New 271 vs new 291 vs used 362

[Scottk517]

Hi guys,

I found this website while researching saws. I did decide to get a stihl over a husquvarna due to my search, but which saw to get. New the 271 or 291 are in my price range. A used 362 is also within my range. What do you guys think? I will be using it to cut at least 4 cords of wood a year for my stove. Thanks for the help.

Scott

 

[AKDoug]

A 271 or a 291 will cut 4 cords a year for a lifetime if you take care of the saw. A used 362 will do it about 50% faster.

 

[jhellwig]

A used 362 will do it about 50% faster.

Not nessecaraly.

 

[angelo c]

Hi guys,

I found this website while researching saws. I did decide to get a stihl over a husquvarna due to my search, but which saw to get. New the 271 or 291 are in my price range. A used 362 is also within my range. What do you guys think? I will be using it to cut at least 4 cords of wood a year for my stove. Thanks for the help.

Scott

What's your level of repairs/maintenance ability/interest. ?
My personal preference is a used 362/361/360 what ever you find least "used" they are a very simple saw to maintain and can be had at bargains with patience.
Feel free to run a few candidates by us.
Best of luck

 

[Philip Wheelock]

Buying used can be a crap shoot unless you've been through it a few times. I'd suggest the 291: lightest of the three saws, 2-yr warranty w/six pack of Ultra, plenty of power for firewood tasks. Like AKDoug said, though, the 362 is a serious jump in power and speed.

 

[Cope1024]

Buying used can be a crap shoot unless you've been through it a few times. I'd suggest the 291: lightest of the three saws, 2-yr warranty w/six pack of Ultra, plenty of power for firewood tasks. Like AKDoug said, though, the 362 is a serious jump in power and speed.

According to my Stihl chart, the MS271 and MS291 both weigh 12.3#, but the MS291 has 5cc and 1/4 hp advantage, and I'd still recommend it over the MS271.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

According to my Stihl chart, the MS271 and MS291 both weigh 12.3#...

Right you are. If there's only 1/4 hp difference between the two, I'd probably ask the dealer which one has been more trouble-free and/or popular.

 

[Cope1024]

Right you are. If there's only 1/4 hp difference between the two, I'd probably ask the dealer which one has been more trouble-free and/or popular.

I agree.

 

[AKDoug]

Not nessecaraly.

We've done side by side comparisons with a carb 362 vs. a 291 and a 290. For every 3 cuts in larger than 12" wood a MS362 makes a MS291 will make 2. That's a 50% increase. Now, it was closer to a 4 cuts to 2.5 on a 290. Of course, there will be variables, but in general that 362 is MUCH faster than a 291.

 

[Scottk517]

Now what about dust in the carb? how prevalent is that issue?

 

[bag-o-donuts]

362 all day, every day. Twice on Sunday.

 

[AKDoug]

Now what about dust in the carb? how prevalent is that issue?

The 271/291 has better filtration than a carb'd 362. An M-tronic 362 has better filtration than any of them. None of them will have a dust issue if you are keeping your chains sharp and only cutting 4 cords a year.

 

[SawTroll]

Hi guys,

I found this website while researching saws. I did decide to get a stihl over a husquvarna due to my search, ......

That's were you went wrong, the real answer to your qustion likely is a Husky 555.

 

[Mr. E]

We've done side by side comparisons with a carb 362 vs. a 291 and a 290. For every 3 cuts in larger than 12" wood a MS362 makes a MS291 will make 2. That's a 50% increase. Now, it was closer to a 4 cuts to 2.5 on a 290. Of course, there will be variables, but in general that 362 is MUCH faster than a 291.

My math says that's a 33% gain.

 

[hardpan]

Common Core? An increase from 2 to 3 is 50%. That gap will be smaller for smaller wood and larger for larger wood. The OP did not say the size or kind of wood he will be cutting?

 

[Paragon Builder]

My math says that's a 33% gain.

Percentages are figured from starting point. 290 cuts 2 pieces. 360 cuts 3. 50% of 2 is 1.
So 50% gain from 290 to 360
If you are talking losses the 360 cuts 3. 33% of 3 is 2.
So 33% loss from 360 to 290.

 

[cus_deluxe]

My math says that's a 33% gain.

you are bad at math.

 

[Paragon Builder]

you are bad at math.

Roflmao!

 

[Mr. E]

Ok I'll play the huckleberry.

It was stated that a 362 will make 3 cuts for every two that a 291 makes.

So -- in 15 seconds a 291 will make 2 cuts (7.5s average)
-- in 15 seconds a 362 will make 3 cuts (5s average)

If you make a a cut with a 291 in 7.5 seconds and then pick up the 362 and make the cut in 5 seconds then you have improved your cut time by 33%.

What am I missing?
%

 

[cus_deluxe]

Ok you asked for it.....if each saw makes 2 cuts that can be expresse as a ratio. 2:2. 2 divided by 2 is 1.0. Now the 362 makes 3 cuts and saw b makes 2 cuts. Ratio of 3:2. Divide 3 by 2 and me calculator will say 1.5. 1.5-1 =.5, a 50% increase.