#60: Stihl MS 290 vs Stihl MS 271. What is my go-to chainsaw?

[@larryreno8293]

My name is Larry and I’m a sawaholic,lol. I have a few saws, all are Stihl, 2 ms271, ms290, ms310 and ms311. I did a bit of port work and a muffler mod on the 271 and what a world of difference it made. The mod 271 out cuts the stock 271 all day long and hangs with the 311. I feel that they are all great saws and no matter which one you have it’ll serve the owner well.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi Larry. :) I always say that everyone should have at LEAST two saws, right? I still really appreciate that both of my Stihl saws are so dependable. Thanks for watching!

[@dannycrow4193]

My ms290 farm boss is over 13 years old a strong running saw that starts on three pulls since new I limb with a 180 cause it’s light and I’m old. Good saws.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I agree - the MS290 is an amazing reliable saw. Stihl makes good stuff. We have had nothing but success with our Stihl trimmer and blowers too.

[@digger413]

Thank you for your time in showing me your saws thinking of buying a ms271 I've got a ms290 now getting heavy being 68yrs. Old thanks again

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Glad it was helpful! The MS290 is still my favorite saw. You can tell the MS271 is a lighter saw, but it still feels heavy compared to a smaller saw.

[@digger413]

Just bought my new ms271 thanks to you, wow is it light

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@digger413 Glad you like it!

[@cloudjones8288]

Thanks for the video, the wife and I just picked up a 271 today at ace hardware! Can't wait to get on a couple of trees ive got laying on my property. I've also got an 041 farm boss that hasn't cut a tree since the late 80's. Was a handed down saw from the father n law, who passed in 91. I plan on bringing the 041 out of retirement as it still has lots of tourqe! The 271 will be my emergency saw so I can getter done. This is the first saw I've ever bought. So I'm excited!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That is awesome! You'll love the Stihl saw. I think they're all really good quality and reliable saws. The 271 has been impressive to me.

[@davesauerzopf6980]

Catching up on some older videos. I have the Sthil 036 Pro, Husqvarana Rancher, both with 20 inch bars, and then a Homelite 14 inch that I beat the heck out of. Keeping your chains sharp, using good fuel and oil mix is very important and good maintenance. I like the 20 inch bar for the big logs but also for not having to bend over so much with smaller stuff on the ground. Great video.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi Dave - thanks for checking out the older videos! I agree - keeping the chains sharp and the proper (quality) fuel/oil mix is key to keeping chainsaws running. If you purchase a known reliable brand, and take care of it - it lasts a long time. I fully expect that my Stihl chainsaws will outlast my use.

[@AugustusLarch]

I have the 290 in the last year it is made. It came with a 20" bar that says Farm boss on it. It is worn out but I still have it and the chain. 20" is the way to go. More teeth to file but worth it for the extra cut and reach.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Last summer I purchased the 20" bar for on my MS290. It's a great combo! I haven't put the 16" bar back on since. But I do see a future need where I probably will switch back to the shorter bar - I'll explain why in an upcoming video. Here's the video of when I put that 20" bar on the 290. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5W8lop9mcmZhas

[@dcvariousvids8082]

The burning question after having watched the green chain vs yellow chain match. That being, were both the MS290 & MS271 saws using a Stihl green chain, as directed by Stihl? As both saws are under 3.8cubic inches or 62.2708cc.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I wasn’t aware of the yellow chain rule about being used by a saw with an engine less than 3.8 cubic inch. I purchased both chains from the Stihl dealership, and they are aware of what chains I have. I used the yellow chain and the green chain on both saws.

[@oldmanpatriot1490]

This helped a ton. Thank you... I would say I like limbing with the longer bar because I can reach without having to reach..

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching and commenting! That is an advantage of a longer bar - being able to reach further. But typically, I like to cut with the wood back against the dog teeth - rather than out at the end of the bar. I just feel more comfortable.

