Stihl Pro versus Homeowner Chainsaws: Differences? We clear up the confusion...

[@BigOrangeTractors]

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[@cdnsc]

Thank You, I have acces to Stihl training and I learned more from you in 15 minutes then hours with their courses.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Wow, that is an awesome comment. Thanks so much! And also, thanks for watching!

[@Garde538]

Great video, my 391 farmboss just failed on me, time for a pro saw

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks for watching! It's always a bad time when anything fails, that's for sure. Good luck on finding an upgrade! Don't sleep on the Echos; they get a lot of work done for a good price. The CS590 and 620 are really good pro construction saws.

[@nitrofreakmanho]

Thank you for the breakdown. I just bought my first chainsaw, a Stihl MS261CM. I’m just a homeowner but I wanted something that would last so I bit the bullet and bought a pro saw. I haven’t tried it yet, but will be using it soon.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

You'll be very satisfied with it. You won't be cutting and processing redwoods with it, but it'll do a LOT of work, and it's so nice, comfortable, and lightweight. Really good choice.

[@nitrofreakmanho]

@@tuberocker69 it’s been great so far. I have no regrets buying it.

[@williamgrissom1995]

There is an exception to some of the construction examples. All top handle arborist saws are pro saws, but the need to keep them light means more plastics in their construction. At least when talking about Stihl and most other major brand saws. Great video. 😎👍

[@jameshersom2536]

My 201tcm has magnesium but I think only the newer ones do. My 194 is plastic though.

[@jameshersom2536]

My 201tcm has magnesium but I think only the newer ones do. My 194 is plastic though.

[@jerrysanchez1520]

Thank you very much I really appreciate you trying to explain that to a real novice you're really good teacher you should start a small class I worked in the oil fields with man like you that was patient and understood that we don't all learn at the same speed thank you again

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks for watching, and thanks for the kind words. I really enjoy teaching, and especially when combined with cool stuff like machinery it makes it really easy and fun to try to pass along knowledge. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@terrymangum7635]

Brandell, a very interesting and informative explanation of the pro and homeowner saw differences. I have Stihl 025 and a Stihl MS290 Farm Boss. I am pretty sure both a homeowner saws. Enjoyed the video.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks so much for all your support Terry! Yeah, your saws would fall under the homeowner category, but they are both very well-regarded saws, for sure!

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

My 08 MS 290 has an adjustable oiler. Good info Sir.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks for watching.

[@thomasgronek6469]

Thanks for the video. Open vs closed transfer ports might be considered also. I don't know for sure, but it looks like many of the homeowner versions have open transfer ports, which do the job, but they aren't as fast or powerful as a closed port cylinder.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Yessir! I appreciate you checking us out!

[@robertjordan2962]

It sure is nice to see back Brandall, and posting pretty regularly now too! The mowing video was a little long but it WAS therapeutic! You're expert knowledge and calm demeanor are a welcome change from many off the drag racing channels that I follow. Thank you Sir! Howboutcha?

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Hey, thanks Robert! I'm sure enjoying doing the videos, and I'm glad that other folks are enjoying watching them. And yes, the mower video was a bit long! Trying to find the groove, for sure!

[@JeffB1961]

thanks so much ! i didn't realize there is sooooo much plastic used on the F&R series :( we are getting a heatmaster wood boiler installed and i'll be getting a chainsaw . i was in construction for a few decades and appreciate how quality tools help a job go easier , can take more abuse and they typically last much longer . i've been debating between the 271 F&R and the 261CM and the 261cm seems to be more worth the extra investment than i thought after seeing your video . take care , jeff

[@jameshersom2536]

That’s why I got my 261. More horses and lighter than the 271. Things a beast.

[@jameshersom2536]

That’s why I got my 261. More horses and lighter than the 271. Things a beast.

[@jameshersom2536]

That’s why I got my 261. More horses and lighter than the 271. Things a beast.

