Ms391 opinions

[ohiowoodchuck]

I'm thinking of purchasing a ms391 for a firewood saw. What's your guys thoughts?  I know there is other brands out there, but the stihl dealer is 5 minutes from my house. I'm looking for a saw between my 3120xp and my ms290.

[kenskip1]

 I have run one and not really that impressed with it. It has plenty of power but the weight is well above what it should be. It also drinks gas like it is going out of style.Bulky would sum it up.How about a 291, or even a 311? Do you really require this much saw? JMHO. Ken

[SawTroll]

 A large and heavy hunk of plastic - built like a "homeowner" saw, regardless what Stihl classify it as.

[ohiowoodchuck]

I can step into the ms362 for another 100.00. I'm not sure I'm fond of the m Tronic carb. I know it works, but the idea of a computer on my saw stinks. 

[msjdgman]

I`ve had my 391 for about a year, and while I`ve only cut a few cords, I like it so far.  A friend has had one for about 3 years now and he likes his.  Is it a pro grade saw?  No...we all know that.  But I am pleased with mine so far.  And I actually think it`s pretty easy on fuel.

[ohiowoodchuck]

I used one that a buddy has with a 25" bar and it cut good I thought. I still can't make up my mind. Right now I'd like a 65cc saw for felling trees for firewood and cutting to length for my woodboiler. Later on I'll need a saw for thinning trees and some timber harvesting on my farm. That's why I'm up in the air. Hoping you guys could lean me one way.

[celliott]

If you're looking for a saw between an MS290 and a 3120 then you have ALOT of options  :D
362 would be a good choice, I think you can get them with standard carbs?
Or what about a 70cc saw, if Stihl is your flavor of choice, then a 441 or a 461? I believe, both can be had with standard carbs but I am not positive on that.

3120 is alot of saw! What do you use that for?

[ohiowoodchuck]

I use my 3120 for cutting up a lot of large fallen trees that the wind storm got here in ohio a few years ago. I believe I've cut 10-12 up with it. I fell a large rotten maple with it back in the summer for a friend. I know a smaller saw would work but I went with a buddy to pick up a corn picker from a retiring farmer and I seen it in the corner. He made me a heck of a deal on it.

[Andyshine77]

You can pick up a CS590 for $399.00 It's a better built, stronger saw than the 391. Saws like the 391 sell because of the name on it, nothing more.

[ohiowoodchuck]

You can pick up a CS590 for $399.00 It's a better built, stronger saw than the 391. Saws like the 391 sell because of the name on it, nothing more.

I understand and respect your decision. My reason is the stihl dealer is 3-5 minutes from my house. The closes other dealer is 30 min.

[JohnG28]

You can pick up a CS590 for $399.00 It's a better built, stronger saw than the 391. Saws like the 391 sell because of the name on it, nothing more.

Really,  a 59cc Echo had more power than a 64cc Stihl? I doubt it. The Stihl may be a little heavy for its size. We get it, you like the 590....

[Andyshine77]

You can pick up a CS590 for $399.00 It's a better built, stronger saw than the 391. Saws like the 391 sell because of the name on it, nothing more.

Really,  a 59cc Echo had more power than a 64cc Stihl? I doubt it. The Stihl may be a little heavy for its size. We get it, you like the 590....

The 590 will run with ported 361, 362's So yes I'd say it will run with a low end 64cc Stihl and then some.

Take into consideration at this point in my life, I've ran nearly every modern saw made, and a large portion of older saws ever made. The Echo CS590 is a the real deal, end of story. The homeowner Stihl saws are throwaway consumer products.

[HolmenTree]

I'm thinking of purchasing a ms391 for a firewood saw. What's your guys thoughts?  I know there is other brands out there, but the stihl dealer is 5 minutes from my house. I'm looking for a saw between my 3120xp and my ms290.

ohiowoodchuck with that 3120XP you have alot of real estate on your hands and sounds like you don't need that much h.p. for what you cut.
Value wise if that 3120 is in good condition it could fetch enough to pay or trade for a good used Stihl 361 and 460 combo. This way you have all Stihl to do business with your dealer and forget about the Husky.

[ohiowoodchuck]

I could trade in the 3120xp, it's in good shape. It's not as handy as a pocket on a shirt, but I believe I will hang on to it. I want to mill out some large oak for coffee tables in my cabin. It does have it's purpose plus I have hardly anything in it.

[Compensation]

I have a 390 and it isn't a bad saw. It weighs less than the rounds it cuts so weight doesn't bother me. The 361 is a saw right up your alley. But if you can only swing for a 391 don't be afraid to buy it. I ran mine over with a loaded 3/4 ton hours after I bought it. Still works great with 0 quirks.

