Summary:
I like this saw, would by it again and recommend it to my friends who are looking for this class of saw.

Strengths:
Feels good in the hands, 3hp, 16" bar with Stihl RS chain, easy to start, minimal to non-existent vibrations, Best Home-Owners Saw on th emarket IMO.

Weaknesses:
Perhaps a little high on price, but you get what you pay for.

Summary:
Probably the best chains saw for the money. Backed by warranty service that can be had with a short car ride. Other models may be less expensive, but problematic when they need service or warranty repairs.

Strengths:
Excellent power to weight ration.Absorbs vibrations well, making it less fatiguing to use. Starts easily, and tends to runs long periods without having to pull the chain off and clean away wood chips, etc. Allows more time cutting wood, and less time spent cleaning and adjusting.

Weaknesses:
None that I can determine.

Summary:
Best trim saw I have ever owned or operated. Beats any other make in class hands down. Will probably give some bigger saws from other makers a run for their money. Going to complement this one with a bigger Stihl soon. 5 years and still a long ways from needing to be replaced, well worth the few extra bucks.....

Strengths:
Outstanding trim saw. Drop-dead reliable. Never had this saw fail to start by the fourth pull, generally one pull on full choke when cold and then one pull half choke and she fires right up. Zaps through the small stuff like nobody's business. I can leave it on the shelf for a year long deployment, come home and fire it up like it was just run the day before......

Weaknesses:
None, if used for the stuff it was intended. This is not an MS460, don't try to use it like one and it'll do fine.

Summary:
Saw is great for my needs. Pruning and cut up a few trees each year. Thats about as much work as I want to do with a chainsaw.

Strengths:
I have the MS 250 CB-E. So of course the starting is extremely easy as is any chain adjusting. Also easy to maintain. Cuts great, plenty of power. I have a 20 acre orchard and it suits my needs perfectly. The Stihl was a replacement for the Poulan 295, although after a little work on the Poulan it is still a very good saw also. Keep 16" bars on both and that works for me.

Weaknesses:
None really, but my use is only a couple of months. But I don't anticipate any problems. Know other people that have the 250 and everyone loves it.

Summary:
I highly recommend this saw. The 45.4 c.c. engine with an 18 inch bar and chain is what I have, is plenty powerful. I love it.

Strengths:
Cuts very well. Slices through wood like hot butter.Have cut green pecan ,10 inches in diameter are the largest cuts on the pecan. Has no problem cutting the pecan or oak. Very smooth saw. Very low vibration, if any at all. Starts very easy. If you put it on full choke when cold, pull once; then on half choke, one more pull and she's running.Have used two tanks of gas and haven't had to tighten chain yet!

Weaknesses:
None at all.

Summary:
Stihl's easy start works very well, better than I expected in fact, and out performs other brands' easy starts I have on other power equipment. The saw is overly expensive and Stihl has no excuse offer a case that requires anger to close, paints the chips so readily and the forethought to angle exhaust gases elsewhere. And yet with those caveats listed, I'd purchase another Stihl simply because Stihl has over 8,000 dealers where I can purchase parts—and then any and every part. This means that I can service this saw until I get tired of looking at it and for me, that makes all the difference.

Strengths:
I recently purchased a MS250C. The best things about the Stihl MC250C is that it cold starts without fifty-thousand pulls and once it starts, it stays running without stalling and all of this out of the box without adjustment. Moreover, he saw features a plate that can be flipped to keep the carb warm in the cold and it is relatively powerful for its size and I was able to tackle felling a 22" plumb tree with the stock 16" bar and a wedge on the saw's first outing.

Weaknesses:
If you look strongly at the bar, let alone use it, the paint chips off of it. Exhaust discolors chain adjustment cover. Not all dealers are created equally but they can all get parts. Bonus: the fifty-dollar, universal-orange-colored, plastic Stihl case doesn't quite fit the MS250C and requires fiddling to close. Poor form, Stihl. While Stihl contemplates its poor casse performance, when you redesign the case, why don't you design a storage bin in the case so there is less need to play fifty-two pick-up with all the spares.

Summary:
Alittle higher priced then the cheaper saws Poulan, Echo, etc and while I can't say Husky is better or worse (I debated quite a bit Stihl or Husky), I have absolutely no regrets on buying the Stihl. I've never had luck starting a Stihl easily (old 028 and MS170) however the MS250 pulls 2-3 times on full choke, begins to run and stalls, then put it on warm choke and 1 pull your away. Lightweight, power and size are all perfect for what i'd consider a medium saw. Easy to feather the throttle when close to the ground cutting up firewood, can't go wrong with this saw.

Strengths:
Looked at Jonsered, Husky and Stihl before narrowing it down to Stihl or Husky as there are no Jonsered dealers near me for service, parts, etc. I knew I wanted a 40 something cc saw with 16 inch bar. This saw cuts beautifully and with its lightweight, it makes notching a tree very easy all day long. I find compared to other saws that were more powerful but much heavier, I prefer the MS250 as it still has plenty of power at 45cc. I've cut 12" dry maple with a 14" stump no porblem at all. If your only looking to cut wood 16" diametre or less for firewood, I don't think the MS250 can be beat. Starts 3-4 pull every time cold, 1st pull when warm so I opted to skip the new recoil starter (CE) option as I know it works, but this seems like a gimmick to me when a saw is easy to start anyways. Could have a place for older users or persons with muscle/joint issues.

Weaknesses:
While the power is plenty, Its too bad the MS250 is the largest you can get before the weight jumps. For example, the MS210, 230 and 250 weight the same. I wasn't prepared to jump to the MS290 Farm Boss when the weight jumped up, even with the extra power. Not really a weakness as the person buying an MS250 would be the average home owner, firewood, property saw where the 16-18" bar would be plenty. If you're looking for a larger saw, then i'd go with the MS290 and MS170 and you've really got the best of both worlds (The MS170 is a beauty as well for a baby saw). Can't even complain about the cost, you know buying a Stihl that its going to last a damn long time.

