Are you a beginner in sawing and looking for a decent chainsaw? Do you keep searching and finding great matches that are beyond your budget? The Stihl MS250 is what you are looking for. It is a reliable saw that suits the needs of domestic users.
Unfortunately, this model is no longer in production, as it was replaced by the more advanced Stihl MS 251. Still, you can come across them in retail stores. Also, it is possible to find it online, sold by previous users, and in good shape. If you want to know more about this saw, read this detailed stihl ms250 review.
Stihl MS 250 Review
Table of Contents
The Stihl MS 250 was released on the market in 2002. It was a huge success due to its steady performance and affordability. Despite being replaced with the more innovative Wood Boss MS251, the saw still has a loyal base of fans. You can still find the MS250 in the Stihl catalog for this year.
Here is an in-depth look into its construction, combination of features, and performance:
Construction Quality & Materials
Generally, all Stihl home-owner-grade chainsaws are made of plastic casings. The MS250 is not an exception. It consists of fiber-reinforced plastic, which is highly durable. Such material increases the user’s comfort and maneuverability while operating the saw.
Still, the internal components, like the engine, are made of metals such as aluminum and magnesium. Also, the chainsaw bar and chain are made of stainless steel alloy.
Regarding the quality of construction and finish, you should know that the Stihl MS250 is made in the U.S. This explains the excellent quality of materials, assembly, and overall finish. Notably, only some components are from the U.S. Some parts are imported from other countries.
FeaturesÂ
According to the manufacturer, this chainsaw is made for cutting firewood in the first place. It is also suitable for removing dead trees from a yard or any property. Among the unique specifications of this saw is its lightweight and excellent power-to-weight ratio.
1. Power SourceÂ
The Stihl MS250 is a petrol chainsaw. It is just the rest of the Stihl gasoline chainsaw family that uses an oil-fuel mixture of 50:1.
2. Engine DisplacementÂ
A homeowner’s chainsaw does not have a large displacement. This chainsaw model has a moderate engine capacity of 45.4 ccs.
3. Engine PowerÂ
This decent engine generates a great deal of power that suits its purposes. You can rely on it to get enough power to cut down firewood for your fireplace quickly. Its engine generates 3.0 bhp.
4. Powerhead WeightÂ
The Stihl MS250 comes with a 10.1-pound powerhead dry weight. This is not the final product weight, as you will still add some accessories, gasoline, and oil. So, it would be a half-pound difference, give or take.
5. Fuel Capacity
Stihl MS 250 has a manageable fuel tank, which is not too small either. It can only hold up to 15.9 ounces of the right gasoline type. Typically, a larger capacity is a huge plus. But in general, homeowners and mid-range have small reservoirs.
6. Chain oil Capacity
The chain oiler in this saw is also small. It has a capacity of 6.8 ounces of the recommended chain lubrication type. Moreover, the Stihl MS250 comes with chain lubrication. This automatic oiler will keep the bar and chain sharp and corrosion-free with only a few drops of chain lubricant.
Such an option prevents unnecessary consumption of chain lubricant.
7. Side-access Chain Tensioner
Adjusting the chain is not a tough job, but what makes it irritating is the removal of the case. There are many steps required for this process. However, this saw has easy access to the chain tensioner without any tools or steps. It is found right under the chain sprocket cover.Â
8. Easy-access Air filter cover
One of the best features of this chainsaw is the ease of removal of its air filter. This makes cleaning the filter a breeze for the most inexperienced users.
9. Single Control Lever
To facilitate different functions for the users, Stihl ms250 comes with a single lever. This lever consists of four positions that control four machine settings. It contains on, off, idle, and choke positions.
10. Rear hand Guard
This feature needs to get more credit as an important safety feature. This option is ideal for those who like to start the saw while standing up without using a flat service. It lets you correctly position the saw between your thighs without facing its blade. Then you can press that rear guard for a safe and smooth start.
11. Winter and Summer shutter
This is a great feature for those who run the machine during the winter. As you already know, carburetor icing is a critical issue for many users. Once the engine fires, this shutter allows the heat to reach the carb. This protects the machine’s carburetor from icing if you cut firewood in freezing weather.
PerformancesÂ
This reliable saw comes with a 2.1 kg/kW power-to-weight ratio. This is an excellent ratio for its engine and weight. Therefore, you can rely on the machine for heavy cutting and light cleaning. It is also able to prune and delimb trees.
Stihl MS 250 Reviews: What do people say?
The Stihl ms250 is a powerful and efficient chainsaw capable of speedy firewood chopping. This made thousands of users buy and keep it for nearly two decades. People loved many things about this saw, including its portability and ease of use.
Here is an in-depth overview of the customer feedback and reviews of the Stihl ms250:
User Feedback
On Stihl’s official website, you will find over 2250 reviews of this saw. This indicates it is a popular chainsaw that is purchased by a wide range of users. They were thrilled with its quality and power. It also got a general rating of 4.1 out of 5 on the same site.
Among its great spec and features, many users appreciated its portable and compact design without affecting its cutting efficiency. Moreover, they loved the ease of running in freezing temperatures. Generally, people cut firewood to overcome winter’s cold. So, a chainsaw with an iced carb will be unreliable.
Another thing many users loved about it was the reduced vibration while cutting. This allows homeowners to use it for consecutive hours without fatigue or discomfort. In addition to absorbing vibration, the Stihl MS 250 provides plenty of power for multiple tasks and frequent use.
Product Satisfaction
There is consensus about the powerful engine of this saw. Also, users are delighted with its steady performance, which is not affected by different temperatures. Moreover, it is cheaper than many other saws in the same category, including the Stihl MS 271 Farm boss.
Users are satisfied with the Stihl MS250 as it creates a desirable balance between power, quality, price, and dependability. It is also easy to maintain without the need for many tools. Additionally, its spare parts are quite affordable and can be easily found.
Customer ServiceÂ
Stihl is one of the major brands in outdoor power equipment. So, it is keen on providing decent customer support and after-sales service. However, when you get your machine from a local dealer, you will rely on them for everything related to customer support.
Generally, a reputable dealer will be keen on honoring the warranty terms. But before you go for this saw, you should know a 2-year warranty covers it. This is only applicable if you get it for domestic use. Otherwise, there would be a one-year warranty for professional use.
Another thing you want to check with the dealer is the return policy. Generally, Stihl offers a 7-day return guarantee. This is only valid if you return the saw in its original purchase shape. So, ensure no fluids are inside or accessories attached to it.
Should You buy the Stihl MS 250?
The Stihl ms250 is everything you would expect from a mid-level chainsaw. It is easy to use and maintain, so a beginner can start and run it. It is also suitable for frequent use in a large property with little servicing. Moreover, it is a lot cheaper than many other homeowner saws.
So, if you want a decent, reliable machine that is not demanding, this chainsaw is the right match for you. Whether you need it for lighter tasks or heavy cutting, the Stihl MS 250 will always be there for you.
The Stihl MS 250 is a fantastic choice for different purposes. It combines portability, a powerful motor, decent quality, affordability, and minimized vibration and noise in the same machine. This makes it satisfactory for many types of users. It got replaced by another model, yet it has been a steady item in Stihl’s catalog for years.
Jake is a chainsaws expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. He is a licensed professional by the National Chainsaw Program, which attests to his skills and expertise in the safe and efficient use of chainsaws.
