The Stihl MS250 is a great lightweight chainsaw for homeowners, with a 45cc engine and 10.1 lb weight. The Stihl MS260 is built for professionals, with a 50cc engine, 10.8 lb weight, and extra durability. Choose the MS250 for occasional use or the MS260 for heavy daily cutting.
When you need a reliable chainsaw, two of the top options to consider are the Stihl MS250 and MS260 models.
Stihl is known for making high-quality outdoor power equipment built to last.
The MS250 and MS260 chainsaws are suitable for both occasional homeowners and frequent professional users.
In this blog post, we will compare the key features, specs, and applications of the Stihl MS250 vs MS260. Exploring the differences between these two chainsaws will help you decide which Stihl model best fits your needs.
Overview of the Stihl MS250
The Stihl MS250 is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking an occasional-use chainsaw. It is lightweight and moderately powered, making it ideal for basic property maintenance tasks.
MS250 Specs and Features
- Engine: 45.4 cc (2.77 cu. in) displacement
- Power: 2.2 kW (3.0 hp) maximum power output
- Weight: Only 10.1 lbs. (4.6 kg)
- Intended Use: Designed for homeowner yard tasks
- Key Attributes: Lightweight, easy to handle, good value
With its 45cc engine, the Stihl MS250 delivers sufficient cutting power for most homeowners’ needs.
It can handle trimming small to medium-sized branches and cutting firewood or small trees up to 16 inches thick efficiently.
The published dry weight is a nimble 10.1 pounds, making it comfortable for occasional overhead cutting or pruning work. It is one of the lightest chainsaws Stihl produces.
MS250 Applications
The Stihl MS250 excels at:
- Trimming and pruning tree limbs
- Cutting small logs for firewood
- Removing brush or saplings around the yard
- Basic storm cleanup jobs
- Any other light-duty cutting for homeowners
It packs enough punch for most residential cutting tasks while remaining easy to carry and operate. The MS250 is the ideal backyard chainsaw for suburban homeowners who only need to saw periodically.
For a complete over view of the Stihl ms250, check out my post here, Stihl MS250 Overview
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Overview of the Stihl MS260
The Stihl MS260 is built to withstand frequent use by professional tree services, arborists, and landscapers.
It packs more power and durability than the homeowner-focused MS250 model.
MS260 Specs and Features
- Engine: 50.2 cc (3.06 cu. in) displacement
- Power: 2.6 kW (3.5 hp) maximum power output
- Weight: 10.8 lbs. (4.9 kg)
- Intended Use: Professional daily use
- Key Attributes: Robust, high torque, low-vibration
With its 50cc class engine, the Stihl MS260 delivers substantially more cutting force than the MS250, while weighing only slightly more.
The anti-vibration system allows professionals to use this saw comfortably all day long.
MS260 Applications
The Stihl MS260 is ideal for:
- Felling medium to large-sized trees
- Pruning high branches
- Cutting logs 1 foot or thicker
- Storm cleanup requiring extensive chainsaw use
- Other heavy-duty cutting tasks
The MS260 has the torque and durability to power through thick wood quickly, greatly benefiting professional tree services.
It can handle logs up to 3 feet in diameter efficiently. This model is built to be used heavily each workday without fail.
MS250 vs. MS260: Key Differences
Now that we have outlined the individual features and intended uses of the Stihl MS250 and MS260, let’s directly compare the differences:
- The MS260 has a more powerful 50cc engine compared to the MS250’s 45cc engine.
- At 10.8 lbs, the MS260 weighs slightly more than the 10.1 lb MS250.
- The MS260 costs significantly more than the MS250 due to its pro-level components.
- The MS250 is better suited for light-duty homeowner use, while the MS260 is built for heavy commercial use.
- The MS260 has higher cutting force and torque for tackling professional logging jobs.
- Both models have minimal vibration for their respective chainsaw classes.
Recommendations for Choosing Between the MS250 and MS260
When deciding between the Stihl MS250 and MS260 chainsaw models, consider your experience level and how you plan to use the equipment.
For most homeowners, the MS250 has ample power while being lighter and more affordable. Occasional users will find it easy to handle for modest yard tasks.
Professional arborists who cut large volumes of wood daily are better served by the MS260’s increased torque and ruggedness.
The extra engine displacement makes intensive sawing much less tiring.
Hopefully this detailed comparison helps shed light on which Stihl chainsaw is the best match for your needs. Both the MS250 and MS260 represent excellent Stihl quality.
Choose the MS250 for casual homeowner use or the MS260 for frequent professional cutting.
