Why do so many people love the 290/390?

[brages]

brages,

We've heard your side of the story. I'd now like to hear the 290's side of things.

Joat

Me too... I think it had something to do with a cracked fuel line... but I'd like to know for sure before I get this thing put together...

 

[tbuggle]

I've got a scored-up MS290 sitting around on my workbench... I'm sure I'm not the only one. I don't see where they get their reputation for stellar durability/reliability...

put crappy gas in any saw and it'll sit there just the same.

i don't understand why everyone isn't driving a toyota truck.

 

[mtfallsmikey]

How fitting that a Stihl nutcase is using old technology/information and incorrectly slagging on a superior product. Why don't you go rev tune your MS260 and tell us how high tech and awesome it is to compared to more modern saws.

Scott

Funny how Stihl NEVER has been bought out...as a matter of fact, arose from the dead after WWII.
Put a new 'Lux bag on your Hus-kee and call it a day!

 

[woodshed]

Yes, how superior of Stihl to not evolve or adapt to market demands. Having a excellent product that makes buying the company advantageous for a large conglomorate is obviously a sign of weakness. Clearly you know your stuff, slightly outdated/incorrect stuff, but stuff none the less.

Also, I own all Eletrolux/Frigidaire appliances and have had absolutely no isses whatsoever in 6 years. I "upgraded" to a top of the line Whirlpool front loading washer and dryer that have failed 4 times in one year, pure high priced junk. I will be shopping Eletrolux for my next appliance and chainsaw purchases.

Scott

 

[JJay03]

"Depends on who's camaro your driving ."


No it doesn't.

Sure it does.

 

[joatmon]

"Depends on who's camaro your driving ."


No it doesn't.

Sure it does.

Don't make me stop this car!

 

[BarkBuster20]

maybe im crazy i just think you fellows are being a bit harsh on the 290-310-390. now if im gonna be a faller for a logging co. sure im not gonna get one of those saws. but for firewood you cant go wrong with one... and you guys talk about burning them up like its easy, its really not.

 

[K9-Handler]

I have to disagree with SawTroll. I have both a Glock Model 22 and a Kimber Tactical II 1911. The Kimber can not be dropped from 10 meter building and not be damaged, but it is more accurate, is a more natural pointer, is hand fitted, can shoot lead bullets because it does not have octagonal rifling, has a match trigger not a flexi plastic trigger and does not have a oval chamber that stretches out brass and makes it harder to reload. Glock is a better tactical choice, but not a better gun.

Not to mention the almost-100-years-old 1911 has three (3) safeties (thumb, grip, and half-cock). And, no, I don't consider Glock's trigger to be a real safety. I have several of both, plus an XD, and each has it's place -- but not necessarily the same place.

 

[blakey]

I will stick up for the 290, it has more power now than when it was new. When it was new I could stop the chain easily but it woke up after a few tanks . I wonder if that's why people get a bad impression of them, they were too new. I cut at least 10 cords per year for the last 6 years for my owb and cutting is the easiest and fastest part of the job.

All it has needed was a new fuel line and the dealer did it for free even though it was slightly out of warranty. I removed the spark arrester screen on mine, not much chance of fire around here, it is a bit louder and has a bit more power. I even like the flip caps. It has been a great purchase.

 

[flotek]

I know of 4 brand new husky ranchers that leaked oil out of case and had to be returned right back to TSC and lowes ..and one rancher that wouldnt start for anything by a very mechanicly inclined person and it was promptly returned the next day . those personal testamonies were enough for me to go to our local stihl dealer . not sure if over the last few years they have cheapened them up for the box stores or what .A real shame because my dads 1983 rancher is a pretty good running saw made in europe

 

[BarkBuster20]

hm well today i cut a little over a cord and fell 15 or so trees with my 310 and in the last 2 weeks id say iv cut about 7-8 cord and fell atleast 30-40 trees. thats just in the last 2 weeks. its just getting stronger and stronger. its a good saw for the price. hasnt failed me yet.

 

[Tim Carroll]

I have a simple solution for everone that hates the 290. Don't own one and leave the rest of us who are happy with ours alone!!! If you cut firewood like I do to save money, you don't need to spend 2 or 3 times the cost of 290. They work fine for what they are meant for. (Joe six pack homeowner/firewood cutter) The same goes for Husky Ranchers (I don't own one but have used my buddy's quite a bit). My 029 has cut a crap load of wood for the last 10 years and other than bars, chains, air filter and spark plugs, the only thing I've ever done to it was a carb kit.

 

[radar1975]

I love my 310 it is a great saw. I cut side by side with my buddies 361 and not much difference. He uses mine and said the same. The biggest thing is to have a sharpe chain that makes all the difference.

