Summary:
I would look for something that doesn not flood so easily, but hey, it's a 2 cycle.

Strengths:
Once you get it started, it will cut all day.

Weaknesses:
Floods easily, and then you have to go about removing spark plug etc.

Summary:
Very good saw. Very powerful. This saw is rated as a "medium use" saw but has the features and performance of a "professional use" saw. The saw is a good balance between the MS 260 & MS 361. I recommend it.

Strengths:
Very powerful. High revving, smooth engine. Very comfortable to use. Great anti-vibe. Cuts wood all day. Not too hard on fuel.

Weaknesses:
Cold blooded. Hard to start when the engine is cold. Has to warm up before running at full throttle. Heavier than the MS 260 Pro but more powerful. Cost is almost as much as the MS 361 Pro. The jury is still out on the saw's Intelligent Engine Management feature.

Summary:
The saw does everything I ask it to without problems. I may need a slightly larger engine next time but this works great. No problems after two years.

Strengths:
Advertised as medium use saw. I have cut firewood with it for two years and it hasn't had any problems. Easy starting. Easy to adjust. Does what I ask of it.

Weaknesses:
You need to let it warm up for a few minutes when it is very cold out. It may lack a little power on larger logs.

Summary:
my buddy just got a 361 magnum and we are both completely satisfied with our stihl chainsaws

Strengths:
plenty of power, running a 20" bar and it stihl does good on fuel. the saw is light and very comfortable to operate. i wanted a mid-range saw that i won't have to take to the dump in 7 or 8 years, i think i've found it!

Weaknesses:
yep! ya gotta let this thing warm up, even in 60-70 degree weather. it almost wants to bog out and sounds like the carb needs tinkered with but it straightens itself out about 15-20 secods after the cold start.

Summary:
Could be a better starter but powerful cutter within its bar length limits.

Strengths:
Cold start no problem as long as you don't lay it on its side just before use but it must be a stong hard pull to enable a good ignition spark. Cuts well as a medium use saw once it has been running and stops four stoking. It looks as if it will last more than a couple of years use as long as you keep a spare bar. Easy chain adjuster.

Weaknesses:
Any tree larger diameter than its blade it is short of power. Difficult to start from refuel as it richens up with the petroil mixture (when you lay the chain saw on its side). You can sometimes clear it by holding open the throttle wide with a few strong pulls. The spark tends to be weak unless you pull very hard to start. Bar wears quite easily over twenty hours or so keep a spare and/or turn it over. Oil filler cap refit is a knack and it makes an oily mess over your trousers if you get it wrong. I have a cheap that starts much easier but wears out easily and you can't get the spares.

Summary:
i had a new stihl ms 280 i cut 4 cord with the junk and the oiler broke. the handle broke and the brake broke. they charge me 23.59 for a tear down fee. gave it back with the parts in a bag. . I must add it cost to much to fix. So I junk it. i told them what was wrong, there was no need to tear it apart. i just wanted the cost to fix it.

Strengths:
none

Weaknesses:
the handel broke, brake broke.it is made out of CHEAP PLASTIC. hard to start. oiler broke, would not oil. This design is very Poor ,quality is low, very low standard, end result piece of junk start.. they charge me 23.59 for a tear down fee. gave it back with the parts in a bag. . I must add it cost to much to fix. So I junk it. i told them what was wrong, there was no need to tear it apart.