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tlc1994

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Looking into chainsaws for moderate use, and I am mostly interested in the 290. Most cuts will be at max 14-16", and it should only see moderate use. I have used a 390 Farm Boss in the past but I can`t justify the funds as of now for that model as I can`t realize that much demand at the moment.

If you have a 290 I would be interested to here what you have been able to do with it.
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#2 ·
I live and breathe Stihl but for chainsaws its Husky all the way. If you want a saw that flat rips for your intended application check out the Husky 346XP.
 
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#3 ·
DaddyRabbit said:
I live and breathe Stihl but for chainsaws its Husky all the way. If you want a saw that flat rips for your intended application check out the Husky 346XP.
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Basically the same thing here, I love Stihl equipment of any type as well, though I very much prefer the Jonsered saws over either Stihl or Husky simply based on ergonomics between Husky and Jonsered, and both will outcut their Stihl counterparts HP for HP. I know that Husky now owns Jonsered, but at one time they were both owned by Electrolux. All the high tec stuff that is available on Husky's (and now even Stihl) came out first on the Jonsered saws.

The problem with Husky's XP saws is that they are designed for guys who use one often, and know how to keep the saw running in the powerband, which is at the top of the rpm range for the XP's. If you lug one down very far, you get out of the powerband and the saw doesn't cut well. I believe that you'd be very well served by the MS290 if Stihl is your preference, but if you are open to suggestions, then try either a Jonsered 2245, 2250, or the Husky 345, 350 series. The Husky's can be found at your local Home Depot and Lowe's. These saws are designed to have a much wider powerband before the saw stops lugging/cutting properly, and are designed with the occassional user in mind.

I have cut with a 290, and it is a step above the others in power, and is a fine saw. It is also Stihl's best selling saw for more than one reason.

I personally own several Jonsered saws now after running Stihl for 20+ years. I have run them side by side on many occasions and it's one reason I switched. Since Husky's have the same parts other than the external facia, they'll do the same thing.

All in all, they are all very good saws, and you won't go wrong no matter which one you choose.
 
#5 ·
I have used 290's for 15 years and love them. I used one for the company I worked for, and liked it so much I bought one for myself. It is strong, but keep that chain SHARP. They are plenty of saw for all but the most serious pro. I also love Husky saws, and have had a Makita that was nice as well, but I still love my 290 with 20 inch bar. Keep a close eye on the bar oil though. They drink it fast!
 
#6 ·
Stihl, Husqavarna's XP series, and Dolmat all make some great saws. That said the MS290 is not one of my favorites. Its a very heavy saw (13 lbs or so) with about 3.8 hp, if I remember correctly. It has a plastic clam shell design that makes it hard to work on if needed. If you can stretch the budget a bit you might want to look at the MS270 or MS280 which have much better weight to power ratios than the MS290. If you have a dealer near you also check out the Dolmar saws. Professional build quality and, usually, less expensive than Stihl. The 7900 is one of my favorite 70-ish cc class saws.
 
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#8 ·
I've had a 290 for about 5 years. It's a great saw. Always fires right up. It does drink the gas though.

I've got a 20" bar on mine and use it on tons of stuff. It does get heavy if your using it for long stretches at a time.

Buy one! One job and it's paid for and you will love it. You will be looking for stuff to cut up.
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Discussion starter · #9 ·
Thanks I appreciate all the advice, I think the 290 would fit all my needs for my customers. Could anyone tell me what YOU would pay for a new 290? The ONLY dealer in town is an authorized Stihl dealer and they want $359.99 with a 20" bar. Unfourtunately the dealers (good dealers) in this area are sparse and it is difficult to compare prices.
 
#11 ·
tlc1994 said:
Thanks I appreciate all the advice, I think the 290 would fit all my needs for my customers. Could anyone tell me what YOU would pay for a new 290? The ONLY dealer in town is an authorized Stihl dealer and they want $359.99 with a 20" bar. Unfourtunately the dealers (good dealers) in this area are sparse and it is difficult to compare prices.
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Stihl is a lot like Deere. Their prices don't vary by much if at all from dealer to dealer, or at least it's like that here in this state. I can go almost anywhere here and the price won't vary by more than $10 all things included in the sale being the same. The price you got sounds about right to me, and I agree, see if they'll throw in the case and oil. In fact, Stihl runs promotions like that quite often.
 
#12 ·
tlc1994 said:
Looking into chainsaws for moderate use, and I am mostly interested in the 290. Most cuts will be at max 14-16", and it should only see moderate use. I have used a 390 Farm Boss in the past but I can`t justify the funds as of now for that model as I can`t realize that much demand at the moment.

