As Winter is right around the corner some of us with real wood burning fireplaces and stoves perhaps start looking to the woods to cut down a cord or two.

I happen to own a few acres or wooded property and we are just cleaning things up and cutting down the dead trees or the ones that have already fallen down. I found the need to have a saw that was a little longer in length (about 20") and something reliable that would carry me through the years. I have in the past owned a small Husqvarna with a 14" bar from Lowe's, but this to this day has been a pain to start, run and just maintain. Not the best money spent. I have always had great experience with Stihl products from weed whackers to blowers. They are super reliable and have lasted throughout the years. Stihl are a bit more expensive and are not sold in your big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe's. They are a bit more expensive, but I find that they are worth the money especially if this is a tool that you do not use everyday and need/desire it to work on the first pull.

After much research I ended up buying the predecessor to this which was the Farm Boss MS 290. I am not sure there is a much difference in the new model other than power. I also chose this with a 20" bar as that is about the biggest tree on my property that I can handle. And what I mean by "I can handle" is that I can cut down a tree with little risk of taking out anything valuable and less risk of hurting myself. Some folks with a 'normal' yard may want a smaller saw and/or shorter bar. That is the only disadvantage of this saw size is that it is rather large and heavy. The weight does help balance it with large trees.

Anyway, netting it all out, Stihl makes great products. I would highly suggest any Stihl product for yard tools. This saw is just great. It cuts through trees like butter and is super steady and reliable. The only downside is the weight and perhaps the cost. That being said I would suggest anyone buy this saw and get the right size for their needs.