Summary:
I love this saw. My first was a Poulan (yuk!) My dad has a Stihl 028 that was not used for 15 years. 1 pull - and it started! You may pay a little more, but you will not have to replace or repair this saw like others!

Strengths:
I love this saw! As long as you have a properly sharpened chain this baby is unstoppable. It will last forever.

Weaknesses:
I had some trouble learning how to start this saw. I do not believe it has anything to do with the saw - just user error. Every thing that is mentioned in this thread about starting is true. 2 pulls on full choke, 1 on half choke and your are ripping!

Summary:
great buy I opted for 18" bar glad I did cause stihl bars run kinda short.

Strengths:
power and smooth also easy to start

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
First Stihl saw that I have owned (received as gift). Will never buy another Stihl saw.

Strengths:
Light weight, easy starting.

Weaknesses:
Poor reliability. New saw (about 3 tanks of pre-mix through it) hit a rotten spot in a stump and sucked in some powder/wood debris and died. Completely cleaned carb (made in China!), air filter, and entire saw. Started up, ran fine for about 1/3 of a tank, then lost power. Idles fine, no power at high rpm. Repeated the cleanings twice, each time, ran great for a while, then back to no power. I hate this saw. Both of my Huskys run forever, no problems. This thing is a finicky piece of junk.

Summary:
Have had this saw for (6) years - heat with firewood - best saw I have ever used. Using 18" bar with the Super (RS) chain you will buzz to the other side of anything for wood stove heating! Friend has an MS290 - a bit more power; however, the extra 30% in weight make the MS250 a better bet.

Strengths:
Great power to weight. Starts easy, reliable.

Weaknesses:
None!

Summary:
pretty good for a nazi saw, but not as good as a wild thang

Strengths:
its pretty

Weaknesses:
not as good as the poulan wildthang, now that is a saw with tremendous power. Mine will pull a 36 inch bar with full house chisel chain. I also modded the muffler so it sounds like a cooter fart in the woods, so you can sneak up on the trees more easily that way.

Summary:
Great saw compared to the other brands in its class, wouldn't trade it for another! I LOVE STIHL CHAINSAWS!

Strengths:
This saw has been great! I have cut about 30 trees and had no problems with it. I have built many 2stroke engines and used double oil in the gas for a break in period, with this saw I used 40:1 mix and it seemed to run and start pretty good for 20 % more oil than required. Now that I broke it in I went back to the 50:1 mix and the saw freakin screams very happy with stihl and would defiantly purchase another before any other brand.

Weaknesses:
There are a couple things that I would say are a weakness. Now that the new fuels are ethanol based they act as a detergent and break down the 2 stroke oil if left mixed to long ,try to use your fuel up and not store it.This could cause a clogged carb or even worse if stored to long loss of compression, due to lack of lubrication. Another thing I dont like is on some models they have the tool less adjuster this sucks, if you plan to use this saw for long periods do not get this option the heat melts the plastic and you will loose tension. If you only use it for a few minutes at a time its not really an issue, but I recommend the old style adjuster .

Summary:
This is an AWESOME homeowner's/occasional use saw. If you're looking to cut up 3 or 4 cord of firewood per year, spend the extra money and get yourself at least a 290 Farm Boss. But for trees/logs up to about 16 or 18 inches in diameter, this saw is absolutely perfect.

Strengths:
I bought this saw with the intent to use it for cutting up firewood for my wood stove. It worked great until I got into the really big stuff (30"+). Due to the size of the logs I'm cutting now, I had to bump up to a 390. I had an 18" bar and yellow chain on the 250 and it screamed. I would highly recommend getting the yellow, full chisel chain (only if you're experienced though) as it chews through the wood a lot better and allows the engine to spool up a lot quicker. Ask your dealer to do the swap. If they want the sale, they'll do it.

Weaknesses:
None that I could really see. It always started very easily and was very reliable. I did have a problem with it stalling out after a long, high-rev cut. But that was easily remedied with a quick carb adjustment.

Summary:
Greeay saw for cutting firewood it is defenetly worth the price compared to a craftsman.

Strengths:
AWSome high power will cut through anything it seems. very smooth and chains are great. AWSOME SAW!!!!

Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!

Summary:
I had a Jonsered 2036 Turbo with very few hours on it. The plastic gear at the recoil was all rounded over and I needed a carb kit as well because I left fuel in it. I went to the only Jonsered dealer around and he just tried to sell me a new saw. I left and saw a Husky 445 at Lowes with an 18 inch bar for $319 (not a great price, but that saw normally comes with a 16 inch bar) and I bought it. I ended up returning it as I read that dealer support was more important than brand so I bought the Stihl. In truth either would have been fine, but so far I'm happy. I didn't want the couple extra pounds of the 290 and so far 45ccs seems like enough power for my needs.

Strengths:
Cuts fast and smooth. A good small saw for cutting small trees and firewood.

Weaknesses:
Starting procedure not well explained to me by the dealer or in the manual. I kept flooding it before I took it back and made them give me a proper starting demonstration (put it on 'cold start' and give it two pulls MAXIMUM or you'll flood the carb - then put the switch on warm start and pull til it takes off).

Summary:
Get this firecracker saw! It is a pleasure to use, with the above 3 mods plus chain swap. A hot knife in butter. IMO, it's now better than a MS-260 Pro in all areas except housing durability. The 1/2 Lb lighter MS-250 is appreciated compared to the 260 as the day gets longer. The extra 0.2 HP of the 260 is not missed in the 250. If you have a bad right shoulder, the starting may still be too harsh for you. You should look for a saw with a decompression valve, or the Easy2Start system, or a smaller engined saw.

Strengths:
Lightweight yet excellent power. I use it for 90% of my cutting. With yellow, narrower Picco chain (63PM-55), Amsoil synthetic oil mixed at 100:1 in 91 octane non-oxygenated fuel, this thing freakin rips through oak. Hot/cold air shutter for the carb improves run quality in the winter without having to adjust the carburetor.

