Chainsaw

Just wondering how many of you good folks own or use a chainsaw.

I have been contemplating the purchase of a new Stihl MS 241 C-M chainsaw with the M-Tronic fuel system.

They are very expensive here in Canada; this is the first year they have been available here, I think.

I presently own an older Stihl (Model 024 AVS), which has been an excellent runner.

I started using Premium Gas (91 octane) which is Ethanol-free, and seems to be running much better.

So, my question is : Do any of you own a Stihl chainsaw of any model, with the new M-Tronic fuel metering system?

If so, what are your comments; good or bad, besides being expensive?

There have been some raving good reviews about this saw online, especially from Australia, where this particular model has been available for a few years now (and at twice the USA price!).

Thanks in advance, and a very Merry Christmas to all.
Stihl MS 241 C M

Last fall I bought a MS251.

I am not at all fond of it. It is tempermental and occassionally fails to start before allowing complete cool down.

Some dealers still mave the earlier MS250, which does not have the electronic carburetor system and is a great saw.

If you want one get it now as Stihl has phased it out.

Dean

I've got an older 200 and a180 that I love but my favorite saw is a Sachs Dolmar. That things tuner perfect no matter how long it sets. It is supposed to be 16:1 but I use Stihl oil/gas mix in it. It has cut tens of cords of wood and never misses an beat. I don't know what they are priced. I paid $400 for this one but I bet that was 10 years ago. I'd do it all over again.

I've owned and used several Stihl saws but like my old Homelites and newer Jonsereds better.As far as I'm concerned Stihl saws are the John Deere of the saw world good machines but way over rated

Alright, first of all, anyone reading this post, PLEASE don't start a Stihl vs Husqvarna war with me!!!

In my opinion, they are called Stihl for a reason, "Stihl broke ain't it?" :

I personally have a few Huskys. I think that they are just a little superior to a Stihl, mainly because of their easy staring. I have a 288XP that is box stock, and it will start 3rd pull every time when cold, and 1st or 2nd when it has been used. Also have a 350 and it is an AWESOME little saw.

My 288XP is a 1999, and the 350 is an 07 I think. A buddy has 6 372XP saws, and they will chew circles around my 288, they are just MONSTERS!!

Just my thoughts, I would at least look into a Husqvarna if I were you... Also, who do you have for a local dealer? That might make up your mind...

We have 4 Husky dealers that are always boomin, and the local JD dealer has Stihl, and they do alright.

Come to think of it, another friend as an Echo 265? (not sure on the numbers?) He really likes it. It came with a 26 on it out of the box, and he said that was pushing it for power.

Just for your info, my 288XP has a 28 and a 32 inch bar for it, the 350 has a 22, buddys 372's have any thing from a 24 to a 42, and they will cut 42 inches of wood!!! Bryce

It depends on how good a saw you need or how hard you plan to work it. I just do a little occasional tree trimming around here so when the local Co-op had a brand new Poulan on the shelf for $100 I figured I could not go too far wrong. After two years I am well satisfied. Starts and runs far better than the old McColluch I had previously. I don't know how well it would stand up to serious firewood cutting but I have taken down some good sized trees and branches with it. The bonus carrying case was nice option.

If you don't want to start a "brand war" so to speak, then why make an inflammatory comment about one of the brands??? You may want to exercise a bit of restraint here. This also applies to the rude comment you made about the Ford truck that was posted a few weeks ago. Your opinions are just that - your opinions. There is really no clear cut best. Each brand has its own strengths and shortcomings.

And, any time you want to, we can have a nice long discussion in the Ford vs. Chevy subject. Most of us here have been around a lot, and have seen a lot. You are still only 16, and have a lot yet to see.

I haven't owned a Stihl , but the one you are referring to is a pro model and that makes a difference if it's getting a lot of heavy use a opposed to the farm saw . Up here in the north we have cut tons of firewood with Husky (181, 288 , 372, 2100 and Stihl (065 ) , both are good saws as long as they are pro rated and not something you buy light duty at your local hardware store.Have fun -- be safe Larry Ont.