If you have a 290 I would be interested to here what you have been able to do with it.
Posted via Mobile Device
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Don't know if its an option for you but I picked up a really nice MS361 for less than a new MS290 and this thing kicks! If you're not aghast at going the used route I think you will be happier.:D
 
#13 ·
Earlier this summer when I purchased a stihl blower, if you buy a 6 pak of their synthetic 2 stroke oil, your warr is doubled through stihl. It might be the same for their saws, worth checking about anyways.
 
#14 ·
The 290 is a good saw. Yes it is a clamshell design, but in the 12 years I have owned mine that has never been an issue. Like said above they will run up to a 20" bar, make sure to keep a sharp chain on it, and wear your saw chaps. My 029 Super (later renamed the MS 290) wears and 18" bar with Stihl RSC chain and it performs well.
 
#15 ·
I have a 290. Only thing is that lately it has this thing about not wanting to start and then when it runs it dies....always at the wrong time! probably needs a carb kit and new air filter or something. When it runs I would not trade it for any Husky or any other saw!
MIke
 
#16 ·
Birdhunter1 said:
The 290 is a good saw. Yes it is a clamshell design, but in the 12 years I have owned mine that has never been an issue. Like said above they will run up to a 20" bar, make sure to keep a sharp chain on it, and wear your saw chaps. My 029 Super (later renamed the MS 290) wears and 18" bar with Stihl RSC chain and it performs well.
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The clamshell design is not less reliable it is just a pain to work on if needed. My major objection to the MS290 is its weight to power ratio which is probably the worst in Stihl's line. They now have a MS291 which is somewhat lighter with the same horsepower. I don't know why anyone would want to lug 13 lb saw with only 3.8 hp when a 460 is only slightly heavier and much more powerful. To each their own.
 
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#17 ·
I bought this one a few years ago and it does everything I need it to do. Could not ask for a better saw. I use it for fire wood and Ive cut down several trees with it. One over 2 ft diameter and it does just fine. I have the 18" bar on mine.

Its light and easy to handle which is why I bought it. For power to weight ratio and ease of use I would recommend this saw to anyone. Ive had mine for a few years now and no problems at all and it starts right up every time.

http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS250.html

Dave...
 
#18 ·
IS500Z said:
The clamshell design is not less reliable it is just a pain to work on if needed. My major objection to the MS290 is its weight to power ratio which is probably the worst in Stihl's line. They now have a MS291 which is somewhat lighter with the same horsepower. I don't know why anyone would want to lug 13 lb saw with only 3.8 hp when a 460 is only slightly heavier and much more powerful. To each their own.
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I 100% agree with what you are saying, the power to weight ratio is not at all great, in fact it is very poor. A 361/362 weighs the same and has much more power, a 260 pro or 261 has less weight and about the same power. But considering what the original poster is going to use the 290 for and the 290 being about $150 cheaper than the 261 and $250 cheaper than the 361/362 you have to look at a power/dollar/weight/ratio. Add in Husky's offering and there are much better power/weight ratio saws out there. I know the 290 is the first saw I bought when I was 19, I am now 31 and have only had to replace (aside from wear items; bar, chain, sprocket, filters) an oil pump, a clutch clip/shoe thingy and clutch springs. One of the clutch springs broke, which bent the clip thing that held it all together, which on it's next rotation literally sheared the oil pump open. I think I had about $40 is repairs as a local Stihl shop has a treasure yard in the back of the shop for us 'select' (repeat and loyal) customers and there was a 290 that was straight gassed and piston scored that had all the parts I needed.

The 290 I look at like a jack of all trades master of none kind of saw. I have only run Stihl 2 cycle oil in mine mixed to the specs on the bottle, kept a sharp chain on it, maintained the bar well and kept it serviced and ready to go not sitting outside or in the truck overnight and it has worked well for me. I have cut semi trailers full of wood with it alone. Some of my bigger trees were a 38" dbh pecan, 42" dbh Red oak, comparable sized white oak and cherry.

Oh yeah, I had to replace a chain brake handle due to a blow down tree under stress doing something unexpected. When it happened I ditched the saw, jumped and ran to later retrieve the saw from under said tree with a broken chain brake handle.

It is a good saw, there are lots of good saws and great saws out there but the 290 has served me well.
 
#19 ·
I just picked up this little guy this weekend to replace that POS 180 Stihl I had which is now taking up space in the Franklin county landfill. This guy flat rips! I love the way it cranks, totally easy. It winds itself up when you gently pull on the rope and when it retracts it then initiates the crank.
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#20 ·
A friend of mine has a 250C with that easy start setup on it. Pretty neat really and I would own one but I have an 024 in the same weight range and I can swap bars between my 024 and 029, I do not believe the 230 and 250 bars fit on an 029.
 
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