There is a 310 coming up on an auction that I may got to, I didn't find much on a search about them, whats the reviews and price range not sure the age or condition.
It's a good solid chainsaw. You'll find mixed reviews, but the negatives are only going to be from the guys who swear anything less than a pro saw isn't worth fueling. It'll cut great and last a lifetime given the proper care and handling. Very reliable and has good power. You'll normally find them with an 18" or 20" bar and a .325/.063 chain which is a great outfit for it. Personally, I'd recommend the 1127 series saws (029/039/290/310/390) to most any homeowner or firewood cutter. Folks here are going to tell you the first thing you need to do is mod the muffler and retune the saw - which is fine - but you don't have to. That'll wake it up, but it'll do just fine as is. Regarding vintage; The earlier versions had the more 'squared off' top cover and a/f cover. The later ones were more rounded off. Don't know when that change was made though. If the white info sticker is still on the lower flat portion of the rear handle you should be able to find the month & year it was manufactured. If it reads "D.O.M" (date of manufacture) it will be followed by an xx.xx format which is a 2-digit month followed by a 2-digit year. If it reads "M.D." (manufacture date) it will be followed by the same format, but for some reason my memory is telling me that is a 2-digit year followed by a 2-digit month. Can anyone verify that? Price range obviously varies. Around here I usually sell solid rebuilt ones for $225-$275 depending on condition and time of year. I don't know if you've ever watched a Stihl chainsaw in a live auction, but in my experience they rarely sell for a reasonable price, much less a good deal. Good luck though!
310 was in between the 290 and 390 in the 'home owner' Stihl line-up (not to say they are not good saws). Almost 60cc. Same basic saw as the 290 with a larger top end. Muffler mod would probably be a good choice if you get it. As for price, all depends on condition. If it was in excellent condition, and I wanted the saw for personal use, I'd probably drop about $250. Cheers!
Thanks guys, that's good info, I've never seen any chainsaws sell at auction, but if its like most auction, everything I want goes high..
I have a ms310 that I bought new in 03 or so. Haven't had any real problems with it. Knock on wood. I did do a simple muffler mod on it and retuned it. It runs good and is my main saw. $250 sounds about right to me.
Wondering if they let you inspect on a auction saw? Never tried to buy power equipment at live auction - I'd be a little nervous buying without a check unless the price was real low. Cheers!
310 is just like the MS290 Farm Boss, only better. Runs a 20" with 3/8" chain just fine and they are reliable as gravity. $250 is right on for a good lookin runner. Like new examples can creep up a bit higher but they just don't get the recognition and rediculous pricing the MS290 gets.
The 310 was my first good chainsaw, I always run it unless the tree needs a bigger saw.. I can't say anything bad about it.