Step up above Stihl MS250?

With about 8 cords of logs to CSS in front of me, I'm thinking of stepping up to a bigger saw.
Without going overboard (No I don't need the 500i, no matter wht you guys say) What would be some good candidates to watch for used? I want to stay with the Stihl brand.
I'll keep the 2 MS250s anyway.
This will be for processing firewood hardwood logs from 6" to about 20" in diameter mostly

Currently have noticed some MS290s and a MS261 in the local ads.

I forgot to mention. If any of you guys are selling something that may be a good fit for me, please PM.
Include the all in price please you need for it. Shipping to 05201 if farther than 100 miles from me, no haggle, etc.

Thanks.
Lenny

 

The MS290 with 20" bar will get the job done and not break your back.
I'm on my 3rd bar and gone thru 7 or 8 chains.
One negative to a used saw is if they used ethanol gas. But that can be fixed with carb cleaner.

 

I’d go with a MS261. Offered in Mtronic or standard. Both are solid saws.

 

If 8 cords is going to be the yearly norm I'll say the 462. Then the 261. I consider the 290 an occasional use saw after running the 261 and 462.

 

MS261 if you want to stick with Stihl , I think that if you can spend a little more and get a pro saw over something like a 290 you will be happy you did so.

I know you mentioned you wanted to stick with Stihl but the Husky 550xp is also a really nice saw that rivals the 261. I am extremely pleased with the one I bought recently. I was looking for a 261 but availability in my area is not good so I figured I would give Husky a shot and not disappointed at all.
I am a Stihl guy so to speak but also have a Husky 359 , 455 Rancher and now the 550XP. Honestly can't say that any of them are bad saws.

 

I would say the 462 or 500i. The added expense is well worth it when you factor in your time savings. I have a 250 and it’s great for 6-8 inch logs, but not the bigger stuff. Whichever step up you make, I am sure you will be happy. I have learned the hard way to go a step or two bigger, as you will always want more!!!! Good luck.

 

not sure how far this Stihl 441 is, but for the price I would be all over it, better act fast! I'd buy it in a second and I have absolutely no need for it!

Stihl MS 441 C Magnum Chain Saw - tools - by owner - sale

Lennyzx11 a lot of this depends one your budget. Without knowing your budget I would suggest something in the 60-70 cc range for cutting 20" logs. Preferable 70cc. Your 251 and a 70 cc saw makes a great 2 saw plan. I've had pretty good luck finding nice used PRO saws without breaking the bank, you just have to be patient and look often the good deals go fast.

not sure how far this Stihl 441 is, but for the price I would be all over it, better act fast!

Stihl MS 441 C Magnum Chain Saw - tools - by owner - sale

 

All i cut with from 2010 to 2018 was a 290 with 16" bar on wood the same size as you mentioned. I did get a 20" bar toward the end (i sold saw last year) and was disappointed with it buried in bigger logs. Purchased a 261 (came with 20" bar) and it cuts bigger wood a lot better than my 290. I now use the 261 mostly with a 16" bar and am happy with it. I have multiple saws for all sized wood.
I would get the 261 Lennyzx11 . You will be happier! My 261 is regular carb BTW.
If you wanted to go a step higher a 362/361/360/036 (also pro model saws) is a good option too. Ive cut 24" sugar maple with mine (361) and handled it fine.
As im sure youve already seen, we're a bunch of enablers on here and will have you owing multiple saws in no time. Be careful of CAD as i have a bad case of it.

 

Trade it in to G&H. They had four 261's on the shelf!

 

WOW! That is a good price! Should be $750. Road trip for me??? 4hrs 15 minutes one way.

 

Maybe the 441 got run 1 time until the chain got dull and slack and owner put it up.

 

Don't start ! LOL

Like you say " I don't need another saw " ; "want" = well ...OK ;yes
but need = no.

I need time ! That poor 500i has been collecting dust , and it's not sawdust either.
A weeks vacation from both jobs is in order really soon.

 

I forgot on the original post

I hit them up. I'm 3 1/2 hours away.

 

Budget is open. Within reason.
I just didn't want to get a saw that would be under utilized for a home use type. But I do try to buy quality and a bit more than what i need.
The 250s seem like they get a little overworked compared to the way I see some of you guys videos working bigger saws.
I enjoy firewood working and scrounging and have 10 acres to work dead trees out of but I'm not planning on selling firewood or going pro by any means.
I also turned 56 and kinda fit but I don't want to hoss around one of the 200 lb turbocharged 37" bar some of you younger guys are swinging around with one hand!

 

261 over a 290 any day. You’ll never run the 250’s again tho.

 

With all the saws I have I still like my 250 ,
I don't want to use the wrong term and say it is a great beater but it is just that. It has cut a boatload of wood over the years and if I have some small to midsize wood to cut I still don't hesitate and grab the 250.

 

Yep!!. Can't remember when I ran my 250 last. My 261 does most of my cutting. BUT if I'm running it and pick up the 462 it's hard to go back to the 261. Going to be at the Stihl shop tomorrow and may grab another 261 just because.

 

The 462 with a Stihl light bar is amazingly light, powerful and balanced. I have used saws of all sizes most my life for a living and the 462 amazed me with it’s weight to power. I think I’d like it more with a 20” light bar. The 261 is a great saw for firewood and I highly recommend having one, but the 462 will cut the bigger stuff faster and doesn’t have the weight of older 70cc saws. Probably should get both and be set for most wood cutting situations.

 

Hmm,, only time I use mine is to cut small stumps at ground level. Truly beating on it. Two 550’s almost the same weight and twice the power. See no reason to slow myself down more than I already am LOL

 

Ive seen that before. I texted, no response, i called and left VM. Got text later this afternoon saying i was second in line but im not driving 8.5 hours round trip for a saw if its mine.