I have wanted a chain-saw for quite a while. I have a Craftsman 3.5hp electric with a 16" bar, but I wanted a REAL screamin' 2 stroke, chew 'em up saw. A few weeks ago I got my chance.
We had a few trees that were dead or dying and needed to come down. We were afraid they would come down in the middle of a storm in a place we didn't want...namely on our roof, the neighbors roof, the barn or through our fence. So I had a tree service drop 5 trees, 2 alders and 3 hemlocks. It was then up to me to trim and buck them up for firewood. Everyone knows you need a good gas powered chain saw to do it! I explained to my wife how much money we could save by just having them dropped and I do the rest. I got more of a ...I guess so..rather than a...Sure, go ahead..but that's all I needed. I went to my dealer down the road and proceeded to get one. I wanted one that had good power but was light and easy to use. Ease of starting was also a necessity.
I looked at the MS250, the MS250C and the MS290. The Primer bulb for starting and the Quick Chain Adjust (QCA) feature of the 250C quickly eliminated the standard 250. I was really drawn to the 290 from it's reputation and power, 3.75hp. (the MS310 has 4.1hp with the same weight as the 290 but costs a bit more.) The 250C with an 18" bar was the same price ($349) as the 290 with a 20" bar but the 290 was 3lb heavier than the 250C, almost 1/3 more. The shortest bar available for the 290 was a 16" while the 250C has an optional 14". The 290 also did not have the primer bulb or the QCA.
In the end, I decided on the MS250C and I am very satisfied with that decision.
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The trees I had to trim and buck were from about 12 to 20 inches in diameter and were about 60 to 80 feet tall.
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The MS250C comes with a 45.4cc, 3.0hp engine and an 18" bar with a .325 2RM2 68 tooth chain. It took me a while to get used to starting it quickly but following the instructions in the manual, and talking with actual users, I have it down pretty good. My arms and shoulders aren't what they used to be. I really think the primer bulb makes starting a cold saw much easier.
The QCA feature makes keeping the chain at the correct tension very easy. Just unscrew the large pressure knob, move the thumb-wheel adjuster for the proper tension and re-tighten the pressure knob. To change the bar/chain or to clean the drive sprocket area of the saw, simply unscrew the pressure screw completely to remove the side plate. Then turn back the adjuster wheel and the chain loosens and the bar and chain can be easily removed.
The QCA side of the saw. The primer bulb is next to the handle.
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When ever using a chain saw, safety is of upmost importance. I bought and use leather boots, safety chaps, leather gloves, ear protection, eye protection and also a helmet.
Ready to go (Tommy goes in the house..doesn't like the noise)
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The 250C comes with a "low kick back" bar and chain. While I was trimming off limbs I caught the nub of a limb and it kicked off the chain. The chain dropped and I turned off the saw. Re-attaching the chain was a quick procedure. Back in business, the saw cut through the trees very quickly and smoothly. I didn't rush the job but was finished with 2 trees in one day. Another day and I had 2 more trees bucked and stacked.
The bottom of the stack is 3 deep.
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The 3.0hp and a sharp chain cut right through the large tree, making nice stepping blocks.
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All in all the MS250C had all the power and torque to handle this cutting project. I am getting the optional 14" bar for easier handling during the trimming jobs I have.
When I bought the saw, Stihl had a case special of a carrying case, extra chain and a Stihl hat for $25, half regular price. The case will hold the saw, spark plug wrench, quart of bar oil, gas oil, wedges, a tip scabbard, spare spark plug, extra chains and a pair of gloves.
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The Stihl MS250C is a great saw for the homeowner with firewood/cutting/trimming jobs. I would highly recommend it.
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Greg
