Stihl MS290 Chainsaw Review

Stihl MS290 ( Farm Boss ) Chainsaw

The Stihl MS290 is considered an ideal work saw for landowners, and sits firmly in Stihl’s “Farm and Ranch” category. Known as the “Farm Boss” in the United Sates, it was a one-time best-selling chainsaw in the region. It appears that the MS290 first entered the market around 2004. It has since been replaced in the product range by the Stihl MS271 (Farm Boss).

There are nearly 1000 listings on Ebay for MS290 spares and accessories. This is great news for current owners and testament to just how popular this saw was in the day.

Engine spares, whole engines, replacement housings and regular consumables are all widely available to keep your old saw running. If you are considering purchasing a used Stihl MS290 then you can do so safe in the knowledge that there are plenty of spares to fix it up and keep it working.

Stihl MS290 Engine Performance

Weighing 5.9 kg (dry, no bar, no chain) with a 2.8 kW power output from the 56cc engine, this mid-range chain saw should pack enough power to accomplish the various sawing tasks found on gardens, farms, plantations and orchards. Even local authorities might find the MS290 useful for light maintenance work.

Stihl MS290 Features

The MS290 features a variable-displacement oil pump which precisely controls delivery of lubrication to the chain. The Stihl Ematic™ chain lubrication system also features which specifically targets lubrication to chain links and guide bar rails. These two features combine in order to dramatically reduce oil consumption by up to 50%.

Stihl have also included a key feature in the carburetor that ensures a consistent air / fuel ratio mixture. The compensator adjusts the quantity of fuel delivered to the carburetor when air flow drops as contamination in the air filter builds up. This system means that the owner has to replace the air filter less frequently. Despite this feature a wise saw owner would replace the air filter more regularly to get the best performance from their machine.

Each Stihl MS290 operator benefits from the designed in anti-vibration system. The system significantly reduces mechanical vibration felt by the operator using the machine.

This feature reduces the likelihood of operators developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which is also know as Vibration White Finger. This is a very important feature because operators who develop HAVS can suffer a loss of sensitivity in their hands and fingers, pain and reduction in their strength of grip.

Replacement Parts on Ebay

Cylinder and Piston Kit

Replacement Carburetor

Air Filters

Ignition Modules

Bosch WSR6F Spark Plug

NGK BPMR7A Spark Plug

Housing Spares

Exhaust Muffler

Fuel Filter

Stihl MS290 Manuals

Stihl MS290 Workshop Manual

Stihl MS290 Owners Manual

Check here for links to other Stihl manuals.

Stihl MS290 Chainsaw Specifications

Positive comments about the MS290

It appears that many users trust the Stihl brand and consider their products to be good value for money.

• Excellent mid-range saw. Plenty of power for cutting firewood.
• 10 years of heavy work and it is still going!
• No mechanical issues other than wear and tear.
• I have it serviced regularly by a Stihl agent and it’s never let me down.
• One of the better saws I have used. Good power,very reliable.
• MS290 is a good saw but I prefer the MS250 for every day use.

Negative comments about the MS290

• Too heavy, not enough power, cheap build.
• It cuts too slowly and is heavy and under powered.
• Very disappointed, really difficult to start.
• Died after only two years of use.
• Unreliable, repeated problems with the throttle linkage.