 

[kbiv]

I bought my 390 after getting in over my head with a 210 and a 16 in bar on a 2foot oak. Got mad, did no research, went to Western Auto and told them I needed the biggest saw on the shelf. Slapped a 24 " and a regular chain and went to town. Burned her up 2 years later. Was it a good saw? yep. it was heavy, and would bog down when I tried to bury the bar, but it was a good saw until the fuel thing fried the piston. It was easy to start, kept running, and took more abuse than it was meant to. It wasn't a pro level saw, but it served a purpose. I will probably attempt to rebuild it and throw a 20 in on it. At the time I was only working for firewood and occasional fireline work. When I started selling wood, I upgraded to a 385. (My stihl dealer closed). But for the homeowner who needs a saw it worked.
I think its kinda funny that everyone says the same complaints about my 385
"underpowered overweight etc," Yeah whatever, this aint the PNW, and my saw is my upper body workout plan...

 

[SawTroll]

....
It's just frustrating to see ignorant people cooing over a mediocre saw.

If they were really hard up for money they'd be running older stuff. An XL-12 can be had for a song and will keep you warm, and will almost keep up with a 290 in bigger stuff.

My point is, if somebody has the money for a new 390, it's stupid of them to not spend a bit more and get the 361 because they think it's "too much saw"

Exactly! :agree2:

 

[joatmon]

Exactly! :agree2:

Niko,

I still submit that we must consider that not all people of this fair planet are impregnated with the "chainsaw loving gene".

- Some would laugh at the car you drive,
- Some would laugh at the coffee you drink,
- Some would laugh at the liquor you drink,
- Some would laugh at the wine you drink,
- Some would laugh at the firearm you use,
- Some would laugh at the cloths you wear,
- Some would laugh at the food you eat,
- Some would laugh at the home you live in,
- Some would laugh at the furnishings in your home,
- Some would laugh at your faith, and
- Some would laugh at your education.

But, are you saying that everyone would laugh at your 029/290?

I say, live and let live.

Associate freely with those that agree with you.

However, associating with those you don't agree with can be an expanding an liberating experince.

I remain,

Joat

 

[SawTroll]

Niko,

I still submit that we must consider that not all people of this fair planet are impregnated with the "chainsaw loving gene".

- Some would laugh at the car you drive,
- Some would laugh at the coffee you drink,
- Some would laugh at the liquor you drink,
- Some would laugh at the wine you drink,
- Some would laugh at the firearm you use,
- Some would laugh at the cloths you wear,
- Some would laugh at the food you eat,
- Some would laugh at the home you live in,
- Some would laugh at the furnishings in your home,
- Some would laugh at your faith, and
- Some would laugh at your education.

But, are you saying that everyone would laugh at your 029/290?

I say, live and let live.

Associate freely with those that agree with you.

However, associating with those you don't agree with can be an expanding an liberating experince.

I remain,

Joat

I don't laugh - just trying to keep the facts streight!


...that is my main mission here.....:jawdrop:

 

[joatmon]

I don't laugh - just trying to keep the facts streight!


...that is my main mission here.....:jawdrop:

Niko,

Misson accomplished!

Well done,

Joat

 

[BarkBuster20]

I'm going to disagree with you once again. i own a ms310 its used primarily for firewood. i cut A LOT of firewood probably around 100 full cord a year. i generally wont cut anything bigger than 18-24 inches (mostly alder and some fir) i run a 24" bar and i have absolutely no problems cutting any of it. And i have run a 460 and a 361 and an old 046 so i know what the 310 is lacking in power and gaining in weight. but its so minimal i dont care 2 pound difference or so with the 361 big deal i run my saw anywhere from 4-6 hours a day and i dont complain. it serves its purpose and doesnt falter. keep your chain sharp and it will cut great. sure a 361 is better and a 440 is better than that and a 460 is better than that too. you ever stop to think that maybe a person will buy a saw that is adequet for the job its obtained to be used for?

 

[joatmon]

I'm going to disagree with you once again. i own a ms310 its used primarily for firewood. i cut A LOT of firewood probably around 100 full cord a year. i generally wont cut anything bigger than 18-24 inches (mostly alder and some fir) i run a 24" bar and i have absolutely no problems cutting any of it. And i have run a 460 and a 361 and an old 046 so i know what the 310 is lacking in power and gaining in weight. but its so minimal i dont care 2 pound difference or so with the 361 big deal i run my saw anywhere from 4-6 hours a day and i dont complain. it serves its purpose and doesnt falter. keep your chain sharp and it will cut great. sure a 361 is better and a 440 is better than that and a 460 is better than that too. you ever stop to think that maybe a person will buy a saw that is adequet for the job its obtained to be used for?

Barky,

There ya go, using your brains instead of your hormones.

Salute,

Joat