I started out with a ms 290..i thought that thing was a beast.....that is till i bout the 441c...now i hardly even look at the 290...imo a 70cc saw is best for a 1 saw plan if you even think your going to be cuttin logs 20" or larger...a 70cc screams with a 20" and can handle a 28" should the need arise....thst saw jus flat out screams...cant wait to send it to randy to see what it is truly capable of
60cc is one saw plan territory for me. My saw has 0 problems running a 20" of full comp chain in hardwood.
Its different for everyone I guess....cuz Im a 50 cc guy . I dont go lookin for big stuff to cut But I may be leaning towards some 60cc action soon !!
I think the MS250 is one of the most underrated saws in Stihls lineup, and one of their better values. I have had just about every 50cc pro saw made (modern saws), and the MS250 definitely has a place in the 50cc market, even as a "consumer saw". The capability of many of these saws, is in the hands of the beholder. Yeah, there are better saws- but my money is on the consumer saw in the hands of a knowledgeable user, not the pro saw in the hands of a novice.
I see chevyman 99 s message here lol Good tips on the 390 and may change later. The speed makes sence but If I buy a 880 will I have a road tractor 4 x 4 so I can haul more to the house lmao Just kidn I knew this would bring some stories I could use and the one about the 290 and 390 weighing the same has realy got me thinking. I am so far a head on wood that replacing a winters worth each year is all that is my plans other than helpping my buddys. I love my 250
I have a 251. I've used it a lot more than I thought I would but it's always done the job for me for the most part. It didn't handle noodling all that well but that's probably not what it's intended for. I keep sharp chains and it has always done well with rounds up to about 20" wearing an 18" bar. I will get a bigger saw at some point but for what I do it's definitely adequate. I would say I have at least 30 tanks through it now from helping people cut - could be more like 50.
Hey if the 250 suits your needs run it. Everyone's cup of tea is different as you can see by everyone's opinion. There's no wrong or right saw for everyone. So it's tailered to what you need. But......
I have three of the 025/MS250 Stihls. I just use them for trimming and limbing. They are the smallest saws I own. I run .325 X 16" Stihl bars and either RS or RM chain. They are all muffler modded and the two 025's have WT-215 Walbro carbs. Getting on up 10" or so I get out the 365 Special or 372XP, whatever is handy. I have a assortment of nice 50cc saws too that I might use.
I've always said the MS250 was the most saw $300 would buy.... They do have a surprising amount of grunt in the cut.
Griz, I bought a 250 here about two+ years ago, It's my go to saw as well… As some put it, it depends on what/how big your cutting and what you need. I run my Fishers and I cut 3 to 4 cord a year. I have 6 saws, a 441 Mag, "that Master Mech" just fixed up for me on down to a old 010. 80% of the time I'm running the 250. I ran an old 021 for years and I still have it! It's more of a shelf dweller now but it served me well. After you cut long enough, you'll figure out "when" you need a bigger saw
I thought of you MM when some said the 250 was underrated and a good value etc. I remembered you have said that.
Sure that wasnt an 026, I have heard and read some those dont have an adjustable H. I have an 025 I am parting out and I am almost positive the carb had an H and L. I havent sold it yet so I will look when I get home if I remember.
A 460 will be faster if your staying under 25" bar.. And lighter.. And.. Well, more gooder.. The 440, 441, and 460 (or 044 or 046) are some of my favorites to run. I like the 60 cc class if I am gonna run it all day. But if you want some wood really quickly? A 70 cc saw will pound that wood out. There is gonna be a nice 441 and a 372 up for sale soon in the Classified section here. Keep your eyes open.
