Stihl MS 290 vs. Stihl MS 250 (Comparison)

The MS 250 is the lighter, more maneuverable choice for occasional firewood and smaller jobs; the MS 290 has more engine capacity and power for frequent, heavier cutting. Published figures put them at 45.4 cm³ and 2.2 kW versus 56.5 cm³ and 2.8 kW. The MS 290 weighs about 1.3 kg more before adding a bar and chain.

Start with the work and safety

This comparison is about matching a saw to the wood you cut, how often you cut it, and how much weight you can manage. Neither displacement nor bar length alone tells the whole story. Your skill, the saw’s condition, and the correct bar-and-chain setup also affect performance and safety.

Before you focus on price, account for safe use. Wear chainsaw-rated leg protection, boots, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and a helmet when overhead hazards exist. Check the chain brake, throttle interlock, chain catcher, handles, chain tension, bar, and controls before starting. Clear bystanders and plan your work area and escape route. Follow the operator’s manual and applicable safety rules. OSHA’s logging standard, 29 CFR 1910.266, applies where relevant; ANSI Z133 covers arboricultural operations.

A chainsaw cannot make an unsafe job safe. Do not cut above shoulder height, force a dull chain through wood, or continue when footing, wood movement, or a tree’s lean makes the work unsafe. Felling needs training and a plan for the notch, hinge, lean, and surroundings.

Key differences at a glance

Displacement is the engine’s swept volume, measured in cubic centimeters. Rated power is the published output under specified conditions, while powerhead weight excludes the bar and chain. These figures help compare the two saws, but market versions and model years can differ, so confirm the exact saw’s manual and data plate.

The MS 290 adds 11.1 cm³ of displacement and about 0.6 kW of rated power. It also adds roughly 1.3 kg, or 2.9 lb, before the cutting gear is fitted. On paper, the power-to-powerhead-weight ratios are close: about 0.48 kW/kg for the MS 250 and 0.47 kW/kg for the MS 290. That calculation does not measure cutting speed, but it shows why the MS 290’s extra power does not make it a lighter-feeling saw.

Both are two-stroke saws. When using the specified STIHL two-stroke oil, the stated mix is 50:1 gasoline to oil; follow the exact manual for fuel grade and approved oils. Never use straight gasoline. Common published engine speeds are not tuning targets. If the saw runs poorly or loses power, have it checked rather than adjusting the carburetor by guesswork.

Which saw fits your workload?

The MS 250 generally suits ground-based pruning, firewood, and occasional small-to-medium tree work. The MS 290 is the stronger match for frequent firewood cutting and larger wood, provided the operator has the skill and the saw has an approved setup for the task. Neither replaces training or professional equipment for complex tree work.

Use the table as a starting point, not a promise of cutting speed. Wood species, diameter, chain sharpness, and saw condition all affect results.

In my comparisons, I do not treat “more power” as an automatic upgrade. A saw that is too heavy for the work can be tiring to handle, while an undersized or poorly maintained saw can struggle. If you already own a sound MS 250 and mostly cut modest firewood, the MS 290’s extra output may not justify its extra weight. If you cut often and the MS 250 repeatedly bogs down with a sharp, suitable chain, the MS 290 deserves a closer look.

Bar and chain: verify the exact setup

The bar is the guide that supports the chain. Chain pitch is the spacing between drive links, and gauge is the thickness of the drive links that sit in the bar groove. These must match the saw’s drive sprocket and bar, along with the specified drive-link count. Do not assume parts interchange between the MS 250 and MS 290.

There is no one bar length, pitch, gauge, or drive-link count that applies to every model year and market package. Check the markings stamped on the bar and chain, then confirm compatibility in the exact operator’s manual. Use only approved bar lengths for that saw version. A longer bar adds weight and leverage and can raise kickback exposure; do not choose one based only on engine size.

Rotational kickback can happen when the moving chain’s upper tip quadrant contacts an object. The bar may be thrown up and back with force. Keep the bar nose clear, avoid cutting with it, use a firm two-handed grip, and never operate with a faulty chain brake or damaged chain.

Buying and cutting scenarios

These are workload-based decision cases, not claims from controlled cutting trials. They show how the published weight and power differences can guide a purchase. For a used saw, condition can matter more than the model name: a worn MS 290 may perform worse than a well-maintained MS 250.

