Decisions, Decisions

[kyrob]

Been wanting a new saw that will run a 20" bar easily. Started out planning on getting a MS290. They're about 380 bucks. Then I saw the bigger MS391. Around 10 more cc's and about 170 bucks more at 550. Then I saw the MS362 for 700. All are nice saws but are they worth the difference in price? It's just another 150 bucks or so. That is the question. Not sure which one I will get but I did see a nice iron & oak splitter last time I was at the hardware store.

What does the MS291 have in it that makes it cost so much more than the MS290 anyway?

Rob

 

[o8f150]

if you can afford it get the 362, it is a pro saw and the other 2 are not. it will last a lot longer then the other ones. the 391 and 291 are clam shell engines and the 362 has a split case

 

[indiansprings]

A 290/291 is no powerhouse when it comes to pulling a 20" bar buried in hardwood. It is however a very adequate firewood saw. In most fire wood cutting you won't be using it with the bar buried anyway. The 391 is essentially the same saw, with a bigger displacement cylinder and piston, no other difference,except it adds a little weight. Just depends on how big of wood you plan on cutting, the 391 will handle a 20" bar very well and is capable of handling a 24" for occasional use.
The 362 is a pro-quality saw, higher performing saw than the 391. It readily handles a 20" bar and also can run a 24" if the need arises.
Of course the pro-grade saw cost more.
Is it worth it? If your the average home owner cutting 8 or 10 cords a year or less, anyone of the three will do you a fine job and last many years if fed a diet of good quality gas and stihl ultra mix.
It's kind of like what do you like to use a craftsman tool or a snap on tool. Both will get the job done for years, the snap on is just a higher quality, usually more comfortable tool to use.
For our use cutting firewood to sell, it's worth the extra to buy pro model saws.

 

[jus2fat]

This particular subject comes up most everyday on this site.
The bottom line is always the same

Buy the ms362 if you can afford it..it's a Pro saw and worth the $$
Many advantages to buy a Pro saw..if you can afford it..Just Do It!!

If you can't afford it...what indiansprings said above is great..true info!!

J2F

 

[nmurph]

The durability of any of those saws is not in question. The homeowner, clam-shells will outlast the needs of most homeowners. That said, buy the 362 if you can afford it. I think it is money well enough spent.

 

[Stihl-Pioneer]

If you can swing it I would go with the MS362. If not then I would go with the MS291.

 

[D&B Mack]

If it is going to sit on the shelf for 11 months out of the year, leave the 362 at the shop, if you are going to be cutting a serious amount, as a homeowner, practically every weekend, then get the 362. Either way, remember your ROI on the 362 is higher should you decide you don't need it a few years down the road.

 

[indiansprings]

One way to look at it is as follows, the 362 cost roughly 320.00 more than the 291. If taken care of a 362 is gonna last you at least 15 years, so for roughly a 1.79 a month you get the best saw, is it worth
it? Only you know your needs. I've got a couple of saws that I bought at least 30 years ago that I really down deep know if I was cutting just for myself would do the job until I'm six feet under. They are old pro quality saws.

 

[STLfirewood]

The 290 isn't a bad saw for the money. It's all what you want. I buy a lot of wood and the guy I buy from runs a 290. He has cut well over 500 cords with it. He cuts wood 16" so that is a lot of cuts. The saw still runs strong. Don't worry about wearing one out. They last a long time.

Scott

 

[atvguns]

I have a 029 same as 290 I would spend the $380 on a used pro saw before I would buy a new clam shell saw. And yes I have had my 029 since 1996 it has been a good saw but I didn't know what a good saw was till about a year ago.

 

[atvguns]

One way to look at it is as follows, the 362 cost roughly 320.00 more than the 291. If taken care of a 362 is gonna last you at least 15 years, so for roughly a 1.79 a month you get the best saw, is it worth
it? Only you know your needs. I've got a couple of saws that I bought at least 30 years ago that I really down deep know if I was cutting just for myself would do the job until I'm six feet under. They are old pro quality saws.

Good post also let's not forget the resale value of the pro saws if a guy ever needs to sell one

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I'm thinking that if you had to ask the question, a MS290 will be all you'll need..

 

[mama]

I've had my ms -290 for about 5 years now, has been a good firewood saw. I still have my 30 year old pro saw witch still running good. The only thing about the 290 is its harder to work on. Me cutting 5-6 cords a year the 290 will out last me.

 

[blsnelling]

if you can afford it get the 362, it is a pro saw and the other 2 are not. it will last a lot longer then the other ones. the 391 and 291 are clam shell engines and the 362 has a split case

A 290 should last as long as a pro saw. The cylinder has the same NiSi coating and they have the same beefy forged rods. The difference is in how hard they are to work on, which it shouldn't need that often. We like pro saws here, but not all others are junk.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

A 290 should last as long as a pro saw. The cylinder has the same NiSi coating and they have the same beefy forged rods. The difference is in how hard they are to work on, which it shouldn't need that often. We like pro saws here, but not all others are junk.

What makes them last longer is to have more than one saw, like most of us here have...

 

[cuttingintime]

One way to look at it is as follows, the 362 cost roughly 320.00 more than the 291. If taken care of a 362 is gonna last you at least 15 years, so for roughly a 1.79 a month you get the best saw, is it worth
it? Only you know your needs. I've got a couple of saws that I bought at least 30 years ago that I really down deep know if I was cutting just for myself would do the job until I'm six feet under. They are old pro quality saws.

I like how you rationalize your thoughts and justify cost.

 

[rms61moparman]

Do yourself a favor and buy the Makita 540 in the classifieds here from a VERY reputable member.
The 290 is all the saw you really NEED, But the Makita is about half the price and twice the quality.


Mike

 

[Dan_IN_MN]

Been wanting a new saw that will run a 20" bar easily. Started out planning on getting a MS290. They're about 380 bucks. Then I saw the bigger MS391. Around 10 more cc's and about 170 bucks more at 550. Then I saw the MS362 for 700. All are nice saws but are they worth the difference in price? It's just another 150 bucks or so. That is the question. Not sure which one I will get but I did see a nice iron & oak splitter last time I was at the hardware store.

What does the MS291 have in it that makes it cost so much more than the MS290 anyway?

Rob

If you can wait and go to a gtg (get ToGether) and run some of the saws you're considering.

If buying the 362 means that you don't have food on the talble, get the 290. If you like power and you've got the $$$$s.... get the 362.

 

[SawTroll]

.....

What does the MS291 have in it that makes it cost so much more than the MS290 anyway?

Rob

It is a smaller and lighter saw, and a much improved design.

The 391 is much cheaper built than the 362, and quite a bit heavier.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Short answer

It's your saw, buy the one that works best for you. Based on what you've explained any of the three will be perfectly adequate.

Long answer

My recommendation is save some $ and go with the MS291, With that extra money invest in a good set of chaps, hearing protection (preferably a helmet if you'll be felling), and some extra RSC or RMC chains. Now you're set up to cut and still will have some money leftover from either a 391 or 362 purchase. If you find you're typically pushing the limits of the MS291, CAD will take over and you can begin the search for a decent used, or new if budget allows, 70 to 80 cc saw to be a big brother.

If most of the wood you cut is 14 inches and under with a good sharp chain the performance difference between the 3 will be minimal. The 362 will certainly be faster, but probably not enough to justify the money.

Take Care