20"Bar Stihl chainsaws

DOES any one have any experience or can offer a comment on Stihl chainsaws.I'm considering changeing over my chainsaw and would value any opinion on a Stihl with a 20" bar.I presently have a Homelite 290 with an 18" bar but have found it limiting at times not in regards to power but in accessing parts for maintenance and at this juncture have been offered a good trade and I have thought of trading up but would like to get away from all the sales hype and get an honest sayso perhaps from the forum.
TIA Cheers

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Johnno

Hey Johnno

My old man has several Stihl chainsaws. Hes had them for years and to the best of my knowledge have never had to be repaired. And they ain't treated like gold they get thrown around and everything else like a good work tool usely does. He is a fencing specialist so they get used frequently as well.
Sorry can't give you any details though, I just know he has them. Anything I need chopping up can usually fit through me bandsaw... http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers
Shane....

It really depends on what you want to use it for. I've owned a couple of Stihl saws, a little "Farmboss" 038 and, my old trusty 090
They are a good saw, although the saws i own are very old, they never miss a beat.I must add that i own a newer Husqvarna 394 which is just fantastic to use especially in larger stuff. Bottom line is, Stihl are good, husqvarna are great.

Stihl - way to go. Like all tools, especially chainsaws, maintenance is top priority for the best performance.
Incidentally, my Dad used to say 'Never lend your wife, mower or chainsaw........and not necessarily in that order'.
Bob
You'll never get another chance to make a good first impression.

[This message has been edited by bobmundy (edited 02 July 2000).]

Hey thanks guys,it appears that the Stihl is a popular choice particularly in the older models according to your glowing reports.
One dealer(STIHL)told me that there were some problems with the case cracking on some of the new models but I have'nt checked this out any further with other dealers.
I suspect he was trying to steer me in another direction with another brand he was pushing.He was trying to promote a Jonsered and I have never heard of them before.
He's obviously on a marketing kick trying to push that brand.
Cheers

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Johnno

Johnno, I have both Stihl and Husky, they are both so good it's a matter of what you like to use. I use my Stihl 034 with a 20 inch bar to cut all my firewood. As long as I break out the file before it's dull, it works beautiful. Take care - Gordo.

Johnno.
Appatently Jonsrred were rcently taken over by Huskvarna,(both Swedish companies.) and the Jon. is the same in all respects as the Husky,(it looks the same) at least thats what the dealer who talked me into the Jon.said! I've had it for about a year now and it is absolutely great, would'nt swap it for anything else onthe market. Hope this helps and does'nt just confuse you further.
John H.

Thanks John for the Jonserad info.I had'nt heard of them before so was naturally wary of a new name in the market.
Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/frown.gif

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Johnno