[@OldNew45]

Mod the muffler on that MS290, and itll work circles around anything but a 440 or better. People whine about the 290, but ive cut down some epic stuff, and used it like a rented mule for about 16 years. Still kicking a$$

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing! I'm very impressed with the MS290. It's such a reliable and powerful saw that I purchased all those years ago at a good price!

[@beestoe993]

If the 290 were as fresh as the 271 I wonder what your take away would have been? Or if the comparison were a 271 vs 291? I have a Homelite that I bought about 15 years ago. It developed an issue and long story short I couldnt fix it. No (plastic) parts available, disposable technology. So I am now into refurbing old saws. Got a 290 on the way.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I still am happy with both saws. It's the perfect combo for me. I do think my next saw will likely be a MS261 - the more professional grade with more hp but lighter weight. But for now and my home owner needs, the 271 and 290 continue to function well. Watch for an upcoming video this week about a tree that was too big for my 18" bar!

[@livewithnick]

Most people run the shorter bar on the smaller cc saw instead of like you have yours.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's true. I chose the 16" in the MS290 because I didn't think I'd be cutting much bigger than that. It's nice to have one 16" bar, and one 18" bar. I'd almost like to have a 20" bar for some of the trees we cut.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

Oh that's a nice walnut log there, the 271 looks pretty new, mine is actually getting better since break-in, and I bought the RS chain ($36 @ my stihl dealer/local Do-It hardware store), it's a full chisel as opposed to the RM chain which is a semi- chisel. I love it ! BTW, I subscribed!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for subscribing and commenting!

[@northamericanproductions]

I just picked up my farm boss today. Can’t wait to break it in 😊

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's great! You'll love it. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@northamericanproductions]

@@PurpleCollarLife Thanks. Great review.

[@FrankChristopherOutdoors]

Chad did you put that 18” bar on the 271 or did it come stock with that? I just bought a 271 we mine came stock with a 20” bar. Great video

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi @Frank Christopher - I purchased the MS271 used from a guy that used it to clean up one wind-storm tree. Then it sat for 6 years. I did a video about picking it up and wondering if it would start after sitting 6 years. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3iaqoh5h5V7Z9E As far as the bar, the previous owner purchased it with that 18-inch bar on it. At our local Stihl dealer, you can select if you want the 16, 18, or 20 inch bar on the MS271. How does yours do with the 20" bar?

[@FrankChristopherOutdoors]

@@PurpleCollarLife I just bought my saw literally less than a week ago so I’m ashamed to say I haven’t used it yet lol but will be soon. I’m looking forward to it and I’ll let you know what I think of it. Thanks for the reply!

[@JourneyNorthAK]

Nice saws.. and yes..no replacement for displacement... but a 50cc pro saw..will smoke a 50cc homeowner clamshell saw.. good stuff

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks, Journey. I'd love to try a pro saw, but never have had an opportunity yet.

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

Lighter is better the older I get! I’m thinking the battery operated one is the way to go. Then I can rest while it charges!!!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I have a battery-powered car. I think I'll stick with gas-powered on my chainsaws though. 😀

[@mumfordalien1794]

My dad bought my mom a battery powered Stihl because she couldn’t start the other little saw with the pull cord. That little battery powered saw is powerful! For yard work (like my mom does) a battery powered saw is more than enough. She even got a battery powered Stihl pole saw, that thing is a champ.

[@jakerisner4139]

Comparing these 2 saws with different length bars and unknown chain sharpness is like comparing apples to oranges. A shorter bar will ALWAYS result in less bogging down and faster cutting times.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's true! We talk about that in this chain comparison video - with the same length bar and two new chains. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ6miWWweZ2rm8U

[@publicEnima]

I wonder if the emission restriction makes the 271 sound not as manly? yes sharping the chain makes a huge difference.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That could be. The 271 definitely has a different muffler type.

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

@@PurpleCollarLife meant to ask you this: does the exhaust exit from the front on the 290 ? On the 271, it exits behind the muffler, and is deflected by a shield to the front, I am not fond of this feature...

[@jonschaefer1463]

Full maintenance every time

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice job! That's certainly great dedication to keeping your saw in nice condition.

