Stihl 270 vs. 280

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DanCorcoran

DanCorcoran

Minister of Fire
Jan 5, 2010
2,205
Richmond, VA
My dealer's website indicates that they still have some 270s for sale, as well as the 280. When comparing the specs on the website, I note the following:

The 270 weighs 11.7#, develops 3.4 bhp, takes a .325 chain, and costs $439 with an 18" bar.
The 280 weighs 11.7#, develops, 3.6 bhp, takes the same chain as the 270, and costs $509 with an 18" bar.

It seems like a no-brainer to get the 270 for $70 less, for a reduction of only 0.2 in horsepower, if they are still available. What am I missing? Why pay $70 more for the 280?

P.S Yes, the displacement on the 280 is 54.7 (vs. 50.5 on the 270), but so what? Isn't the important number the bhp, not how much displacement it takes to produce the bhp?
 
I to was trying to decide between the 280 & 270, the dealer I went to said the 270 revved higher so you wouldn't notice much difference in performance. Whether that is true or not I don't know but I've had my 270 for years and love the saw.

Good luck!
 
The 280 has the IEM system...... I think I read somewhere where this system was the testing block for stihl's new mtronic type autotune technology (don't quote me on this). You're on the right track, save the 80 clams and grab the 270 or look around a little and see if a dealer has a leftover 260.
 
At that price I would not be a buyer for either saw.
 
smokinjay said:
At that price I would not be a buyer for either saw.
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What would you buy, new, with an 18" bar, for that price or less?
 
DanCorcoran said:
What would you buy, new, with an 18" bar, for that price or less?
Click to expand...
If you're not set on Stihl saws only,the Husq. 346 Xp is in the same price range as the ms280 and about the same power
IIRC .
 
Well, for one, the 270 isn't being made anymore, but the 280 is. 271 is the new version. So, would I pay 80 bucks more for a better and newer saw? Maybe.

I'm not familiar with all the specs. At that close of a range, I'd be interested in checking Rpms, fuel and oil capacities, and warranties.

Both are going to be well made saws, but when you start looking at specs vs cost, they hardly ever seem to top the list around here.
 
Danno77 said:
Well, for one, the 270 isn't being made anymore, but the 280 is. 271 is the new version. So, would I pay 80 bucks more for a better and newer saw? Maybe.

I'm not familiar with all the specs. At that close of a range, I'd be interested in checking Rpms, fuel and oil capacities, and warranties.

Both are going to be well made saws, but when you start looking at specs vs cost, they hardly ever seem to top the list around here.
Click to expand...

I think my dealer may still have new 270s available. The problem (from my perspective) with the 271 is that it weighs 12.3#, versus 11.7 for the 270 and 280. I really prefer lighter, as I approach 70 in the next few years.
 
At $439, I'd skip the 270 and find a 361 used for the same or less money--4.4hp and about the same weight as the 271. Or a 346.

S
 
At 6 hours roundtrip from the cabin to home/dealer, I'd rather buy a new chainsaw. I hope a new Stihl would be more dependable than a used one, given that I have no way to tell a good used saw from junk.
 
If warranty service is important to you, then I believe there is a difference between the pro saws and homeowner's warranties. I don't remember what the diff was, maybe it's a moot point, but thought i'd throw that out there.

Edit: but at 6hrs round trip, I'm assuming that you are hoping for no use of the warranty!
 
Dan,

Since you expressed a preference for lighter, is the 261 out of reach for you? If your dealer had a leftover 260 that would be a no-brainer for the right price. OTH - The MS250 CBE makes a nice saw that can run a 18" bar with no trouble, has the Easy2Start system, very nice as the joints/muscles age, and will only set you back $350. Not a pro-saw but not sure if that's what you're after in the first place.
 
I recently bought a 280. Its a sweet saw. Practically cuts the wood itself.
 
mecreature said:
I recently bought a 280. Its a sweet saw. Practically cuts the wood itself.
Click to expand...

That last feature is the one I've been looking for!
 
I bought a 280 four years ago. Major ice storm here then. My two old saws were not up to the task and i didn't want to pay someone to do the work. Mine has electronic fuel mixture. It is very easy on fuel and has enough power for my needs. I really like the saw. This year I bought a 180 for limbing. Was unhappy with it for that purpose, too much time at slower speeds and idling so it smoked terrible. Dealer traded the 180 for the new low emission engine of the 211. It's perfect for small to medium work.
 
Thanks...that's helpful.
 
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