Rookie here...

fairly new to serious wood cutting and brand new to the forum. Have a 14” MS180c that I bought new about 9 years ago and never let me down. Been cutting quite a bit lately and found that I’m needing a bigger saw to go along with it.
I’m looking at 2 in particular. I’m looking at the 271 farm boss and the 291. The numbers seem to run together to me. Doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of difference. My local Atwood’s has the 271 with a 20” bar, but another dealer within 30 minutes has both models with 18” bars. I am mainly cutting white oak around 16-24” right now, and some hickory around 12-18”. What are you’re thoughts???

 

If your cutting that size wood regularly and want to stick with homeowner Stihl saws I'd go up to the ms311. It'll pull a 20" bar better than the other two.

I'm a diehard Stihl fan so keep that in mind reading my next paragraph.

Want pro saw features at homeowner prices? Get an Echo 590 timberwolf. 59cc , magnesium case, and will oil a 24" bar. To get the same preformance out if a 59cc Stihl you'll pay $800 for a ms362. The 590 timberwolf? $399.00. wait for 20% off dealer days and I've seen them go for $300. Best bang for your buck if you're not brand loyal.

 

If your cutting 24" oak Your going to want a bigger saw than a 291.

I highly recommend looking for a used 70 + cc Pro model saw in good condition.

I've had good luck buying the used Stihl pro saw's for much less than new, and if you don't like them they retain their value.

The only saw I regreat buying new is the Stihl 391. Power to weight was horrible! I traded my very like new 391 for a much older 260 and was happy about it!

 

I love my Husqvarnas, and I even have an ms362 that I like more and more as it gets broke in. But those echos are tough saws. Everyone on here that has a 590 seems to love it. A friend of mine has an echo 670 that has been whupped on for years and it's never failed him.

 

I’ll definitely look into the Echo. I do have a dealer local. My dad has an old Echo that I remember being a beast, don’t remember the model.

 

All of my equipment now is Stihl: chainsaw, pole saw, blower, weeedeaters....
But, I’m not afraid to check others out.

 

What bar length would be best on the 590? I would lean toward the 20”, but not sure.

 

20" for sure is what I'd use. It'll oil a 24" per the factory but you'll want skip chain.

My go to saw is a 461. I don't have a timberwolf but I use a echo top handle when I climb and use to use a cs8000 that was borrowed. Echo makes a good product and the timberwolf is a value that can't be beat.

 

Welcome Michael Fesler ! When considering running a 2 saw firewood cutting system, I'd like my large saw to handle at least a 24" bar and chain.

I agree with Breechlock1 in the same ballpark as the ms271 and 291 an echo cs590 is really hard to beat. I'd go to the sthil dealership and check out the 271/291. Notice all the plastic used. Then I'd head over to a echo dealership and check out the 590. Noticing the all metal case and other pro style features. The current Echo's remind me a lot of old school Stihl products. Dependable and built to last.

Another thing to consider is dealer support. Find one you feel good about. I'd talk to the service manager and not the salespersons to get a sense of the type of service you will get when you need help with your equipment.

 

Welcome Michael Fesler! As you're finding out you'll get a whole lot of great info around here

 

Welcome aboard Michael Fesler


Some good advice for you to consider.

Of course, we'll need some pics of the new saw.

 

I have checked out the 271’s with a 20” bar in person and did notice that it has a lot of plastic, like my homeowner 180c. I liked it pretty well. Much more machine than I’m used to. All the equipment I currently have is Stihl, but I’m not really a brand loyalist. Started buying them about 10 years ago when I got tired of buying Lowe’s specials every 2-3 years.
I’m hoping to slide down to the Echo dealer here shortly to check out the Timberwolf. “On paper” it seems like a no brainer. And, I’ve read nothing but positives about Echo’s customer support, should it be needed.

 

Wandered down to one of the Echo dealers to take a look at this CS-590 Timberwolf and it followed me home. Makes my old MS180c look like a baby. Hope to get out and test it next weekend as I have a trailer load of white oak to split this weekend.

 

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Awesome! Now get it dirty!

 

Welcome Michael Fesler to the FHC! 20 hours from question to new saw . Great start there!