Where's the 500i ?

I have been on the hunt for the 500 with the R version hardware since last spring. First nothing, then one saw shop had a demo that I played with, but they wouldn’t let me buy it. Then nobody had anything. Found a non R version at an ace hardware. Then Murdoch’s had like 3 non R versions. Local saw shop said they had 12 500s that sold almost immediately. I might have a free hour on Thursday to go look while these places are open. I feel like if I find a 500R that they will sell me with a 28” lightweight on it, I will have to buy it.

 

I'm guessing that since there is less demand for the R, dealers are not ordering them for stock? Perhaps if you ask one of your dealers to order one in, they would get on it?

 

I think the demand for the R is there. Lots of steep ground to cut on around here. Asking the local saw shop brought out some snarky comments about them not expecting any more until June and that I better get in line. I am going to chat with the saw guys at Ace hardware and see if they want to be more helpful. The local “real” saw shop has gotten pretty bad. They complain about Stihl selling saws at Ace, Murdoch’s, and the green tractor store, but they don’t seem willing to work very hard to win anyone’s business. I like that they sell parts, but if I meet someone at Ace that seems competent and willing to order parts for me, I might have to ditch the saw shop. What happened to customer service?

 

I hear you man! I’m lucky to have an awesome dealer who carries Husky, Stihl and Echo. He discounts fairly too. He seems to be the exception to the rule though...

 

My local dealer will put any bar on it you want, but it won't be for a special deal. They just don't have to right now as they can't even keep them in stock. I can get a better deal than what I posted, but I don't need a bar with it at all. I have a bunch already. PM me if you want and I will give you the dealer name. They are not suppose to ship them I guess. Their Stihl masters will flip. You are probably three to four hours from where I'm at if you are up near the Yak.

 

From what my dealer tells me, the saw never comes in with a certain bar/chain. The pricing placards with different bar lengths are just a way to get some pricing on the wall. Stihl ships the powerhead by itself and then the dealer outfits it the way the buyer wants.

 

There are no 500 local, I bought mine from a buddy had him ship it to another buddy that’s porting it. If you want one this might be something to figure out.

 

My dealer is working on getting more in if anyone is in my area. He got three when I bought mine and they went in a day or so. He said more on the way...

 

I’ve seen one at an Ace and 3 at a saw shop. I’m pretty confident my Stihl dealer would get me one if I asked.
When I was at Ace I asked an employee if they make chains. I assumed they all make chains and boxed them up. A roll of Stihl chain includes boxes. Anyway she responded with “no we don’t make chains!” like I was crazy for asking.

 

Flathead valley. Not that far northwest. I hope we aren’t talking about the same shop. I am sure that they will get more saws in. They honestly never offered to even try to order one for me. I would really like to see them try to earn some business for a change. I know that I am not the only one who feels the same.

 

Where was this??

 

ACE (E & H) Hardware in Wayne county

 

In the saw video thread, huskihl just posted a video of my 500 he just finished porting.

 

I know nothing about stihls, what is R version and nonR ?

 

R is the wrap handle used in felling mostly.

 

The R is a full wrap handle.

Edit: Brad beat me by 7 seconds... I'll get you next time!!!

 

MS 500i R
The MS 500i R —the first chainsaw on the worldwide market with a wrap-handle design and electronically controlled fuel injection.

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The MS 500i R —the first chainsaw on the worldwide market with a wrap-handle design and electronically controlled fuel injection —is designed and built specifically to meet the needs of forestry personnel and tree service professionals. An excellent power-to-weight ratio and wrap-handle design make this saw a versatile tool for felling, bucking or delimbing operations in multiple positions. A combination of leading-edge innovation and world-class engineering, the MS 500i R is able to deliver uncompromising performance with rapid acceleration thanks to its unique fuel injection system, making it a nearly unparalleled addition to the growing catalog of legendary STIHL equipment.

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Now you're just showing off...

 

Did you get the wrap handle on yours? Ive never owned a wrap handled saw.