Help pick a saw to complement an MS210

[bensonjv]

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.

• 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?

Edit: I want this saw to run a 20" bar and cut mature Pine, Gum, Poplar, Cypress, Oak, and Maple.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[treesmith]

What size bar and what wood is it for?

 

[hseII]

MS661R and call it a day!!!

 

[bensonjv]

I'd like to put a 20" bar on it. Primary wood types are mature Pine, Gum, Poplar, Cypress, Oak, and Maple.

 

[NorthernBreeze]

I just purchased a ms291 with a 18" bar on sale for about $480. It is a 55cc saw, probably the minimum I would do a 20" bar on.

 

[bensonjv]

Two local dealers have a 391 and 20" bar for 569.95. I assume they talk to each other and ensure pricing strategies align. Starting October 1 Stihl throws in a free case.

 

[bensonjv]

I just purchased a ms291 with a 18" bar on sale for about $480. It is a 55cc saw, probably the minimum I would do a 20" bar on.

My dealer only had 271's on hand. Said something about 291's being discontinued but I was unable to confirm. Anyway, 271/18" was 409.95 and 20" for 419.95. But like you suggest - I'm a little leery putting the 20" on the 271.

 

[hseII]

My dealer only had 271's on hand. Said something about 291's being discontinued but I was unable to confirm. Anyway, 271/18" was 409.95 and 20" for 419.95. But like you suggest - I'm a little leery putting the 20" on the 271.

Don't.

Save your time and buy a 391 if you want more saw: stepping up 15cc to a MS271 doesn't sound like what you have in mind anyways.

Sure, a MS362 would be nice, but you already said you don't want to spend the coin for a "pro" saw.

As a homeowner, you'll have that saw for many years to come if you take care of it.

 

[sld961]

For that money, you could get a nice used 036 from a reputable seller in the Trading Post and be very happy. I'd take a used 036 over a 391 any day of the week.

 

[old-cat]

Get a used 60 cc STIHL pro, you'll be a happy camper.

 

[treesmith]

does it have to be new? a 361 is a great 20" saw

 

[sld961]

For that money, you could get a nice used 036 from a reputable seller in the Trading Post and be very happy. I'd take a used 036 over a 391 any day of the week.

Get a used 60 cc STIHL pro, you'll be a happy camper.

does it have to be new? a 361 is a great 20" saw

I think this pretty much sums it up...

 

[anlrolfe]

I've got an older 039 that will pull enough chain for firewood.
If that situation changes I'd bump to an 064/066/MS660
For now the few saws that I've got get-er-done

 

[bensonjv]

Good condition used is ok. I suppose reputable sellers here are options but I'm nervous about Ebay and honestly don't know where else to look for used Stihl. Plus, I've only really researched the current offerings so I am a little ignorant of what older model numbers I should look at.

 

[CTYank]

Too bad (for you) that you've ruled out some better-value candidates, including Dolmar and Echo. It's your money.

I'd not put much credence in Stihl's power ratings. Some creativity involved.

 

[old-cat]

036, ms360, ms361 are the best STIHL old pro saws in the 60 cc class.

 

[1Alpha1]

Better to buy a little too big......than a little too small.

 

[bensonjv]

Too bad (for you) that you've ruled out some better-value candidates, including Dolmar and Echo. It's your money.

I'd not put much credence in Stihl's power ratings. Some creativity involved.

For the sake of helping me make an informed decision, please open the recommendations to include comparable models from Echo and Dolmar. I am guessing CS-590, 600P and PS6100, 6400 respectively?

 

[NorthernBreeze]

Don't rule out a husqvarna 455 rancher either, 55cc saw with 20" bar. Nice saw for a homeowner, may not have the dealer support though that you would from stihl

 

[cory@owen]

For the sake of helping me make an informed decision, please open the recommendations to include comparable models from Echo and Dolmar. I am guessing CS-590, 600P and PS6100, 6400 respectively?

The 590 for $400 is a smoking deal. I'd take it over a 290 type saw. If you have to have new, it may be your best bet. Dolmar 6100 new is less $$$ than 362. A used husky would almost seem free. Huskies don't hold value like stihl. Keep that in mind if you want nice inexpensive saw.