Weaknesses:
Causes tingly fingers after 3 minutes @ full throttle cutting in hardwoods. Engine harshly yanks back on the recoil handle when starting a warm engine. Exhaust diffuser puts exhaust in your face & discoloration on chain cover. I fixed the above as follows: Drill 8 holes 3/32" diameter in the sides of the 3 rubber handle isolation bushings, plus 1 cover bushing. Install an "ElastoStart" handle/rope assembly, from Stihl. Remove the exhaust diffuser, but then do not use saw in public forests as this removes the spark arrest screen.

Summary:
I would buy the saw again. It is more money than box store saws, but it seems worth it to me.

Strengths:
After over 20 years with my Stihl 009L and beating on it and it still runs well, I decided on a new saw with more power, an MS250. My children even bought it for me. It was a good choice. I have gone through 2 gal of bar and chain oil. I even cut under water fallen trees in a swamp and some stumps, a lot of chain touch up with the file and guide. It is the right weight for a 67 year, old guy. I have cut a few cords of oak fire wood also and find it not to tiring to use. Just like the 009L, it is well made and runs well.

Weaknesses:
None really, but learning to start it, you must follow the manual. It has never failed to start.

Summary:
Average for its class.

Strengths:
Very good performance. Easy starting. Well controlled vibration.

Weaknesses:
Very poor handle bar mount. Uses a plastic plug that has tendency to fall out of its mount leaving the handle attached in one place. Also has those useless index fuel and oil caps.

Summary:
This saw got me through a ice storm (winter of 08-09)that took out so many trees it was a day and a half to get down the street.11 days to get my power back. me and my neighbor who also uses a stihl didn't wait for rescue we cut our way out. Had a major wind storm this year more trees. no problem had the yard and others cleaned up in no time. At no time did this saw slow down or refuse to start. still cutting fire wood just fine.

Strengths:
plain and simple for it's size and weight this saw is a beyond description.

Weaknesses:
N/A

Summary:
I have owned a landscaping service in Maricopa County Az FOr 18 years. This is the first and probably last piece of stihl equiptment i will ever buy.

Strengths:
Really can not find any.

Weaknesses:
I bought a new ms250 3 years ago. Have maybe 5 hours on it and had the retail dealer who i bought it from do a tune-up this past spring. I clean the saw after use and it has never been dropped or abused. Now the saw refuses to start. It started twice since the tune up, and now nothing. Of coarse it will be operater error. No response from stihl. I would not buy this piece of equiptment ever again.

Summary:
boat anchor

Strengths:
good enough to sell at a garage sale, but wouldn't stick a friend with it. I did buy a used Poulan 2150 at a garage sale... works!

Weaknesses:
Wont start. Compared to my 30 year old Maccullough, this is a lemon. I have read how others got theirs to start. Repeated and nothing. I have to take mine back to the dealer to start, and even they have a nasty go at it. Note--> after 2 weeks I tried to get the dealer to upgrade it to anything else, even another Stihl....nope!

Summary:
Do a search on the web about ethanol damage to 2-cycle engines. I recommend that you use Stabil marine grade (blue-green color)

Strengths:
Comment: I have an old O28 and I'm looking for a new saw. It's between this saw and an Echo 370.

Weaknesses:
I want to comment on the folks who say this saw won't start after 2-3 years of owning it. Question: Are you using premium gas and a gas stabilizer? The reason I ask is because using regular gas will ruin any saw due to the high ethanol content. My guess is that this is the reason why you are having problems.

Summary:
This is a fantastic saw and a bargain for what you get. Reliable, easy to start (I thought it was going to be tough since it's not the easy-start model), and is a quantum leap over my Poulan Pro (even though I thought at the time that THAT was a good saw!) I feel like I've joined a select club and everyone knows that Stihl makes the best saws (with the possible exception of the Husky owners). Buy this model--it's worked great for me and I cut 5 cords of oak a year for my home (18" bar, 14" logs max).

Strengths:
High power, low weight. Literally goes through oak like a frightened cat through a garage. I met a professional firewood cutter in the woods when I was cutting and he used this same model (MS250) as his backup--he had a larger model as his primary and those are the only 2 saws he carries (he tells me he cuts 400 cords a year!!!)

Weaknesses:
Requires premium fuel and gets exhaust soot on itself (minor points but the only weaknesses I could come up with).

Summary:
WOULD NEVER BUY A STIHL PRODUCT EVER AGAIN. DON'T WASTE THE MONEY, YOU ARENT GETTING WHAT YOU THINK AT ALL. ECHO OR EVEN A CRAPSMAN WOULD BEAT THIS, IF IT DOESN'T START, WHAT ELSE CAN BE WORSE.

Strengths:
The MS250 is an absolute piece of garbage. For 10 years I used echo saws and decided needless one day to buy the "best" I spent almost 3 times what the echo cost. 10 minutes into using it it died. Mysteriously 45 minutes latr it worked for the next 4 hours. Tried to use it a week later and a month later, this junk will not start at all. All I can say is welcome to 1940 again if you want a 2 stroke junk saw that costs a fortune to take 40 pulls to start it or not at all. Let me use he primer bulb, oh thats right the idiots at stihl got rid of it, totally automatic right? Except the junk doesn't start I feel like I will have a heart attack. The dealer tells me he can send it in for repair, but it will take 2-3 weeks, thats so great! What service from the cadillac of saws. All advertisiing, this brand is junk, I can't wait to sell it and buy another echo that never failed once on me. What is the PROBLEM! the gas is fresh and don't tell me I need to dump it every two weeks cause it went stale, funny the same gas is running 3 other items right now just fine. Just like day 1, a piece of junk, overpried. Crap. Quality stinks

Weaknesses:
Gargabe, overpriced, doesn't start, would love to smash it, brand new, totally fresh gas and the junker still won't work. My friends did the same, funny both our old echos still stat just fine.

