Stihl MS390?

[rovers90]

I currently have a MS260 which I mainly use for ringing up timber for firewood. When I use it on the larger stuff that is too big for the processor, 14 inches plus, it does seem to struggle a bit. I have used my friends 340 and it felt much easier. I keep looking on ebay at 390s as that would give me an extra 15cc and 1hp and wondered if any body had any views?

[GardenKit]

I would just go for a 361 or 362, a little more expensive but tougher IMO.

 

Others are welcome to disagree.

[spudulike]

I have a MS290 on the bench at the moment (same construction as the 390)and everytime I get one in I cringe - they have a weird handle mechanism and construction that makes working on them a bitch! They are also a clam style crankcase in a plastic cradle like a heavyweight MS181 so not a great saw IMO, capable but not a screamer.

 

As Barrie said, go for the more pro saws, on the Husky side try 357XP, 560XP, 575XP - all will scream through 14" wood. You could sell the MS260 and by a 346XP as they have a lot more spirit but PLEASE DO NOT turn this in to a Stih V Husky post - I just know Husqvarnas better!

 

I am sure others will chime in with their usual suspects:thumbup:

[elfinwood saws]

MS390 don't do it!

[spudulike]

MS390 don't do it!

 

That was Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five wasn't it:001_rolleyes:

[bobh]

Wasn't it the famous five?

Or am I thinking of something else.

[spudulike]

Wasn't it the famous five?

Or am I thinking of something else.

 

Nah Bob, the Famous five were George (Georgina), Anne, Julian, Dick and Timmy the dog. I don't think Grand Master Flash did any rapping with them!

 

Think we are getting a bit off subject here:blushing:

 

Unless cost is the ultimate issue, go for the Pro saws from Husqvarna or Stihl:thumbup:

[normandylumberjack]

The 361 is the better saw, one of the best ever made imo. that said i own a ms390, and its a very capable saw, i have used it on occasion with a 24" bar and though not in the leauge of pro saws will cut well. I used mine for firewood logging and cut 150m3 last year in beech and oak, lots of knotty forked stuff and has soldiered on with no gripes.

The husky 365 is also a good firewood saw imo.

[spudulike]

Yes - 365, a solid, little slow but bullet proof saw, not as peaky as the modern saws but will last for years ringing up timber. Far easier to work on IMO.

 

To put it in to context from the tech side, I can get the cylinder off a 346, 357,365 etc in under 15 minutes, a MS290/390 and you are looking at an hour or so just because of the design of the saw. Other parts are pretty much the same but if the saw needs some major work.....PITA:thumbdown:

[GardenKit]

if the saw needs some major work.....PITA:thumbdown:

 

I'll second that,:thumbdown: