New Stihl?

   / New Stihl? #1  

dvan1966

Bronze Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2005
Messages
83
Location
NW. Ohio
Tractor
Kubota B6200DT
I have a 029 that I bought new in 1994 with a 20" bar that I'm still using. Been thinking about getting a new one and that should last me the rest of my wood cutting days. I've always wanted something with a little more power than the 029. I looked at the MS291, 311 and 391 today. The dealer said the 291 will probably have a little more than the old 029. I was leaning more towards the 311, more power and bigger chain, 3/8" instead of .325. He also had a 391 for $90 more than the 311 but not sure if I need that . The 311 is about 1.4lbs heavier than the 291. I have mostly been cutting dead ash the last few years and there is lots more still standing in the woods behind me. Any recommendations on which way to go?
I want to stay with Stihl because there are a few dealers/service in my area.
 
   / New Stihl? #2  

4570Man

Super Star Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2015
Messages
16,985
Location
Crossville, TN
Tractor
Kubota M59, Kubota L3800, Grasshopper 428D, Topkick dump truck, 3500 dump truck, 10 ton trailer, more lighter trailers.
Those are all farm grade saws. Do yourself a favor and get a pro saw. A stihl 261 is the same power as the biggest one in your lineup and 4 pounds less. You’re considering spending $4-500 and a 261 is low $600s. It would be well worth that much to shave 3-4 pounds off your saw and keep the same power.
 
Last edited:
   / New Stihl? #3  

bullbreaker

Elite Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2009
Messages
4,065
Location
SW FLA
Tractor
D Ranchers daughter'$
If you want to stay in the Stihl lineup thats fine . Not sure of there current lineup but I would spend more beans and get one of their pro saws also . Years ago I owned an 029 ( great saw ) . I don't know maybe 7 years ago I bought me a new MS291 . I sold it to someone who asked me if I would sell it to them . I muffler mod etc my own saws . I was not too impressed with my MS291 , and it had no issues what so ever . Cranked easy also . Since then I have owned maybe 4 Echo Timberwolfs which would run circles and I like better than my MS291 . I flip saws in my neck of the Fla everglades etc . Not steering you to Echo , just saying I would spend more beans into the Stihl pro stuff and not homeowner "farm " catchy phrase series .

My current saws are a Shindaiwa 600 which is the same as an Echo 620 and a Timberwolf . Both saws pullin 24"bars . BTW paid $400 for the Wolf delivered to my house tax and shipping included . Tons of Timberwolf mods on utube .
 
Last edited:
   / New Stihl? #4  

fruitcakesa

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
1,054
Location
CavendishVT
Tractor
M6040 JD 450C
I just sprung for a Husky 562XP as a replacement for the old Jonsered 2255.
About the same weight, +_1 lb, but a much faster and pro grade saw.
Bigger money $800+- but it is a beast compared to the little Jonsy and will cut head to head with my 2171.
20 inch bars on all saws.
 
   / New Stihl? #5  

PILOON

Super Star Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2004
Messages
10,939
Location
North of Mtl,Que,Can (Ste Adele)
Tractor
MT180D
My favorite 'go to' saw is a Stihl 009 that I purchased at a pawn shop for the sum of $40.00.
Lots of power for the weight and a favorite of tree surgeons, in fact it was modified with a hook to hang from the belt.
I've refused many offers for it from tree guys.
 
   / New Stihl? #7  

fishdrivel

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2020
Messages
321
Location
Western Georgia
Tractor
Kubota B2910
I would caution inexperienced guys about pro grade saws. They can be a handful!
Farm swas have more a more effective torque curve that makes them easier to use.
Although I can't imagine a professional wanting anything less than the best pro grade they can get.
 
   / New Stihl? #8  

mx1alex

Platinum Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2015
Messages
605
Location
MO
Tractor
Kubota MX5400
I used a 291 for 10 years or so. Super tough a dependable saw but it's underpowered for how heavy it is. Got a deal on a 261 and wish I would've made the move sooner. The 261 is the perfect all around saw IMO.
 
   / New Stihl? #9  

Jchonline

Elite Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2018
Messages
2,801
Location
Red Feather Lakes, CO
Tractor
Kubota L6060, KX040-4, M7060, X1100C, M62(S)
I have a 029 that I bought new in 1994 with a 20" bar that I'm still using. Been thinking about getting a new one and that should last me the rest of my wood cutting days. I've always wanted something with a little more power than the 029. I looked at the MS291, 311 and 391 today. The dealer said the 291 will probably have a little more than the old 029. I was leaning more towards the 311, more power and bigger chain, 3/8" instead of .325. He also had a 391 for $90 more than the 311 but not sure if I need that . The 311 is about 1.4lbs heavier than the 291. I have mostly been cutting dead ash the last few years and there is lots more still standing in the woods behind me. Any recommendations on which way to go?
I want to stay with Stihl because there are a few dealers/service in my area.


I have a 241 (18 inch bar) and a 362 (25 inch bar). Both great. They have the etronic carb
 
   / New Stihl?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
OP
D

dvan1966

Bronze Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2005
Messages
83
Location
NW. Ohio
Tractor
Kubota B6200DT
How will the 261 compare to my 029 and the 291 power wise? I plan on putting a 20" bar on whatever I get. I was looking for something with a little more power than my 029. I do like the weight of the 261, especially compared to the 311
 
 
Top