Stihl ms 391 vs ms 362 chainsaw, which is the best chainsaw

[@johnlivingston4831]

We all have our own preferences and uses. Myself Im an avid firewood cutter. Not a forester or lumberjack. I recently bought the 391 to cut up some red oak logs 38-40 inch diameter downed in a storm. After about six or seven tanks of gas through it you would have thought someone put a turbo on it. Without hesitation I would buy it again. It is heavy but I like it like that. 7-8 pickup loads + and it never missed a beat. Not like the chinese saws I hear people talk about. At this point in time i have no disappointment in my selection.

[@portercreek]

💯👍🏻

[@crazymain3r]

You can buy both with the mtronic carburetor, I work at a registered STIHL dealership, repair them and sell them. 391 is a clam shell model. Not a professional saw for a reason. I own a 362 with a 20" bar full comp chain. It's a screamer. And rebuilding a 900$ saw for 600-700$ is cheaper than buying a new 900$ saw. 391 in all honesty is a boat anchor. Some people live it and that fine by me. STIHL is STIHL either way.

[@portercreek]

Both great saws, each has their purpose

[@jeffdunn6228]

Clam shell model?

[@Steve-yr5vi]

Good review I have a MS 310 which I am very happy with recently had the 391 vs. 362 dilemma went with the 362. I bought the 362 with a 25" bar to handle bigger stuff, myself and my family have a couple of decent land plots with a constant need to deal with fallen, dead trees and have decided to try milling our own boards and the 362 got tagged for that job. If it really works out we will eventually get an actual mill, however we're just looking to see how it goes. My brother has the 391 and 362, his opinion is similar to yours; 391 is a workhorse, most reliable saw he owns. His opinion while the 362 is stronger, though it tends to need tune ups more, he keeps a carbide chain on it. I brought the 362 home and did immediately find it doesn't start as easily as my 310.

[@portercreek]

Tell your brother to open up the exhaust on the 391 and re tune it. It will be louder but it will give the 362 a run for its money! I keep a 25” on the 362 too but it mostly sits now that I have a 660 with a 25” on it. The 660 is a beast.

[@johniedavis9150]

I own a few stihl chainsaws. Ms 440, ms310, ms210 that all have had some modifications done. Porting on the ms310 and ms210. They run really good for a home owner saw. They are just my grab and do some small jobs. My ms440 usually wears a 28”-36” bar. So I use it for bigger jobs. It’s been ported and a few other truck things done and it’s a fun saw to run! Always been a stihl fan! Nice video!!

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@Tonedog88]

Rebuilt my 025 after 23 years of use since the rebuild kit cost $23, so it seemed worthwhile. Runs great now. Replacement kit included everything except the pistol/cylinder--the coil, carburetor, new filters and wires, and fuel lines. Bought a new Chinese chainsaw for $106 as a backup (sorry, but the thing runs better than my stihl and the stihl has become the backup). Both run fine, though.

[@portercreek]

I rebuilt my 250 after 20 years of abuse. The piston and cylinder was $40. It rips pretty good but I will admit it is temperamental if I shut it off and let it sit for a few mins before I go to restart it.

[@portercreek]

I rebuilt my 250 after 20 years of abuse. The piston and cylinder was $40. It rips pretty good but I will admit it is temperamental if I shut it off and let it sit for a few mins before I go to restart it.

[@Tonedog88]

@@portercreek Mine did the same thing....took about a month before it got back to normal. I know exactly what you mean!

[@portercreek]

@@Tonedog88 good to know it stopped being fussy for you! I have noticed it has been getting a little less temperamental, it will be nice when it stops being fussy!

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@ciphercode2298]

I'm a die hard stihl guy,but rebuilding them isnt to bad. High quality aftermarket kits can be bought for just over $100 and can usually be done in a day. If you have to split the case on the pro saws it's more involved, but still doable with a few tools. Porting the muffler on an mtronic saw is easy since the saw will compensate automatically. I've got an ms310 that's more that 12 years old that's still in good shape, a ms441c that's 10 years old and in good shape,and a newer ms250. I love em all.