Summary:
amazing

Strengths:
great

Weaknesses:
bad

Summary:
Best saw you can buy.

Strengths:
Great saws, have used many saws none compare to STIHL small or large cut wood year round they just keep getting better

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
EXCELLENT SAW FOR THE MONEY

Strengths:
FOR THOSE WITH STARTING PROBLEMS - ETHANOL IN GAS KILLS 2-STROKE ENGINES DEAD. USE STARTRON WITH EVERY FILL.

Weaknesses:
NOT MANY.

Summary:
OK, now that I know how to start the saw properly. However, I am disappointed in Stihl not including the correct information in the manual.

Strengths:
The chain tension adjust screw on the side is a lot easier to use than the screw in the front on older models.

Weaknesses:
Easily flooded if not started exactly the right way. Manual does not explain this and neither did the dealer from whom I bought the saw, even after I took it in three times. Many thanks to Dale for his review above on 3/30/2010. Now I finally can start the saw without trouble. Note to Jeff (7/23/2010 review) and Ted (7/27/2010): Suggest you check if Dale's solution works for you also.

Summary:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Summary:
I Got this saw to replace a STIHL 017 which is a smaller 30cc saw running a 14" bar. good for small stuff but needed a little more power. The MS250 has been great from trees to sizing down RR ties. just enough power for anything around a Home of any size.

Strengths:
good power to weight, awesome bar, solid chain, ease of use, lots of options come with it.

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
Just an add on to my last post after reading other users and what they had to say. STIHL makes there saws to a higher standard, and just like the higher class cars they take a little more effort in the long run and know how to keep them working tip top for the longest amount of time. I would venture a guess and say that the majority of the people that have had problems or didnt get what they wanted out of STIHL are just having some user error. its a STIHL the fire service trusts these above any other saw. But you have to know your tool.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Summary:
I love this Saw.

Strengths:
I receied an older 025 back in 1992 as a Christmas gift.I cut several cords of fire wood a year for 10+ years until I moved. The saw still ocasionally gets used for general home clean up. The saw is now 18 years old and runs perfectly. I have never even changed the spark plug.It sits in my garage for a year sometimes unused but still starts and runs perfect with minimal effort.

Weaknesses:
No Complaints

Summary:
Pretty good saw for the money. Would like to see at least some aluminum in the wrap around handle. I would buy one again.

Strengths:
Reliable, service & parts are easily accessable, good running saw for the money

Weaknesses:
To much plastic. I would think they could at least use some aluminum on the wrap around handle.

Summary:
The BEST, I don't think anyone, anywhere in the world could have a better saw than # one...like the proverbial Timex, she just keeps on ticking and I'll estimate she's cut down over a hundred cords of wood including some trees over 36" across(lots of cutting around those trees, though)chunking the big'uns meant some plunge cuts and sectioning like meat-cutting...fun, fun, fun...I love it !

Strengths:
So little maintenance required, leave it sit for a year and it still starts and runs like a top...keep the chain reasonably sharp and an 025 might last forever. I liked my first one so much I bought another just in case # one died, but now I hand # 2 to my son and we both go at the firewood for hours.Bought an 028 second hand because it was a sweet deal but its so much more fussy to keep running well, I've never changed the spark plug or carb in old # one and it still goes like it was brand new and its 12 years old. Chains and bars have come and gone but the rest is "original".

Weaknesses:
Can't get a bar over 18 inches and I'm sure she'd run one easy...

Summary:
PIECE OF SH*T. I HATE YOU STIHL. GOING TO BUY ME A HUSQY.

Strengths:
I bought this saw brand new for my farm about a week ago. I read the manual back and forth to make sure I did everything right. I bought premium fuel and mixed it with Stihl 2 cyle oil to PRECISE MEASURES with a graduated syringe. I used the saw for about a couple of hours, let it cool, cleaned it up, and stored away in it's pretty little over-priced carrying case. Brought it out for it's third outing in the same week of purchase and about keeled over from exhaustion trying to start this piece of SH*T. I REALLY HATE THIS PILE OF JUNK! Damn near ripped my guts out pulling that damn string.

Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING ON THIS THING IS WEAK! No bulb primer, hard to start, floods easily, handle/foot hold is made for a two-year old. Tomorrow, I am going to take it back to the store where I bought it and leave it there. NEVER BUY ANYTHING WITH THE LETTERS MADE IN THE U.S.A. Goddamn JUNK.

Summary:
This is a great saw and the dealer support is unbeatable. I own a STIHL commercial trimmer, a pole saw, and two chainsaws and have nothing but good things to say about them. I highly reccomend the MS 250 to anyone looking for bad ass power with light weight. This thing is the best around the farm saw I have ever owned.

Strengths:
I bought the MS 250 with an 18" bar one year ago to trim around field edges and cut up fallen trees each winter that fall into my feilds and pastures. Bottom line, THIS THING IS A BEAST! You just can't stop it. It starts effortlessly EVERY time inb two pulls. It is just a well engineered tool. I love the chain adjuster and the power to weight ratio is unbelievable. I burn probably twenty tanks of fuel per year through this thing and it is trouble free.

Weaknesses:
The spark arrestor screen. My reccomendation is to take the two nuits off the muffler. remove the small cover, and toss that screen as it WILL clog up at some point and you will lose considerable power. Put the cover back on then. Toss this EPA mandated screen and you will be happy for years to come. This saw is AWESOME!

Summary:
loved the saw till the issue hope issue will be resolved so i can keep on cutting never heard of a issue like this but mabey its operator error but im sure its not ran the correct fuel but not high test gas mabey that was my issue but i dont see how when my freind runs his wiht same gas and oil and has been doing so for last 2 years sence he purchased the 250 and thats y i bought it i loved his saw and my old husky was nothing but headackes

Strengths:
very nice saw ran four tanks of gas but sotmhing happend in it today wouldnt start again after tank of gas was emptyed idk what happend i am thinking a float

Weaknesses:
had a issue on second real day of running it as i cut lots a slab wood

Summary:
I bought the MS 250 like some of the others I was going to treat myself to the best this time , and I was NOT disappointed either . starts easier than my Stihl weed eater does , never even had to use the PRIMER bulb "manual page 33 " . it was a screamer from the first time it started .the dealer took 2 minutes to demonstate the starting using the master control lever , couldnt be simpler . I bought an ECHO 370 2 years ago that runs good now but required several tanks of fuel before it was running and tuned right , I wanted a bigger saw without more weight and this ones the ticket .

