Got my 270 today

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NortheastAl

Minister of Fire
Dec 30, 2012
676
Putnam, NY
The MS 270 came in today and I had a chance to check it over, and fill the fuel and bar oil. I used non-ethanol gas blended with synthetic oil. Took a total of about 10 pulls to get it started. After that it would start from warm with one pull. Pretty powerful for 50cc and I think this is definitely as much saw as I need for now.

First impressions are that the isolated vibration system is very good. I have arthritis and carpal tunnel in my right hand and the saw doesn't vibrate your hand off. The auto chain adjuster, while a good idea, I could do without. More of a PIA than it's worth, in my opinion.

The saw was delivered very clean and the filter was clear. No wood chips or dust inside. Very happy with it. I'll really tell after I cut a bit with it.
 
That is a very nice upgrade from the buzzy box store poulan....... make sure to post some pics.
 
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I have a ms270 that I bought new in 2008 . It has been a great saw . Mine does not have the auto adjustor , I wonder of you could swap that out for the normal set up .

It should last you many years of cutting .
 
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I have a ms270 that I bought new in 2008 . It has been a great saw . Mine does not have the auto adjustor , I wonder of you could swap that out for the normal set up .

It should last you many years of cutting .
I was wondering the same thing. The service manual I ordered should be in tomorrow and I will check if I can. Hope it is an easy conversion.
 
That is a very nice upgrade from the buzzy box store poulan....... make sure to post some pics.
Will do the pics tomorrow if I get a chance.
 
Yes, you can switch the dial chain adjuster out with a standard chain adjuster and side cover. You need a pair of tensioner studs, a standard chain tensioner, a side cover, a pair of the small plastic chain slides, and a pair of bar nuts. You need a 270/280 IPL for the part numbers, as they are not listed in the service manual. That is one of the IPLs that I do not have for Stihl saws.
 
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Good for you ! Thats been a proven winner !;)
 
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If I was to sell a saw and had to choose between a 290 and a 270, which would go?
 
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If I was to sell a saw and had to choose between a 290 and a 270, which would go?

Maybe both? The 270 has better plastic and better AV, but they both have clam shell engines and make engine work and mods very difficult. I had a 290 and ran 3/8 std. chain on it and it ran fine. The 290 also has an adjustable oiler, and are fairly easy to work on and get parts for. The 290 muffler is also a breeze to modify and get about 10% more power out of.

I never bought a 270 because they weigh more than the 260, and the clam shell engines. The 260 is way more common, easier to work on, modify and tear down. I have owned a few 029 and 290s, (290 is way better of the two unless the 029 is a Super) and I have had a lot of 310s, my favorite in that series of saws. If it was between a 310 and a 270, I would keep the 310.
 
Yes, you can switch the dial chain adjuster out with a standard chain adjuster and side cover. You need a pair of tensioner studs, a standard chain tensioner, a side cover, a pair of the small plastic chain slides, and a pair of bar nuts. You need a 270/280 IPL for the part numbers, as they are not listed in the service manual. That is one of the IPLs that I do not have for Stihl saws.
Thanks, StihlHead. That's what I really wanted to know. I had a feeling since some 270s have it and some don't. I will get an IPL.
 
Found the IPL link. (broken link removed to http://www.h-machine.jp/part_list/stihl/stihl_MS%20270,%20MS%20270%20C,%20MS%20280,%20MS%20280%20C.pdf)
 
The MS270/280 was known for superior ergonomics in a mid-range saw. Great saws for firewood for sure.

I would keep a 270 over a 290 if you were only running 16-18" bars on it. The 290 has a slight edge power wise but the ergo is so much better on the 270.
 
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Here's a couple pics of the saw. Our younger son using it at our older son's house. A few dead limbs needed to be cut up. Great way to test the saw.
[Hearth.com] Got my 270 today [Hearth.com] Got my 270 today
 
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