[@portercreek]

I am a stihl guy as well, I rebuilt my ms250, it’s pretty easy and parts are cheap

[@ciphercode2298]

​@@portercreektell ya one thing I just found out. My throttle cable started sticking and it was only $14,but I've had to completely disassemble the thing just to replace this cable. This saw in particular is very overcomplicated to work on. I think theyve overcome some of that on their newer mtronic saws,but I know my ms310 and ms250 are pretty easy to work on. Makes me think twice about buyin a new pro saw.

[@portercreek]

@@ciphercode2298 yeah, I personally would rather buy the cheaper one and then replace it myself nice it burns up, the cost to rebuild the pro saw is quite high for the amount of work required…

[@johnsweeney1712]

Great video, honest analysis at least. I prefer to buy a pro saw for the extra money day one, if I’m going to keep the thing I’ll have the extra features and if I want to sell it for some reason there’s always a buyer… people will buy a well minded one owner pro saw. If you’re struggling for the extra $200 budget day one, put down a deposit and save up for another month or two, if you want a 400 or 462 make it 2 or 3 months, then you’ll have one saw that’ll run longer or short bars and last forever.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting!

[@DustyJohnson-tg7fi]

I have the 362 and you'll never pry it out of my hands...I love this saw😁

[@portercreek]

👍🏻

[@mmckee8iiz]

Really good comparison I agree! If I wear out a "pro" or "prosumer" saw then I will buy a new one and it will be 10 years.

[@portercreek]

Thanks!

[@D-B-Cooper]

362 has an adjustable metal oil pump. You can also put double dogs on it. Rebuilding a chainsaw is easy and cheap.

[@hentges9182]

That is correct, the oil pump is adjustable. I haven’t found the need to adjust any of my saws.

[@portercreek]

Having the ability to put an extra saw dog on or adjust the oil pump flow are, in my opinion, about as valuable as being able to choose what color the saw is.

[@D-B-Cooper]

@@portercreek you must repaint your saw every time you change bar length.

[@djc84]

@@portercreek having 2 dogs are very useful, there are bucking and felling dogs, they help keep the cut straight, they help cut faster, they also help make a nice face cut

[@portercreek]

@@djc84 I never thought about it helping keep your cuts straight. That would be very beneficial when cutting cookies.

[@BenKickert]

The 362 shines when it comes to power to weight ratio. It is over a pound lighter than the 391 and has 5% more horsepower. That doesn't matter if you are a homeowner who occasionally bucks up a tree on their property or who cuts a few cords of firewood per year, but for folks who actually carry their saws, that is a big difference. I do trail work where I will regularly hike 5-8 miles with the saw and be required to cut 24"+ logs. Power to weight makes a big difference in cases like that. Plus, I am just as likely to work at 2,000' elevation as I am 6,000' elevation and the mTronic is stellar for those situations. Sure, I can tune my own saw, but when you are switching elevations on the regular it is a huge hassle. Cherry on top is the captive nuts and ability to run double dogs. If I were a regular home user, I probably wouldn't spend the extra cash for a saw from Stihl's pro line. But, if you are using it at least weekly, all the little things add up quickly. If I had the cash I would run a 261 and a 462 (the best saw on the market right now in my opinion) to balance both sides of my needs for power and light weight performance, but if you need a good all arounder, can't beat the 362. If you are looking for a cheap reliable saw, I would go with the 251 as it has respectable power to weight ratios as well as being a good power to cost ratio.

[@portercreek]

The 362 makes perfect sense for your application! I feel like both the 362 and 391 are in between saws, the 251or 261 and the 462 would be a better combo. I wish I had bought the 462, a lot more bang for the buck

[@adelarsen9776]

@@portercreek I have a 460, 660 and a new 261CM and I'm looking for a new 362. I'm not a logger but I do use saws every day in a forestry setting and I have worked out that I also need a 362CM. I also like accessorise my saws. Am I sick ?