Strengths:
light weight , plenty of power .very smooth runing and minimal vibration , its like it has gyroscopic balancing which makes it all the easier to run. I really like the ergo's compared to the Echo 370. I like the filler caps though they take some getting used to .

Weaknesses:
I would lke a faster cutting bar/chain . maybye a future upgrade .

Summary:
After burning (killing) through several Home Depot Poulan Pros (they frustrated me; weak quality, poor starting and power issues), I opted for a better and stronger quality chain saw. After extensive research and talking to local dealers (Echo and Husqvarna,)I purchased the MS250 CBE (the easy start model) Sept 2010; and I absolutely love it. I am very happy with the decision. I cut primarily hardwoods and its operates like a very hot knife through butter. After 6 cords and falling several large trees, I have no complaints or issues. Its works as advertised. Its quiet, handles great and does not fatigue. Its a joy to know I have a solid reliable unit when I need to cut and I look forward to using it every time. The power to weight ratio is superb. In so much, that it can be easily handled with one hand on the down strokes with large logs. The Quick Chain Adjuster, Toolless Caps and Easy Start is worth the extra money. I have never had problem starting, even when the whether is cold. Unlike the Poulan models, this saw makes easy work of cutting hardwoods.

Strengths:
The power to weight ratio is superb. The Quick Chain Adjuster, Toolless Caps and Easy Start is worth the extra money. I have never had problem starting, even when the whether is cold. It handles great and performs as one would want. Great manual and dealer support.

Weaknesses:
None to date.....hopefully it will last a long time.

Summary:
You get what you pay for.

Strengths:
Best saw I have ever owned. First Stihl I will never own another brand ever. Bought a Homelite from the Depot took it right back. I opted for the 18' bar wise move on my part. The saw chewed thru trees like butter.

Weaknesses:
N/A....Everyone wants to use my saw.

Summary:
I have been using this saw every weekend all winter long and it never missed a beat. I would strongly recommend this saw to somebody that is looking for a good reliable saw for a fair price. If you are wanting to cut hardwoods over 25” consistently, you may want a larger saw, but for most the work I am doing such as cutting up firewood, this saw is perfect. My dealer is also very helpful.

Strengths:
Very light and easy to use saw. Can use it all day long without getting tired. Fires up very easily as long as you follow the procedure. I am working on a lot of large red oak and maple and it goes right through it. I have used some other brands of saws and I like this one the best. I was debating about going to a larger saw, but I am glad is choose this one.

Weaknesses:
The quick-cap on the bar oil is a bit of a pain if you accidently over-fill. The chain that came on the saw was useless. Replaced the chain and learned not to overfill the bar oil, life is good.

Summary:
the sthill ms250 is one tuff saw and will cut whatever u want to cut even big trees but keep your chain sharp and in goodworking order ;i have fell some trees about 20 inches across with her and she still works a1 ;i cant find any weakness with her.i luv my saw.no

Strengths:
very good saw for cutting firewood;

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
I'm turning 59 next week and this is my birthday present to myself. I haven't used a chainsaw extensively for 35 years. Back in the day, I worked on a brush crew with the fire dept. Back then we used a Homelite saw. Fast forward. The main job for this saw is cutting firewood. In researching this purchase, I read every customer review on the web I could find. I came away believing both Husqvarna and Stihl makes a great product. Because of the weight and engine size of the ms250, I bought a Stihl. When I got it home I could not start the saw. I did what the dealer told me (full choke-pull til it fires then 1/2 choke and it will start. B S. I did what the other reviews suggested. 1 pull full choke, 1 pull 1/2 choke and it started right up. One word of wisdom for a long chainsaw life is to use the stihl hp ultra synthetic 2 cycle oil. Two reasons (1)you get an extra year warranty from stihl, and (2) great oil in a 2 stroke equals many years of service. PS I also checked out the ez start system. More things to break and go wrong. Not for me.

Strengths:
Gr8 power to weight ratio. When it gets into a deep cut, it comes on with more power and makes for easy work cutting firewood and limbing. The saw was designed with common sense for gas cap, oil cap, air cleaner removal, and side chain adjustment.

Weaknesses:
This saw is touchy about cold starts.

Summary:
Just a great little firewood saw.

Strengths:
This is a cutting little saw with plenty of power even with a 18" bar and chisel tooth chain. Light weight and no vibration to speak of.

Weaknesses:
none that I can see.

Summary:
very sorry i spent the money for this over priced piece of equipment. even my neighbour who is a fan of sthil is disappointed with my saw. stihl corpoarate and the dealer were quick to condemn the problem as user abuse and sent a form letter back to me. next time i will buy an echo!

Strengths:
cuts very efficiently

Weaknesses:
very hard to start. tremendous snap back when starting. wouldn,t start hardly ever. unclear manual instructions for average user. cheap plastic innards. worked for less than 5 hours before catastrophic failure! insides melted because i had to use choke longer than recommended just to keep it going. had poulons and used for many years without any problems and going back to my old one and selling this repaired 250 to someone i dont like. dealer wanted $380 to repair-had it repaired for $135 (taxes in) at a competitor.

Summary:
I will never buy another piece of Stihl equipment. The weed whip I bought has cost a fortune in shop fees too.

Strengths:
Works well when it runs.

Weaknesses:
Hard to start. Spends more time in shop than it does at my house

Summary:
Good light weight chainsaw. I cut a cord of hard wood so far. I will sharpen blade and keep cutting. Bought it from a dealer.

