In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

"Homeowner" saw choice? The eternal question.

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by mike bayerl, Nov 23, 2015.

?

Single firewood/homeowner saw

  1. Stihl MS 250 @ $300

    16 vote(s)
    37.2%

  2. Echo 590 @ $400

    14 vote(s)
    32.6%

  3. Stihl MS260 lightly used @ $450

    13 vote(s)
    30.2%
Page 2 of 3
  1. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    9,648
    Likes Received:
    26,024
    Location:
    Greenville County SC
    How would he feel about running an MS290 as a 1 saw plan? If that sounds too under-powered and heavy, then I'd skip the 590. What is the source for the MS260? If it's coming from somewhere that will service it, then it's an option if the $$ is not a problem. But it sounds as if he might be the kind of guy to whom a used chainsaw is just that, a used chainsaw. Little difference in his eyes between a used 260 and a yard-sale Wild Thing.

    I vote for the new MS250. You can muffler mod it for him and sit on the front porch drinking a cold one listening to it holler. Who says a clamshell won't cut wood? This one is STOCK except for a very free flowing muffler mod and a trimmer gas cap that adds a good .2-.3hp.

     
    MasterMech, Nov 24, 2015
    #21 Top
    mike bayerl, Horkn, Chvymn99 and 4 others like this.
  2. Machria

    Machria

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2013
    Messages:
    2,426
    Likes Received:
    4,983
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Changing the gas cap can add hp?
     
    Machria, Nov 24, 2015
    #22 Top
  3. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    9,648
    Likes Received:
    26,024
    Location:
    Greenville County SC
    Oh absolutely. I make sure all my saw have magnum stickers, orange centered flippys caps, and double-half skip semi-goofy filed chain for best results. ;)
     
    MasterMech, Nov 24, 2015
    #23 Top
    unclefess, Horkn, Chvymn99 and 6 others like this.
  4. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2015
    Messages:
    24,403
    Likes Received:
    140,440
    Location:
    US
    Mean little saw right there! I like it:yes:
    You're going video-posting-bonkers today, MM!:thumbs:
    Keep 'em comin'!
     
    Eric VW, Nov 24, 2015
    #24 Top
    Horkn, Chvymn99, HoneyFuzz and 2 others like this.
  5. bogydave

    bogydave

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    10,313
    Likes Received:
    37,218
    Location:
    Alaska, North of Anchorage & South of Fairbanks
    260 with a MM thrown in.
    He's gonna need dry wood soon :)
     
    bogydave, Nov 24, 2015
    #25 Top
    Horkn, Chvymn99, NH mountain man and 1 other person like this.
  6. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2013
    Messages:
    9,648
    Likes Received:
    26,024
    Location:
    Greenville County SC
    Just re-runs I'm afraid. Been awhile since I've done a vid. damm job keeps gettin in the way!
     
    MasterMech, Nov 24, 2015
    #26 Top
    Horkn, Chvymn99, concretegrazer and 3 others like this.
  7. Woodsnwoods

    Woodsnwoods

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2015
    Messages:
    3,067
    Likes Received:
    20,080
    Location:
    Syracuse, NY
    I bought a new 025 about 20 years ago when I was hired to clean up my neighbors woods after they had it logged. My dad still uses it, and I have it with me today to sharpen and tune it up. I have cut some large stuff with that saw and it never skipped a beat. An old timer taught me how to run a file as I was only in my teens which helped. Sharp chain and Rpm's was the trick. I have since bought a few pro level saws, but this was a great saw to learn with.
     
    Woodsnwoods, Nov 24, 2015
    #27 Top
    Horkn, Chvymn99, HoneyFuzz and 3 others like this.
  8. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Messages:
    4,484
    Likes Received:
    14,831
    Location:
    Northeast , Ohio
    I voted for the 590...as ive had one...and really liked it ! But...my first saw was a Husky 350..still have it. And then I got a Husky 450. Good saw too . I might get people wound up...but I personally feel the "pro" saw bs is overrated....unless you are a logger...Those "homeowner" "plastic" saws probably put more Firewood on the ground than any other type. It's more about proper maint. and sharp chains ! And me..I cut my teeth on lower priced saws. Beats bangin around a $500 saw..
    Now that I have rambled on....if it was me...i wish you had more options to chose from !
    A one saw plan is different for everyone. I seek out small diameter wood...so for me..a good 40cc saw..or low 50cc fits the bill. Good for brush cutting..small Firewood...and can even take the very rare bigger log. I loved the 590....but too heavy for me to call an all around saw !
     
