Thinking I should upgrade from my old faithful Stihl 023 and want to know which saw will get the best bang for the buck for around $300.00 new and why I should consider it..
Thanx,
Ray
Thanx,
Ray
Best chainsaw for around $300.00 NEW
- Thread starter raybonz
- Start date
-
Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.
We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.
We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil. -
Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
- Status
thetooth
Member
stihl ms250 . I used a buddies while he tried out my new ms362 . Has good power to weight and did not hesitate with oak or hickory .
If you like your 023, are happy with stihl and want a touch more power at the same weight. Just buy the ms 250 now. It's a no brainer.
You stated you wanted an "upgrade." What is your goal? Cut faster, cut larger wood, use a longer bar, just want a new saw?
While the 250 is a solid homeowner saw (over $330 new here), it is only a 5cc jump over your 023.
While the 250 is a solid homeowner saw (over $330 new here), it is only a 5cc jump over your 023.
I probably should price a new Stihl bar, chain and sprocket and see what this would cost.. The 023 has been a great saw for a long time..
Ray
I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a new saw. Heck, I'm the guy who'd tell anyone they should get a Stihl 660 just because it's a Tuesday, LOL!
I was attempting to make sure the the saw you're considering will meet whatever goal you have and put a big grin on your face whenever you use it.
WeldrDave
Feeling the Heat
I'd save up a few bucks and move to the 290. If you are dead set on $300, then you can't go wrong with the 250 like people are saying.
Why buy a 250 when you have a 023? Same frame and weight, with nominal power gains, so a waste of $300 IMO. Unless you want a second saw that is the same as the one you have now with a half horse more power? The 230 and 250 are both really high on vibration. You could get a 211 for around $300 which is way smoother and easier on gas. Pretty much identical in power to the 230 though. At the $300 price range, a 211 or 250 are about all you can get in a new Stihl.
If you want a far better saw get a really nice used 026/260 for the same $300 and never look back. IMO the used 026/260 market is well under priced for the value that you get. A 260 is lighter, way smoother, and has more power than a 250. They are also way better built and far easier to work on. The other option is to move up in price to the 290, as others have suggested.
If you want a far better saw get a really nice used 026/260 for the same $300 and never look back. IMO the used 026/260 market is well under priced for the value that you get. A 260 is lighter, way smoother, and has more power than a 250. They are also way better built and far easier to work on. The other option is to move up in price to the 290, as others have suggested.
I'd be looking at Dolmar. I was looking hard but could not find a dealer by me. Amicks sells the 5100 for $399.
I really wanted one, but the 290 does what I need and I'm happy with it.
Matt
I really wanted one, but the 290 does what I need and I'm happy with it.
Matt
I thought the 023 was ready to be retired. If it's still a good runner and you want something bigger and more powerful, then the game changes and your budget needs to as well.
Actu
Ray
The 023 still runs well after all these years.. Granted I don't run it as much as you hardcore wood choppers but I would guesstimate I have cut up up 12+ cords with it...
Ray
That's what I thought, too. Otherwise, it sounds like You, Stihlhead and I are on the same page. Looking at the used market in that range opens up a whole new discussion as Stihlhead suggested, but if an upgrade is the goal, then the budget needs to change, as you suggest.
Heck, You sound like you want a new saw just because you want a new saw 
If your Stihl dealer is a dedicated OPE shop that services everything, they may have a some refurbished saws around for sale (my dealer often does). Anything in the 50-60cc range should be a nice jump in power for you. 260, 270, 280, 290, 360, 361
If you're open to other brands, then check your Husqvarna and Dolmar dealers, too. Many Dolmar dealers still offer cash toward a new Dolmar saw when you trade in your old one.
If you're open to other brands, then check your Husqvarna and Dolmar dealers, too. Many Dolmar dealers still offer cash toward a new Dolmar saw when you trade in your old one.
http://www.vminnovations.com/Produc...45-7cc-Gas-Powered-Chainsaw-Refurbished-.html
This looks like a heck of a deal.. Never heard of them before but they are rated well from what I can see..
Ray
How about the 46cc Ryobi from there. That should be a decent saw for a crazy price. Even got me thinking about it...
Me neither, but here's a fitting thread about that saw that even mentions it in comparison to a MS250
(broken link removed)
Bought my 660 on a Friday and it still put a big grin on my face.
Heck, You sound like you want a new saw just because you want a new saw
He wants a new saw because he cut a huge score of red oak and it appears as though he borrowed a saw from another member to do so. Doing something like that usually results in new saw lust. Think I pieced this together from a couple of threads, but might be way off here.
- Status
