Anyone here have one? My Dad gave me his at Easter as he can’t start it anymore. Too hard to pull. So he went and got a new easy start one. Always been a Husky guy so I don’t have a lot of experience with Stihls. Anything to pay attention or watch out for? The whole choke start run switch is a bit fiddly but I am used to a pull choke and an on/off switch. Going to grab a couple of extra chains and another bar for it as well.
FARM STIHL MS291 Chainsaw
- Thread starter mecoastie
- Start date
colonel holman
Veteran Member
I went through every brand out there, without finding any that would make it over to the following year or give fits about starting. Until I got a Stihl. Five years and still starts.
Plus I notice practically all of the Alaska reality show people use Stihls, assuming thaat is an accurate depiction and not just producct placement
Plus I notice practically all of the Alaska reality show people use Stihls, assuming thaat is an accurate depiction and not just producct placement
I have found with my Stihl Farmboss that it starts really easy if I only pull once or twice on choke. If I pull it off off choke into run position it will usually start on the next pull. I figure it floods easily and becomes a real bitch to start if I leave the choke on. That saying when it is running well it is a real wood hog.
Txkstew
Veteran Member
I had one until it grew legs and walked off. Fema bought it for me after hurricane Rita in 2005. They bought me a generator and some cash to fix a leak in my roof as well. Uncle Sugar is so nice.
It was a very nice chain saw for over 15 years. I worked for a guy doing home remodeling/add on. We had to cut a tree down that was in the way of a project. We were loading up tools at his house, and he grabbed his Stihl 290 saw. I said he should try starting it up before we left for the job site. He said naa, it always starts. We got ready to cut the tree down, and it wouldn't start. Don't think I've ever saw him so mad. He stomped off and put it in his truck, heading to a Stihl dealer that happened to be about 5 miles away. He ended up leaving it there and just told them to fix it.
It was an old saw, and turns out it needed a bunch of parts replaced. He was pissed that they charged him so much, but ended up saying it never worked better.
It was a very nice chain saw for over 15 years. I worked for a guy doing home remodeling/add on. We had to cut a tree down that was in the way of a project. We were loading up tools at his house, and he grabbed his Stihl 290 saw. I said he should try starting it up before we left for the job site. He said naa, it always starts. We got ready to cut the tree down, and it wouldn't start. Don't think I've ever saw him so mad. He stomped off and put it in his truck, heading to a Stihl dealer that happened to be about 5 miles away. He ended up leaving it there and just told them to fix it.
It was an old saw, and turns out it needed a bunch of parts replaced. He was pissed that they charged him so much, but ended up saying it never worked better.
I have to be careful with mine as they are easily flooded
that is the only thing I worry about
I put the choke on and pull until it sounds like it tried to fire then put the switch in the run position and it usually cranks in 2-4 pulls
If I flood it I put it down and get out one of the Husqvarnas out
that is the only thing I worry about
I put the choke on and pull until it sounds like it tried to fire then put the switch in the run position and it usually cranks in 2-4 pulls
If I flood it I put it down and get out one of the Husqvarnas out
Knoxville's Joker
Has No Life - Lives on TB
All I run are Stihl saws.
93 octane 100% gas. with stabil.
I am finding I have to replace the spark plugs if the gas starts to get iffy.
The carbeurators are cheaper to replace as a whole unit. The repair kits cost as much as a whole unit in some cases.
If it is over 10 years old fuel lines and filters can be suspect.
93 octane 100% gas. with stabil.
I am finding I have to replace the spark plugs if the gas starts to get iffy.
The carbeurators are cheaper to replace as a whole unit. The repair kits cost as much as a whole unit in some cases.
If it is over 10 years old fuel lines and filters can be suspect.
All-in
Contributing Member
I've got a Farmboss 20" and I dump whatever fuel is in there every time I use it (I know ideally you're supposed to do that before you put them up but use I fuel treatment and seems to buy me some grace), put new fuel in and it starts every time. Had it about 8 years and use it maybe 2 times a year to clear dead trees, storm damage, or just crap falling down on the ranch. Ditto what others have said ... don't flood it. Follow the instructions exactly. Think like 6 pumps, choke 2 pulls, put the choke off and it should start. I have a 16" Echo I use for most "light" jobs, but the Stihl handles my bigger jobs.