[@LiveFreeOrRIP]

@@adelarsen9776 No you are not. I have 5 saws. I Dont have a big saw yet. Big to me is 70cc and up for sure. I have 261 and 362. Im stuck in a loop of 462 661 500i... HELP ME...

[@adelarsen9776]

@@LiveFreeOrRIP You need a 462. And probably a 660.

[@LiveFreeOrRIP]

@@adelarsen9776 not a fan of 500i???\

[@awheel]

Logger here. The 391 is heavy and has less power than the 362. Weight makes a huge difference when your hauling the thing around the woods all day. That’s why you run 462/362 out on the strip and leave the 660 as your landing saw. 👍🏻 The elastic starter handle is actually nice to have on the 20th start of the day. Double dogs make a difference if you’re dealing with heavy bark. Adjusting the oil pump is important if you’re running long bars.

[@portercreek]

I know the specs say that the 362 has more power but I can’t tell the difference between these 2 saws like I can tell the difference between the 362 and 462. I am by no means a guy that uses them daily like yourself. I am sure if I was using them in your application I would definitely have a different approach to the saws! Thanks for your input! Please don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

[@mickeydoodle6014]

391 is double dog compatible and has an adjustable oiler. Also, wrap handle compatible. I agree it’s heavy. Power to weight is terrible at best. Plus, not a fan of strato saws yet. Only thing that concerns me with the MS400. However, likely all small engines are going in that direction. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@portercreek]

@@mickeydoodle6014 I am not versed in the strato technology, I’ll have to look it up.

[@michaelbradley770]

​@@mickeydoodle6014regardless if the saw is a strato engine or not the issue is these companies arr sending them out running too lean to begin with. I have a non strato 291 didnt matter if it was 0 or 80 degrees outside the spark plug would always be showing a lean condition. After taking out the limiters and tuning it properly you can definitely tell that it's happier and harder to bog it down

[@mickeydoodle6014]

@@michaelbradley770 I would say that is elevation dependent. All of my powerheads burn a nice bronze color on the spark plug. My Shop may have better technicians than your shop does. Or the limiters on the adjustment screws do not favor your elevation. You cannot fault Stihl for that. It is more of a dealer issue.

[@patrickpoulard24]

I have a Stihl ms 391 and I also have a Stihl ms 500i and I love both. You can NEVER go wrong with Stihl because as everyone already knows, STIHL RUNS THE YARD. 😊👍🏿 #stihlpower

[@portercreek]

I have owned a few different brands, Stihl has by far been my favorite!

[@patrickpoulard24]

@@portercreek My man.😊👍🏿 #stihlpower

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@foleyhund3860]

Well, My first Stihl was a an 031 AV I got in 1977. It starts every time by the 3rd pull or less. I've cut hundreds of trees and thousands of rounds with it. I still use it as a back up saw. I have many other Stihl saws, including the MS 391. Spending $100's more for the "Pro" simply is not worth it. Most users tweak their saws for extra power and that holds true with the MS 391. As for weight, ah, a non issue since we all use heavier saws than the 391. It'll run just as long as my 031 and newer saws...just don't abuse your equipment.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting!

[@warped2875]

You can get the 362 without the M-Tronic ignition system. I know this because I have one with a full wrap handle.

[@portercreek]

I wonder what the cost difference is without the mtronic and one without.

[@warped2875]

@@portercreek I paid $825 for it last year. Full wrap w/ 25" bar.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@cameroncarter2207]

if you do a slight muffler mod and make sure you use good gas and a ngk spark plug that 362 will run like a screaming wild man just my 2 cents

[@portercreek]

I have thought about doing a muffler mod to it but I am hesitant with the Mtroinics carbs, don’t want to screw it up

[@stevestock2439]

Thanks really good vid, just what i wanted to hear between the two.

