...

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02-11-2006 08:24:01

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

If you can find a dealer, look at a Dolmar, they are the best saw I have ever looked at, they are built very well, are lightweight and they are still a saw built with the German quality Stihl started out with. You will not go wrong buying a Dolmar. From experience, the quick chain adjuster works good when it works, but it can also cause problems if it is not kept clean inside the adjuster.

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Dug

02-11-2006 10:21:56

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to JT, 02-11-2006 08:24:01

I've heard good things about the Dolmar (and the Husqavarna), but my local hardware store sells Stihl and I want to support him.

Thanks for the reply,

Dug

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Billy NY

02-11-2006 08:07:30

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 07:54:20

A friend bought the 360 fall '05, and I've got the '02 version of the 390, they are similar in size and in power, with the 360 having a hair more HP than the 390, 360 has a heated grip too. I think I realized the difference between pro and homeowner, but both saws cut & perform great. I've cut with his and I can't notice a difference, I'd suspect the 360 is a good model, did not notice the weight difference. I'm sure there are lighter models to consider as the 390 is not exactly a limbing saw, but I'm the same guy who hunts with a 9 lb. infantry rifle ! So far the 390 has been great, I plan to start piling up wood for sale end of this year and next years supply, so I guess the 390 will get some use and we shall see how it goes for moderate to heavy use.

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Dug

02-11-2006 10:26:05

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Billy NY, 02-11-2006 08:07:30

The 360 has a heated grip? Didn't know that. I may be getting my numbers mixed, but it seems like the 360 was several pounds lighter. I want one I can handle with one hand when the need arrises (yeah, we're not supposed to one hand a saw, but...) I still like the feel of the 270, but the quick tensioner has me a little leary.

Dug

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teej

02-11-2006 20:15:08

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 10:26:05

The heated grip is an option available for many of the pro saws (the ones that have even numbers, like 360).

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Billy NY

02-11-2006 17:22:58

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 10:26:05

I may be wrong on that heated grip, he's got more than one saw, and I thought it might have been this one.

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Jack-Iowa

02-11-2006 12:08:22

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Re: One more Stihl ? in reply to Dug, 02-11-2006 10:26:05

I have an stihl ms 360 pro and love it. I"ve cut alot of wood and large wood and no problems whatsoever. I come up from my poulan junk and there is no comaparison.
I can cut wood all day long with the stihl with no problems at all. Been very dependable ,starts always and by the 3rd pull and cuts like the devil. Even still using my first chain.
Best money I ever spent.

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