SW357
Lord Swampbottom
Have a 271 I bought new 5 years ago. Left untreated 87 in the tank and lines for 2 years in the shed in all kinds of temps. Stupid. Drained it 2 weeks ago, put in fresh mix. Thing started up after like 3 pulls choked like it was new. I've taken down and cut up 3 old growth trees over the last two weekends. No complaints at all.
I initially had reservations about the non-adjustable bar/chain oiler, but it hasn't been a problem as yet. Runs nice and wet.
I initially had reservations about the non-adjustable bar/chain oiler, but it hasn't been a problem as yet. Runs nice and wet.
Knoxville's Joker
Has No Life - Lives on TB
As far as chains go find a local stihl dealer that does sharpening. Buy the chains they have on the wall that are resharpened.
Here, I can get such chains for 10 dollars a piece and they are basically good as new chains but a quarter of the price.
Northern tool sells an electric chainsaw chain sharpener, it makes things much easier and consistent, for in the field sharpenings I also get a file and do it at a 30 degree angle, but I prefer to just swap the chain.
I always make sure to have common replacement parts on hand such as various screws and spark plugs. The older 023 I have I have had to buy a few parts on just due to age and abuse suffered prior to me.
And always make sure the muffler is well attached, I accidently started a small forest fire when a muffler fell off on me as the screws came off.
Here, I can get such chains for 10 dollars a piece and they are basically good as new chains but a quarter of the price.
Northern tool sells an electric chainsaw chain sharpener, it makes things much easier and consistent, for in the field sharpenings I also get a file and do it at a 30 degree angle, but I prefer to just swap the chain.
I always make sure to have common replacement parts on hand such as various screws and spark plugs. The older 023 I have I have had to buy a few parts on just due to age and abuse suffered prior to me.
And always make sure the muffler is well attached, I accidently started a small forest fire when a muffler fell off on me as the screws came off.
Profit of Doom
Dismember
Delete
I use a Stihl 291, have used it for the last 5 or 6 years. It's been a good saw
Yes, the choke can be a bit funny at times. Generally, when it's cold - not run for day or two, I set the run switch on and pull the choke full on and pull until it tries to run but dies immediately. At that point open the choke pull the starter rope again a couple of times and it should start up. I do have to nurse the throttle a bit to get it warmed up enough that it doesn't die from at idle.
Overall, it been a good saw. I've been working 4-5 cords of various woods a year into firewood. My only gripe would be that as I'm getting older, the saw seems to be getting heavier, it isn't the lightest weight saw out there...
Yes, the choke can be a bit funny at times. Generally, when it's cold - not run for day or two, I set the run switch on and pull the choke full on and pull until it tries to run but dies immediately. At that point open the choke pull the starter rope again a couple of times and it should start up. I do have to nurse the throttle a bit to get it warmed up enough that it doesn't die from at idle.
Overall, it been a good saw. I've been working 4-5 cords of various woods a year into firewood. My only gripe would be that as I'm getting older, the saw seems to be getting heavier, it isn't the lightest weight saw out there...
Thats a 55.5CC displacement engine, best to put on the ground and put the toe of your boot in the rear handle and one hand on the top handle and start it that way. This saw is intended to run a 20 inch bar and chain.
I have a ECHO brand name thats a 50.2CC and comes with a 20" inch bar and has some power to spare I have a 16" bar on it and of the three Chain saws I own it's my go to saw and does most of my firewood cutting.
I have a ECHO brand name thats a 50.2CC and comes with a 20" inch bar and has some power to spare I have a 16" bar on it and of the three Chain saws I own it's my go to saw and does most of my firewood cutting.
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Stihls are funky to start for me.
A matter of holding your mouth just right, I guess.
A matter of holding your mouth just right, I guess.
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
I have an 18" bar MS250, and a 20" bar MS291.
As noted above they are a bit picky on startup. They flood easy.
I've had both roughly 10 years and have never done anything to them. Same gas when I put up, as when I start the next time. Same spark plugs. Cut 3-4 cords a year, not to mention odd ball things like big tree limbs that fall that I cut up to burn in the burn pile.
