I cut up the first tree today with my new 290. It's not broken in yet, but so far I like it.
Compared to the old 026 I'm used to, if the 290 is heavier, I didn't really notice it. It's hard to tell the difference. It is bigger and a little bulkier, I did notice that somewhat, but don't think it will be a big deal for me. It didn't rev as high as the 026, so I think it cuts a little slower, but on the other hand, it seems to have more torque so that I don't need to keep the RPMs up like I did with the 026. I could stall the 026 easier if the RPMs dropped. The 290 seemed to keep pulling even when I worked/lugged the motor a bit hard. The 290 didn't seem quite as snappy/quick revving as the 026.
One thing I really liked about the 290; it stayed idling! No matter what way I turned/tipped the saw, it kept idling. I even tried setting it down and it stayed running!
Compared to the old 026 I'm used to, if the 290 is heavier, I didn't really notice it. It's hard to tell the difference. It is bigger and a little bulkier, I did notice that somewhat, but don't think it will be a big deal for me. It didn't rev as high as the 026, so I think it cuts a little slower, but on the other hand, it seems to have more torque so that I don't need to keep the RPMs up like I did with the 026. I could stall the 026 easier if the RPMs dropped. The 290 seemed to keep pulling even when I worked/lugged the motor a bit hard. The 290 didn't seem quite as snappy/quick revving as the 026.
One thing I really liked about the 290; it stayed idling! No matter what way I turned/tipped the saw, it kept idling. I even tried setting it down and it stayed running!