ms180 or ms230?

[Trigger Man]

I was talking to guy the other day, who was looking to buy a saw for around the camp and his home. He only needs it for limbing and the odd bucking, he showed me what saw the dealer showed him an ms 180, I told him for $50 bucks more go with the ms 230, he did'nt want to spend more than $400 before taxes so it retails here for $379 did I give him good advice?

 

[TRI955]

I here the MS211 is a real runner....

 

[gemniii]

If he's the type that will take care of a saw - good advice. But if he going to fill it up with regular once a year and let it gum up with old fuel and a dull chain - no.

With a new chain costing $20 and minimum shop charges $100 I think a lot of Charlie Cabin owners and Harry Homeowners are better off buying the $100 sale of the day at the big box store.

Cut their wood, use it for a season, and if it doesn't work next time they are only out $100.
And let him know why you are recommending it that way.

 

[Trigger Man]

He already went that root with a poulan, he burnt it up! I already told him about gas and storing it , and he's going to buy the stihl mix with stabilizer in it, he also just bought a fs 38 trimmer so his gas won't be sitting around as long. He is buying the 100 ml mix bottles so he should be using the gas up before it goes bad. As far as keeping his chain sharp well see.

 

[mowoodchopper]

Yes the only reason still has the 180 is to have a saw to compete with walmart!

 

[2000ssm6]

180 or 230? Neither, get the 211 and thank me later.

 

[warjohn]

I like my 180. I use it as much as any saw I have.

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

I had the 210 and with a MM it was a very good saw. So yes I think the 230 would be good. But 400.00 can buy better.

 

[Spitzer]

yes the only reason still has the 180 is to have a saw to compete with walmart!

b... S...

 

[mowoodchopper]

Yes the only reason still has the 180 is to have a saw to compete with walmart!

That is an actuall quote from a stihl dealer!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL Mccook NE ! Ill give you the phone # If you want it!

 

[gemniii]

Well it looks like you should be able to get a Stihl cheap to rebuild in the future.

 

[smilin possum]

290 more power bigger bar and they are $359 out the door here. Can't beat um.

 

[roncoinc]

I bought my MS180 brand new thinking it was the way to go.
should have went to wall mart !!

 

[bennn*e]

I bought my MS180 brand new thinking it was the way to go.
should have went to wall mart !!

so when u get ur 'big box' saw home use it, wear a hole in the petrol cap because it doesnt seal unless you do it up with a screwdriver, where to u go for a $3-7 cap? makes for one expensive cap when the saw is then rendered unusable.

As for the 180 or 230, as mention depends on how much he wants to use it but the middle of the road here is the MS211, beautiful little saw, in fact i had a customer come through the other day to pick up a mower deck and was saying how much he enjoyed using his MS211 last weekend, light, nimble, low vibe.

 

[OR nurse]

If the ms211 is equivalent to the older 021, I have to agree with the other guys about buying it. I have an 021, and I have run the he** out of it! It's about 9 years old, and for several years it was all I used to cut firewood. It cuts fast, and with a 16" bar, I cut wood close to 30" in diameter. (The dump near my house gives away free firewood, just have to cut it up) I only fell smaller trees with it, never any big trees, just cut up the big ones once it hit the ground. Not a pro saw, but a good one. Take care of it!

 

[roncoinc]

so when u get ur 'big box' saw home use it, wear a hole in the petrol cap because it doesnt seal unless you do it up with a screwdriver, where to u go for a $3-7 cap? makes for one expensive cap when the saw is then rendered unusable.

I order one from the parts book that comes with the saw..

the 180 is even underpowered for it's small size even tho it is looks big enough for a 60cc saw.... the tooless chain adjust is a joke..the whole thing is a joke.... i dont even consider it a "REAL STIHL"

your milage may vary...............

 

[nmurph]

If the ms211 is equivalent to the older 021, I have to agree with the other guys about buying it. I have an 021, and I have run the he** out of it! It's about 9 years old, and for several years it was all I used to cut firewood. It cuts fast, and with a 16" bar, I cut wood close to 30" in diameter. (The dump near my house gives away free firewood, just have to cut it up) I only fell smaller trees with it, never any big trees, just cut up the big ones once it hit the ground. Not a pro saw, but a good one. Take care of it!

no relation that i know of......the 211 is a new line of saws.....i believe the 021/210 are the same saw as a 230 and 250......my brother has a 250 which has had the snot run out of it and i just keeps humming. i think they can be had for about $300.
i agree about the 211 if you are going small. i also agree about the 290 if he is looking for something that will handle larger trees, though it is a good bit heavier. then you start thinking you might as well step up to a 310 for about $400, mod the muffler and have a saw that will be very close to a 361 in cutting speed.
if you have a dolmar dealer, i think you should check out a couple of their saws, particularly the 5100; 12lbs and 3.9hp for less than 400 clams. they also have a smaller saw that has been recommended several times. i believe it is the 420.

 

[bennn*e]

021 -> ms210 now the ms 211 which as stated is new design saw, strato, clear tanks, lower vibe etc.

 

[blsnelling]

From what I hear, I wouldn't compare the 211 to a 210, whether it replaced it or not. It's a new saw. It sounds to be a lot stranger than a 210.

 

[2000ssm6]

From what I hear, I wouldn't compare the 211 to a 210, whether it replaced it or not. It's a new saw. It sounds to be a lot stranger than a 210.

Yup, the 211 is more like a 230/250 power wise. Other than power they are two very different saws.