MS271?

[ridemgis]

I'm looking to buy one (and only one) saw for the occasional scrounge and all-around firewood processing. Usage would be pretty light I think. Maybe 3 to 5 cords a year at the very most.

Weight and vibration are both a factor due to a couple of aging cervical disks. I've bounced around between the Stihl 250 C-BE, the 290 and the 271. From the marketing talk at Stihl, the 271 sounds like it fits the bill, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of chatter about it here or over at ArboristSite.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
PJ

 

[mikefrommaine]

I just got an 026 and will probably never use my 029 super again. Night and day difference. I'd add the 261 to your list if your going to buy new. Weighs less than the 290 (and 271) and is a much better feeling saw to use.

 

[Boog]

Hi Ridemgis, I have a 250C-BE, 029 Super, and 270C, in my collection at the moment (sold an 025 and 250 recently). These saws pretty well match up with the 3 you list above. I also have 2 - 026s, so I'm familiar with those too. You are right, the "270/271" saws never seem to get much attention. I'm not sure why, I really like mine and was impressed with its cutting ability, I guess its just considered a "tweener" saw: in between the 250, and the 290. (not considering the pro 026/260, or the old 028s) I picked the 270C up on an old ammo trade with the intent of turning it over for cash. If I didn't have the 026s, I would definitly be keeping that 270C. Plenty of power, and lighter than the 290. Here is a video of me cutting some red oak with my 270C. Its no slouch, it ripped right through it, and I wasn't even pushing on it at all just letting the saw do the work! (Its pretty windy, wind messing with the microphone on my Nikon D7000)

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[MasterMech]

MS270 was an ergonomically correct alternative to the MS290 IMO. Cost more, but was a helluva lot easier on the operator.

Weight and vibration are both a factor due to a couple of aging cervical disks. I've bounced around between the Stihl 250 C-BE, the 290 and the 271.

Of those 3, the 271 would be my pick. Gonna be the easiest on you too. For about another $120 the MS261 (a pro grade saw) is lighter, and has more power. Many here have a 261 and don't need anything bigger. I would expect either machine to last the remainder of your cutting career.

there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of chatter about it here or over at ArboristSite.

Because usually folks are looking to spend the least amount possible to get the job done (MS290) or are looking to buy the very best saw in that category (261). Not too many folks in the middle. The AS crowd is usually gung-ho on pro saws too.

 

[ridemgis]

Thanks for the help guys! Looks like we have a winner.

 

[MasterMech]

Thanks for the help guys! Looks like we have a winner.

Remember.

 

[missedbass]

I bought a ms271 last year and its been a great saw. no problems at all. got it with a 16" bar

 

[TreePointer]

Another reason the 271 didn't impress the pro crowd is because it weighs the same as a 361 but is almost 10cc's smaller.

 

[Boog]

Ok, perfect timing to this discussion. A guy just came out to look at the 029 Super and 270C I have for sale on CL. The 270C is obviously in better shape and much newer, and I'm only asking $25 more for it over the older 029 Super. He looked them both over, started them up, declined to cut some wood in the back yard (watched both of my videos and was satisfied they ran good). Decided to take the 029 Super......................sold..................I tell you again, the 270/271 just doesn't get the respect it deserves! But at least I sold another one off the CAD pile!

 

[TreePointer]

The Rodney Dangerfield of chainsaws.

 

[missedbass]

no, I think the saw is a well kept secret. i guess too well kept!

 

[MasterMech]

Ok, perfect timing to this discussion. A guy just came out to look at the 029 Super and 270C I have for sale on CL. The 270C is obviously in better shape and much newer, and I'm only asking $25 more for it over the older 029 Super. He looked them both over, started them up, declined to cut some wood in the back yard (watched both of my videos and was satisfied they ran good). Decided to take the 029 Super......................sold..................I tell you again, the 270/271 just doesn't get the respect it deserves! But at least I sold another one off the CAD pile!

Lemme guess, you had a "Farm Boss" bar on that 029 Super?

Lots of folks research a saw purchase over the 'net these days (Nooooo! Really?!! ) and on paper, the MS270 would never trump the 029 Super/MS290. Especially since the price tag was a bit higher. The fact that not a lot of MS270/280's were sold doesn't help it's case either. 'Cause everybody (and their cousin) has heard about that "Farm Boss" saw.

Boog: Maybe you should put a "Wood Boss" bar on that MS270. They used to come with them from Stihl.

 

[Boog]

Lemme guess, you had a "Farm Boss" bar on that 029 Super? ......................................Maybe you should put a "Wood Boss" bar on that MS270. They used to come with them from Stihl.

Put a Farm Boss bar on my 029 Super, who me, I would never do something like that ............................ well, I did put a new Farm Boss sprocket cover on it Hey, it was the cheapest OEM cover I could find on ebay! But I was honest and told him that it really was not "technically" a "Farm Boss", my conscience is clear!

Now you got me thinking...........270C Wood Boss bar..........hmmmmmm................that just might do the trick!

 

[mecreature]

I have an MS 280... I love the saw.
Big enough for anything I cut, and its very smooth.



I think you would be very happy with the 271 If your description for use is accurate.

 

[Clyde S. Dale]

I don't post much, but I do like to chime in anytime an MS261 is mentioned. There are a few who have already said it, and I concur, spend the extra money if you can justify it. You will not be disappointed. The first saw I owned was an MS290 and I found myself cutting a lot more than I originally expected. The MS290 was/is a nice saw, but for the same HP and better performance in the cut, you can't go wrong with the lighter MS261.

 

[StihlHead]

I am not surprised that they bought the 290, as it has more power. I would have probably bought the 270, though I am not a fan of the C model saws (I do not like the plastic dial chain adjuster), nor am I a fan of the wide Stihl .325 size B&C. The 270 was a sneaker saw for sure, and not many sold. I never bought one because I had a fleet of 026/260s which are lighter and have about the same power, and they are all pro. People tend to want more money for the 270s around here as well, whereas the used 260s are priced better for the value and there are far more of them.

Comparing the three 50-55cc saws:

026/260: all pro, lightest of the group, will run 3/8 or .325, least power of the group (easy to lightly modify or fully port)
270: semi-pro, medium weight, smoothest of the group, only runs .325
029 super/290: homeowner (but has pro features), heaviest, most power, most vibration of the group, will run 3/8 or .325, (easy to lightly modify)

The 290s are by far the most common, 026/260s are fairly common, and 270s are the least common (by far).

 

[HittinSteel]

My cutting buddy loves his 029S...... I did the muffler up last year and retuned it. He runs a .325 and 20" bar. Saw cuts well and sounds even better.