MS260 or MS280i Which to buy?

[Kev Stephenson]

Looking for a new daily use saw.

 

Been to the stihl dealers today intent on buying a 260 with 18" bar but the dealer was trying to sell me the new MS280i. Ended up leaving with neither.

 

Pros for the 280i

 

Stihl's latest technology

Intelligent engine supposed to give more power if the revs drop so in theory cuts quicker

Extra 5cc / 0.2kw

 

Cons for the 280i

 

Heavier by 0.5kg

New technology - is it reliable?

Listed in the new catalogue under Landscaping not forestry - is there a reason for this?

 

Both are exactly the same price. Does anyone have any experience of the 2 saws side by side? I know the 260 is the bread and butter of the arb world but is the 280i worth a try?

 

Any comments appreciated, don't want to waste my cash.

 

Kev

[Pete Mctree]

How about a nice little ms170. Will fit nicely on your beergut

 

I've no experience with the new saw, but trying to run a 260 with an 18in bar is folly. Imho it is too much for a 50cc saw

[Rentachimp]

Why would you want an 18in instead of a 15in? I have a husqy 350 (same sized engine) and wish I had a 15in bar on it. I have tried it with both and I say trade in the length for the torque.

[jpbeaver]

id avoid them both, they are both underpowered. id go for a 361 if you want to run an 18" bar. it might weigh more but it has bags more power.

[Deb]

I've got an old 044 with a 25" bar on it. It seems to cut better with the bigger bar than when I use it with an 18".

[Adam]

get a 260 with 13" bar. what we have at college. seem to be ok.

[madmatt]

I run 15" on my 260 an 18" is to big go for the 361 if you want to drag 18 all day

[skyhuck]

I've just bought a ms200 14" very pleased with it,i have tended to use my ms200T on the floor,so i thought i would get a 200 for ground work,also means i only need to carry chains and spairs for two saws 066 and 200 :wave:

[Bundle 2]

Ahhh.. You want a husqvarna???!!!!

[Kev Stephenson]

Only looking at buying with an 18 as I already have a 15 that will fit.

 

Not interested in the 361 as too heavy, too expensive and I have a 460 for the bigger bars and logging up.

 

I was looking initially at the 260 as it appears to be the mainstay of general tree work (or am I wrong here). I want a saw I can use all day to replace my 230 (underpowered), hence looking at the 260 but the discussion with the dealer got me thinking hence asking here.

 

I assume from the replies so far no one has used a 280i are they just too new?

 

Kev