X2 on the Dolmar. For what its worth, Dolmar invented the chainsaw, made in Germany. I always felt Stihl spent LOTS of money on advertising, Dolmar spent their money on engineering. I bought one this spring (51) and I love it. My next door neighbor bought a new Husqvarna right after I bought mine and hates it. He has had it back twice to where he bought it and told me it takes him 20 mins to start it each time he wants to use it.

You just answered your own question....he's 16...'nuff said...let's all just let it go...we were there once. LOL RB

(quoted from post at 14:47:20 12/22/14) Just wondering how many of you good folks own or use a chainsaw.

I have been contemplating the purchase of a new Stihl MS 241 C-M chainsaw with the M-Tronic fuel system.

They are very expensive here in Canada; this is the first year they have been available here, I think.

I presently own an older Stihl (Model 024 AVS), which has been an excellent runner.

I started using Premium Gas (91 octane) which is Ethanol-free, and seems to be running much better.

So, my question is : Do any of you own a Stihl chainsaw of any model, with the new M-Tronic fuel metering system?

If so, what are your comments; good or bad, besides being expensive?

There have been some raving good reviews about this saw online, especially from Australia, where this particular model has been available for a few years now (and at twice the USA price!).

Thanks in advance, and a very Merry Christmas to all.
Stihl MS 241 C M

Click to expand...

Probably the place to go for saw info would be the chainsaw section of the aboristsite.com or forestryforum.com.

I sold and serviced Husky, Jonsered and Olympik back int he day. I do a bit of wrenching on all sorts of saws now. Personally, I have no use for the newer saws over the past 8-9 years with the e-carbs and other gadgets (flippy caps) that drive folks crazy. I'd find a good used older saw, Stihl, Husky, Jred, Dolmar/Makita or Echo. If I had to buy new I'd look real hard at Dolmar and Echo.

Well said, maybe he will listen and learn. Seems to be a hard working kid. As a Kubota dealer we have sold his Huskey for years, here at the farm I ha You guessed it.. three sthil .

Ive got a new echo cs 400, bought it early summer, have ran almost a gallon and a half of bar oil through it so its been used a bit, starts pretty good, has a 18 bar, its a nice size and not too heavy, does what i need it to do. Came with a plastic carring case, a qt of bar oil and a hat. Think i paid $300 for it.(rural king) my dad has 2 stihls, one is a small arborist saw and the other is a "farm boss" i forget the model numbers. The small saw of his starts great, the big one is alot harder starting. Both have crazy fuel and bar oil caps that are difficult to deal with. Dad also has a older homelite super xl. Its got a carb issue, i'll probly get it going someday, it doesnt have the anti-vibration mounts, so thats why its not seen use like it used to. Im pleased with my echo and would get the same saw again. Im not sure id ever get a stihl, they are a good name, but alot more money, i'll see how my echo holds out, so far so good...

I'm switching from Jonsrud & Husky over to Dolmar.

Yes, we were there once. And we learned respect for our elders by being corrected when we got a bit on the cocky or wise side. I have seen several comments that were getting on the edge of being a bit much. A word to the wise should be sufficient. Ignoring bad behavior only encourages more bad behavior.

I wish I was half as smart now as I thought I was 40 years ago (in my teens).

Just bought a Dolmar 5105, myself! Everything Sthil I have ever owned has just flat DIED....

Check evilpay.
MS250 is a good running saw when it starts.
Wanted to get a new 562xp but settled on a used 262xp. Its a lot lighter than the 288 and cuts nearly as good.
I was given the ms250. Otherwise I would have looked for a pro model. They are lighter with more power for a given displacement.

Can't answer you on the newer ones but I've owned all Stihl. Started with a 031 "pure junk". Replaced it with a 041 ran great got too heavy for limbing. Added a 026 to the tool box, LOVE that saw, lots of power for it's weight. 041 started to wear out and dealer had a rebuilt 044. Runs and feels like the 026 just bigger. Also have a 028 from my fatherinlaw. Not quite as good as the 026 but almost keeps up.
Got the 041 in 1980, 026 in 1991, 044 in 2005.