Once I baby them at start up, a couple of pulls with choke on, then a couple off, etc... And I might add that if they sit for a year or more, they do seem harder to start. My son had my 250 for a couple of years, and the thing sat for a year before he brought it back. I had to get a little ugly with it. Call it some names, etc... it got the message, and haven't had any trouble since.
For a 71 YO the difference in weight is amazing. I was turning into Aaaarnold with the 291. Son brought the 250 back and I'm using it one handed. LOL Not really but it feels like it.
I've got about 5 chains each, and at present am working on a Water Oak that is hardening as we speak. Once the chips go to near powder, I change them out. And I sharpen them myself.
BTW the 20" 291 has cut a 42 inch Red Oak trunk. If you are wondering how, it was sort of oblong. 42 X 38 I cut them off in 18 " pancakes and rolled them out of the way and cut the next one. Pulled the splitter up close, knocked them over under the splitter (it was standing up) and split them into small enough sections that I could pick up.
As noted above they are a bit picky on startup. They flood easy.
I've had both roughly 10 years and have never done anything to them. Same gas when I put up, as when I start the next time. Same spark plugs. Cut 3-4 cords a year, not to mention odd ball things like big tree limbs that fall that I cut up to burn in the burn pile.
Once I baby them at start up, a couple of pulls with choke on, then a couple off, etc... And I might add that if they sit for a year or more, they do seem harder to start. My son had my 250 for a couple of years, and the thing sat for a year before he brought it back. I had to get a little ugly with it. Call it some names, etc... it got the message, and haven't had any trouble since.
For a 71 YO the difference in weight is amazing. I was turning into Aaaarnold with the 291. Son brought the 250 back and I'm using it one handed. LOL Not really but it feels like it.
I've got about 5 chains each, and at present am working on a Water Oak that is hardening as we speak. Once the chips go to near powder, I change them out. And I sharpen them myself.
BTW the 20" 291 has cut a 42 inch Red Oak trunk. If you are wondering how, it was sort of oblong. 42 X 38 I cut them off in 18 " pancakes and rolled them out of the way and cut the next one. Pulled the splitter up close, knocked them over under the splitter (it was standing up) and split them into small enough sections that I could pick up.
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ChetekTech
Veteran Member
Stihl MS391 here and I love it. I have had it for 10-12 years. It was an education getting it to run when cold at first but once I got as smart as the saw, it worked itself out. 
Even then, I just had to clean the plug and try starting it again. I learned quickly why they included a spark plug wrench in the box!
Even then, I just had to clean the plug and try starting it again. I learned quickly why they included a spark plug wrench in the box!
Mtsilverback
Veteran Member
For the last 20 years I have had a saw in the truck for those days when there are trees down over the road on my way in or out of the home place. They have been Stihl or Huskies and they always start, even the 35 year old saw will start up in the cold of winter after a couple pulls on the cord. Good saws!
Illini Warrior
Illini Warrior
saw on a homesteading type video the guy had a handy dandy "stump vice" for field sharpening - going to be looking for a future buy - hammers into the stump - locks onto the bar for steady hold ....
second thing he was pushing was a "two in one" manual file holder - built specific for your chain - holder has two files being held in position for a full chain section sharpening - another timesaver to check on ....
third - he had a "Woodsman" tool for quick log cut-off determination - simple as hell but great if you want max length but don't want firebox problems with overlengths ....
second thing he was pushing was a "two in one" manual file holder - built specific for your chain - holder has two files being held in position for a full chain section sharpening - another timesaver to check on ....
third - he had a "Woodsman" tool for quick log cut-off determination - simple as hell but great if you want max length but don't want firebox problems with overlengths ....
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
For my personal rule/use:
I don't do field sharpening. I carry an extra blade, in the box it came in. It gets dull, or hit a nail, or in one case a rail road spike ( deep in a tree??? Where are those sparks coming from????) and just change it out. For me, it takes less time than sharpening.
Bought an electric chain saw sharpener from Harbor Freight for 30.00, and a couple of extra wheels, and that thing does a great job, so long as you take it easy and don't burn the points.
I don't do so good with a file, and cutting a straight line. A near expert at using a file to make it cut in a curve.