[ohiowoodchuck]

I believe I'll replace my 290 with a new 391. Sell my 290 and put it toward a used 460 or 046.

[JohnG28]

Sounds like a good plan.  Pictures of new saws are always welcome!  ;D

[Hitchcock Woods]

We run our 6 year old ms 391 with a 20'' bar a lot for felling and bucking.  It is a pretty good saw but if i had to pick between that and our 10 year old 372 xp, i'll take the 372 xp all day.

[brettl]

Hello Ohio. I have the 441 and have had the 290 and 391. The 290 and 391 are good saws, BUT, the 441and 461 are only a half pound heavier and 1hp to 1.5hp more powerful than the 391.  So your thought to sell the 290 for money towards a 441 or 461 is a good one in my opinion. Any of these saws will be noticeably more powerful, better built, and only slightly heavier than the 391. That's why I sold my 391.

What it boils down to is why invest in the 391 AND the 441, 460 or 461 when all of the last 3 are noticeabley more powerful, only .5 pound heavier, and better designed with some better materials? The 362 is a Pro saw to and is a pound lighter with the same power as the 391.

[drobertson]

Had a 390, great saw, did drink the fuel. Stolen,, Replaced with the 460 really liked this one, stolen as well.
replaced with the 362, happy with this one, will say the 311 is a dandy firewood saw, it will run the 20" bar just fine. easy to start as is the 362, and the fuel consumption normal.  Nice to have two running saws,

[ohiowoodchuck]

I'd like to pick up a new 441 or 461 right now, but with my truck needing new tires, a wheel bearing starting to go out and the starter wearing out. I believe all i can spring for is the 391. The 290 is just a slow at cutting firewood and the 3120 is just to much to pack around. However it made short work of a 24'' redoak this weekend. I have been searching used saws a lot here latley. Maybe I don't know my price but everybody wants new price for half priced saws.

[7sleeper]

I believe you are making a mistake. If you intend to sell or trade in your 290 you will have more than sufficient funds for a 362! Although I agree with Andyshine that leaving out the 590 is a big mistake! Almost same power, less weight and way less money sounds like a winner to me! To be honest I find Stihl just way to expensive for what they offer in the home owner and farmer grade saws! For me an alternativ would be the very often overlooked husqvarna 555 or it's jonsered counterpart. But the stihl 391 isn't even on my radar and I completely agree with sawtroll on this one! :lol:

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[ohiowoodchuck]

Why would i drive a hour to buy a saw, when the stihl dealer is right in town. I think it's kinda crappy to buy another brand saw and take it in to him to work on especially after he has given me some great prices on a saw. Stihl might be overated but everyone I know who cuts timber for a living swears by them. I've heard more positives than negatives on the ms391.

[Andyshine77]

Why would i drive a hour to buy a saw, when the stihl dealer is right in town. I think it's kinda crappy to buy another brand saw and take it in to him to work on especially after he has given me some great prices on a saw. Stihl might be overated but everyone I know who cuts timber for a living swears by them. I've heard more positives than negatives on the ms391.

What were all trying to say is, people who cut timber don't use 391's. Stihl saws are not at all overrated. The problem is they sell the homeowner products " that contain mostly lower grade Asian components" at a premium.

Now when it comes to your dealer, remember this. They won't sell you anything without making a profit, that's what a business does. It's not like your part of his family, they will do what's best for them, why wouldn't you do the same for yourself. I own may different brands including including Stihl, my dealer knows that and doesn't care, he still makes money selling parts.

[ohiowoodchuck]

The local echo dealer is 35 minutes from me, they have no service department. So if I buy a cs590 and it burns up because it's already lean from the factory, how am I suppose to get it worked on? How long am I suppose to wait on repair work? How can echo sell a USA made saw for 200 less than a 391? I doubt all American parts either. The only think made in America anymore is babies.

[Andyshine77]

The local echo dealer is 35 minutes from me, they have no service department. So if I buy a cs590 and it burns up because it's already lean from the factory, how am I suppose to get it worked on? How long am I suppose to wait on repair work? How can echo sell a USA made saw for 200 less than a 391? I doubt all American parts either. The only think made in America anymore is babies.

I'm 100% sure the Echo CS-590 has foreign parts, do mostly to the fact it's made in Japan. The 590 is a chainsaw just like the 391, if you're dealer can't work on it, time to find a new dealer.

