Stihl MS 311 opinions

[kyrob]

I need a saw that will run a 20" bar. I have a MS250 which I think is a great saw but the trees I am cutting lately have me cutting from both sides. I am looking at a new MS 311 with a 20" bar. It's 59cc whereas the 250 is 45. Will the 311 get through the larger trees like the 250 does the smaller ones? I am looking at spending around 500 and prefer the Stihl as a dealer is about a mile from home.

Thanks

 

[WoodChuck'r]

The difference between an MS250 and an MS311 is night and day.

Cool thing is you can throw the bigger top end on it and get a bit more grunt if you ever decide you want it.

Go for it. Upgrading to a 311 from an MS250 will leave you very impressed.

 

[mountainlake]

A 362 is around $150 more, selling a cord or 2 of wood would cover that. Steve

 

[fidiro]

I've never used a 310 but have the 029Super/290 56cc's and the 390 64cc's. The 20" on the 390 is right at home and I don't want to use anything longer. I use 18" on the 029S. How much more money is the 391? If you're using it to sell firewood then I'd take the advice of the pro saw 362.

 

[ckelp]

the 311 is not a bad idea, i i bought mine from a guy that cut stumps with it, it used to be the biggest saw i owned i've sunk the hole bar (25") into oak before that was about 6' and did't even phase it.
but if you can pickup a good used 361 i'd do that
good luck

 

[Ironworker]

I got one for firewood, have no problem, thing works great and goes through the biggest stuff I get.

 

[indiansprings]

If I were considering a 311 I would just step up to the 391, same basic saw just a larger displacement cylinder and piston, big difference in power. It would give you more flexibility of running longer bars if the need would ever arise.

The 391 would be a fine firewood saw for an individual's needs.

If you ever plan on doing significant volume I would spend the xtra money and buy a 362. It will outperform the 391.

 

[Steelz]

IF you can spend the extra coin. Buy the MS 362. If not MS311.

 

[WoodChuck'r]

But on the flip side of the same coin, if you can't afford the 362, get the 311.

 

[mizzou]

I have an ms 290 that was given to me and a lot of people here bash, but it cuts pretty well, won't keep up with my dolmars(5100s and 6400), but not a bad saw. If you don't go with a 361\362, I would recomend the 391 not the 311 or 290. Might as well get the most power for the weight.

 

[teascouts]

ms311 is pretty sweet

Just picked one up last Friday to replace my old 032 which recently sh*t the bed, and is on my bench torn apart and awaiting a new piston and possibly cylinder. Had a chance to use the 311 for about 4 hours yesterday, and another two today before iI came in to check for 032 parts. I'm impressed with the 311 !! The decomp is a nice feature for an old geef like me. plenty of power on the big stuff. Yesterday we had some big (26+) rounds of cottonwood that were too big for the splitter, and ran them through rip style down the grain. Made a huge pile of mouse nest material...lol. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this saw. I know I'm not.

311 - 59cc 4.2hp 14.1 lbs $479
391 - 64.1cc 4.4hp 14.1 lbs $529
362 - 59cc 4.6hp 13 lbs $679

 

[Canthook Coasty]

Compared to the MS 250, the MS 311 is going to be a big improvement. My previous saw was a Polan Wild Thing; I needed more power so I got a new MS 310. It did everything I needed and more. The 311 has even more power. It wasn’t until I started cutting a lot of big wood that I needed to go to a pro saw. The MS 361/362 is a good saw, but if you don’t do more than ten cords a year, you probably won’t need to spend the extra money on a pro saw. (of course that is a no no here, everybody “needs” a pro saw) :msp_smile:

 

[grack]

i have ran my neighbors alot much better power than my 290
if i didnt have too many similar saws i would get one.

 

[kyrob]

Thanks for the opinions guys. I only cut about 5 cords a year and burn about 3 cords.

Rob

 

[Idahokid]

I bought a ms310 and love it.It runs a 25" bar and does great.I use it ten hours a year.I use 028 super for my everyday saw.

 

[cuttingintime]

IF you can spend the extra coin. Buy the MS 362. If not MS311.

This makes a lot of sense.

 

[SawTroll]

The 311 is waaay too heavy for its power, and mostly plastic - but I guess it will do what it is designed for.

 

[Siskiyou Blues]

Spent some time with the 311 and 391 and decided to find a way to make the extra money to get the 362. Been very happy with that decision so far.

 

[HILLBILLYREDNEC]

311

24" bar full skip chain and muffler mod

 

[ckelp]

311 vs. 362
what feels good your hands, and what feels good on your wallet