After dulling everything, take an afternoon and sharpen blades for saws and mowers, which I use a different grinder on.
BTW the crew that came and cut my huge Water Oak, and stump ground it and cleared it, the old man used a file on his 3 foot Stihl, to sharpen it. Did it while the rest were topping out the tree. Still took him a while. The base where they left the stump was 74", at the widest.
Every saw they had, and they had several, was a Stihl. And they do it for a living.
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
You must live near whereto some real tree hugging guerillas operate: REALLY large nails or screws sunk deep into standing timber were popular with that set in BC & Northern AB for a long time.
Skyraider
Senior Member
I regularly use my Stihl 290 and 271. Comments are pretty much on about starting. One thing I have learned, when the weather is cold and my Son’s are coming to cut, I bring them into the house from the shed the night before and let them warm up. Next morning, they are ready to rock every time. Choke it, yank once, set to Run, yank it once or twice, lets get busy.
Skyraider
Skyraider
ssbn642blue
Veteran Member
Echo for me. The new Stihl's are all plastic. Well, kind of like the newer Echo's. But my Echo is fine after 6 years.
Twisted
Contributing Member
Stihls are about the only saws around here you can get service and parts for easily, as in most places. I've got 3 stihls and will not own anything else after I bought the MS 311 5 years ago. Do all my own service, but have a guy at work who has been wrenching on them for years and has all the knowledge to help.
Groucho
Has No Life - Lives on TB
You have to put your finger on the right side of your nose and do two pirouettes in a clockwise manner. The saw should start right up then.
Do this when the neighbors aren't watching.
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Well tried to fire her up this afternoon. Flooding and the carb definitely needs a cleaning.
So took my old trusty 372xp over to a friends to clear storm damage. Ran great and out of the blue I threw a chain. Never had that happen in this saw. Pull the cover off and the clutch drum, needle bearing etc fell right on the ground. The little clip that holds them in failed. Well I was done there for the day. Got home, pulled out the spares box and had another washer and clip so good to go for tomorrow. Will hit the small engine shop and grab another for the spares box.
We have hit so many different things in trees thru the years. Nails, fencing, fence staples, maple taps, pipes and so much more. Even an old ax head. Fortunately that is when we were splitting. We missed it with the saws.
So took my old trusty 372xp over to a friends to clear storm damage. Ran great and out of the blue I threw a chain. Never had that happen in this saw. Pull the cover off and the clutch drum, needle bearing etc fell right on the ground. The little clip that holds them in failed. Well I was done there for the day. Got home, pulled out the spares box and had another washer and clip so good to go for tomorrow. Will hit the small engine shop and grab another for the spares box.
We have hit so many different things in trees thru the years. Nails, fencing, fence staples, maple taps, pipes and so much more. Even an old ax head. Fortunately that is when we were splitting. We missed it with the saws.
Jackpine Savage
Veteran Member
A tornado went through a local cemetery. Lots of big oaks and maples. I was cutting up a big oak and I hit not one, but two horseshoes.
your lucky dayA tornado went through a local cemetery. Lots of big oaks and maples. I was cutting up a big oak and I hit not one, but two horseshoes.
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
LOL ain't that a fact. LOLA tornado went through a local cemetery. Lots of big oaks and maples. I was cutting up a big oak and I hit not one, but two horseshoes.
The guys that cut this ancient Water Oak in the front yard, put brand new carbide teeth on the stump grinder. 10 minutes in they hit a horse shoe. Busted several brand new carbide teeth, at 60.00 a piece. Took him a few minutes to calm down. LOL
The tree was estimated to have been about 135 years old, and at one time an old sunken road went right by it, when it was young. So either a horse threw a shoe on the old road, or the previous owner who bought the place during the depression, set a shoe down at the base when something happened to his horse. And forgot it he had left it there.
I've got the old shoe in my reloading room, and boy is it ever ugly. If you ain't careful it will be I Love Lucy all over the place thinking it is a snake. LOL
CaryC
Has No Life - Lives on TB
That RR spike was totally enclosed. Never saw it. And I have yet to figure out why it was there. But it had been there a long time. It was an old tree. Probably used as a shade tree for the old house place that was there before AC. sitting around under the shade tree no telling what they were thinking.