Porting Stihl 026? Power gains more then MS290?

[keystone816]

The 290 doesn't get much if any respect but i bought one new in 04 and i cut enough hardwood to heat a house and a garage 24/7 for 9 years with one and i never had a single issue with the saw, a good sharp chain and a 20inch bar cut pretty darn good. I recently picked up an 026 pro, i haven't got a chance to cut with it but i got a fealing i'm gonna love it. It's super light and seems to have good power

 

[machinisttx]

My 026 is diassembled in a box. Need to get bearings and new rubber, otherwise ready to start the rebuild.

 

[brages]

I decided to buy the 025, 026, 009. They seem to be in good shape & all run.

Yeah, they look like they are in good shape. I think you did pretty good on that deal.

 

[sunfish]

The 290 doesn't get much if any respect but i bought one new in 04 and i cut enough hardwood to heat a house and a garage 24/7 for 9 years with one and i never had a single issue with the saw, a good sharp chain and a 20inch bar cut pretty darn good. I recently picked up an 026 pro, i haven't got a chance to cut with it but i got a fealing i'm gonna love it. It's super light and seems to have good power

The 290 isn't a 'bad' saw. It will cut wood and last a long time if taken care of. It's just heavy and bulky for it's power and has a plastic case. There are lighter, smaller, faster, better handling and better quality saws out there. I personal enjoy running better saws.

 

[MnSam]

I'd be interested in that 025, just saying.

BTW 029's are on CL by me all the time for $200 - $350. I think $150 - $175 is a more reasonable asking price IMO. Although I wouldn't buy one anymore, some people do shell out the dough for them. They really aren't a terrible saw, there are just better ones to be had.

 

[glock37]

Randy has a 026 as we speak lets see what he has too say about them.

 

[Mastermind]

I grind on em....

LOL

Great saws, a little outdated.....but still great.

 

[glock37]

Just got my 026 Back from Randy here is the muff Mod he put on it

I like it !

its pouring outside or id try it in some wood

its sounds great !

 

[Twisted Priorities]

I've run my buddies 2012 MS 290 16" bar against my stock 2012 MS 260 18" bar, the pro saw just out performs. After a muffler modification and exhaust porting this little pro saw runs a 20" bar like its big brothers.
My 20 year old 026 Pro in stock configuration with a 16" bar is the best little saw I've ever owned. It starts on the 2nd pull every time even after sitting for months.

 

[milkman]

The 290 doesn't get much if any respect but i bought one new in 04 and i cut enough hardwood to heat a house and a garage 24/7 for 9 years with one and i never had a single issue with the saw, a good sharp chain and a 20inch bar cut pretty darn good. I recently picked up an 026 pro, i haven't got a chance to cut with it but i got a fealing i'm gonna love it. It's super light and seems to have good power

You'll like the 026, got the 290 on CL yet?

 

[keystone816]

You'll like the 026, got the 290 on CL yet?

i've been watching CL and ebay, nothing yet. i made a mistake in my post i got a ms260 pro not an 026, the guy i bought it from only ran ethenol free fuel so i'm trying to find some locally before i run it, just haven't had time

 

[z71mike]

Go on the VP fuel website and find a dealer. Not cheap, but when it's the only option.....

 

[stihl86]

Just to keep things in perpective, the 029 vs 026. There was over a $125.00 difference in price.
Today MS261 vs MS290 it's about $180.00. How can anyone compare the two?
That has to mean something, even to the most bias spec checkers.