MS260 or MS280i Which to buy?

[Kev Stephenson]

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

 

 

No local husky dealers hence the reason for me looking at stihls only

[treejumper]

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

 

Kevin - the 260 is a good saw - in your position I'd go for the 260 with a 15" bar.

[craig]

hi STS,ive got ms260 with 15" bar no complaints with it.

 

"Look after your tools and they will look after you":wave:

[3dogs]

if you want to run an 18" bar and buy a stihl then go for the 341, the 260 is realy only good for a 13-15" you probably wont notice any difference between the 260 and the 280, i run a 260 with a 13" bar good power and nicely balanced.

[MattyF]

in that class a husky 346xp is king ...and cheaper...evan the devout ms 361 fans on AS love this saw it just simply blows every thing away

[treediver]

I run a ms260 with a 13" bar. Cuts very well.

Also use a 16" bar on it with no probs.

 

Above that Id jump to a 440/460 for a 18/20"

 

There was an article a few months back in the now defunct F&BT putting the 280i through its paces.

[MattyF]

my nearest husky dealer is an extra 20 mins on the half hour it takes me to get to my stihl dealer but its worth it!

[bill]

i have owned a 260 with an 18 inch bar and i have to say its not really upto the job. if your wanting a ground saw for snedding limbs and felling small stuff then get a 260 with 15". if you want an 18" bar then get a 341, same power as a 36 but alot cheaper. i just got one off jonesie and its spot on imo. also stihl parts are easier to get hold of and are possible more reliable?

[Chris Harris]

i would go with the ms260, i've got the old 026 with a 15" bar on it & i think its a cracking little saw, i've had it since 1996. I will definetly be buying the ms260 when it finally packs up.

[Rentachimp]

How about makita?

 

get a 260 with a 13" bar?