Strengths:
Light weight, lots of cutting power and speed. I have an 18inch blade. Cut through 18inch oak. Easy to start.

Weaknesses:
None.

Summary:
I do domestic tree felling and trimming here in durban, south africa. Stihl supply this ms250, basic version , with a 35cm bar. I wanted one saw to do everything, this does everything. Im very happy with it, and wouldnt buy anything else. I've hammered it, smoke coming off the chain, wood so hard theres tiny sparks in the cut. Lots of guts this saw. i keep the blade sharp, clean it regularly. The teeth are getting a bit short on the chain now. If you are used to older cars/machinery with a choke and know how to use it then its fantastic. No fancy gadgets and stuff to break, easy to fix. basic. does the job. reliable. Love this saw.

Strengths:
light weight for the power. lots of power. it fell off a branch 15ft up onto hard ground, and is still okay. Very easy to access the airfilter. basic model, use a socket/driver tool to tension chain. No problem.

Weaknesses:
A bit hard to pull-start with high compression, when Im balancing on a branch up a tree. ... but hey, I can live with that.

Summary:
EASY TO START, EASY TO OPERATE, GREAT HOMEOWNER SAW BUT BEING A STIHL HAS THE ABILITY TO DO MUCH MORE ON OCCASSION!! MY ONLY REGRET IS I DIDNT BUY A STIHL INSTEAD OF THE CRAFTSMAN SAW.

Strengths:
GREAT SAW, RUNS SMOOTH AND CUTS LIKE A DREAM COMPARED TO MY OLD CRAFTSMAN.

Weaknesses:
NONE

Summary:
I've never been so dis-satisfied with a product as this. Stihl hasn't helped at all, and the design of some parts of the machine is terrible. I've bought some poor pieces of equipment, but this is the worst by far.

Strengths:
Price isn't bad

Weaknesses:
Can only get it running about 50% of the time. E-z chain adjuster broke and Stihl left me in the breeze for a replacement part. Design of spikes on front is terrible. They can't grip the wood because the chain tensioner cover on the other side of the bar prevents the saw from getting close enough to the wood to grip. Oilways are constantly clogged (when the darn thing will start).

Summary:
I will never trust anything but a Stihl to keep my family warm in the winter. My wife even says that there is nothing better than a Stihl, by the way I got her to start helping using the 170, thanks again!!

Strengths:
Where do I start? My 250 is great, I also have a 170 and when I got my Talyor wood stove I asked my dealer what kind of saw do I need for cutting firewood, the Farm Boss? I was told that the 250 does the same job as the Farm Boss, just it will have the 18" bar instead of the 20", okay, no problem, I bought it and have used it for two years now, I wouldn't trade or buy anything else. I love my 170, I actually thought about buying a chainsaw in a box just to save money, I thank god that I stuck with stihl, I will never consider anything else.

Weaknesses:
Let me think.....I just can't find any, thanks Stihl!!

Summary:
Don't really feel like having to keep a new tool from self destructing is my responsibility, but I feel like that's where its headed. It should come from the manufacturer set up to go and last for awhile. Hopefully, it will with a little tuning. The way it comes from dealer, I'm surprised so many on this site like theirs.

Strengths:
Fairly light and seems to have good power, maybe disastrous.

Weaknesses:
Really revs high, but has that all-too-familiar ringing sound of being right on the edge of engine disaster. Came set very lean and limiters keep you from easily setting it rich enough to keep it from hurting itself. Using Stihl oil mix. Had bad bog just off idle and seems too lean in high speed cut also. Will have to be very careful with this until I can get it adjusted properly. Hard to start too often, has lean burst of speed, then dies. Must pull repeatedly,cycling between choke and no choke until it will run and idle.

Summary:
I found this saw is easy to start. Easy to handle. Plenty of power and lightweight.

Strengths:
Does eveything it is asked to do

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
HHIS I should have tuhoght of that!

Strengths:
HHIS I should have tuhoght of that!

Weaknesses:
HHIS I should have tuhoght of that!

Summary:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Summary:
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Strengths:
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Weaknesses:
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Weaknesses:
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Summary:
Like many of the above stated posts, starting is key. 1-2 pulls full choke, then pull on 1/2 choke till starts, usually 2-3 pulls on my saw. Premium fuel and stabill are the key to starting with ease. Not all fuels are created equal. Shell premium works great for my equipment. Using stihl chain oil & fuel mix keep the saw operating well. I also have a 009L,(1994) that runs great also. Taking care of equipment helps it last longer, and cuts down on repair costs. Kinda like owning Ford, Chevy or dodge, every one has their preferrance. Stihl is my choice. Keep up the good work Stihl.

Strengths:
This is a great saw. You get what you pay for. My MS 250 does every thing I ask it to do. I do try hard not to abuse any of my equipment, I've found things last longer that way. The power to weight ratio is great. For tasks around my rural property, this saw makes short order of getting things done. I would recomend this to anyone wanting a quality saw. Stihl makes a fine line of equipment. Post by Tenny C. Jack 3-28-11 really sums it all up. That really helped me decide on the MS250. Did not get the easy start, do not need things breaking.

Weaknesses:
None. Self cleaning would be great, but I dont mind cleaning my saws after being used.

Summary:
I would not recommend this, or any other new Stihl chainsaw to anyone. They are overpriced and unreliable. Others on this site review their saws after only a short time in use. Put enough hours on your saw and you will wish you had spent half the money on a more reliable brand of saw. Stihl just ain't what it used to be.