The 590's I've owned and ran seem to have the carbs tuned pretty well from the factory. You also have a 5 year warranty, but I personally never rely on any warranty. To be completely honest, if you work with a chainsaw for any real length of time, it's best to learn how to work on them yourself. Saws aren't exactly complicated, especially a saw like the 590. The 391 is quite a bit more complicated being a strato and plastic cased saw.

I'm not trying to persuade you into buying something you're not comfortable with. I'm simply trying to inform and uninformed person, about the difference between brands, from a mechanical and marketing strategy standpoint.       

[Al_Smith]

FWIW the series of saws talked about were never intended to be robust professional grade chainsaws .You will not find them on the slopes of Utah felling timber .

As firewood cutters and ocassional use saws they will probabley last the owners for decades if used as such .Service like a tree trimming crew they won't last because many of the help could destroy an anvil with a feather if given enough time .
The only so called strato charged saws I've ever operated were Stihl 201T and 441 .As compaired to non strato "old School " they are lacking .However once warmed up they do fine .I suspect these lesser grades of the Stihl line probabley do likewise .

[ohiowoodchuck]

Name anything out there, that isn't overpriced. It starts at groceries and goes all the way up to homes. Believe me I know what you mean about working on your own stuff, I've been poor my whole life and don't see it getting better. My thing about the warranty is, say you melt a piston and the saw is still covered, are you going to take it to the dealer and let them fix it or just go buy all the parts and do it yourself? Anyway anybody have any thoughts on echo's cs680 for a pro saw?

[ohiowoodchuck]

The amount of wood I'm cutting is I'm helping a friend turn some woods back into farm ground, plus cut up some larger oak that has fell over the last couple of years. I'm using all this to heat my home with a outdoor woodburner. Plus I will be following my forester's management plan on my farm, doing some thinning, cutting non valuable trees to open the canopy for oaks, clearing some ground for wildlife etc. I will be using all this junk wood for firewood. So this is what I'm using a saw for.

[Andyshine77]

The cs-680 is a reliable tough saw. However that's about the only redeeming qualities I can think of. It's old, underpowered, and clumsy.

For your intended use, it sure sounds like you need 60 or 70cc saw. Keep in mind I personally cut the vast majority of my firewood with 50cc or small saws.

[7sleeper]

What Iread about is typical echo, great runners right in the middle of the pack.

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[ohiowoodchuck]

Should I just pony up for the ms461 or? I'd like a good used one but I think most want to much for worn out junk. I don't want a saw with electronic controlled carb etc. I feel that's just more gov. control over something they no nothing about.

[trapper]

my stihl dealer also has an echo franchise and will order them for you.  Stocks stihl saws, echo trimmers,  husky saws and lawn equipment and toro mowers.  That is what sells for him in this area.

[Andyshine77]

There is nothing wrong with the autotune saws. Take into consideration these saws operate on a very simple feedback loop, no 02 sensor or anything like that. The only bad thing about the AT saws is they won't lean seize before you get a chance to cut your leg off.😁

[drobertson]

Should I just pony up for the ms461 or? I'd like a good used one but I think most want to much for worn out junk. I don't want a saw with electronic controlled carb etc. I feel that's just more gov. control over something they no nothing about.

Now that you opened up the door to the possibility of a 461 or the like, I say saddle up!  There's no way you can go wrong. 

[ohiowoodchuck]

I got a buddy coming friday to look at buying my 290, so if he buys it, the out of pocket expense won't be to bad. I priced it for 300.00 with three bars, 10 chains and a 12 pack of files. I think it's a fair price? I just as well go ahead and get a good saw now, instead of buying a 391 now and turning around a year later and getting a 460/461. It will save me 600.00 in the long run I guess...

[7sleeper]

@OWC,

Personally I think you are making a mistake going up to a 461 and having nothing smaller in your chainsaw rack! Sorry but the 461 is, for a average typ woodcutter that I understood that you are with average type wood, way to close to your big saw!  Sorry to say but this thread is going on like a wild ride on a swing!
I understand your dealer is right around the corner, etc. but being realistic and to be honest I have no idea how your built, even in my wildest fantasies for me it isn't realistic to cut down and limb a whole tree with a 461! I mean you must be one strong turd to do that!  Further to me it seems you don't have a lot of money to spare and binding a lump to a saw is a waste to me. Stay with your primary plan and get a 391 and save a few bill's for something more sensible.
Another question that I forgot yesterday, is your 290 actually muffler modded? That modification alone should wake up your 290 quite a bit! And to continue down the el cheapo road, getting a complete shortblock 390 engine from Baileys, etc. would put you in a similar power area to the 391 you are thinking about! You could sell off the running 290 engine and have hardley any expenses!
Just a few thoughts.

