Any thoughts on this saw? I'm a Husqvarna guy, always have been, my current saws, 372, 350 and a T435. Just wanting to give a a Stihl a try. The 291 looks good on paper for a reasonable price. I've got a good dealer 5 minutes from where I work. I cut 12 cord a year and do odd clean up jobs a few times a month. I know it won't come close to my 372 but my shoulders may thank me for getting into a lighter saw. The 350 is going to my son.
Should work fine. 55cc & light weight. Husqy 455 a well liked saw too. What bar size wold you run on it.?
What's the MSRP on the 291? What would you pay Out the Door? I only ask because a 60 cc class autotune is probably in the same ballpark and it's a Pro model saw with cylinder on case design. Rather than the plastic clamshell design of the 291. Not saying there is anything wrong with a 291. But many people don't realize that for the same money you can get a Pro built saw with better features.
It would be very hard for me to buy an MS291 over a triple nickel. MS291 12.1lbs 3.76 bhp. 555 12.37lbs 4.3hp.
I've had a MS290, its a good saw for what it is. But personally there are better choices out there, for weight and power. Especially the combos of saws that you've got.
MS291... same weight as the MS360/1/2, and 12cc less. Not a bad homeowner saw, but if this is your first foray into Stihl, prepare to be unimpressed. Ask Dexter about buying one of his 036's.
For better pricing on the 555, contact Terry Landrum. He is a member here, but with lack of email alert, he may not see a PM. Send him an email at [email protected] His pricing is hard to beat. I will have a new (2.5 tanks ran through it) Dolmar up in the Classified section here soon. It will be cheaper than the 291 after tax. Again, the 029/290/291 is a great firewood saw. But for the cost of one, you can have a commercial/pro grade saw. The 550xp or 545 through Terry Landrum would be a good saw or any of the Jonsered equivalents (2253/2258) Hey bud, welcome to FHC!! Long time no see! I talked to one of your buddies and he said you should be along shortly. As for the 036? It's a great firewood saw. I just sold the one that started my CAD. All I have currently for sale is the Dolmar 6400 and a few Poulans/Craftsmans.
Havent seen you here in forever joful!!! Welcome back. I too was gonna say that you could get the 291 for $450 out the door or so?? Its a good saw for what it is but is heavy in the weight department and honestly I would use your 372 with a 16" bar on it for quick stuff before I bought a 291. For a guy that cuts a truck or two of wood a year or cuts random stuff its a good saw and will last but like others said I this k you can do better. That said the 290 was and has been stihl best seller. Look hard at Dex s dolmar or something else from another member used. Get more for your money. And I second terry for a good guy to deal with.
I've not run a 291, but occasionally I'll pick up my FIL's 290. All I can say is that saw pizzes me off after about 5 minutes because it is so slooooowwww compared to a good pro saw.
Hah... I talked to you yesterday at the hearth, Clem! Hey guys... been watching a while, just haven't had much time for jumping in, after you moved here from the pro boards forum. The dispatch of Mr Savage is what prompted me to finally get around to it. Good to see you, my old friends.
Here is the problem with Stihls model numbering system. The 271/291 have NOTHING in common with the previous models (270 and 290) other than color scheme. Same for the 311 and 391. The 291 is lighter, more efficient, and better built than it's predecessors. Rides on spring AV and has vastly superior air filtration. It is a better saw in every way than the 290 was and it comes in at a $70 increase over the old 290. Now, all that said..... Do you need a 4HP saw to do odd clean-up and serve as a "lightweight" alternative to your 372? I would think a MS241 or a Husqvarna 545 would be better fits in between the 372 and your top-handle and I'm quite sure you could pick-up that 545 for the same or less than the 291. If your dealer is willing to negotiate or discounts for cash, the 241 might come in close as well. Plus, nobody could rib you over it being a "homeowner" saw. Having run a 241 on a couple occasions, I would love to have one. And I could definitely see it being my go to grab for anything up to around 12".
Power-wise its pretty much the same as a 290 though, right? There's nothing wrong with homeowner grade tools. I own a bunch of them. I have to pick my battles carefully with tool purchases. "Honey, I need a $1,500 pressure washer with a GX engine. I figure the GX will last me 700 years and save me 20 minutes a year for as much as I use it. No brainer, right?" isn't going to fly for something that almost never gets used. My $99 electric one is doing the job, just a lot slower than it could be with a different one.
The 545 would own an 18" bar and be cheaper than the 291, while still having the same power and it's far from home owner grade. Just ask member Jrsdws. I sold him one and he loves that saw. It's the same saw as the 550xp, but a de-tuned model (lacks crank stuffers - aka- revboost). Terry Landrum would also be where to get the best price for one of those as well. The 241C is also a little runner. Best suited for 16" but is light weight and cost wise about the same ($480 my price at my dealer, before tax, if you must pay it )
Buying new is nice for the warranty, but as stated above. You can get much more saw if you buy a used unit. If you put up a wanted ad here or on AnotherSite, you should get numerous hits. I put one up looking for an MS 460 for my buddy and ended up with a Minty like new MS 460 R for $700. That's over $400 in savings over new and this saw is as close to new as you can get. Granted Ted he doesn't have a warranty, but he has me to repair it of the need arises.
I think I'm gonna need a set of those dawgs........ anyone ever use the aftermarket? or just best to bend over and pay for the OEM?
Wow! Thanks for all the input. The 545 and 241 were other saws I have been considering. The only reason I was considering the 291 was the non-M tronic but I guess it may be time to step into the modern age of saws! So, if I plan to run it stock and use it for 50% of my cutting, including some light felling(up to 16" Norway pine) what would your recommendations be? By the way, that 460 is one mean looking saw!
