The MS290 is a good saw; as long as I kept to using fresh mix and keep the air filter clean it starts very easily and runs great. When I first started cutting I had some running issues with the saw that I traced to letting fuel sit too long; I guess it absorbs water etc or the 2 cycle oil breaks down or something; maybe you guys knows. However, the MS290 is a bit heavy and I know that newer saws are lighter today with the same power outage. I would probably look at getting a good used saw than a new one to save some money.
I replaced my ten year old 290 with an MS261 then sold the 290. Pricey saw but lighter and just as powerful. I also have top and lightweight rear handle for limbing/skinnies. Cut a lot of wood with just my 290. Cant say a bad thing about it.
Correct me if I'm wrong....you mentioned having difficulty working to get back on the three year plan, right? Buying wood to get on the three year plan is a solution indeed. Buying another saw doesn't get you on that plan. Someone has to use that saw along with the other two you already have! No where does it say that "all firewood must be scrounged". Once you post things on the internet, this is what happens. People respond to them. You know this. And if there are certain things that are posted repeatedly over the years, it makes people wonder if you are committed to the whole process of burning. (This next one is important!) If there are certain things about your "business" that you don't want discussed, don't post them! I still feel that the stimulus $$ could be used for the myriad of other things you mention.
Kimberly there are a lot of choices in the small saw range I do not know what you have for dealers around you but the best is to go and look at the different models just comparing specs on the internet is ok but actually holding the saw makes a big difference just because 2 brands weigh the same does not make the balance the same sometimes a little heavier saw has better balance the 290 was a very heavy saw for its power output I have sold a few makita EA4300F saws and the customers are really happy with them they are a magnesium case saw not plastic 3.0 hp 42cc saw I also have sold a few of the makita battery saws 16'' bars and the customers like them but they are not cutting 5 cord of wood a year with them if this virus ever goes away and the timber or farm shows open up again they are a great place to try out different models everyone here has great suggestions but what works for them might not suit you my "small " 16 inch saw iIs a ported 2171 jonsered and my bigger saw is a 750 homelite I have way too many choices of what saw to use have fun in your search JB