Good luck!

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[ohiowoodchuck]

I got a ms170 from a buddy a couple weeks ago. He was mad because he messed with it for a year and couldn't get it to oil right. I cleaned everything up on it, reseated the oil line and it oils like a dream now. I muffler modded my 290 and hate it. Loud and still didn't cut any better, a co-worker had a very experinced small engine mechanic mod his and he said he could barley tell a difference. Really the only difference that we both agreed on is it drank more gas cutting the same amount of wood as it did before. So my saw rack is a ms170 a ms290 and a Husky 3120xp.

[JohnG28]

If you can afford it get the 461. I can fell and buck with my 460 and I'm 180lbs. Can swap from an 18"-32" bar without a problem and not that heavy.  Will have a lot more power than the 290 too! In comparison to a 3120 it's a little guy too!  :D

[ohiowoodchuck]

I'm 6'4'' and 240lbs. I have packed my 3120 with a 36'' bar up many a hill already. I was in great shape till I spent most of the summer rebuilding and reinstalling a duramax diesel in a truck for a friend. I'm slowly getting back to where I was from cutting wood and hanging deer stands. I work a full time job, raise a family, love to hunt and cut firewood. Id rather get my wood cut as fast as saftley possible and then be back home to spend time with my two year old son. I have a small stick built cabin to build along with a pole barn, so we can move out to the farm, then I get to start building a house.

[LeeB]

You need a sawmill then, not a bigger chainsaw. :D

[ohiowoodchuck]

You need a sawmill then, not a bigger chainsaw. :D

My good buddy has one, I'm suppose to buy it when ever he gets the wood sawed out for his barn. he got a great deal on it. In the meantime I'll i have to do is go get it and start sawing. I could buy a lot of wood though for what he paid for it.

[Maine logger88]

I'd go with the 461 if I were looking too buy a Stihl I never really liked limbing with a small saw anyway.

[weimedog]

Go metal.

[ohiowoodchuck]

I'd go with the 461 if I were looking too buy a Stihl I never really liked limbing with a small saw anyway.

me either, I like longer bars because I'm not bending over as much. Running a short bar sure puts a kink in my back at the end of a day.

[Al_Smith]

Well now it just depends on how you look at things .You could join a health spa ,get all the yuppy clothing it takes to look cool and pay good money to exercise .

---or you could get a small saw,bend over and limber up while you are limbing plus have all that firewood  for your troubles and not have to pay out a dime for spa fees .You might get a sore back but at least you have something to show for it . ;D

[Maine logger88]

Go metal.

Hahaha lol

[ohiowoodchuck]

Well now it just depends on how you look at things .You could join a health spa ,get all the yuppy clothing it takes to look cool and pay good money to exercise .

---or you could get a small saw,bend over and limber up while you are limbing plus have all that firewood  for your troubles and not have to pay out a dime for spa fees .You might get a sore back but at least you have something to show for it . ;D

my wife says I look like a dork with my suspenders on, but hey I like them. I don't spend all day pulling my pants up. No spa for me, I still believe in a hard days work is something to be proud of.

[7sleeper]

Well judging by the way the world has changed, you must be one of the last ones with such a belief!

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[Al_Smith]

Well hard work is one thing,working smart is another .

I get rather amused at times when peple intentionaly strive to think the are in the 1800's just to prove a point .The good Lord gave me a strong body be He also gave me a good mind .Guess which one wins . ;)

[ohiowoodchuck]

Well hard work is one thing,working smart is another .

I get rather amused at times when peple intentionaly strive to think the are in the 1800's just to prove a point .The good Lord gave me a strong body be He also gave me a good mind .Guess which one wins . ;)

I agree you didn't see me put my wood boiler piping in with a shovel, I used a backhoe. It did take me from daylight to dark to get it all dug, gravel smoothed out, boiler set in place and everything hooked up.

[Sawyer697]

You have not filled in where you are in Ohio. How about filling it in?

[ohiowoodchuck]

You have not filled in where you are in Ohio. How about filling it in?

I live in Southern Ohio, in a little town called Beaver.

[CR888]

You came on a public forum to get advice..you get advice from knowledgeable members that is unbiased and experience based  yet seem to reject it with every reason not to accept it. What Andy is saying about the 590 and other saws IS good advice. Other members are giving you good advice. There is a saying that comes to mind 'he who knows nothing but realizes it knows something, he who knows nothing but thinks he knows all....he is merely a fool'!