I bought the MS391 to replace a worn out MS390. All I can say is that the 3rd time I went to use it, I pulled and pulled and it would not start. Turned out the Stihl dealer said they had a rash of bad electronic ignitions with those saws. he had it for 3 days because he was out of that part. That was the only problem, but now I am thinking about how long it will be when the replaced ignition goes bad. Hopefully I wear the saw out before that. I clear cut 7 acres into firewood in a year. The saw gets used.

The more electronics, the worse things can be. What if it get wet? I am always cutting in the rain for downed trees, or cutting in falling snow, leaving the saw on the ground in the snow, etc...

I have stihl, Husky,and Echo and like each one of them. I have more Stihl than the others because they have the best network of dealers in this area and I never have trouble finding parts. Not all dealers are good at stocking parts and makes no matter what you buy somewhere down the road you will need parts.I have a 461 that has that metering system on it and is about 1 1/2 years old and no problems yet.I bought the MS-461 on an estate auction and it was only 2 months old. I got a steal on it I bought it with a 24" and 28" bar for $420.00 dollars. I don't think anybody there had any idea what it would cost to buy a new one and around here that is $1,100.00-$1,200.00.

As usual, twenty responses and none answered your question.

Nope, I don't have one of the new "M-Tronic" Stihl saws, nor do I know anyone who does. If it makes for an easier-starting saw, I'm all for it. Of course it's usually not a great idea to be an "early adopter" of new technology.

I was a little worried about the electronic fuel injection on my Triumph motorcycle. After three years, it has been completely problem-free. I can't say the same for the carbureted bikes which preceded it.

The more electronics, the worse things can be. What if it get wet? I am always cutting in the rain for downed trees, or cutting in falling snow, leaving the saw on the ground in the snow, etc...

Click to expand...

Chainsaws have had electronic ignitions since the late 1970's, so electronics on a saw are nothing new. I don't hear anyone whining to go back to points and condenser because their electronic ignition got wet...

You would expect that the electronics on a chainsaw would be suitably waterproofed.

mk, this is not referring to the electronic IGNITION, but to the M-Tronic FUEL METERING SYSTEM (something new).

I have read the reviews on the Arborist site, and it seems that this saw was introduced in Australia already in about 2011.

I believe it only came to Canada in 2014; to the USA a bit earlier.
Raving reviews

How is your local Stihl dealer ? That being the latest technology, can't you speak with these people about the new product ? I'd be the first person to plainly state that I realize, "you" (the dealer) could explain things in terms that benefits him, (the dealer) but what in detail can you tell me about this product, what makes it better, will it be a good product for my needs ? Is it new technology that is proven itself, (other markets or customers locally) ??? At that point you have to make the call about it. I have spoken to reps that sell this brand, one at the NYS AG show, and others who sell or have sold the brand in the past, all of them gave an honest layman's opinion, stated some good facts and overall were very knowledgeable about the product. My neighbor sold Stihl for quite some time before they got into Husqvarna and Echo. His shop will service and repair just about any saw brand, the shelves are always full of ones in with customer tags on them, regardless of what they sell or work on, if you ask him about Stihl, he would tell you every time, its a reputable manufacturer with a respectable product line. He'll also tell you that parts used to be a pain in neck way back when. If it were me and I was going to drop 6 bills on a new saw, like you, I would want to make sure I did my best to get the information needed to make a rational decision. I'll admit to being a "dyed" in ink Stihl brand person, but if I could not get the facts needed to support a decision on a purchase from the dealer or knowledgeable person, trust me when I tell you I would not hesitate to look at other brands, like Husqvarna which I have used, particularly a 445 and 455 saw, and Dolmar which I don't know a lot about, but have heard good things about. That money has to buy a tool that needs to work well, and for me to be sold, its the dealer that needs to do that. I'm fortunate that Stihl is well supported here, that may not be the case in another location.

