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
I promise you that the problem is related to the fact that they came from the box stores. Set up, instruction, whatever. Could also be the customers were returning their "free rentals" with bogus problems. This good for me, because the more saws these clowns bring back to the box stores, the more refurbs I can buy at great prices.
I sell a LOT of 455/460's and they are dead on reliable. Never had one come out of the box and not start. Never saw one leak oil out of the case. Occasionally have to adjust the idle, but that's it. Got three 460's going out to a local fire dept tomorrow.
Back on topic, some guys may be able to poke fun at the 290/310/390, based on their own prejudices. But what can not be disputed is that they work, and work very well. Thousands of their owners have cut how many thousand cords of wood, as member after member has been posting. So they have pretty effectively answered the original question as to why they like them. But some guys insist on telling them that it's no good. So, who's really "ignorant" here?