Strengths:
Looks good in your garage

Weaknesses:
This saw has proven to be the biggest piece of junk I have ever purchased. From the first day that I put it into use thru the cleanup of Hurricane Irene is has failed just about every time. It will run for 20 to 30 minutes and then stall. When this happens it is impossible to restart and I have to return it to my local Stihl dealer for repair. He can somehow get it to run but only at full throttle. After a short time in use it dies again. On my last visit to his shop his mechanic told me that he owns the same saw and has the same problem. He replaced the carburetor in his saw but it still stalls out. He doesn't think that this problem can ever be resolved. To make matters worse the chain tensioning system does not work. Stihl engineers think that a little one inch rubber wheel can exert sufficient leverage to tension an 18 inch bar and chain – it can not. When the saw is properly cleaned, adjusted, and lubricated, as in the dealer’s shop, the tensioning systems will work. Take it out into the field and cut some wood for a while and it will bind up and prove useless. The only saving grace with this system is that the saw will probably die prior to needing adjustment. I spoke to a Stihl senior customer service rep at the NJ State Fair and he told me that Stihl recognized these problems and developed after market fixes. I should take the saw to my local dealer for replacement parts. This was just a lie to placate me so I wouldn't discuss these problems in front of potential customers. I decided to bring my saw to a new certified Stihl dealer hoping that he could fix the problems. He told me that he doesn't even sell any Stihl saws with thumb wheel systems because he knew that it would be a potential disaster and had no interest in trying to fix my saw.

Summary:
Unreliable, overpriced, alternative product design appearance more important than basic engineering.

Strengths:
I can't think of any, other than when it ran it cut wood, which I would expect of any chainsaw. I've been cutting wood since the early 70's and was a professional tree climber.

Weaknesses:
Where do I start? First opened it and read the instruction manual and found it REQUIRES 89 octane gas minimum. If they'd put that on the outside of the box instead, I'd have passed it up on that alone. I don't want to carry around two tanks of gas for different equipment brands. First week the oil fill cap came off because of the stupid indexed design, and poured bar oil down my leg, in winter, in the woods. Also fill cap keeper string is guaranteed to pick up dirt and sawdust and bring it back into the tank. The saw was louder than my other saws. The saw developed a serious bar oil tank leak that has ruined anything it was placed on, I don't mean a slight stain, I mean a real leak that empties the tank in a day. After two years of light use -- say ten cords of wood and 40 trees, the clutch needed replacement. Then the hidden fuel line deteriorated, making it hard to start and rough running. The line then broke completely dousing me with gas, near a hot muffler. I bought a replacement fuel line from the dealer -- ridiculously expensive for crap rubber that deteriorates in 2 years. Total pain to install, too. Saw never regained former power and gradually got impossible to start. Took it into the dealer. Turns out the cracked fuel line had leaned the saw, causing the piston to score, as well as sucking in rubber particles clogging carb jets. Dealer quoted $180 in parts alone to repair. I said no. Saw won't run at all anymore. It's a total loss, and I was charged $10 for the diagnosis -- from the very dealer I bought it from. He offered to absorb the charge If I bought another saw from him. I said I wouldn't buy another Stihl product again. He said "Good luck with something else." I thanked him for that.

Summary:
I went from a Poulan to this piece of junk and wish I did't give my brother in law my Poulan. Hugely disappointed and would never buy another Stihl and I am surprised they still command the price and have their highly regarded reputation with such inferior products. The salesman that sold me the saw was very convincing and enthusiastic adding to my desire to buy. I will surely go back and let him know about how disappointed I am with the saw he felt was fantastic :(

Strengths:
runs strong for a little while until is dies for no apparent reason. good power to weight ratio when it is running. easy to start if you follow above instructions.

Weaknesses:
revs too high and have to massage trigger to get it to cut correctly (over revs for no reason). oil leak (the saw is only two months old with less than 10 hours on it? handle broken already. It will run like a champ for several minutes and then stalls for no reason and takes several pulls to start again. Not worth the money.

Summary:
Runs circles around my Mac, Poulan Wild thang locks up after 10 min. factory replaced with a reman that I sold to a neighbor & put the money towards 250 CBE

Strengths:
Freakishly fast & effortless cutting. Light & responsive. Never fails to satisfy my tree shredding fun. Can't recommend it highly enough. I also have a a highly modded 360 that cuts like a sawmill. both great machines.

Weaknesses:
A bit finicky to start cold but with the easy start it's never more than 8 pulls so who cares. Usually takes 4 pulls. Small wheel tension adjuster doesn't have much leverage, but is still easier than getting out the tools.

Summary:
I wouldn't buy another, very dissappointed.

Strengths:
Not much compared to older models

Weaknesses:
I am really dissappointed with the quality of chainsaws you company is now producing. I didn't mind the price when I bought my 250 from my local dealer because I have owned a AV24 for over 10 years and it worked like a champ and that was after it was passed on to me after 10 years of prior service. It finally gave up and I needed a new one about a yaear and a half ago. I wish I would have spent the money fixing it up. My 250 loses power, doesn't keep enough oil on the chain, the chain losings easily and quickly when running, the plasic cover on the sprockent is cheaply made, the handle has come out of its bottom mount, the oil caps is hard to close, seems like it is closed but it isn't and pops open. Also owning it for less then a year with little use, the bolts that hold the cover and bar actually stripped out using the chainsaw wrench that comes with the saw. Now mind you I am not a very big man. I took it to the dealer and told me it wouldn't be covered and it was my fault. No mind you also that I had owned one for 10 years and clear out a lot of wood in those years and never had a problem. I used to brag so much on your company and everything I would buy was a stihl and I told everyone, if you want the best buy stihl, not anymore. Its a shame and I feel ripped off and would have been better buying a much cheaper craftsman.

Summary:
It's a good, solid, easy to use saw. I "bought down" in size and it handles larger jobs as if it were a larger saw even though it's rated as an occasional use saw. Seems solidly built.

Strengths:
The Easy2start system is a huge plus. Easy to learn and has worked perfectly. Great power to weight ratio, more than enough power for an 18" bar. Has run consistently well through some abusive treatment. Good price for the features included.

Weaknesses:
None of importance although it recommends only high octane gas.

Summary:
Great saw. Makes me wish I could use it every day. Mine is mainly being used to clear backyard of small to medium hardwoods. I will be sad when they are all gone as I will not have as much use for the MS250

Strengths:
Great saw. starts right up and plows through trees. Great for trimming and small to medium tree cutting.

