Why are Stihl's so big and heavy?

[Poncho]

I've got my buddies MS290 over here to do some maintenance and grind the chain for him. Since it was on the bench I was astonished at just how heavy and big this beast is. It weights a good 2# more than my 028 Super which is almost 25 years old. You would think that Stihl would make saws lighter/smaller rather than bulkier and heavier with modern technology.


Just look at the relative size,

Now to the scale:

MS290 comes in at 17 1/4 #'s

25 year old 028 Super comes in at 15 #'s 4oz.

This isn't fair to compare, but it needs to be said. 346XP 14#s, 4ozs. (Must have been full of fuel and oil)

Just for the haters, 562XP, weighs in exactly the same as the MS290. Let me think, Oh yeah, that's quite a bit bigger saw.

All is not lost Stihl boys, I rummaged around and was able to find something heavier, but even this was not bulkier.

 

[Wigglesworth]

Yea, the 29/310/39 series of saws are pretty heavy for their displacement. And slow.

Nice pics. I lub me some 028 super. :)

 

[jacob j.]

Stihls are made from dead puppies, that's why they're so heavy.

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

I personally wish they'd did a big hole in the ground and bury every last 028, 031 and 041 in it.

 

[Wigglesworth]

Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

I personally wish they'd did a big hole in the ground and bury every last 028, 031 and 041 in it.

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

Chased too many air leaks, bad coils, stripped threads, and NLA parts
on those models. I tell most people with those saws if they're not running put them on a
shelf and buy a new saw. I'm in the business to make a living, I don't have time to resurrect
relics.

 

[young]

be more informative if they all had the same bar and chain or just power head. but hey what do i know.

 

[Poncho]

be more informative if they all had the same bar and chain or just power head. but hey what do i know.

Hey, now, let's not start comparing apples to apples. Don't bother me with facts when I have already made up my mind. Gee it never occured to me that a an 18" 3/8ths bar and chain would weigh more than a 16" .325.:rofl:

 

[WoodChuck'r]

I like the 029. Regardless of weight.


Put an 18" bar on one and watch how fast the bed of the truck gets filled up. :yup:

 

[BloodOnTheIce]

And one very important fact. That 028 that sold in the late 70's to mid 80's
cost around 350$ brand new (I've seen receipts to back this up) and that MS290 cost 389$ today.
That will affect your power to weight ratio.

 

[Poncho]

And one very important fact. That 028 that sold in the late 70's to mid 80's
cost around 350$ brand new (I've seen receipts to back this up) and that MS290 cost 389$ today.
That will affect your power to weight ratio.

I think it was about 1992 when I bought the 028 new. You are real close it was over $300 and probably close to $350 with a couple chains.

 

[Spike60]

Chased too many air leaks, bad coils, stripped threads, and NLA parts
on those models. I tell most people with those saws if they're not running put them on a
shelf and buy a new saw. I'm in the business to make a living, I don't have time to resurrect
relics.

But resurrecting relics is fun....................at home................when the clock isn't ticking.

But the same project on a customer's saw in the shop is usually a losing proposition for all concerned. For the dealer if you don't watch the clock, and for the customer if you do.

 

[Adirondackstihl]

Why are Stihl's so big and heavy?

Because theyre built with REAL materials :dance: Hab sum bacin