Been cruising the forum for awhile, but this is my first post. I've owned Stihl lawn equipment for some time, but recently purchased some acreage and am deciding on a saw purchase. I'm sold on Stihl due to the success I've had with their products--I've checked out Husky; nice saws but they are not prevalent in my area and available service is a key factor in my decision.
I will be clearing mostly smaller trees (primarily hardwood) and using it for seasonal firewood cutting and had been back and forth between the MS 260 (maybe pro) and the MS 280. Based upon some of the posts on this forum, and the fact that I find the MS 280 to be a little bulky and a pound heavier with no evident gain in HP (according to Stihl's figures), I decided to go with the MS 260--and to be honest, despite what company line that the dealers like to give, I just don't like all of the plastic on the 270/280 design.
Here's my question: Two different dealers have told me (while trying to sell me the 280, which they had in stock) that the MS 270/280 is the replacement for the MS 260--which they say will be discontinued by the end of the year. Does anyone out there have any inside information about this? I find it hard to believe that either saw would replace the 260 since, in my opinion, their power/weight ratio isn't as good--even with the "miraculous" anti-vibe system that the new design offers. I believe that they still make a quality product, but the trend seems to be that the consumer/homeowner market is driving Stihl's new designs, as opposed to professional users--so I guess it's possible that the 270/280 are the new standard. Please advise what you folks have heard, and also if you would still recommending sticking with the proven MS 260.
Thanks!
I will be clearing mostly smaller trees (primarily hardwood) and using it for seasonal firewood cutting and had been back and forth between the MS 260 (maybe pro) and the MS 280. Based upon some of the posts on this forum, and the fact that I find the MS 280 to be a little bulky and a pound heavier with no evident gain in HP (according to Stihl's figures), I decided to go with the MS 260--and to be honest, despite what company line that the dealers like to give, I just don't like all of the plastic on the 270/280 design.
Here's my question: Two different dealers have told me (while trying to sell me the 280, which they had in stock) that the MS 270/280 is the replacement for the MS 260--which they say will be discontinued by the end of the year. Does anyone out there have any inside information about this? I find it hard to believe that either saw would replace the 260 since, in my opinion, their power/weight ratio isn't as good--even with the "miraculous" anti-vibe system that the new design offers. I believe that they still make a quality product, but the trend seems to be that the consumer/homeowner market is driving Stihl's new designs, as opposed to professional users--so I guess it's possible that the 270/280 are the new standard. Please advise what you folks have heard, and also if you would still recommending sticking with the proven MS 260.
Thanks!