Anyone run this saw? plan on getting by a new saw. Deciding between this and an ms250. Only $50 more for the 291. I only use a ms 170 so both would be a major upgrade. I cut/process 5ish cords/year all softwood. thanks
Until I got my dolkita, I used a Stihl 029 super with a 16" b&c. That was the predecessor to the 290/ now the ms291. This saw cut at least 5 cord a year for 15+ years and it's still never needed to be rebuilt, or really needed much beyond new chains, gas and oil. Should be a great 2 saw plan with the ms170.
The 291 is a good saw but I would highly recommend spending an extra $100 and getting a 261. For the extra money you will be very happy with the extra power and a much lighter saw. You won’t be disappointed! I run mine with a 18” bar and it will cut anything. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
And if you don't wish to spend the extra $ then a 290 is a good saw to match that smaller saw. But yes, the 261 is so much better of a saw it is worth it.
My neighbor got a new ms261 a couple years ago. This was before I got my dolkita, so I only had the 029 super to compare. I used his 261 and my 029s interchangeably while cutting a tree up for him as he was recovering from knee replacement. He'd gas up one saw while I used the other. While the 261 was lighter, they both cut the same. Same 16" .063 bar on each. I don't recall what chain mine had on it, but his was the factory Stihl safety green chain. It's possible I had a yellow RS chain on mine, and it's probable that his saw want broken in yet, but I wasn't impressed by the 261.
I mention those 2 as they are on sale now. 250: $450 291: $500 The 261 is not and is $760. I don’t really want to spend that much.
I had a 291 for 4 years and cut around 10 cord a year with it. Served me well. Started buying ported saws and sold it...but it seemed capable for what I asked of it. Never had an issue with it.
I know this isn’t what e OP was asking about . But , if there is decent Echo dealer in his area , he CS590 would be well worth looking at . It’s 60 cc ,mag cased ,and about the same price ,maybe less than a 291 . If Stihl has the best dealer in the area , I’d go for the 261 every time .
The 291 is a good firewood saw and much better than the 250. I've been cutting 4+ cords a year with my 290 for 8 years now and never had an issue. 2 years ago I had 2 giant maples cut down that yielded over 10 cords of firewood. The tree service bucked the main trunks that were 4-5' thick for me, and the rest was cut with my 290. Is it the most badass saw on the planet? No. Does it make firewood? Yes. A buddy also has one that's a few years older than mine. His has been loaned out to his kids and abused its whole life and it always works.
$760 seems like a lot for a saw that size. I was at my local dealer yesterday that also sells Husqvarna. I don’t know why the difference but Stihl is 30% higher for the equivalent or competing Husky Pro saw. I know the parts for a Stihl are outrageous, at this shop anyway.
