Ms311

[tjcole50]

Well finally stihl made it right. Had issue after issue with my ms290. Since the first month of owner ship up until my 6th month it was in 7 times for warranty work. The stihl mechanic vouched for me telling higher ups how well I maintained my saw with cleanings/fuel/oil/mix. They allowed me to swap out . Sadly the 290 is no more and wanted me to take the 271. I personally didn't care for it and I paid the difference and got an ms311. Anyone have any comments on this saw? Did some test cuts on some small pieces and she likes to cut! But the real test are the fence rows this weekend!

 

[NH_Wood]

I haven't run one, so I can only offer what I've observed. This saw seems to be one of the less popular Stihl saws in the line-up and they do not seem to hold their value like some of the other models - in this class or the pro-level saws. I don't want to sound negative - I'm sure the saw will treat you well - IMO there is just not a strong following for this particular saw. I do hope the dealership gave you some kind of deal for your pains with the 290, and that you didn't simply pay the difference between the two saws - that wouldn't sit right with me. I wish you the best with the saw and hope it gives you many years of great service! Cheers!

 

[tjcole50]

I did pay the difference they did swap to a yellow marked chain and threw in an extra. The 290 is more popular I feel but the 271 that replaced it didn't seem right. They should have kept the 290. But when my 290 ran at first comparing it to this 311 I feel the 311 is a much better saw. But then again that 290 I had did not stay running long so maybe it wasn't running 100% when I did have some cutting time with it. I wanted to step up to pro level but at 200+ extra money out of my pocket I just couldn't . If I were making money off of processing wood I sure as hell would! But for cutting heavy once a month I don't feel the price tag is worth it. Just hope to get 5-10 years out of this 311 then basically I will use it for dirty cutting and possibly get something nicer down the road. I currently use my poulan for cutting down stumps and in to them to burn stumps. Does not sit right with me to use my 311 for such tasks lol until the whole new saw wears off I guess

 

[Jags]

Just hope to get 5-10 years out of this 311

And on year 20 you will be cussing it cuz it won't die....
A bit heavy for the HP, but a capable saw.

 

[tjcole50]

I did notice the heft . But when buried I think it will be nice. Overall feel was great but only on a short test I'll report back once I get some extended time. 20 years would be great I was hoping my 290 was going to do that and I would have been glad to simply swap for a new 290. I also prefer the 3/8 chain on the 311 for some reason I can't describe

 

[Rock Crusher]

One of my saws is the 311's sister, the 391 about 4 years old and has been a very good saw. It runs better with ethanol free gas-ran lean on top with E10. Since I use Legend mineral oil in my snowmobiles, I also use it for the 391 mixed at the standard 50:1 smells great and offers great protection as well. I did have a recall on my saw for a potentially loose flywheel, mine was fine but was replaced anyway. Good luck with her!

 

[bassJAM]

That's odd they killed the 290/291, although I'd say the 311 is really it's replacement rather than the 271. Years ago my dad bought a 310 which was really just a 290 with more displacement. More power at the same weight as the 290, he couldn't justify NOT spending the extra $35 or whatever the up charge was. His has been very reliable though, I think the only problem he's ever had was a hole in the fuel line.

 

[bigbarf48]

That's odd they killed the 290/291, although I'd say the 311 is really it's replacement rather than the 271. Years ago my dad bought a 310 which was really just a 290 with more displacement. More power at the same weight as the 290, he couldn't justify NOT spending the extra $35 or whatever the up charge was. His has been very reliable though, I think the only problem he's ever had was a hole in the fuel line.

I dont think the 291 is gone, I think thats what replaced the 290

 

[bassJAM]

I dont think the 291 is gone, I think thats what replaced the 290

You're right, I checked Stihl USA's website and expected them to be in chronological order so as I scrolled down and saw the 311 I quit looking. I just went back and looked a little harder; the 291 is still around.

http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/

 

[tjcole50]

Stihl dealer told me the 271 is the 290s replacement . They didn't have a 291 but 271 n my old 290 were the same price

 

[bassJAM]

I think your dealer lied.

 

[tjcole50]

Probably which is now why I'm dealing with a dealer farther away but it is a friend of mine and his dad's business and they will take better care of me n warranty work if there is any