[ohiowoodchuck]

You came on a public forum to get advice..you get advice from knowledgeable members that is unbiased and experience based  yet seem to reject it with every reason not to accept it. What Andy is saying about the 590 and other saws IS good advice. Other members are giving you good advice. There is a saying that comes to mind 'he who knows nothing but realizes it knows something, he who knows nothing but thinks he knows all....he is merely a fool'!

did I buy a 391 no I didn't. I'm looking at something different. Don't come on a public forum and give me quotes like I'm a fool. I have done a lot better than most without a college education. What's wrong with a little constructive criticism? I held no judgement against anybody who told me to buy a different saw. If you remember correctly I asked about the ms391 not the echo 590. Just because one person wants to delimb with a smaller saw and shorter bar doesn't mean I want to. In the end it's my money and I'll do what I want. If you don't like it try not to lose sleep or get butt hurt over my decisions.

[JohnG28]

You came on a public forum to get advice..you get advice from knowledgeable members that is unbiased and experience based  yet seem to reject it with every reason not to accept it. What Andy is saying about the 590 and other saws IS good advice. Other members are giving sounds good advice. There is a saying that comes to mind 'he who knows nothing but realizes it knows something, he who knows nothing but thinks he knows all....he is merely a fool'!

did I buy a 391 no I didn't. I'm looking at something different. Don't come on a public forum and give me quotes like I'm a fool. I have done a lot better than most without a college education. What's wrong with a little constructive criticism? I held no judgement against anybody who told me to buy a different saw. If you remember correctly I asked about the ms391 not the echo 590. Just because one person wants to delimb with a smaller saw and shorter bar doesn't mean I want to. In the end it's my money and I'll do what I want. If you don't like it try not to lose sleep or get butt hurt over my decisions.

:D :D Well said. I'm sure the 590 is a great saw, but lately it seems to be the answer to every saw inquiry around here. Last I checked Stihl and Husqvarna still made goods saws, and people wishing to buy them can and should. Should the person looking for a BMW buy a Toyota just because they're also a good car and less expensive?  No. And to further my analogy, I drive a Toyota,  so not bashing Echo!  ;D

[Andyshine77]

:D :D Well said. I'm sure the 590 is a great saw, but lately it seems to be the answer to every saw inquiry around here. Last I checked Stihl and Husqvarna still made goods saws, and people wishing to buy them can and should. Should the person looking for a BMW buy a Toyota just because they're also a good car and less expensive?  No. And to further my analogy, I drive a Toyota,  so not bashing Echo!  ;D

There is rarely only one right answer. All I or anyone in my position can do is offer suggestions based on experience. Everything else is up to the individual.       

[ohiowoodchuck]

:D :D Well said. I'm sure the 590 is a great saw, but lately it seems to be the answer to every saw inquiry around here. Last I checked Stihl and Husqvarna still made goods saws, and people wishing to buy them can and should. Should the person looking for a BMW buy a Toyota just because they're also a good car and less expensive?  No. And to further my analogy, I drive a Toyota,  so not bashing Echo!  ;D

There is rarely only one right answer. All I or anyone in my position can do is offer suggestions based on experience. Everything else is up to the individual.     

I agree 100% on that. I appreciated your opinion and advice on the ms391 subject. Everyone has the own opinion and are entitled to it. No matter what a person has there is always something better according to others.

[drobertson]

I will admit, I am not up an all the Stihl changes, in regards to the differing number schemes.  And with this dealer so close, and hoping they are a good resource for repair services if needed, is a good as choice as any.  This said, I still believe a 460 model whichever number is attached with a 24" bar would be a good as a choice as any. Shorter bars you can pick up as needed.  Still know nothing about the new carbs, so this is something  to look into.  I just don't need to for now.  Hope you find the saw that works for you. 

[Al_Smith]

I agree 100% on that. I appreciated your opinion and advice on the ms391 subject. Everyone has the own opinion and are entitled to it. No matter what a person has there is always something better according to others.

Oh it's a Ford /Chevy thing always will be .As long as the thing cuts wood and doesn't give you a bunch of problems why should anybody care who made it .
Reminds me of the old men who would congregate outside the general store in the little podunk town I grew up in .They sat on the "lawyer/deacons bench " and argued everything from the weather to politics.

[ohiowoodchuck]

I agree again ford chevy dodge mines better. I still see all the old men out on the liars bench as I call it. Can hardly get in there to pay for gas because of them. Then they move over to the hardware store after lunch. It's fun to listen to some of there arguments if you have the time.

[LeeB]

But Dodge is better.  ;D

[ohiowoodchuck]

But Dodge is better.  ;D

i will say this my 96 dodge 3500 is twice the truck of my 01 ford f-250. Yes they are diesel.