Stihl MS 192 vs. MS 200 vs. MS 250

The rear-handle version…

Anyone out there used both? Is the added power and significant price increase of the MS 200 worth the almost 2 pounds extra weight? This saw will be used almost exclusively for clearing windfall on non-shuttle accessible trails. I already have a larger, heavier, shittier Poulan 18" 38cc saw, but for 99% of what I do it's way too heavy to carry around all day.

buy the 200 Tom.
you won't regret it. I have the rear handle 200 and it's one of the best saws i've ever owned.
you're welcome to come down and try it out if you want.

How much do you pack it around though? The added weight is not an issue when you Vedder guys just drive up to where you need it. ;)

i was faced with the same dilemna a couple of years ago. i wnet with the 192T for a few reasons:

1. top handles make the saw more compact.
2. if you're adept at using a saw already the top handle is safe to use.
3. the 192 is a surpisingly strong saw and i cut some larger diameter blowdown with it.
4. it's not the only saw i own, i also have a husy rancher 55 for larger work.

if you're only going to have one saw and was choosing only between the 192 and the 200 i would go with the 200 simply because it has more power and is a bit burlier. however, that is tempered by the type/size of wood you'll be cutting. with what you're describing i would also heavily consider the stihl ms250 or ms270. about 4lbs more in weight than the 192, but the option of a bigger bar, and if you're clearing blowdown that's a heavy consideration.

two other things i'll add:

1. the 192 uses a smaller than standar width chain, so it dulls faster and doesn't last as long.
2. also the shorter bar on these small saws means you'll need to sharpen your chain more often because there are less teeth to do the cutting when compared to a 16"or 18" barred saw.

look at a 250 with a 16" bar, it'll cost about half of what the 200 is.

edit - get the 250 or 270 and with the money you save buy a dakine builders pack so you can carry your saw in the pack instead.

How much do you pack it around though? The added weight is not an issue when you Vedder guys just drive up to where you need it. ;)

1. get a dog
2. get the wife to sew a custom chainsaw backpack/harness for the dog
3. profit?

I had a MS192 top handle. It was crazy light and fit in packs easily. I had 14" narrow kerf chain, surprisingly powerful. I ripped a curved pole in half with it. Gives 'er pretty good. But the chain dulls really quickly and the fuel/bar oil tanks are small, so you have to refill constantly. I also feel the top handle gives up alot of leverage and control. It is a dangerous saw to lend to people because they always try to one hand it.

I have a rear handle MS192 now, but I prefer using a traditional small "homeowner" saw. Better leverage, wider bar and chain is more durable, pretty light, and cheap. You spend alot more time cutting with it, then sharpening and refilling. 10lb vs. 7lb, you don't notice it on the pack. I don't stress about it walking off in the woods as much either.

I've got a ms200t, and I love it! It's got tons of power for a saw I can fit into a backpack and ride with. It's way louder than my poulan.

The saw is so light, that I am constantly one-handing it. That is my main complaint besides the noise.

Chains are cheaper than for my poulan as well.

In all reality, as long as I am wandering around the woods with a chainsaw…..it doesn't matter what kind of saw it is.

edit - get the 250 or 270 and with the money you save buy a dakine builders pack so you can carry your saw in the pack instead.

I already have one and hate carrying a 15lb Poulan in it.

Does the 200 have the same narrow chain as the 192?

I already have one and hate carrying a 15lb Poulan in it.

Does the 200 have the same narrow chain as the 192?

not sure about the chain on the 200.

the ms250 is only 10lbs.

or you could just pour yourself a cup of harden the fuck up before you hit the trails.

I'll also be carrying around 20 lb of rock salt, so I need to save weight where I can.

I'll also be carrying around 20 lb of rock salt, so I need to save weight where I can.

you could cut off your head - that should easily save 20lbs of ugly fat.

:lol:

Thanks for the advice (on the saws, that is).

Now it's more like MS192 vs. MS250.

BTW, if weight is the only concern, the 260 is only 0.5 lbs heavier than the 250, and a whole lot more saw. Of course it's $170 more too.

I had a similar debate with myself last fall, MS 180 vs MS 192ce. Then I saw Crappy Tire had 14" poulans on sale for $99, so I got one of those. Its about 10lbs (claimer) and I use it for when I have to ride in to get to blowdown/trailwork. The little poulan works well enough, buts it's no Stihl. I have an MS290 w/ 20" bar for my "big" saw.

You will definitely enjoy the upgrade in quality going to a Stihl compared to your Poulan.

If it were my decision, I'd go with the ms192ce.