[@portercreek]

Thanks!

[@erickozal9044]

Funny, my 362 doesn't have that m tronic stuff. It has carburetor adjustments and a 4 position switch. Mine is the wrap-handle version, no captive bar nuts and spikes on both sides. Maybe that's why. I've never used a ms 391 but my MS 462 has that m tronic crap and it hasn't bothered me yet.

[@hentges9182]

You can get the 362 with or without the mtronic stuff but it is rare to find one without it around here.

[@erickozal9044]

@@hentges9182 you know, I've had mine for well over 2 years, use it all year long and never had to touch the idle or mixture adjustments. It's actually been a really good saw

[@portercreek]

@@erickozal9044 i personally like the manually adjustable carbs over the electronic, one less thing to go wrong.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

I generally prefer Husky and Jonsered chainsaws. That said, I'm looking to get another saw. I want a saw with a carb instead of Auto-Tune or M-Tronics. I'm more than likely going to get a the carbed version of the MS362.

[@portercreek]

I feel like the 371 carbed chainsaw starts easier than the 362 mtronic. I don’t think the mtronic is worth the money.

[@jeschreindl]

The Echo cd620p or pw may be something worth looking into for you. Really excellent say for the money. Lot more saw for the same money as a ms391 or 460 rancher and maybe just a tick behind a 362 for a lot less money. Has a standard adjustable carb with basic old school on off switch and choke knobs. All mag construction too minus the top shroud and recoil housing. I really like mine so far.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@wittsend1961]

I only buy pro saws... I own the 362c and the 500i Sad thing is the 400 is what the 362 should have been

[@portercreek]

I haven’t tried the 400 or 500 saws, heard they are nice saws!

[@djc84]

I have the new 400, 25in light bar, west coast saws 3 point dogs n a Eagan straight shot muffler, thing is a animal

[@portercreek]

@@djc84 is the 400 more like the 462 or the 362?

[@djc84]

@@portercreek its more like a 362 as far as size, handling, and weight, but better throttle response cuz of the magnesium piston, and almost the power of a 462

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@olehemlock]

MS362 all day, around here the price difference is between $150 to $200 compared to the ms392. The 362 is over a pound lighter. If you look around you can still get a MS362 non m-tronic, I just bought one. The 362 also has better air filter setup and is air injected.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting!

[@olehemlock]

@@portercreek was at the the Stihl dealer today, I was wrong on the price difference. It’s $260.

[@mf953]

You seem to have the MS362 C-M They also make just plain MS362 with more traditional carburetor.

[@portercreek]

That is correct

[@auburneverything980]

Liked the video ! Quick & too the point !

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting!

[@outdoorsnevada4138]

If you can afford the pro saws. Buy the pro saws! Better build quality and easier to work on or take them in to be worked on!

[@portercreek]

👍🏻

[@holeshot1721]

391 going strong 3 years! Animal 28 inch bar and 32 inch

[@portercreek]

Awesome! It is my favorite go to saw

[@WalterMartinez-od7ov]

Lies

[@rmac41981]

In 20 years the 362 and any other pro saw will still be worth money and desirable while farms saws won’t.

[@portercreek]

I would agree with you one that, they will hold their value a little more than home and farm saws

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

[@mickeydoodle6014]

I actually disagree with you. It’s not because I think I don’t think the pros will retain value better. However, I see used 361s one’s going for the same or slightly more than the same condition 391s. I don’t like buying used chainsaws because you don’t know what was replaced with white and less you tear it apart yourself sometimes. And to me that’s not worth it. I just buy a new saws. Unless it’s a good deal, that even if it had Chinese parts, you could replace them with better parts and still have a decent deal. This is especially true with 440s/460s/660s. I bought the 391 because it was a good deal new, and I didn’t see spending the money on a 361 when for $100 more you get a 400. The 400 was not in stock, and I wanted a saw since I just built a custom fireplace. It’s three times the saw of my 028 super. When the time is right, I will get a 461. Until then, I will continue to use my 391 to cut through 3 foot rounds with a 25 inch bar. In the words of Ivan Drago, “if he dies, he dies“ however, from what I have seen, the problem The 391 Avenue are caused by over boiling and running out of oil to fast because people don’t realize Susan oil adjustment on it, people running it to lien because it has an adjustable car, people putting the wrong ratio in the fuel tank, and people were neglecting basic tuneups. This is coming from a generation of Stihl guys who understand that Husqvarna is a better deal. But my Pap used Stihl , and my dad uses Stihl . So, I use Stihl.