[@raytubach8988]

I wonder why comparing 271 v 290 and not 291?..

[@PurpleCollarLife]

These are just the two saws I have. I have never owned (or tried) a 291. It should have better power to weight ratio than the 290.

[@davido6915]

The ms290 will probably last 30 years, I would not give the 271 more than 5 years, I really feel they have cheapened the newer ms271 cylinders, if you don’t believe me just look up the reviews on stihls website showing many complaints with these newer saws. I have owned both and the ms290 is just plain stronger and much more rugged. The ms271 does start easier.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

The MS290 is a great saw for sure. Do you watch Outside with Scheib? He uses exclusively the MS290 on his channel, and he cuts a lot of firewood.

[@davido6915]

@@PurpleCollarLife no but I will check it out, I really like the antivibration on the ms271 and 291’s but stihl started to use cylinders with plates glued on the sides that can just fall off, the local mechanics told me this was common on the smaller cylinders but i have seen atleast 2 ms291 cylinders that had the plates fall off with very low hours. The pistons that come out of these saws usually look toasted from the lean running carbs.

[@danielsmith8659]

@@PurpleCollarLife the 290 is the last of the good ones . The old 029 and 290 was a staple chainsaw in the firewood world for decades . Run a shorter bar and convert them to 3/8 and they cut better . Do a muffler mod on the 290 “not needed on the 029” and retune the carb and it’s a real good saw much like the old 029. No experience with the 291 but like my original comment why would I buy the 271 over the 291 when they weigh the same and the price diff is negligible

[@davido6915]

@@MacGyver1946 your spot on with all of that!

[@jonschaefer1463]

Yup. My 271 just love it. I do all my own maintenance. Completely take it down clean it every use

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for sharing! The MS271 is a nice saw for sure. I'm glad I have both - I think everyone needs at least two saws. :)

[@lovestihlquality1369]

You were cutting pretty small wood so maybe not a really good test. Also starting with new chain on each wood makes a better comparison. Otherwise good comparison especially weight difference.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching! I agree - starting out with a new chain would have made the comparison more accurate. I still have both saws - and use them differently depending on what the project is.

[@lovestihlquality1369]

@@PurpleCollarLife The 028 Sup is at Pop's house as it was Christmas Gift. I have have an 028 salvaged from a fire. Still runs strong. Have other saws but nice to bungee to tractor or skid steer and not worry..

[@matthewotis3594]

I love my 290 but knowing what I know now ida got a 270 c.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I'm not familiar with the 270. Is it a little smaller than the MS290?

[@mumfordalien1794]

Ya you are wasting time by using the bar to measure lengths, need to get used to visualizing the cuts you want. It’s super easy. Also you need to work on cutting perpendicularly to the limb for splitting. You don’t want to split wood that has angular cuts on both sides. Lots of little nitpickey stuff that folks develop over a lifetime.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks, Tyler. Using the bar to measure lengths has always worked for me. It’s practically muscle memory at this point (cut, turn saw, cut, turn saw). It does take a couple seconds, but I don’t trust my ability to eyeball the length. Maybe someday I’ll get that good. You’re right about cutting perpendicularly on all cuts. It’s much harder to split an angled piece than a flat edge. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mumfordalien1794]

@@PurpleCollarLife hey if it works for you then it works for you. It’s easy for guys like me to critique, maybe one of these days I’ll upload a video of me running a saw and you can critique it. 👍

[@PurpleCollarLife]

@@mumfordalien1794 Thanks, Tyler. You should upload a video! No critique from me - I just enjoy learning.

[@paulmall4162]

All I'm gonna say is out of a 290 and a 271, if that's the best chainsaws you have ever ran hands down, then you really need to explore the world of chainsaws. I got a 40 year old mcculloch pro mac 55 that would eat both of them within 5 seconds. Just because it's a stihl doesn't mean its the best.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

These ARE the best chainsaws I’ve ever had experience with. But the only other saws I’ve used are box-store saws, and older Poulan and Craftsman saws.

