SawTroll
Information Collector
The 545 is a true semi-pro saw, much better than any current "farm and ranch" saw.
Stihl MS251 vs MS271 for my firewood habit?
- Thread starter A31unit
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The 545 is a true semi-pro saw, much better than any current "farm and ranch" saw.
SawTroll
Information Collector
It is very far from a true "semi-pro" saw, just an overgrown homeowner saw.
James Miller
Addicted to ArboristSite
I agree with ST husqvarna seem to make the only true semi pro saws any more.
Khntr85
Addicted to ArboristSite
I just re-read your very first question, and without a doubt I would get the ms251 or husky equivalent.... You say most of the stuff is already cut and you only burn 2 cord a year....for a little as you will be using a saw why not get a light one.....when the ms251 was my only saw I cut 1-2 cord every weekend and only cut hardwood....saw still runs/works great....
The choice is yours my friend, but get the lightest saw that will get the job done, your back will thank you!!!!..
Also I am not trying to push stihl saws by any means..... I am just telling you what I have literally done myself and my experiences.... I base my opinions on real life experiences, not by names and numbers!!!!'
The choice is yours my friend, but get the lightest saw that will get the job done, your back will thank you!!!!..
Also I am not trying to push stihl saws by any means..... I am just telling you what I have literally done myself and my experiences.... I base my opinions on real life experiences, not by names and numbers!!!!'
sunfish
Fish Head
You're not listening very good.
Khntr85
Addicted to ArboristSite
Lol, I guess not....I would say "almost positive" isn't quite certain though lol...
When I re-read his first post and it said most the wood is cut to 18" but some is longer, I though hell that's a good deal and he won't have to cut much....Especially cutting 2-cord a year....
Either way not trying to ruffle feathers by any means the ms271 will do a mighty fine job for him.....
SawTroll
Information Collector
There are other brands that do it, at least Echo/Shindaiwa and Dolmar - and Jonsered has the same ones as Husky. Solo used to do it, but I'm not updated on what they currently do.
The last Stihl one was the MS341, that was a "detuned" MS361 (not sold in the US, or here). Then it is debatable if the MS650 was a pro or a semi-pro saw....
A semi-pro saw is based on a pro saw, but has a lesser performing engine, and sometimes a few cheaper detail solutions (like a spur sprocket). A clamshell design and a plastic case is no-go.
A31unit
ArboristSite Member
I am listening well enough to know not to overbuy a saw. The ms271 is way more than I will ever need. I am convinced of that and the ms251 would probably suit my needs fine. I guess by definition I would tend to be a "saw polisher" since I take better care of my tools than they even need. I can get a 251 for about $310, a 271 for $350 and a 545 for about $450. The point is I don't need to spend $450 on a saw or any more for that matter. There is no doubt there is a very diverse group of saw users here. As you can tell by my previous posts I am much more of a novice than some of the frequent fliers here. I am here because I value your knowledge and opinions and want to make as much of an informed decision in my purchase as possible. Why would I tie money up in something that's gonna sit on a shelf except for a few times a year? I know your gonna say that it is more fun to use, will hold its value better, etc. None of that really matters if I buy a REASONABLE saw and take good care of it. I feel like some take it as a personal assault if I lean toward one thing over another
sunfish
Fish Head
Part of my point about not listening, is the fact a ms271 is the same size as a ms291 but with a smaller motor. It makes no sense to go with a 271, even if you save $50. Get the ms291 with more power in the same size package. In these lower end Stihl saws the ms251 is the best bet.
That said, the 545 would be a much better saw to polish and over care for.
That said, the 545 would be a much better saw to polish and over care for.
A31unit
ArboristSite Member
Yes. It probably would but money is a factor in my case. The 251 is the best seller according to my local dealer. It is certainly lighter and smaller. The 271 is apparently the best selling saw for the companyPart of my point about not listening, is the fact a ms271 is the same size as a ms291 but with a smaller motor. It makes no sense to go with a 271, even if you save $50. Get the ms291 with more power in the same size package. In these lower end Stihl saws the ms251 is the best bet.
That said, the 545 would be a much better saw to polish and over care for.
sunfish
Fish Head
The ms291 is the best seller for the company. The 271 is kind of an odd ball.
Khntr85
Addicted to ArboristSite
Hey I re-read my post and it sounded rude, so I apologize as I didn't mean to sound like that at ALL.... You will be fine with the least expensive saw that's for sure the ms251 will serve you well for sure!!!!
7sleeper
Addicted to ArboristSite
I would chose a Dolmar 421 over a 251 any day of the week. Pro build and about the best homeowner saw someone can get in my eyes. We have some dolmar dealers here that are more than excelent to deal with!
And as sawtroll mentioned there are quite a few real semi pro saws out there. The echo 490 would be a model in your required power range. But as mentioned above the 421 would be my choice as a homeowner over anything else in that power range. But if it has to be a Stihl, the 251 will serve you well.
7
And as sawtroll mentioned there are quite a few real semi pro saws out there. The echo 490 would be a model in your required power range. But as mentioned above the 421 would be my choice as a homeowner over anything else in that power range. But if it has to be a Stihl, the 251 will serve you well.
7
sunfish
Fish Head
They all cut wood. Buy what ya like. 
James Miller
Addicted to ArboristSite
I heard most of the same things when I joined. The first time I mentioned I run an echo 590 as my main saw. Instant why not a stihl this or husqvarna that. I didn't have 3-400 extra dollars at the time but I understand there are better faster lighter saws in that class. That's what there getting at with the 545 its just better. If money is an issue the ms250 is just fine for what you want to do. I ran the piss out of mine and never had any problems.
small sample of what mine did for 4 years as the one saw plan. If you do what you say with it you'll never ware it out.Attachments
sunfish
Fish Head
Nobody listens when they first get here. I didn't either... lol
Ryan'smilling
Addicted to ArboristSite
This is very good advice. I've got a 421, and for the price, Stihl doesn't have anything close. I would have preferred to buy a Stihl, but the lack of anything decent under $550 made up my mind.
No one has anything in the same ball park, IMHO.
A31unit
ArboristSite Member
I will check out the Dolmar 421. If I decide on the 251 should I take the 18" bar that it comes standard with or would it run better with a 16? I think I remember reading somewhere that the "wood boss" 18 is more like a 16" anyway...
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