kamp45
ArboristSite Lurker
I am considering buying a stihl ms280. The local dealer quoted me a really good price. $449.00 w/ a 18' bar. I would like to hear opinions both pro and con on these saws. thanks Ron
stihl ms280 question
- Thread starter kamp45
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SawTroll
Information Collector
Except the heavy plastic/metal case, the bulk and the weight!
+ that it is a really hard saw to work on, according to those that should know.......
SawTroll
Information Collector
No, but the 290 sure is worse!:msp_blink:
nmurph
ArboristSite.com Sponsor
you can get a 346 for that money.
Yep!
That's what I say. Nuttin' wrong with the 280. I had one and it was a fine saw. No problems. It did everything I asked it to with ease. Very good saw. But, you can get a Husq 346XP with less weight, more power, more rpm, decomp valve, slimmer profile, commercial rated and only, as Clint would say, for a few dollars more. Unless you're completely partial to Stihl, and I wouldn't blame ya if ya were, get the 346. Either way you're gonna love what you get.
That's what I say. Nuttin' wrong with the 280. I had one and it was a fine saw. No problems. It did everything I asked it to with ease. Very good saw. But, you can get a Husq 346XP with less weight, more power, more rpm, decomp valve, slimmer profile, commercial rated and only, as Clint would say, for a few dollars more. Unless you're completely partial to Stihl, and I wouldn't blame ya if ya were, get the 346. Either way you're gonna love what you get.
Canthook Coasty
ArboristSite Operative
Why would you need a 346xp to cut any tree in Cullman with all those scrubby little pines? Now in Good Hope you might need one, but not Cullman. :msp_smile:
One of our small trees on the back of my tonka truck.
Canthook Coasty
ArboristSite Operative
That tree looks like it is from Vinemont or West Point.
Ahhh, I’m just messing with you.
Actually, that's just from a limbing job I did.
Canthook Coasty
ArboristSite Operative
Where was that at?
LOL I really can't argue that
Good point on the 346.....5105 for that matter.....dang good used 372.........
My back yard.
Canthook Coasty
ArboristSite Operative
Inside the city limits? I was trying to remember where all the big trees were (I haven’t been to Cullman since 2008); I was thing they were all near the middle school/high school. Then I remembered they had big oaks around the civic center, old armory near sportsman’s lake, up around the north Cullman shopping center, you know, maybe I got Cullman and Good Hope confused. Good Hope had all the scruffy little pines.
Inside the city limits? I was trying to remember where all the big trees were (I haven’t been to Cullman since 2008); I was thing they were all near the middle school/high school. Then I remembered they had big oaks around the civic center, old armory near sportsman’s lake, up around the north Cullman shopping center, you know, maybe I got Cullman and Good Hope confused. Good Hope had all the scruffy little pines.
It's a mixed breed. We gotta lotta pines in good hope, mostly scruffy little ones like you said. I've been here since '95, orig from Bonaire, GA. I've been a tree cuttin nut since '92. love it luv it love it
Canthook Coasty
ArboristSite Operative
I lived there 1981-1990 until I joined the Navy. My mom stayed until 1999 when she came to Washington where I was stationed. I got transferred to Michigan in 2008 and she moved to Decatur. I took my kids to see my old house in 2008. The fields that I played and hunted in were now pine forests with 6-8in diameter trees and about 25 feet tall. If it weren’t for the buildings, I would have been lost.
Since you have been cutting for 20 years, I wouldn’t do anything to that old 038 you have unless you have a lot of problems with kickback. Good saw.
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diggers_dad
Sawchologist
I picked one up at a pawn shop for $125 a few months ago. With a little clean-up, fresh fuel, tune up and a muffler mod it is now my "go to" saw. I normally run an 18" b/c, but it will pull a 20" just fine. It normally starts with one pull and I've had NO issues with it.
I prefer it to the DCS520i (Makita 52cc) and the Huskies I've ran, although I've never had a 346XP.
Choose what's best for you. See if the dealer will let you try one out behind the shop for a while to see if you like it.
banjobart
ArboristSite Operative
I ran a 270 and a 280 for a year each they are both very good saws. I got a good deal on them. Open up the muffler exhaust hole and they really go. I replaced them with the 346XP and MS261.
I could not honestly tell the difference between a 261 and a 280 if blindfolded, same power and weight.
I could not honestly tell the difference between a 261 and a 280 if blindfolded, same power and weight.
