I know its a truck forum, but think a few folks here have some knowledge of all things that are "man" including chainsaws.

Looking to buy me a new chainsaw. I have used them quite a bit and am comfortable with their use, but never owned one.

I have a few trees coming down that I will need to cut up in the upcoming weeks. Additionally I am looking for something to last me a long time, hence looking exclusively at Stihl. My Dad has an 031AV that is over 30 years old and still going strong.

I currently live in the city, but plan on moving to a more rural area in the future, so its use now will be limited. I dont really see me cutting anything more than 24" or so in diameter. Will be using for pruning and firewood cutting.

I have used the Stihl website and it is pointing me towards the MS 250.

Can anyone chime in on the reliability of this saw or recommend any others? Not sure of which bar length I need and am open to suggestion. Not sure about the Easy Start, looks like something else to break...

Thanks in advance.

 

I highly recommend a MS 362 C-Q... I've got one and I love it.

It's super good on fuel and it you don't have to worry about smelling like you've been sitting on a dirty exhaust all day because of the low emissions technology.

 

I kinda want to keep the price tag between $300-$400

 

If you get one with a bar length of 16-18in it will do everything you need it to do.

 

Try for at least a 270, that's where the 20" bar starts.

Many more 'pleasant' applications with the longer bar.
I never much cared for burying the nose into the work.

 

I think the 250 is the model I have. Bought it last year with an 18" blade. I really like it. It's a high revving little rascal. Had used a Poulan and McCullough before getting it.

 

Hmm, im likin' the sound of the "Wood Boss" !

 

You can't go wrong with $290. It is a good balance between cash and power. That being said, if your really going to be cutting much more than "every once and a while", do your self a favor and save up for the 362.

 

Don't buy a saw based on a cool name.

 

Exactly.
Blue won't mention this and it doesn't show in the pic but, the 250 says "Chipmunk" on the other side.

 

The 270 will probably be more than enough saw for you and if you need to cut anything down what requires more than a 20in bar call someone to do it.

 

I got tired of hearing all the laughter everytime I used the saw, so I put duct tape over the "Chipmunk".

 

Don't forget the Woodchuck.
I hear it is a great model.

 

The stihl farm boss I bought ten years ago hasn't failed me yet....great for whenever I need to use it!

 

Hate to be a naysayer but I wouldn't spend a DIME on a Stihl now a days. I have a Husqvarna I like you have put away for future use. My dad brought a Brand new Husky about a month before Hurricane Hugo hit our area. That saw earned it's keep in it's first month of life and then some. Not only, it ran strong for eighteen more years. My dad decided to replace it with a Stihl and it had to be repaired 3 times in the first year. Not only, my former boss exclusively bought Stihl and they were POS brand new. Don't get me wrong, the things they come out with are innovative and great ideas just poorly executed. The company purchased 2 brand new low cost Stihl leaf blowers (~150) and those worked really well and were really strong. But if it's my money, I'm going Husqvarna