    HoneyFuzz, Nov 24, 2015
    #28 Top
    Horkn, Chvymn99 and Eric VW like this.
  9. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Messages:
    4,484
    Likes Received:
    14,831
    Location:
    Northeast , Ohio
    I changed my vote to the Stihl 250. Good saws....run good. Good handling. They seem to hold up...and hold there value too.
     
    HoneyFuzz, Nov 24, 2015
    #29 Top
    NH mountain man, Horkn, Chvymn99 and 1 other person like this.
  10. pantelis

    pantelis

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2015
    Messages:
    861
    Likes Received:
    1,384
    Location:
    Europe
    the 260 if is in a good condition
     
    pantelis, Nov 24, 2015
    #30 Top
    NH mountain man and Sunfish like this.
  11. dgeesaman

    dgeesaman

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2014
    Messages:
    662
    Likes Received:
    1,952
    Location:
    Elizabethtown, PA
    How big is the wood on his property?

    In all likelihood a bigger saw is not better. I would steer toward the 260 or 250 with the knowledge that if he "gets into it" then he'll want 70+ cc as a second saw.

    David
     
    dgeesaman, Nov 24, 2015
    #31 Top
    NH mountain man, concretegrazer, Horkn and 3 others like this.
  12. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2014
    Messages:
    4,484
    Likes Received:
    14,831
    Location:
    Northeast , Ohio
    Well put !
     
    HoneyFuzz, Nov 24, 2015
    #32 Top
    NH mountain man and Horkn like this.
  13. Sunfish

    Sunfish

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2014
    Messages:
    389
    Likes Received:
    834
    Location:
    Success Mo
    Not the best choices, but...

    I'd have to go with the ms260 if in good shape. I'll never be without a good 50cc saw.

    Second choice be the 590, but really it's chunky for a 60cc saw.
     
    Sunfish, Nov 24, 2015
    #33 Top
    concretegrazer, MasterMech, pantelis and 1 other person like this.
  14. Sunfish

    Sunfish

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2014
    Messages:
    389
    Likes Received:
    834
    Location:
    Success Mo
    Then again, I wouldn't pay $450 for a used ms260. Maybe $400 if minty.
     
    Sunfish, Nov 24, 2015
    #34 Top
    pantelis and HoneyFuzz like this.
  15. pantelis

    pantelis

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2015
    Messages:
    861
    Likes Received:
    1,384
    Location:
    Europe
    The answer is very simple you must take between a full magnesium pro saw and a full plastic saw, all the others are just theories
     
    pantelis, Nov 24, 2015
    #35 Top
    HoneyFuzz likes this.
  16. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2015
    Messages:
    3,005
    Likes Received:
    10,407
    Location:
    Drury Lane, PA
    Yup, I have a 40 and 70 cc saws. I don't own a woodlot so I never know what I'll need when I get.the call from a friend who has a lead on free wood. Throw em both in the truck and wreak havoc.
     
    bobdog2o02, Nov 24, 2015
    #36 Top
    NH mountain man and HoneyFuzz like this.
  17. mike bayerl

    mike bayerl

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2014
    Messages:
    3,924
    Likes Received:
    22,439
    Location:
    Central PA
    Yeah, that's awful pricey for the used 260. I wouldn't pat they much either.
     
    mike bayerl, Nov 24, 2015
    #37 Top
    NH mountain man, HoneyFuzz, Sunfish and 1 other person like this.
  18. Machria

    Machria

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2013
    Messages:
    2,426
    Likes Received:
    4,983
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    I don't like the magnum stickers, they make the saw to heavy. ;). But do tell what an orange centered floppy cap looks like please...
     
    Machria, Nov 24, 2015
    #38 Top
    NH mountain man and HoneyFuzz like this.
  19. Machria

    Machria

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2013
    Messages:
    2,426
    Likes Received:
    4,983
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Wow! The results right now are: 13 vs 13 vs 13
     
    Machria, Nov 24, 2015
    #39 Top
    NH mountain man, HoneyFuzz and dgeesaman like this.
  20. bobdog2o02

    bobdog2o02

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2015
    Messages:
    3,005
    Likes Received:
    10,407
    Location:
    Drury Lane, PA
    so as of right now any of the three will doe the job. Shame there's nt an equivalent husky or Dolmar in the group.........

    :hair::hair::hair:
     
    bobdog2o02, Nov 24, 2015
    #40 Top
    concretegrazer and HoneyFuzz like this.
Page 2 of 3