I need information to assist with selecting a bigger saw to compliment an MS210 with 16” bar.
I purchased the MS210 primarily for firewood use in CA but almost immediately I was pushing it to its limits trying to meet my needs. I should have went with my gut and got the MS250 instead. Anyway, fast forward some years and I moved to a multi-acre wooded property in VA where it has become clear I need a larger saw to compliment the 210.
For simplicity here, assume I am only interested in Stihl. Initially I was looking at the 291/311/391 and the 261/362. If money were no object I would grab a 362 with a 20” bar and call it a day. But money is a factor plus I am a realist and know I really don’t NEEEEEED a pro series saw like that. So instead let’s assume my first choice is the 391/18-20” combo and then assess alternatives from there. The 391 is several hundred $ less than the 362, only $60 more than the 311, and enough of a HP jump over the 210 to where I won’t second guess the purchase.
I spoke to a Stihl sales rep today. He thought all my choices were big (read: excessive) jumps; on average the candidate saws are 2x the power output of the 210. He suggested the 271 as an alternative with a notable power increase but at a lower price.
I’m willing to consider the 271 but I have concerns about buying it and feeling like I bought another underpowered saw for my needs. My #2 saw needs to be able to do the proverbial heavy lifting so the 210 can relax a bit.
Thanks,
Joe
I purchased the MS210 primarily for firewood use in CA but almost immediately I was pushing it to its limits trying to meet my needs. I should have went with my gut and got the MS250 instead. Anyway, fast forward some years and I moved to a multi-acre wooded property in VA where it has become clear I need a larger saw to compliment the 210.
For simplicity here, assume I am only interested in Stihl. Initially I was looking at the 291/311/391 and the 261/362. If money were no object I would grab a 362 with a 20” bar and call it a day. But money is a factor plus I am a realist and know I really don’t NEEEEEED a pro series saw like that. So instead let’s assume my first choice is the 391/18-20” combo and then assess alternatives from there. The 391 is several hundred $ less than the 362, only $60 more than the 311, and enough of a HP jump over the 210 to where I won’t second guess the purchase.
I spoke to a Stihl sales rep today. He thought all my choices were big (read: excessive) jumps; on average the candidate saws are 2x the power output of the 210. He suggested the 271 as an alternative with a notable power increase but at a lower price.
I’m willing to consider the 271 but I have concerns about buying it and feeling like I bought another underpowered saw for my needs. My #2 saw needs to be able to do the proverbial heavy lifting so the 210 can relax a bit.
- Should I stick with my initial thoughts and go with the 391?
- Will the 271 with a 20” bar really be enough saw to meet my needs?
- How much of a HP/displacement increase is sufficient for an upgrade saw? 15, 20, 30cc or more?
Thanks,
Joe