Is there rhyme or reason, or logic, or a system in their numbers? I am utterly lost, it seems quite random.
Thanks, but apparently there is more than one series. There’s an older series which starts with zeros. Is that just an entirely separate series? So there is no way to correlate model number with size or performance? And, working from the newer series, there is no way to correlate model number with performance categories such as homeowners saws, farm and ranch Saws, or pro saws? I just got a wonder what they were thinking.
Someone will, I'm sure, correct me if this is wrong.......but 036 is now 360 (was there a 360?), 361,362 series. The rest sort of follow suit. Now, we'll wait for the real saw folks to see this and give you the scoop.
I asked this a different way and huskihl had some good info What I remember is the non zero number equate to the cubic inches. Like an 039 or a 390 is 3.9 cubic inches displacement. That’s roughly 65 cc, I’d have to look up the conversion. And if those numbers ended in an odd number, it is built for a home owner and not for professional use. I’ve also read that a white handle is on the pro models and orange on the not, but that wasn’t extremely consistent.
Lol. That’s where it gets confusing. Take the 036.. Not exactly, but roughly 3.6 ci. In the early 2000’s, they changed from screw caps to flippy caps (except 066) and called it the MS360. The 029 (odd number, homeowner saw) became the MS290, 026 (even number, pro saw) became MS260 and so forth. Then the next generation came out, the MS361. The 6 is the even number. The MS251, 271, 291, 311, 391 are the odd numbered homeowner saws. 241, 261, 361, 461, 661 are pro saws. The current 60cc model is the MS362.
The "0" series could get real confusing.Main thing I was told was,as someone pointed out, odd numbers were" homeowner or landowner" series,even numbers equated a pro saw. Now, it's still mostly the same,th e one exception I can think of is the 180.Even though the 8 is even,it's listed among the homeowner series. As numbers go up,size of the engine does,too. You have to realize,though, there are three different levels of saws.A 311 has the same displacement as a 59cc 362 but,powerwise,Stihl rates it at 4.2hp to the 362's 4.69hp which is still more than the 64cc 391's 4.4. Another example is the 271 and 261. Both 50cc saws but the 271 has 3.49 hp and the 261 has 4.0. It all depends on what you want from a saw and can afford to put into it.A logger or arborist needs a pro saw. Someone who uses one for short times seasonally might want to use the mid level and save and save some cash.Occasional use can be done with a homeowner model depending on size of wood to cut. It boils down to what you need or want.In my case,I only want a saw to cut my firewood and to do farm chores plus clear out blowdowns in an emergency.I did,however choose to go with a 362 because I wanted something I knew would last a long time and cut most any size wood I encountered.I also had an 026 which I liked and someday hope to rebuild.In the meantime,I bought an MS250 to do the light chores.I really wanted a 261 but since I can rebuild the 026 and money was tight went with the 250 rationalizing that if it didn't last a long time,I could even buy a second 250 for a little more than twice the 261's price.I've been happy with my decision and the 250 cuts better than it should for it's size and price point.Then again,it IS a Stihl.
Then there's the "Super" models that had extra unicorn tears in them over the non super ones. Bear in mind that even if it is a homeowner saw, that it doesn't mean it's a cheap or shoddily built saw. My old 029super that is ~20 years old is not a pro saw, but even on original internals and had really only ever had a spark plug change and a carb cleaning and fuel lines. That's it. Up until about 2 years ago, it was used to cut an average of at least 5 cords of wood a year.
I think he was meaning the 029 and 029 Super, and probably any of the 1127 series saws. I hear great things about those 028's as well. I just don't see many of the 028's.
I’m glad MFMc. brought this up. I’m a husqvarna guy from my belly button both ways, but always been lost when it comes to stihls. Which ones are the “iconic “ ones to watch for. I know the 066 is a highly sought after one. What else should a guy be keeping an eye out for
