ms 290?s

[pete23]

evening chaps.

 

thinking of purchasing a ms290, (2007yr), are these a decent saw? any probs people have had with them?

 

would prefer something with a 18/20"bar, whats the max bar size for one of these saws.

 

also, what saw with a 18/20" bar would you guys recommend??

 

it would be for ground work only, the odd biggish trunk that sort of thing, logging for myself.

been using a ms 180, at tad small really, been borrowing a saw recently that a tad bigger.

 

thanks.

[Dan Earp]

Not used a 290? But a 361 on a 18" is great or even better a461 will run a 25" bar no problem bud

 

Or if the 290 is like the 260 it's better on a 15/16" bar

[pete23]

cheers, the 290 im looking at has a 16bar fitted, ill prob give that one a miss.

[doobin]

290 is a 'farmer' type saw- power of the 260, weight of the 360, vibration levels not too good either. My neighbour has one, hes had a few problems with it and TBH I don't rate it. 2007 is getting on a bit for a non pro saw also.

 

A 362 will not be particularly happy with a 20" bar but will do it occasionally- I've run a 24" on an old school 034 for a couple of single cuts before. Solid nose bar too. Surprised me, but I wouldn't make a habit of it.

 

I'd go for a 362 with both 13" .325 and 20" 3/8 bars/sprockets. Good alll round then, and not too heavy. You'll get £120 ish on eBay for the 181 so that'll help.

[WelshMan]

I've got an MS390, which is very similar to the MS290. Similar, but more cc's.

 

I use it to cut the larger logs. I've also got a Stihl 018 which is a bit under-powered. For the smaller stuff I prefer using an electric chainsaw if I can.

 

According to the Owners manual for the MS290 it will take up to a 20" bar. I find a shorter bar is best.

 

I understand that the model has a clam-shell design for the engine and can therefore be a pig to work on.

 

I'm happy with my MS390 but I'm an amateur. I only use it occasionally so it doesn't bother me that it's a heavy saw. If I get tired, I pack up for the day.

[pete23]

cheers. a good bit of info there.

[GTS]

Hi, a ms290 was my first saw. Guys at UPM who cut all day long suggested it for me as I wanted an occasional use saw with guts. The sort of saw which starts when you want it and has some balance on a 16, without being a handful to use for an hour or 2//3rds of a day.I thought about selling that but Its been great with no probs and I keep this on the van just incase I get one stuck... I use mine for rough jobs, hedges and horrible stuff. Solid and strong. However, if you want something to use all day, most days then go for a ms260/261 if you can. Lighter and the 260 can be all the saw you could want for 75% of the time. The 261 is a flick able non too heavy saw on a 16" too. hope that helps, good luck