cndrm

"Well, now having used my MS 390 extensively, and also having aqured since then a Stihl 064, I actually agree with the statement that the MS 390 is lacking low end torque.  I can't say that I'm unhappy with my MS 390, but it's certainly not an older saw.  I don't have any personal experience with the predecessors to the MS 390,  but I have talked with quite a few people who have older Stihl chainsaws, including 015 AV, 031 AV, and 051 and they've all said the same thing.  The new Stihls just don't have the low end grunt that they use to.  The new saws all seem to make good power, but it's all at high rpm's.  Well, I guess the only thing one can do, is take care of their older saws. " more

"Nothing personal, but I doubt it has anything to do with Stihl. It sounds like your dealer needs some straightening out though. Also, I noticed that the listed price is $825???????? I hope that's not what you paid. The MS-390 is $465 with a 20" bar. ($455 with an 18" bar, and $475 with a 24" bar). I've got an MS-390, and have had no problems with it at all. Break in complete. Time to get down to some cutting. (I agree, the saw does bog a little bit in the low end, but they're 2 stroke engines, and they're not designed to run in low RPM's). I agree though, you should have gotten a full refund or product replacement apon bringing the saw back with an obvious manufacturers defect. " more