Looking at buying new stihl saw soon. Probably going to buy a stihl 271 or a 291. Does anyone know if there's much of a difference between the two? Experience with either one?
Same chassis, just a few more cc's and $$ on the 291. I'd go with the 291 as there is no weight penalty for the extra power. Both are a significant improvement over the MS290 they replaced.
Midwestjdgreen, welcome to the club! How much wood are you planning on cutting per year and how big (diameter) are the larger trees that you will have to fell? I wish I would have found FHC before I purchased any saws, it would have saved me a couple poor decisions.
271 always ran and cut good for me. Keep the bar length at 18” or less and keep the chain sharp Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Had a 291 for several years. Cut probably 30 cord with it. Sharp chain, clean the air filter, will serve you well.
Ill throw a vote for an updated version 261cm. Pretty equal to the 550xp for power, and has an inboard clutch.
Plan on cutting a far amount. Getting mostly "free" ash so not really sure on size. I've ran the 271 a far amount, never had any issues. Just wondering if the small power gained with the 291 is worth the $80
Midwestjdgreen, If you are think that you will be cutting 3+ cords per year (which is the lighter side of average for us hoarders) you might want to consider a 2 saw plan. You don't have to purchase both saws right away, you will just want to consider where the saw you purchase now will fit into the plan. Most on FHC prefer something lighter for their small saw (10-11 lbs) so a 251 or 261 would fit and something larger for felling/bucking like a 441/461. I would start with a smaller saw and if I got into bigger would I would save up and purchase a larger used saw. Before I joined FHC I made the mistake of purchasing a 391 thinking I could do it all with it. I found very quickly that it was to big to trim with. There is a lot of good info and opinions in the link below one saw, two saw, three saw plan Best 1 saw, 2 saw, 3 saw plan? .
MS 362 with 20" 3/8 pitch for the bigger stuff.Don't cut anything big as we sell our good trees for timber. 028 with .325 20" bar for smaller pieces although I'll be glad to get my 026 back going again.More power and less weight.I know most don't like 20" bars on the smaller saws but I don't use the full bar very often.It just allows more reach toward the ground.
I'll vote for a 261 also. He might get the dealer to knock a little off retail and may only be about $100 more than the 291. If not I'd go for the 291 over the 271.
Not trying to start an argument here but .... you could use a Ford ranger to haul wood ... “wood” it do the job ? Absolutely! You could also buy an f250 Superduty to do the same job ... at the end of the day BOTH trucks will do the job - it’s just a matter of how quickly the job is done and your perspective on time/$$$ ... can make a similar comparison with saws .... will a 271 or 291 do the job ? Yep .... how bout a ported 241c or 261c ? Oh yeah .... I haven’t even mentioned the “enjoyment” part of the equation that running a hot-rod saw gives ya ... your mileage may vary
