Lets talk Chainsaws

[Sunshine40]

I ran a Stihl saw shop for a while and have always been partial to Stihl.

Pro saws are more $ up front but cheaper to repair.
homeowner saws are less $ up front but more $ to repair.

the ms250 and 391 are the only homeowner saws I can recommend based on repair frequency/longevity and those two models make good power for their class.

the 261 is the pro version of the 271.

the 360/361/362 and 400 are 65+cc pro saws and are excellent "homestead" saws.

The 400 with exhaust or a ported 362 are wicked little firewood saws.

Always, always run non ethanol fuel if you can get it.

It is expensive but the canned mix gas is no joke. it is different than pump gas. I've tested it extensively and saws run better and have fewer issues, especially if the saw sits for months between uses.

Where was your shop at? I was a rep for Stihl for a few years.

 

[Sunshine40]

The folks at West Coast are great. Everyone I've spoken with there has been super knowledgeable and helpful. I have a couple of their Bark boxes and universal exhaust ports installed. If they offer an air filter upgrade kit for your saw that can help add some power and performance as well.

Several companies will port the cylinders on your 500i as well, which, at normal elevations, turns it into a fire breathing dragon. I would go with Ripsaw to get that done. Quite a bit more expensive than a ported muffler though.

Mail Your Saw - Ripsaw Chainsaw Porting - Select a Saw

CNC Performance Port Work for your chainsaw. Mail your saw to Ripsaw to reliably increase your saws performance. All Mail In Chainsaw Porting now receives a Ripsaw Signature Series Exhaust (when available for your model saw).

ripsaw.shop

West coast saw parts are great, performance fit and finish are stellar. Im a huge fan of their after market clutch covers. I have a ms660 with pretty much everything they make on it along with a port and polish and smaller head gasket. The saw pretty much cuts as fast as gravity will pull it. Warning though, those bark boxes truly are loud!

Also up vote on the 271. Of all my saws that one gets the most use.