In looking through my Stihl literature, I see the farm boss has pretty close to the same cc's as, say, a 361. What about them makes them "cheaper" or as it was referred to earlier a "plastic saw"? Is this a saw I should stay away from? thanks
Stihl makes two types of saws,pretty much. Pro style saws,like the 361, have aluminum crankcasesthat are built as the lower part of the saw. similar to your 031. If you had to get the crank out you would have to split the halves. Turn your 031 over and look at the seam running down the center.
The homeowner saws or plastic saws have an aluminum engine,totally different design than yours,mounted in a plastic cradle with more plastic bolted to it. They are good quality saws just not as tough as pro style saws.
Do a search for 290 vs 361. That seems to be the age old discussion.
I had an 029 and I have an 034,similar to 361,and they both do/did a great job for me cutting 4 or so cords of firewood a year.