chainsaw

[merlebo02]

headed to buy a chainsaw in the morning to start cutting some bigger trees on my property.. I currently own a stihl 21T which is a very small light saw.. I am looking at the Stihl MS 311 and MS 391..

MS 311 has 3.1 kW (59 cc) engine power for $479.95


MS 391 has 3.3 kW (64.1 cc) engine power for $549.95

Both saws can be bought with a 16-20 inch bar, which would I benefit the most from?? I am thinking the 20 in bar??


Is the bigger saw worth $100 more? Will I miss 0.2 kW of engine power?? Need some input from you saw guys!!

Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[RandyT]

I doubt you will notice the power difference when using up to a 20 inch bar. The difference would be more noticeable in the 24-28 range. I would purchase the saw that is the most comfortable to carry. Weight can be a big factor when you need to carry it any distance as well as when cutting smaller limbs and have to deal with the weight.

 

[4570Man]

How large are larger trees? I'd want a bigger saw for large trees. My 372 XP is quite a bit more powerful than either of those saws and I'd like more power over about 24" inches. Of course I don't cut 24" plus very often, and wouldn't want to carry around a bigger saw for the rest of the time.

 

[4570Man]

How much do you plan to use this saw? If a lot you'd be happier if you spent some more money and got a pro saw. My 372xp produces 5.5 hp and weighs 13.8 pounds VS the 391 which produces 4.5 hp and weighs 14.1 pounds.

 

[merlebo02]

I have a small light saw for cutting up brush but looking for something just to cut the trunks of larger trees. Not really sure what large is lol..I guess 24 inches and larger...

 

[Budweiser John]

I have been running a Stihl 029 but am shopping for more capacity. A friend recently purched a MS391 with a 20" bar and graciously offered to let me test drive it over the weekend.
Great saw and only slightly heavier than the 029.
Before I pull the buy trigger however I'm going to kick the tires on the 461 (I think that #is correct) but then the price points start to get crazy and potentially more than a retired senior guy should spend.
B. John

 

[merlebo02]

How much do you plan to use this saw? If a lot you'd be happier if you spent some more money and got a pro saw. My 372xp produces 5.5 hp and weighs 13.8 pounds VS the 391 which produces 4.5 hp and weighs 14.1 pounds.

Not for everyday use, mainly just around the farm cleaning up..

 

[4570Man]

Running a homeowner grade saw after you have been using pro saws is almost as bad as using a wheelbarrow after you have had a tractor.

 

[2458n]

Running a homeowner grade saw after you have been using pro saws is almost as bad as using a wheelbarrow after you have had a tractor.

If you know the difference. he would be looking at the bigger pro saw and be buying one. If you do not care run anything and you will not know what your missing. A properly running pro saw will have you smiling. Weight will not matter when the chips are flying.

 

[4570Man]

If you know the difference. he would be looking at the bigger pro saw and be buying one. If you do not care run anything and you will not know what your missing. A properly running pro saw will have you smiling. Weight will not matter when the chips are flying.

But my pro saw puts out 20% more power while weighing less.

 

[sea2summit]

But my pro saw puts out 20% more power while weighing less.

Yep^^^

Take a look at a Stihl 261, probably out perform or keep up with a 391 running a 20" bar.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Maybe I am old and fat, but I have 3 saws, and the one that does 90% of my work is my small Stihl 180 (I think it is a 180).. Oh, I love my 044 with a 32" bar but god it is heavy, even when I drop back to my 20".. That little 180 cuts down so much... And I am not that worn out after.

I think it is good to have a large saw if you have large trees (even if you don't plan to cut them, they do fall down), I would suggest looking used but Stihl holds its retail so high might as well just buy a new one.

 

[4570Man]

Yep^^^ Take a look at a Stihl 261, probably out perform or keep up with a 391 running a 20" bar.

A buddy has one of those, and it is a pretty sweet saw. It is 3 pounds and 14 cc less than a 391. I don't know if it would out cut a 391 or not, but I'd sure rather run the 261.

 

[motownbrowne]

The guys recommending a pro saw are not leading you astray. A used MS361 would be a fantastic saw. Better yet would be a 50cc pro saw (026, ms261, ms261) and a 70cc saw (044, ms440, ms441).

 

[Cord]

I have a 460 and run full chisel chains on it. Just love that saw for it's power and speed. It's incredibly fast, but I'm always a little afraid of it. Because of this I find my self reaching for the 270 more often. It's not my favorite but it sees more use because of it's light weight. I think I would like it better if I went with a slightly more aggressive chain. For limbing I use a 192. For an all around saw, I'd vote for the 311. Has enough power to handle a 12" tree and it's light enough that you can use the saw for limbing without getting tired. To that effect, I'm not a big fan of the new 4 strokes. Seems like every one that I've used has a bog that's just off of idle.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Last two saws I bought are pro saws, why did I get pro saws? Because like was said, more power, less weight!

Also, they are build of higher quality parts and last longer...

SR

 

[5030]

Last two saws I bought are pro saws, why did I get pro saws? Because like was said, more power, less weight!

Also, they are build of higher quality parts and last longer...

SR

Guess that applies to my 075 as well. I run a 36 with 404 square tooth chipper on it. When you aqueeze the throttle on that bad boy, you know you have a hold of sometning.

It ain't no Troy-Bilt either.....

 

[Dieseljeeper]

I'm 66 years old and have owned a Stihl 064 since 1985 . I've used it a lot clearing my place, cutting firewood, and storm clean up, I purchased a MS 271 Stihl farm boss with 20" bar a few years ago. The 064 runs a 28" bar with 3/8 chisel chain. Comparing the two, the farm boss isn't really lighter by much. I think the farm boss is around 13#, the 064 is 13.9#. Now as far as power, no comparison, needless to say the 064 gets used most of the time. Get a pro saw, you will not regret it!

 

[Tough Luck]

I also bought a Stihl MS270 Farm Boss a few years ago. I was very disappointed. The saw didn't have enough top end IMO. My MS170 cut better. I bought a Husky 550 XP pro saw and it is a great saw...light weight and cranks out some rpms.

 

[Dieseljeeper]

I'm sorry to hear that yours is as seemingly underpowered as mine. You should try comparing it to an 064 or an 066 (I think the modern equivalent is a msn 660). Ive heard that they're seriously detuned to meet emission requirements. Mine is almost as heavy as an 066 with about half the power.