039 compared to MS390

[ErikC]

  I have a stihl 039 that is 12 or13years old. I have used it more than any other saw I own or ever owned, and it has been great. I run a 28" bar on it, which I have worn out twice, and it still cuts like a champ. Mostly it is a firewood saw, but I have fell quite a bit as a backup saw with it too.I have replaced the muffler and many pull cords. That is all! I hear very few good comments about the MS390, and wonder if they have changed? I would by a dozen more if they are as good as the one I've got.

Erik

[joe_indi]

Hi Erick,

They are virtually the same, except for some small additions like a decompression valve and a carburator with limiter caps.
Other changes are  more rounded engine and filter covers,clutch shoes with strips like those on the MS 460 and a newer tank vent valve instead of the old tube with a threaded insert.

Joe

[woodhick]

I have a 390 that I like just fine.  I would be considered a weekend warrior type, not using it every day, but I like the power to weight ratio.

[timberfaller390]

I run the 390 magnum exclusivly and I love it. Mine doesn't have a decompression valve though. I run a 28" bar pulls it just fine and will flat out get it like a boy dog with a 20"

[Lanier_Lurker]

I don't see a saw called a 390 Magnum available from Stihl - at least in the US.  Where did yours come from?

I have an MS390 that I have been pleased with.  I keep the 20" bar with full comp on it most of the time, but have a 32" bar with full skip that I keep around in case I run into something big - which has happened a couple of times.  It pulls the full skip around the 32" bar just fine- even in oak.

[timberfaller390]

Lanier been there a few times. mine is the MS390 the MS stands for magnum series

[Dave Shepard]

I thought MS is motor saw, but in Deutsch. All Stihl saws are MS now aren't they?


Dave

[Warbird]

Just called my local Stihl dealer and per them, it stands for "motor saw".

[sawdust]

I have a 039, love it. I am thinking that it may need some attention though. starts great but dies easily run the snot out of it and gets over it.

sd

[SawTroll]

I run the 390 magnum exclusivly and I love it. Mine doesn't have a decompression valve though. I run a 28" bar pulls it just fine and will flat out get it like a boy dog with a 20"

There is no such thing as a MS390 Magnum - but nothing keeps people from putting the magnum sticker on any saw they want........

[SawTroll]

Just called my local Stihl dealer and per them, it stands for "motor saw".

Motorsäge

[Mad Professor]

Step up to a Pro Stihl, look for an unsold 440 or a 460

[Dave Shepard]

Just called my local Stihl dealer and per them, it stands for "motor saw".

Motorsäge

Thanks, that what I thought it was.


Dave

[timberfaller390]

Yap yall are right. I was told the MS stood for magnum series but I guess not. Oh well my mistake

[Lanier_Lurker]

It weren't a mistake if that is what someone told you. 

Glad to see another UGA fan has joined up. 

[ErikC]

  I was talking to my neighbor the other day, and he showed me the MS390 he won a few months back in a raffle. I got the feeling it didn't have the torque of my 039, but he hasn't hardly used it, so maybe it still needs some breaking in to get there. We use bigger saws a lot because we have big trees, but this little feller can get a lot of work done, and is nice and easy to run. Guess I'm not the only one who likes 'em after all.

Erik