[@JonathanTyas]

362 every time, easier to rebuild and a bit tougher.

[@portercreek]

For the price difference plus the cost to rebuild, you can throw away the 391 a couple of times

[@cle_roknn3742]

I have a MS391 for my personal use. I’m a forester by profession and if I was using a saw regularly I’d probably opt for the 362. Presently, I only cut about three cords of firewood a year on the weekends so I’m not constantly using it and it’s been a good saw thus far (2 years). I can understand why professionals want a better saw, but for most homeowners and part time firewood cutters the 391 ought to hold up just fine if you take care of it and don’t plan to hand it down to your kids…. Owe and I also forgot, I have modified it slightly with a wrap handle and a more aggressive 4-point inside and outside set of dogs.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cle_roknn3742]

A little update: the 391 died this past week, looks like the lower end took a short walk off a long pier. I used only premixed fuel, sharpened the chain regularly and took good care of it. I was not super disappointed in it's longevity, it got some pretty heavy use last year after a few wind storms where it was running for hours a day back to back. Unfortunately, it was not worth the rebuild cost and I picked up a 362 (non-Mtronic). I've only used it once, but so far I prefer the 362, it's lighter with the same 20" bar and "feels" like it pulls harder. However, it came with a 25" bar and quite frankly that makes it way too tip heavy and unbalanced for my liking. Only time will tell, I liked both but I think I have learned my lesson the hard way....

[@williamcarpenter2126]

362 all day long

[@portercreek]

👍🏻

[@theresahoffman8408]

I have the 361...old school carburetor. Yeah, new technology, that prevents you from tweeking, does not have my vote.

[@portercreek]

Truth!

[@johnc7512]

Plastic not metal gas tank.

[@portercreek]

Yes, but the plastic vs metal doesn’t contribute to its power.

[@mickeydoodle6014]

It’s not that the MS391 is almost as good as the 362, it’s that the MS362 is almost as bad as the 391 😂 I kid, kinda. MS400 is less than $200 more than the 362 and far more the saw. Now, slow down… I love them all and own a 391. To me, it is the better choice than the 362. I use my equipment hard, but treat and maintain them well. It’s gets used more than the 028WB (was my pap’s) and MS661R (because I don’t want to grow up) That being said; you want a pro version of the 391? Go for the best choice, MS400.

[@portercreek]

That is a good way of putting it! I was kinda bummed when I used my new 362 for the first time, it is kind of a dog for the money and size. I have heard a lot about the 400 and would love try try one!

[@Orefamilylawncare]

This review is clearly not from a professional user. No pro would even consider a 391. Less power, more weight, and when it wears out it's not worth rebuilding. 391 is a farm saw only. It's fine for a rancher.

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting!!

[@e954rr2]

I have a 362 it isn’t as great as people makes it out to be

[@portercreek]

It’s nicer but not worth double…

[@canecutter77]

If you have a choice between the MS 391 and an axe, buy the axe ...

[@portercreek]

Lol

[@woofy548]

391 is a turd.. no reason for it's existence.

[@portercreek]

Thank you for your input, however l, I disagree. The 362 is a pointless saw, I wish I would have spent the extra couple hundred and got the 462.

[@EyeWokeVisuals]

391 is a workhorse! Especially with a 20” bar

[@portercreek]

Thanks for commenting! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!