MS251 has landed, first look and comparison photos.

I really like my MS250. Had it for about 7 years now, and hope it lasts a lot more.
How good is the EZ2start, or whatever it's called?

Have it on my MS230, haven't tried it on the MS251. Every thing I've tried it on, I've liked it. Really makes folks look twice when you pull that string out like you're just going to look at it and the saw leaps to life.

thanks

Where in the Hudson valley is that shop.

They're in Poughkeepsie.

Ironworker, you're not too far from me (about 15-20 mins). I caught your ads on CL awhile back.

I'm a proud owner of the new ms251. Love this saw. Faster and lighter than my ms290. I can't even begin to tell how many improvements they made over the ms250.

Where are you located.

Ulster County side of Pine Bush.

Oh, pictures please! (You can start your own thread if you'd like.)

I can understand lighter but faster than your 290 too? Using 18" ,325 chain on it?

I am also interested in this comment. I might be looking at new saws in the future (wife even suggested it ). I've gone back and forth between the (now) 251, the 271, and the 290. I didn't like the idea of the 290 cause its a turd and I like the cleanliness aspect of the new stratos. I'd like something that will make short work of log loads of sugar maple because I want as much free time to spend with the little one. The poulan pro farmhand (#295, 45 cc) is doing and admirable job, but, I'd like more CCs. I was leaning towards the 271 because it's larger than the 251 but not a turd like the 290. So, what do you mean by "the 251 is faster than the 290"? Thanks.

Of course, this will all change when people start buying and reviewing the 291. Oye.

All assuming an 18" bar.

MS251 45cc 3.0bhp 10.8lbs? $359.95
MS271 50cc 3.5bhp 12.3lbs $449.95
MS290 56cc 3.8bhp 13.0lbs $389.95
MS291 56cc 3.8bhp 12.1lbs $489.95
MS261 50cc 3.8bhp 11.6lbs $569.95

For my money, I'd ignore the MS271 since it is so close to the MS291 in price and powerhead weight. You already know you don't like the MS290. So your list should look like this:

MS251 45cc 3.0bhp 10.8lbs? $359.95
MS291 56cc 3.8bhp 12.1lbs $489.95
MS261 50cc 3.8bhp 11.6lbs $569.95

Hey there now, that's better! You now have a homeowner, mid-range/farm, and pro-grade saw on the shopping list. If you can go there, The MS261 is my pick but bang for the buck, it's awful hard to ignore that MS291. The MS261 probably won't save you any time cutting but it'll pay dividends with better ergonomics, being far easier on you with superior Anti-Vibe tech and the lighter powerhead.

Thanks MasterMech. I have looked at the specs on line, but it was difficult to compare all 3 side by side at the same time, and I hadn't gotten around to making a list like that yet. Dang. That 291 looks very enticing, spec-wise much better than the 290... We'll see if/when I pull the trigger. Still surprised that the new XX1 series with the stratos are $100 more

I know. But to be fair, there is a lot more technology in the MS291 than the MS290. It's not simply a new engine on the old chassis by any means.

I was kinda wondering where the price points were going to play out and now that the MS251 is here, it's clear there will be no 20" saw options in the sub-$400 category. That ought to boost sales of the Husky 455R .

yes faster. If I can get the times for cuts of the 8in logs from my local shop you will see.
I believe the 290 was 6.2 sec and the 251 was 5.7 sec

On paper the 290 should eat up the 251. In real life there is no comp.

Heres 1 pic of the little baby

My local shop had a deal if you brought in a complete saw working or not you got between 40 and 100 dollars off a new saw. so I went with her. First one the got in.

I'm obviously even more impressed!

I wonder what the difference in RPM is? The MS290 is no spring chicken in that department, wonder if the little MS251 just outruns it until you need all the extra CC's from the 290?

Now don't quote me on this. Because it is a strato motor it runs higher rpms.

Specifications are close to the ms 261.

ms251 ms261
Displacement 2.78cu in 3.06cu in
Bore 1.73in 1.76in
Stroke 1.18in 1.26in
Engine Power 3.0hp at 3.8hp at
ISO 7293 9,500rpm 9,500rmp
idle speed 2,800rpm 2,800rpm
High speed setting
when performing
repairs(with bar
and chain) 13,000rpm 14,000rpm

It wouldn't turn higher RPM's just because it's a strato motor. But the improved cylinder scavenging probably boosts output per cc a bit and many have already commented on a noticeable improvement on torque output.

Even if it did not cut any faster than a 290 the 251 probably would win the race "in the pits" due to the 290's appetite for fuel.

I've noticed a difference in fuel consumption from my ms250 also. I just sold my 290 and looking to buy a 291 to fill my needs now.

And due to operator fatigue with the heaver 290......................try actually cutting with your arms extended out periodically limbing and such and you'll see a difference quickly.

Many of these problems should be rectified with the new 291, no? It's lighter, on par with the 271. New ergonomics I think. And the strato uses ~20% less fuel I believe. A head to head 251/291 comparison would be interesting!