jrendfrey said:
well the title says it all i cut about 10 cords a year pretty good size trees 10-20" i am in the market for a new saw i have used the rancher quite a bit my father in law has two. which would you guys recommend the 455 rancher or the stihl ms 290? any input is always greatly appreciated.
They are pretty much the same flavor from two different brands. The differences are as follows:
If you get the 290 you'll have to get it from a Stihl dealer who can help you figure out the thousands of stupid questions you'll inevitably have - what bar, what chain, what file, what bar oil, what fuel, what premix, etc.
If you buy a 455 you can get it at HD or Lowes and be forced to ask all your stupid questions here and put your trust in our collective ignorance and intransigence because the 20 year old in a orange vest at the big store hasn't got even the slightest clue about chainsaws or wood cutting.
Hope this helps.