Used MS270C vs. new MS250 for first saw?

[baratta930]

Hi all,

We just installed our first insert (Avalon Rainier) and have started burning. Loving it so far and am definitely hooked on wood

I have a friend with a MS250 and MS311 (I think on the 311) that I've been borrowing his MS250 every time I needed a saw for basic cutting around the house. With the new stove, I need a saw more for scrounging (from downfall) and some small felling (mostly smallish 10-12" trees).

I like the 250 and feel comfortable using it to do exactly these kinds of things but I've been wondering if I should pick up a used 270 for the same price range. It seems that a used 270C goes for about the same $300 that a new 250 goes for.

Another friend said that I should pick up a 211 instead (little bit lighter, and has more modern tech on it, including the vibration damping) as this is a better first saw. He said that I'll end up with a bigger saw faster than I thought, so don't need to worry about an 18" bar vs. the 16" max on the 211 or the .7hp difference.

The local dealers are all Stihl around here so Husqvarna isn't really an option.

So, oh great knowers of all things saw What say ye?

- Get the MS250 because it's a great entry level saw and you already know it and feel comfortable with it.
- Get the MS270C used if it's in good shape.
- Get the MS211 and start saving for your next step up saw

Thanks,

Berardino

 

[btuser]

I'd agree with the ms211 choice. I'm pretty set with the MS250 but if I HAD to have two saws (I don't) then I'd like a smaller one and a big one.

How many cord/year do you plan to burn? Do you really plan on 5+ cords/year?

 

[baratta930]

Hard to say on the cords per year (it's my first year), but based on what I've burned so far, I'm guessing between 2 and 3 cords per year max.

Have you (or anyone else) used both the 211 and 250 side by side. Is the vibration damping on the 211 that much better? Is the .7 HP power difference noticeable?

Thanks,

Berardino

 

[Ozark Woodburner]

I bet you will notice the .7HP more than you think now. It doesn't make since to me to go with the ms211 for your primary saw (for now) for cutting wood with. I bought a 290 and then decided to get a small limbing saw and to cut sapplings with. I went with a ms180 for it. While the ms180 will cut stuff in the size your referring to, I wouldn't want it to be my primary saw. I also wouldn't want the ms211 as a primary. In fact I wouldn't want anything smaller than the ms250 for a primary. I doubt you'll wish you had the ms211 instead of the ms250.

 

[MasterMech]

Skip the 211. The 250 has a much better power to weight ratio. The 211 might be a tad less thirsty but there are no enhancements on it that will make it cut better than the 250 you know already. I've never heard anybody complain the MS250's anti-vibe system is lacking and my personal experience is they are very refined animals indeed. I think you might even be dissapointed if you went with the 211 coming from a 250. .7 HP is a big deal with handheld equipment. I voted down the 270C because once you go that route, you might still wind up craving a bigger saw at some point and the 270C doesn't like running more than a 18" bar, even with .325 chain. Then when you upgrade to the "big saw" you'll get a real bad case of CAD (Chainsaw addict disease) and crave a smaller saw for limbing. Believe me, cutting 6" limbs with your 70cc+ saw will seem silly, :lol:. So you'd be selling the MS270C down the road anyways whereas the 250 would be an excellent "small saw" to keep around.

I guess my point here is the MS250 will be far more capable than the MS211 while you are saving for the big gun and will still be a much better sidearm than the MS270 when you do add to the family.

 

[Joey]

250 will have a warranty,,one year,,,and u can upgrade to two years if ya buy some Stihl ultra oil.......warranty is huge.

 

[HittinSteel]

250..... it can later be your small saw when you step up to a 70cc

 

['bert]

I don't think I would want a used saw for my first time. Depends on your level of experience with saws and motors and such. But the 250 and start saving for a big saw.

 

[baratta930]

Thanks for all the inputs,

I'm going with the 250. It was my original thought and you guys just solidified it for me.

Now I need to pick up chaps and a helmet setup.

For chaps are these ok

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=L850+BO+RG&catID;=

or should I go with full wrap?

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=LW850+BO+LG&catID;=

or is it better to just get Stihl chaps?

I've been using a Stihl helmet system and like it even if I'm not felling. Is this one ok for the money?

http://www.baileysonline.com/itemdetail.asp?item=2704+FND&catID;=

I've got the Fiskars X27 splitting axe and loving it so far. Now it just needs to stop raining so I can go scrounge some Oak deadfall from a friends property I probably won't be able to burn it this year but I need to get started on 2013 wood

Thanks in advance for your help ...

Berardino