Case 1: Occasional firewood and lighter jobs. You cut a modest amount of firewood and often move between pieces. The MS 250 is the sensible first choice if its power and approved setup suit your wood. Its lower powerhead weight reduces what you carry before the bar and chain are added.

Case 2: Frequent firewood and larger rounds. You cut often and need more output for the work. The MS 290’s greater displacement and rated power make it the stronger candidate, but test its full weight and balance if possible. A longer bar is not a substitute for a sharp, correctly matched chain.

Case 3: Comparing two used saws. First confirm the model and version, then inspect the chain brake, handles, controls, bar rails, sprocket, chain catcher, and evidence of leaks or damage. Ask for a cold start if appropriate and check how the engine runs, but have a qualified technician assess faults you cannot verify. Price alone does not reveal remaining service life.

For either saw, start on stable ground using the manual’s cold- or warm-start steps, with the chain brake engaged. Keep the chain clear of people and objects; never drop-start. Check lubrication and brake function using the maker’s method. Cut with stable footing and a two-handed grip, and account for compression and tension in the wood. Engage the brake and switch off before setting the saw down. Let it cool before refueling or maintenance.

Maintenance, storage, and final choice

Maintenance keeps either model safer and more consistent; it cannot correct a poor match between saw and workload. Sharpen the installed chain using its maker’s file size, filing angle, and depth-gauge instructions. Keep cutters even and replace damaged parts. Clean the bar groove and oil hole, inspect the rails and sprocket, and rotate or replace the bar as its maker directs.

Use approved bar-and-chain oil. Oil flow and suitable viscosity depend on the saw, conditions, and oil product. Use fresh, correctly mixed fuel. If the engine overheats, runs poorly, or loses power, stop and diagnose the problem instead of making unauthorized carburetor adjustments. Use the exact model’s service manual for torque values, settings, and parts; these can vary by version.

For storage, follow the manual’s fuel-system instructions for the storage period. Keep the saw clean, dry, secured against unauthorized use, and covered at the chain. Store fuel in an approved, labeled container away from heat and ignition sources. On return to service, use fresh fuel and check for leaks, brittle fuel lines, or damaged seals.

Bottom line: Choose the MS 250 for lighter handling and occasional work that fits its capacity. Choose the MS 290 when you cut frequently and need its added power, and can manage the extra weight. Before buying either, verify condition, the exact manual, and the markings on the bar and chain.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common buying and setup questions can help you narrow the choice. Check the saw’s own manual and component markings before ordering parts or changing the cutting setup. Market versions may vary.

Is the MS 290 more powerful than the MS 250?
Yes. Common published figures list about 2.8 kW for the MS 290 and 2.2 kW for the MS 250. Ratings can vary by version.

Which saw is lighter?
The MS 250. Approximate powerhead weights are 4.6 kg for the MS 250 and 5.9 kg for the MS 290, excluding bar and chain.

Is the MS 290 better for firewood?
It may suit frequent cutting and larger rounds because it has more rated power. For occasional, lighter firewood work, the MS 250 may be enough and is lighter to handle.

Can the MS 250 and MS 290 use the same chain?
Do not assume so. Match the chain’s pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to the exact bar, sprocket, and saw manual.

What bar length should I use?
Use an approved length listed for your exact saw version. Confirm it in the manual; a longer bar adds weight and kickback exposure.

What fuel mix do these saws need?
The specified mix is 50:1 gasoline to STIHL two-stroke oil. Follow the exact manual for fuel grade and other approved oils. Never run straight gasoline.

Are the listed engine speeds settings I should adjust?
No. Common published figures are around 2,800 rpm at idle and 13,000 rpm maximum. They are not user-adjustment targets; ask a qualified technician to diagnose engine faults.

Can either saw be used for tree felling?
Only when the saw, operator’s training, tree, and conditions suit the task. Felling needs a plan and skill; complex or unsafe work calls for a trained professional.

What should I check on a used MS 290 or MS 250?
Inspect the brake, interlock, catcher, handles, bar, chain, controls, and signs of leaks or damage. Confirm the model and parts, and seek a qualified inspection if the engine or safety systems are in doubt.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)