[@JeffB1961]

@@jameshersom2536 i wound up getting the 400C

[@jimmyhorton1504]

Great explanation and information! I have an 038AV that I completely rebuilt and converted into an 038 Super with mostly OEM parts. I like the old school muscle saws! Great video!

[@BigOrangeTractors]

You have a great one there! I would do everything I could to keep it up, because they certainly make them like that anymore! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Yup, I have a Stihl 028AV from 1981. It's somewhat heavy at 17.0 lbs ready to go, but built like a tank. I'll never buy a modern plastic saw.

[@johnsweeney3060]

Interesting video, thanks for the education… all helps. Keep up the good work.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks again!

[@jonathancampbell8935]

Think stihl is a best brand, and this vid helped make an informed chainsaw purchase. Good chainsaw talk.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Yessir, glad to help! Thanks for checking us out!

[@billrose2083]

I have an older 025, 028, and a 250. I don't think any are the PRO models, but will anything interchange on these saws ? The 028 was given to me for parts. The 025 runs but will cut out if rpm is not maintained. (Just had it looked at by a stihl mechanic and he says I should get a new one, of course.) I'm interested in interchangeability to extend the viability of one or two of them.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

The 025 and 250 should share some parts. There are parts breakdowns available online for those older saws, and also there are several Stihl and chainsaw repair groups on FB that have large "Files" sections with parts manuals, owners manuals, and shop manuals. They are all great resources. The 028 is a professional model, with the three piece crankcase/cylinder construction. To know if it's the "PRO" marketing gimmick, look to see if it has an adjustable oiler and a decompression valve/release on the top of the case.

[@billrose2083]

@@BigOrangeTractors this is good info. Now, I can MAKE things interchangeable as I am a retired machinist. If the 028 will run again, Great. If not, I want to interchange the bars, chains, some outer housing parts, etc. I know I can get a nose sprocket and exchange them if need be. I just couldn’t see letting it go to the landfill. I'm going to try to get the 028 running again. Thanks !!

[@BigOrangeTractors]

@@billrose2083 yessir, absolutely! Alot of the plastics, b/c, things like that definitely should. And I agree, I'd hate to see the possibility of a good saw go to waste!

[@billrose2083]

@@BigOrangeTractors so, the 028 just sat for several years. What do you think ? A new plug and some gas ? I'm thinking that and maybe a carb rebuild.

[@iffykidmn8170]

025 and 250 are basically the same saws with different upgrades or changes over the years with the newest iteration being the 251 they basicaly moved the zero around or added a #1 to the 25 to differentiate the model years, same for BOTractors 026 became the 260 which is now the 261.

[@donmacdonald7758]

Good one Randall, I always wondered.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks for checking it out. Hopefully it answered some of your questions!

[@gunterbecker8528]

Cutting 1 "trailer 4×6" load at a time only what size saw would u recommend ? Tossing between a 362 or a 400 saw,bearing in mind that I'll come across some big logs on the ground! Please advise, l thank you in advance Gunter 😊

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Not a whole lot of people have very good things to say about the 362. I'm sure it's perfectly fine, but I would skip right over it. The 261 is great for a smaller saw, and then the 400 or 462 would be the next step. I personally run the 261, 500i, and 661.

[@matthewotis3594]

My 290 has an adjustable oiler. Came from Napa like that.

[@EV1926-GRC]

Excellent video knowledge!Thankyou!

[@MyGFIsMaria]

The Stihl 201 has plastic clutch cover and as far as I know it’s not featuring an adjustable oil pump.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

It is a three piece mag crankcase and top end setup, so it is pro-grade construction. Pro saws typically have mag clutch covers, but not all. Top handles are usually in a different class, anyway, as most, even the best of a manufacturer's top handles, are plastic frame clamshell saws.

[@MyGFIsMaria]

@@BigOrangeTractors that is true, not all 201 are top handle tho. Mine is a regular.

[@larsvegas1505]

U can ajust the oil from outside.. even has directons on it.

[@zack9912000]

I always buy pro products when money is there; they will last a lot longer for me. One is designed to be used and tossed. Pro saws can be rebuilt over and over again.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

My thoughts exactly! I greatly prefer the pro models simply for durability.