[@jayonez137]

I have both 290 and 271. Love them both equally If weight matters to you go with the 261 at 10.8 lbs for power head vs 12.3 lbs on the powerhead on the 271. You will pay about $200 more for the 261. All you’re getting for that $200 is a Decompression button ( which In my opinion is not needed for a 50cc saw) and a magnesium case and Captured nuts and lighter weight. For me the $200 extra is just not worth the 261

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I'm in the same boat. I've used both the MS290 and the MS271 enough now that I can grab either and be happy. The deciding factor now is what size bar I need. If I'm cutting smaller stuff, I grab the 290, since it has the 16" bar. If I'm working on something larger, I'll take the 271 with the 18-inch bar. I've never used the 261, but I've seen some other KZbin channels that use it primarily. It looks like a great saw. I don't know that it'd be worth $200 extra though. And I've never used a decompression button - so I'm not sure exactly how much it helps. I've never had trouble starting the 290 or the 271. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@anthonymoy4471]

@@PurpleCollarLife why do you have the smaller blade on the bigger motor instead of a larger bar on the larger motor ?just wondering 💭

[@j.chrisbeck7492]

I'm not positive, but the 261, is a different engine configuration. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 271 is a "clamshell" engine, and the 261 is not, the cylinder is removable from the lower end....also, the 261 is a "commercial" saw, and the 271, is a "homeowner" saw. Thirdly, 261 has adjustable oiler, 271 does not have this.

[@jayonez137]

@@j.chrisbeck7492 You are Correct

[@rakpe]

261 is a pro saw... there for it has stronger crankshaft,harder cilinder, magnesium case.. that's is what's important. All that decompress,and easy start is just for showing off😎

[@BrettLizzy420]

Borh .325 chains ? ........ great video. Thanks

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That's correct. Which is nice, because I can use the same Stihl 2-in-1 sharpener on both machines.

[@BrettLizzy420]

@@PurpleCollarLife roger that. I have a 325 chain on my 251 18 inch bar and a 290 with 16 inch bar 3/8 chain. Thanks. Great video.

[@3116Cat]

Dull I'd say throwing powder not chips

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Agree - there's nothing like a freshly sharpened chain!

[@raimonchannel]

very good👍👍💪💪

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks ✌

[@danielsmith8659]

Why even a buy a 271..... same chassis and weight as the 291 yet slightly weaker . I really don’t understand why stihl has so many saws.... they could literally get rid of the 271 and 291 all together . Go straight from the 250 to the 391.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Hi Daniel - You’re right that the 271 and 291 are similar - but the 291 does have a bit more power. They always say there is no replacement for displacement. I’ve never had an opportunity to try the 291 or the MS391. I’d like to some day to compare the saws. I do know that right now, around me, the Stihl saws are in short supply. They’re impossible to find. I don’t know if you saw my original 271 video or not - it’s a “will it start” video. I purchased the MS271 Farm Boss from an individual who hadn’t run it in years, and only ran it a few times to clean up a tree after a wind storm. Thanks for watching!

[@danielsmith8659]

@@PurpleCollarLife same here man. Literally everything you can think of is in short supply. Sad times

[@danielsmith8659]

@@MacGyver1946 well the thing is … the 271 isn’t light. Just buy a 261 it’s as light as a 250 and stronger than a 291. And legitimately rebuildable verses the clamshells type residential saws, which are still rebuildable just a pain.

[@hunterb1215]

Did I not follow community guidelines lmao all I said was homeowner saws are not pro saws by any means thank you last post

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks, Hunter. I didn't delete any of your posts. Have you commented prior to this one?

[@craigrichardson4641]

Stop perping the 290 wins

[@thedude8976]

AGREE 👍

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@lachlanbanks2226]

I have an MS 290 and it is a gutless piece of crap recently bought a 271 farm boss heaps better chainsaw much more power

[@alchilds3710]

the shorter the bar the closer you are to you feet..

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Do you mean the shorter the bar, the more you have to lean down? That is true.