MS250 for $100

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op_man1

Member
Mar 11, 2009
140
Eastern Ontario
So I just bought a Stihl MS250 at a yard sale for $100. New chain ($20) and sprk plug ($5) brings the total to $125. Tried it out - it is not mint-looking but runs great. Has more power than I expected from 45cc.

So... Good or bad deal?
 
Strong deal. Take some time cleaning it up good and its worth a couple times what you have in it!
 
If it runs fine & cuts good, then it's an excellent deal! I bought my 250 new for just under $300...
 
Great! Not too much second guessing but wanted to check with the experts anyways... Runs great so far. Had trouble starting it the first time but since then starts every time with not too much effort. Will be good not to be borrowing the cheap p.o.c. Ryobi from my step father anymore!
 
Nice score, and the price was sweet. I paid $200 for one. Do you have the Easy2start? I really like that feature. I don't know if this is a common thing for Sthils but the one thing I have had a problem with though is not getting the gas/oiler cap on correctly and having it spill out while in use. I now double check to make sure the caps are seated properly before running.
 
Jack Wagon said:
Nice score, and the price was sweet. I paid $200 for one. Do you have the Easy2start? I really like that feature. I don't know if this is a common thing for Sthils but the one thing I have had a problem with though is not getting the gas/oiler cap on correctly and having it spill out while in use. I now double check to make sure the caps are seated properly before running.

No, I don't have the easy start. Has not been too difficult to start though. Used to have 2 stroke dirtbikes and they could be harder to start than this thing! Just hope it will last as long as people say they do (with proper maintenance, of course).

Will watch the caps - I actually like the Stihl design a lot better than what I was using (borrowing) before. Nice to be able to cut at my leisure instead of borrowing equipment from others!
 
Not much really goes wrong with a 2 cycle. Most saws will last a long time.
 
I'd say you got a great deal. I gave 300 for mine new and it does great. Cut about 9 cords with it so far and it just keeps gettin better.

Rob
 
I'd definitely change the fuel filter and check the lines for cracks.
Cleaning the fins should be high on your list.
Keeping chain razor-sharp is a lifetime-extender; hand-filing is a Good Thing.
 
CTYank said:
I'd definitely change the fuel filter and check the lines for cracks.
Cleaning the fins should be high on your list.
Keeping chain razor-sharp is a lifetime-extender; hand-filing is a Good Thing.
x1 on the chain part (and the rest, too).

Go ahead and invest in an extra Stihl full-chisel chain, some good files (WoodlandPro is doing good for me, though I've got some Save-Edge waiting in reserve)...don't forget a decent flat file for the rakers. Take your time and learn to file correctly. BIG difference between throwing dust and chips!...faster cutting, easier on you and the machine, less fuel burned, chains last longer, and it simply makes you feel better seeing that pile of chips quickly pile up! :)

BIG TIP...........keep your saw out of the dirt! A cant hook is good for this....cut through 2/3's the log, roll it, and finish the cut. On the side that you roll upward there is a good possibility of dirt being on it...carry a stiff brush to brush it off or at the very least wipe it off with your glove or sweep it with a bush limb....cutting through that dirt will dull your chain quick, too.

Since you've got your own saw now you will be using it more often. Seriously be thinking of personal protection equipment (PPE) if you don't already have it. Chaps would be one of the first things that I'd look at, hearing protection is cheap, eye protection doesn't have to be expensive, if you're going to be cutting standing timber then a helmet would be *highly* recommended, steel-toed boots are very nice as they *will* save your tootsies from being mashed, bruised, and battered (a cheap pair can be had at Wallyworld if that is all you will use them for...they're not high-mileage for everyday wearing)....

Also study cutting techniques. "To Fell a Tree" by Jeff Jepson is an excellent book, I highly recommend it as do other folks.

Safety-wise: Always start your cut with the throttle wide open. Always know where the tip of your saw is and where any objects/hazards are that might contact the tip while sawing. Always keep your body out of the plane of the saw bar...this will require that you "saw to the side" a touch. If you find yourself with the saw cutting anywhere it front of you with your body in the plane of the saw then you are in a danger zone of getting cut up if kick-back happens. If you find yourself in that position you are either tired or your mind is wandering...it's time to take a break and re-assess your physical/mental condition and either go home, rest a bit, or get your mind back on what you're doing.

I know you've been using a chainsaw already, but you have moved into the area of owner/operator meaning you will be running a saw much more often than before. Previously, as you stated, you were all out in a hurry to finish what you were doing so that you could return the saw(s). You will find yourself cutting now at a more leisurely pace for shorter intervals but more frequent intervals. Thus you will have more occasions to have different things on your mind when cutting...you may have just had an argument with your dog, or overjoyed at the new health insurance cost increase, or maybe excited that you get to take the car in for estimates where your teenage daughter backed into the police car,...so there will be more mental variables affecting you each time you cut. Keep your mind on what you're doing.

The big thing is to remember that you have a virtual death machine in your hands and that KICK-BACK, PUSH-BACK, OR PULL-IN WILL HAPPEN EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR SAW!!!! BE PREPARED!!!!!


You probably are more experience than I am with a saw so toss all of this if you already have it down PAT...but I figured a little reinforcement wouldn't hurt.

Congrats on the new saw!!!! Excellent upgrade from the borrowed Ryobi!!!! Be safe!!!!
Ed
 
I just purchased a ms250 easy start from local dealer! All I can say is wow! I sliced three round in the time I did one round with my Home dope. 38cc freebee! Yes both chains were sharp! I'm going be be more care-full with this saw because you can really feel the power difference! I should have made this investment years ago! The dealer was in Mineola NY. They fueled tested and intstructed the saw to me! So worth it!
 
I'm a big fan of the 250,,,its the perfect saw for me. My Stihl dealer is fantastic also. Good luck with it.
 
Good deal. We have a 250 and its really nice to run after messing around with a bigger saw.
 
MS250 (especially the basic non-easy2start version) has a power to weight ratio that would make some "semi-pro" saws blush. Saw is highly underrated being labeled as a "homeowner" saw.
 
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