Advice on MS280 purchase

[NH_Wood]

Still scouring CL for a backup saw - found a ~ 1 year old MS280 for $250 (owner says 'light use'. They said they might move a little on price. What says you all on the saw and the price? What would you pay assuming the saw is in good shape. Thanks! Cheers!

 

[MasterMech]

MS280 is a nice saw. For $250 I'd be a buyer! Expect about the same power as a MS290 (feels like more to me but on paper they're about the same) but MUCH better ergonomics.

 

[StihlHead]

The 280 is a good saw, though they have never been that popular (as compared to the likes of the 290). They have interesting pro-homeowner cross designs and better/more durable white plastic than the series 1127 (290/310/390) saws, though they have clam-shell engines like those saws do. The later model 280s have a microporcessor in them that tunes the carb as you cut. There is a solenoid that controls the H screw on the carb. I do not know if that is good or bad, as that feature was only seen on a few Stihl saws. Seems that there is less of a chance of overheating the saw with that feature though, especially by changing bar length or altitude or gas/oil mix (which typically require carb re-tuning). The anti-vibration on the 280 is excellent, about the same as the 361 or the 441. Smoother and will not fatugue you as much or as fast. The price seems really good if it is in near new condition.

 

[NH_Wood]

Thanks everyone - I'll e-mail back and see what they might do for a drop in price and perhaps go get it -thanks! Cheers!

 

[midwestcoast]

Yep. Nice saw. Not very popular, but only because 290's had the same power for le$$. They are much nicer to use than a 290 IMO because of the anti-vibes & different ergonomics. 1 year old, Light use, $250? Sold.

 

[mecreature]

that is about half price.
Look at the bottom where the handle attaches.
My handle broke at that point. Fixed at no charge to me.

very nice saw.
I ran one side by side with a 290 seems about the same power but feels a lot better.
1 year old.... sold.

 

[NH_Wood]

Dang! Sounds like this was the one - turns out it's on the other side of the state - no time to drive that far (~2 hours one way) - bummer! Cheers!

 

[mecreature]

Dang! Sounds like this was the one - turns out it's on the other side of the state - no time to drive that far (~2 hours one way) - bummer! Cheers!

A couple cigars and you would be there.
It is smooth. I bet it would give that Dolmar a run for its money.

With it being a 2nd saw why not jump up or down in cc's.

 

[NH_Wood]

mecreature - yeah, I'm kind of thinking I should have driven it, but just no time for a half day to get the saw. I had thought a little about getting a smaller limbing saw, or a larger saw that could pull a longer bar for the bigger trees, but haven't come across the right saws yet. I don't think I mind the idea of building a saw collection........ (but my wife might). Cheers!