Well in any event, like most others here, "saw talk" is a popular discussion topic, hopefully you can uncover the information you need, and if you do, please post back about it, I for one would be interested in hearing more about the current affairs on these saws. Many of the features shown have been around awhile and from my '02 vintage MS390, that has similar features, I've never really had any complaints about their product with some of those same features, based on reputation you would like to think their latest would follow suit.

(quoted from post at 12:30:37 12/23/14) I don't hear anyone whining to go back to points and condenser because their electronic ignition got wet...

You would expect that the electronics on a chainsaw would be suitably waterproofed.

Click to expand...

You'd also expect that a brand new $600 saw would have an ignition that lasted longer than 3 days. I'm not whining to go back to points and condenser. I'm whining about having some cheap(yet expensive to buy) electronic part go bad. The reason I wouldn't buy an M-tronic saw is for this very same reason. That was the point I was trying to make.

I agree with you, Jim , but these posts are probably not the best tool for teaching them lessons , that's all I was sayin'. RB

I stated my opinion, and like you said an opinion is an opinion! I personally think that Husqvarna's are better. Okay?

If you like Stihls GREAT! I don't think that they are a bad saw, and are probably just as good as Huskys, but I PERSONALLY like my Husqvarna better! I have run circles around Stihls and even other Husqvarna's at landings before! EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!!!!

As for Ford vs Chevy, my family has made our living off of working on and selling Chevrolet vehicles for a LONG time, and we think that they are better than Fords (but duh, we work on them and love them) If some of you can't take a smart comment about a different brand (such as Found On Road Dead) then I apologize for myself.

Sorry for being a dumba$$ of a 16 year old, just trying to be a little helpful...

Bryce

I think that if you are going to police me, then you should keep a good eye on some of the other guys... I am apparently a pretty bad dude! BUT, there are others that are just as "bad" as me....

Just because I am 16, doesn't mean that you should feel the need to treat me any differently than the other members of this site. My family is responsible for raising me, and they have done a VERY fine job...

Thanks for your concern. Bryce

Not trying to police you. You walked into a group of middle aged farmers, and started to come off as the "voice of experience." Then you made an inflammatory statement that was inviting to a brand war, after saying "don't start a brand war." I suggest that you go back and re-read your statement. And, while you are at it, you might want to take that chip off your shoulder.

Well, I DO have experience!! Maybe not a lot, but I am not fresh out of the crib either! I have been logging professionally with the neighbor for 5 years! I know my way around a good saw!

Not wanting to fight with you about it, just trying to defend myself a little bit. Maybe what I said was a little harsh or over the top (wouldn't be the first time), but that was my opinion. That is how I was raised and I am proud of who I am, chip or not.

Thanks, Bryce

(quoted from post at 12:16:48 12/24/14) Well, I DO have experience!! Maybe not a lot, but I am not fresh out of the crib either! I have been logging professionally with the neighbor for 5 years! I know my way around a good saw!

Not wanting to fight with you about it, just trying to defend myself a little bit. Maybe what I said was a little harsh or over the top (wouldn't be the first time), but that was my opinion. That is how I was raised and I am proud of who I am, chip or not.

Thanks, Bryce

Click to expand...

You've been a professional logger since you were 11? Sure you don't mean a pro logger has been letting you tag along since you were 11? :lol:

(quoted from post at 15:30:38 12/22/14)

In my opinion, they are called Stihl for a reason, "Stihl broke ain't it?" :

Click to expand...

Stihl is pronounced Steel, not Still


Russ

I have cut wood for years and used them all and if I ever bought another one it would be a Husky they run at much faster RPM and still has lots of power and light weight. I have swore by Stihl for years but when I replaced the drive gear Stihl had started making different gear ratios and slowed the chain RPM way down. And now it seems none of Stihl' saws have that pep that they use to have.
and if you can get the option get hand warmers built in the handle it really helps with an arthritis called White Knuckle. Husky also has anti vibration down to a fine art.