chain saw

[RF Overlord]

Looking to buy a Stihl MS250 for use around the yard. Nothing heavy-duty, just Joe Happy Homeowner-type stuff. I know many will have their own personal favourite and I'm not looking for alternate choices, just want to know if there's any overriding reason NOT to buy this one.

Also, looking for a recommendation for 2-cycle oil...anything dramatically better than Stihl's oil?

 

[tom slick]

I have a MS250 I've used for several years and has zero issues or complaints.

 

[123Saab]

Stihl's have a good reputation, I prefer Husqvarna's but I cant see you go wrong with a Stihl.

Go for it.

 

[needsducktape]

Solid saw. Don't let others sell you something bigger or more "pro"

The biggest determining factor should be if the Stihl sales & SERVICE center is nearby.

 

[Panzerman]

I think that saw or any saw, I have had a Poulan that I have used more than I thought I ever would when I bought it(went thru two chains). Ive cut up truckloads of firewood with it, since we started camping. Its been maintence free, for me. Nothing I ever had to take it back for or had to have work done. Ive used Castrol TC two stroke oil in it and run it hard. Use a gas stabilizer(I like sea foam) and it should be trouble free.

 

[dave123]

Love my stihl 250 last you for ever for small to mid cutting you won't find much better oil than the stihl oil.

 

[Cujet]

Very good saw. Stihl chains are among the best too. Stihl 2 stroke oil has a good reputation on here. However, I am using up my supply before I switch.

 

[Donald]

I would get either a Stihl or Husky if my McCulloch ever fails for good. After 30 years the fuel line fell apart. But that is basically the only thing that has gone wrong. And I was hoping to get at least 40 out of the fuel line!!!

 

[Allan_G]

Great Saw, VERY TOUGH LITTLE SAW, Buy IT.
Bought the GF one 2 years ago, and I am an Advid Stihl User. But I was not sure what the performance would be. Anyways That is alot of punch for a little saw, with the 16" bar and STIHL Chain. The 250 has my respect for a great little saw.

Only issue was for some reason a bar nut loosened up twice, as soon as we got it. Needless to say the Stihl dealer gave us a new one plus a spare. Said for some reason it happens..

Two recommendations to you...

1) Only use STIHL CHAIN, they cut the best.

2) Use Genuine Stihl Oil, saw will last a long time


I call her saw the Rescue Ranger.... Had to use it to cut out my big saw when the wind messed up a cut..

 

[cronk]

MS250 is a good homeowner saw.
I like the Stihl ultra (synthetic) very good oil, use it in all my saws. Probably overkill, but for the amount of 2 stroke gas I go through, it doesnt cost much. The regular Stihl dino oil is good stuff as well.

 

[Bamboooo]

Originally Posted By: cronk
MS250 is a good homeowner saw.
I like the Stihl ultra (synthetic) very good oil, use it in all my saws. Probably overkill, but for the amount of 2 stroke gas I go through, it doesnt cost much. The regular Stihl dino oil is good stuff as well.


+1

You can't go wrong with a Stihl. No matter what it be - Chainsaw, Weedwacker, Blower, Extendo-Chainsaw, Concrete Saw, etc. They make GREAT stuff! The 250 is a descent saw for the average homeowner. As long as you don't get too carried away, it will last you a very long time. I have an older 027, which is today's 270, and love it. But, I cut quite a few cords of wood to burn in the winter.

 

[RF Overlord]

Wow. I didn't expect so many responses so quickly. It sounds like my buddy gave me good advice about Stihl.

 

[Donald]

The best to use for your saw is the Stihl gas (pure) & oil mix sold in QTs for about $9 and change. Obviously more $$ than mixing your own but no ethanol.

I have a QT, but its almost like 50 year old Scotch, I don't want to break it open.

 

[Donald]

I saw some Poulan chain saws at HD. I think Poulan and Husky are the same company or so I was told by a dealer. The Poulan chain saws were at a good price.

 

[Allan_G]

What i do know is that several years ago that the lower end huskies were produced by poulan. Infact the dealer told me to buy a poulan and save some cash as i would be getting the same saw. At the time i was looking for smaller saws to give to my friends kids as on their summer break with junk saws they managed to cut me 8 cords of firewood for free.

 

[4Kings]

I think if you purchase a 6 pack of Stihl Ultra at the time of purchase you can extend your warranty. Might want to check into that.

 

[Mr_Joe]

Stihl all the way for me, mine are a tad larger. If able I'd try to score the non-ethanol fuel. The Stihl 2-stroke mix is fine. Keep the spark arrester clean or remove it.

 

[tdi-rick]

I disagree with the comments on only using Stihl chain.

Any sharp chain cuts the best

Learn how to file, get a couple of spare loops and you'll be set.

 

[RF Overlord]

Originally Posted By: 4Kings
I think if you purchase a 6 pack of Stihl Ultra at the time of purchase you can extend your warranty.
I just picked up the saw yesterday morning and you are indeed correct. The Ultra is only $5 more than the basic oil and they double the warranty to 24 months. I don't normally go for "extended warranty" gimmicks but this one is a no-brainer.

 

[cronk]

Originally Posted By: tdi-rick
I disagree with the comments on only using Stihl chain.

Any sharp chain cuts the best

Learn how to file, get a couple of spare loops and you'll be set.


I disagree totally. I have a Stihl MS290, when I purchased it, I bought a spare Stihl chain from the dealer. Both the chain on the saw and the extra cut super fast and seemed to hold a sharp edge quite a while. I later needed a replacement chain, bought an Oregon at the local box store. Not only did it cut much slower, it did not hold an edge nearly as long.
After only a couple days cutting with it, went in the garbage can.
Put a Stihl chain on, and it was back to the fast cutting, low maintenance saw I remembered with original chain.