Weaknesses:
None so far. Had some issues starting the first time but those were mine. Take a few minutes at purchase and listen while the dealer explains how to start it. I dint listen and had to call back. Once he re-explained it, I was off an cutting.

Summary:
Bought it to replace old McCulloch Pro 1010 that finally died. Got it one day and used it the next day to cut a bunch of logs. Worked like a champ.

Strengths:
Good power, light weight, starts easy, good dealer network. A friend of mine has a 025 model that he's had for 15 years with no problems. Quality name recognition.

Weaknesses:
A lot of plastic that might break. A little more expensive than the competition. Hopefully it will come back in longevity. Need to use higher grade gas.

Summary:
I would recommend this saw to anyone looking to clean up downed trees.

Strengths:
Easy to start with little to no effert to opertate. I love the way it handles and this is my first chainsaw. Safty features makes it easy to use without fear of injury. Light wieght and powerfull. Chain tension easy to tighten.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Summary:
Had an old beat up hand me down Eager Beaver that I'm sorry I traded in for this thing. At least it started when you wanted it to.

Strengths:
Cuts great when running. Good power, lightweight.

Weaknesses:
Difficult to start, especially in cold applications. Needed it this past storm and wouldn't start at all. Had spark, new plug, lines clean, carb clean, new gas, hell I even prayed a little but no luck wouldn't start. Oddly enough, Stihl weed whacker works awesome. I'll never get one of their saws again though. Oh, and the design of the gas and oil caps is brilliant. Get one little spec of debris anywhere close to them and you'll spend the next 15 minutes trying to get the cap back on.

Summary:
The Stihl 250 is my first chainsaw. I have used this saw over the past two weekends and that use thus far has been trouble free. Cutting through limbs 10 to 12 inches in diameter has been a breeze. Currently I would recommend this saw for cleaning up and for firewood cutting. I'm having fun while doing work. I will check in at a later time for further updates.

Strengths:
Simple design and user friendly with careful reading of the instruction book and the online videos. This saw appears to have good power - 45.4 cc, as compared to the overall weight. Very little vibration of note, especially when cutting.

Weaknesses:
I would like to see more steel on the Stihl. No other concerns at this time.

Summary:
I had a Stihl 024 for over twenty years and loved it. Had to replace it after the carb went up and no replacement was available. Bought the MS250. Absolutely hate this saw. It took me 2 hours to start it the second time I used it. The chain brake stopped functioning after twenty minutes. Asked for my money back. Stihl does not stand behind their products.

Strengths:
Light weight, cuts well if you can get it started.

Weaknesses:
Difficult to start, difficult to start, and difficult to start. Chain brake is not well designed.

Summary:
Great when it runs.

Strengths:
great when it runs

Weaknesses:
Same as all the other stories. Runs fine and then loses power for no apparent reason, fuel line issues, caps are crap. Dealer wouldn't stand behind any of it. Never again

Summary:

Strengths:
Cuts well, light weight, easy to handle. I like the 18" bar for the weight calibre, and the side adjustment for chain tension. I hate those cheesy tension adjusters on the bar. Works excellently once you get the bloody thing started.

Weaknesses:
RIDICULOUSLY difficult to start. Mine has the standard starter (not the easy2start). Look at it the wrong way and the carburettor floods out when you first try to fire it up. The only way I could get it to start on a cold day, after only two pulls with the choke closed, was to take out the plug and dry it off with a hair dryer and then blow hot air into the engine, then reassemble it and start it in the "run" position. Engine compression makes it very difficult to pull the starter cord after the first couple of tries. I already feel worn out just getting the thing started, before even cutting the first piece of wood. I bought it based on recommendations that it was a top-of-the-line saw. I would never have chosen it if I had known it was going to be such a problem to start.

Summary:
I was sorry to hear that Stihl have stopped making the 250CBE, it has been the best purchase in my shed to date

Strengths:
I have the 250 CBE and have used it for light and heavy work for over 6 years with no discernable loss of quality. As a beginner I had the saw serviced by the local chainsaw guys annually but over the years I've learned to do it myself without any trouble. The saw starts now as it did when I bought it, press the little tit and pull twice on full throttle. drop down to half throttle and two pulls make it go every time. In 6 years I've only twice flooded it. I've a 14inch bar but occasionally have had to spend days working on logs well beyond its capacity ( with a partner on a 20 inch machine finishing off). It has never failed and I intend investing in an 18 inch bar.

Weaknesses:
It does seem to lose power in long cuts but this may be an operator failure and the fuel tank is too small for long work.

Summary:
Awesome saw. Great power, weight and price.

Strengths:
I have a MS 250 that i have used for two years. Great saw lots of power even with the 18" bar. Cuts great in softwood just as well in hardwood. The main thing in cutting hardwood is a good sharp chain and it buzz's through it like hot butter. I really like the power to weight ratio thats nice. Good price for the saw. Starting is easy even without the easy2start feature. I would recommend this saw to anyone.

Weaknesses:
Discoloring of the sprocket cover from the exhaust blowing on it. Other than that little problem none other.

Summary:
This is an awesome machine. I would highly recommend it to anyone. My wife can even use it, and she is from Chicago. Have cut almost a cord of wood and not one problem starting. My dealer trained me on starting, and adjusting. Made it so simple to use. this is my first saw that I have ever owned. I looked at Husky's, but was a little leary about getting one from a box chain. Price was not that much higher, and it is american made.

Strengths:
easy start, great performer. chain is easy to tighten, oil and fuel caps have a tether to prevent losing them.

Weaknesses:
tank does not let you see how much fuel/ bar oil is in it.

Summary:
I have been a wildland firefighter for 5 years. My crew only uses Stihl. with proper care they will last far beyond anything else as well as out perform any competition. I would rely on the MS250 for anything needed on the fire line.

Strengths:
Awesome little saw, always starts when operated correctly. Surprising power for being so small. Its a Stihl

Weaknesses:
none yet