[@4dirt2racer0]

Stihl homeowner line can also b completely rebuilt as many times as u want.. Bottom end top end n everything else also stihls homeowner line is still pretty dam good

[@matthewotis3594]

@@4dirt2racer0 I've got a 290 I've had for 12 years .I burn firewood and have cut some timber with it. It still runs great and it's a clsm shell saw

[@chriskozlowski7639]

Great video! Question... even though the Homeowners line is made of more plastic and the pro is titanium, have Stihl owners found that the Homeowners break easier? If they both hold up about the same, I would go with the cheaper. Thoughts?

[@michaelmacdonald329]

I toss my plastic ones around. They're fine. Im sure people break them. People breaker the magnesium ones too

[@DagGoneBoomer]

really helpful, thank you.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@LJSJIUJITSU]

I don't know man my MS311 has a decomp valve.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

This is exactly the confusion. Some homeowner/farm & ranch saws, like your 311 have a decompression valve. The point is that Stihl offered professional grade saws both *WITH* and *WITHOUT* decompression valves (and adjustable oilers), but marketed those saws with those items as their "PRO" line. So that marketing decision way back in the 80s and 90s confuses people now, thinking their plastic clamshell homeowner saws are "Professional Grade", when they're not.

[@LJSJIUJITSU]

@@BigOrangeTractors How about the 310 from back in the day? I felt like that saw was a little more solid than my 311.

[@BigOrangeTractors]

@@LJSJIUJITSU it's exactly the same saw/family. Think of Stihl saws in this format: xXXx. And take the 026 I did in the video. It's an x26x. Meaning it's the same basic saw, just different generations, whether it's an 026, 260, 261, the upcoming 262, etc. Same with an x36x (036, 360, 361, 362), x46x (046, 460, 461, 462). If taken in the xXXx format, if the third number is even, it's *generally* a professional construction saw, and an odd number in the third position (like your 310/311, 025/250/251, 270/271, 029/290/291, etc), then they're a plastic frame homeowner construction saw.

[@4dirt2racer0]

Thank god for 1.75 play speed.. ..good God :p thanks for the video tho man

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Happy to help

[@adamwoods9995]

comparisons .there is no comparison.the iconic o26 is one of the best saws to ever run chain .the 251 or prior o25 is a what I call a throw away saw or a pickup saw this is a apples to a grapefruit comparison .pro or not there good saws but know what your buying them to do

[@BigOrangeTractors]

The purpose of this video was to indeed show that there are major differences between different classes or styles of chainsaws, so people can make informed buying decisions...

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

👍👍

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thank you kind sir!

[@SMidberg]

I have a 023 C model . ( C=compression?) from 1998 .Would this be a proffession model ?

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Definitely not. It is very similar to the homeowner version in the video, with the plastic frame and clamshell engine. The "C" stands for "comfort", meaning there is some type of comfort feature added to your saw, which is typically the antivibe technology. There are a few Stihl Facebook groups that have Stihl literature in the "Files" section, and you can find all of the model information there.

[@SMidberg]

Thanks, for you answer.

[@keithlucas6931]

Pros have a bigger piston than the regular one

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Those are older saws marked "pro" or "magnum" as differentiators. Sort of like a Camaro with a 305, 350, 427, 454, etc. Current Stihl saws don't have that designation. This video was to show the differences in professional mag crankcase saws versus homeowner plastic-framed clamshell engine saws

[@philliphall5198]

You get what you pay for but the C saw cost 💲 big time The plastic ones are ok for normal use 😊

[@alexlindekugel8727]

if it sat it likly the carb

[@BigOrangeTractors]

Thanks for watching. The problem was that I got it as a box of parts, torn down. Once it was back together, it fired right up.

[@bogdankalas1318]

Such a bull shit.... there is no 026 and 026pro. The difference is only the sticker

[@ericfuller6326]

🇩🇪⛓️🪚💩🏳️‍🌈