Stihl

[irv104]

With all the new Stihl Model numbers, what are the saws ranking. At one time the even numbers were the top saws, what is residential, commercial & Pro. now? ???

[StihlDoc]

There is no "system" to the STIHL model numbers that indicate what type of use the saw is designed for and only coincidence that most of the STIHL "pro" saws have even numbers. The model numbers are not assigned to indicate if the machine is designed for pro use or occaisional use.

[Bernhard]

easy to figure out...170, 180, 210, 230, 250 are compact saws..., 270,280 290, 310, 390 are allrounders....200 240 up to 361 are midrange and440 up to 880 are high range profi saws...190T 192T and 200T are arborist saws

[sawguy21]

When Stihl made only pro saws in the good ol days it was easy. 031 ws 3.1 cu in or 50 cc. 051 was 5.1 cu in or 89 cc. Simple. Then they started upgrading their models and rather than using a s/n break they changed the number. Then they built consumer, semi pro and pro saws in the same size. The numbers went all over the map. After three years, our other salesman still (Stihl?) has not figured it out and keeps asking me.

[irv104]

Thank you I think, Now I am more confused then ever. smiley_tom_dizzy03

[fishhuntcutwood]

Stihl's new catalog lays is all out pretty well.  Their online list still listst the 360, which is gone in the U.S., and it lists the 260 as a midrange or homeowner saw.   You really can't judge a saw's professionalism by it's hp or size.  The 390 is the same "size" as a 361, but they're entirely different saws.  One is a homeowner saw, and one is a professional saw.

As far as the catalog is concerned, the 260, 361, 440, 460, 650, 660, and 880 are professional saws.  The 191, 192 200T and 200 are arborist saws, and everything else is homeowner.

Jeff

[StihlDoc]

In the U.S. here are the current STIHL models and the type of use they are designed for:

Occaisional, farm, ranch, home
MS 170
MS 180
MS 210
MS 250
MS 290
MS 310
MS 390

Arborists use
009 L
MS 191 T
MS 192 T
MS 200 T

Pro use
MS 200
MS 260
MS 270
MS 280
MS 361
MS 440
MS 460
MS 650
MS 660
MS 880

[DanG]

I was in a local hardware store that serves as the Stihl dealer.  I noticed they had two 260's sitting side by side, but one of them had a sticker on it that said "PRO".  The price tag on this one said "ms260p" but it didn't say that on the saw.  Only difference I could see was that sticker and a $40 price difference.  Any idea what's going on there?

[fishhuntcutwood]

The 260 Pro is the same saw, with the addition of a decompression release valve, and an adjustable oiler.  Well worth the $40.

Jeff

[sawguy21]

StihlDoc I thought the MS270/280 were more of a farm/ranch saw. While a smooth emission compliant unit, will they stand up to hard use? I have not seen one apart.

[StihlDoc]

The MS 270 and MS 280 were originally scheduled to replace the 024 and 026 (now MS 240, MS 260) but development was delayed. The MS 260 (026) was kept in the line due to its popularity. The MS 270, MS 280 are true pro saws with a durable crank and bearings, better air filteration, new smoother anti-vibration system, and digitally controlled ignition timing. The versions with the triple activated chain brake are real nice with a completely new chain brake mechanism. Much different and easier and less expensive to repair than the original triple brake that was introduced on the 036 QS.

[fishhuntcutwood]

StihlDoc-The 280 is a horizontally split case, correct?  And that differs from the 028 in that it was vertical, correct?  My understanding has been that the 028 and 280 are somewhat different saws.   

Just getting my facts straight.  ???

Jeff

[StihlDoc]

StihlDoc-The 280 is a horizontally split case, correct?  And that differs from the 028 in that it was vertical, correct?  My understanding has been that the 028 and 280 are somewhat different saws.   

Just getting my facts straight.  ???

Jeff

The MS 280 has nothing in common with the 028. It is a completely different saw. You are correct, the crankcase splits horizontally but the components are close tolerance castings. Similar to how high performance snowmobile and motorcycle crankcases are designed. Nothing like the MS 250 or MS 290 type of crankcase.

[fishhuntcutwood]

Thanks.

[jokers]

Hi Stihldoc,

I`m not knocking the 270/280 too hard but the 280 sure doesn`t feel like a pro saw when being used. The power/weight ratio is lower than other pro saws and the anti vibe is soooo soft that it seems sloppy to me.

I have a 280 and I`m contemplating giving it to my dad in lieu of the 260 that I gave him, I just need to see him start it ok, he`ll never tackle another big tree so he`ll never realize what I consider it`s shortcomings.

One positive thing that I can say about the 280 vs the 260 is that it has more stump power but I don`t know where that leaves the 270 relative to the 260. It doesn`t look good on paper.

If the ultimate plan is for the 260 to be dropped from the line, I think Stihl could do better than the 280 as it`s replacement and I hope they do.

Russ

[jokers]

Oh BTW, Stihl has done an outstanding job on the 361 in my opinion, maybe they will do a 261.

Russ

[StihlDoc]

Russ,
The anti-vibe system on the MS 270, MS 280 was designed for the AV requirements of the European market and short bar applications. The machines are listed for use with up to 20" bars in the U.S. market but really should use a 16" bar length. They are good machines but hard to fit into a niche with the U.S. market.

[jokers]

Hi Stihldoc,

I got my 280 with a 20" bar, not because I wanted a 20 but that was the way that it was available to me. A 20 is too nose heavy for the saw and it does droop significantly while being carried. That and the somewhat vague feedback through the bar in a cut is what I don`t like about the 280. I will try a 16 sometime.

Russ

[tony_marks]

stihl pro vrsus homeowner. more vague now. what ive heard in the forums is 260 361 460 and 660. . my bigger saw are 372 and olympyk 962. so i could be wrong on the larger saws.. just what ive read on the forums like i say.