Stihl 291 VS 311: Choosing the Right Saw for Your Need

Introduction

When you're out cutting firewood, cleaning up after a storm, or managing land, the right chainsaw can make all the difference. It’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about doing it safely and without wearing yourself out.

And if you’ve been shopping around, chances are you’ve come across Stihl chainsaws. They’re a go-to choice for homeowners, farmers, and even pros, thanks to their power, durability, and all-around solid performance.

Now, two models that often get compared are the Stihl MS 291 and the Stihl MS 311. On the surface, they look pretty similar. Both are tough, mid-range saws built to handle serious work.

But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some key differences, not just in power, but also in things like fuel use, weight, emissions, and even the type of chain they come with.

So, how do you know which one’s right for you?

This blog will compare the features of Stihl MS 291 v/s Stihl MS311 to help you figure out which one fits your needs.

Features of Stihl MS 291

• The Stihl MS 291 is a great choice for homeowners, small farms, and anyone needing a reliable saw for regular cutting jobs, like firewood, yard cleanup, or light farm work.
• It runs on a 55.5 cc engine with 3.76 horsepower, making it strong enough for most tasks.
• It is pretty lightweight and manageable, weighing about 12.3 pounds without the bar and chain, so it won’t wear you out.
• You can use bars between 16 and 20 inches, but it works best with a 16 or 18-inch bar for balance and control.
• The engine has a fuel tank capacity of 16.9 oz and produces lower emissions.
• It has an anti-vibration system, which helps reduce fatigue and makes longer jobs more comfortable.
• It has a pre-separation air filtration system that keeps dirt away from the engine so you don’t have to clean it as often.
• Refueling is easy thanks to the toolless fuel and oil caps, and adjusting the chain is quick with the side-access tensioner. Plus, the bumper spikes give you a better grip on the wood while cutting, so you stay in control.
• For safety, you get a throttle trigger lock to prevent accidental starts and a Master Control Lever that makes starting, choking, and stopping the saw simple with just one lever.
• Built with high-tech polymer housing, Stihl MS 291 is durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, making it perfect for frequent use without wearing you out.

Features of Stihl MS 311

• The Stihl MS 311 is a perfect choice for ones that have a lot of land to take care of or some bigger trees to cut through. It is ideal for farmers, landowners, and anyone needing more muscle.
• It runs on a 59 cc engine with 4.2 horsepower, giving you the extra strength required for tougher jobs like cutting large logs, felling trees, or doing small-scale logging.
• It weighs around 13.67 pounds without the bar and chain. A little heavier, sure, but that added weight comes with a serious boost in cutting ability.
• It works with a 16" to 20" bar, but a 20" bar is best for bigger cuts and deeper reach.
• With Stihl’s advanced engine technology, the MS 311 is fuel-efficient having a fuel tank capacity of 600 ml (20.3 fl. oz.). So, you can keep working longer without having to stop and refuel so often.
• It comes with an IntelliCarb™ compensating carburetor that automatically adjusts the air-fuel mix when the air filter starts to clog, keeping performance steady and reducing downtime. Also, the decompression valve makes starting easier by reducing engine pressure when you pull the cord.
• It also comes with a pre-separation air filtration system that catches most of the junk before it hits the main filter. That means your engine stays cleaner longer, and you don’t have to stop as often for maintenance.
• For Comfort & Convenience Stihl MS 311 has

1. An anti-vibration system that reduces hand and arm fatigue, so you can work longer without feeling worn out.
2. Toolless fuel and oil caps that make refilling quick and hassle-free.
3. Side-access chain tensioner that lets you adjust the chain easily with a bar wrench, no fiddling around
4. Bumper spikes help grip the wood during cutting, giving you better control and cleaner cuts.

• For Safety it has a Master Control Lever™ that puts all your starting controls in one place, and a throttle lock so you don’t accidentally rev the engine while handling it.
• The outer body is made from high-tech polymer, which is tough, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion, great for long-term use outdoors.

Comparing Stihl MS 291 v/s MS 311

Fuel Economy

The Stihl MS 311 is generally more fuel-efficient than the MS 291, thanks to its advanced engine technology. It offers up to 20% better fuel economy compared to older models which means it can run longer between refueling stops, making it more suitable for extended tasks like cutting large volumes of firewood or managing bigger properties.

Weight and Handling

The MS 291 is lighter at 12.3 lbs, while the MS 311 comes in around 13.7 lbs. That one-pound difference might not seem like a lot, but if you're cutting for an extended period, your arms will notice. If comfort and easier handling matter to you, especially for longer jobs or casual use, the MS 291 has the advantage.

Power & Cutting Strength

The MS 311 is more powerful, with a 59 cc engine and 4.2 horsepower, making it better suited for tougher jobs like cutting through large trees or hardwood. It’s built for power and efficiency, saving you time and effort on heavy tasks.

The MS 291, with its 3.76 bhp, 55.5 cc engine, is still strong enough for most regular cutting jobs, but it doesn’t quite match the cutting strength of the 311, especially if you're tackling bigger or more frequent projects.

Chain Differences

The MS 291 comes with a .325" Rapid Micro 3 (RM3) chain, which is great for everyday use. It’s designed for low kickback and reduced vibration, making it comfortable and smooth to use, especially for beginners or lighter work. It cuts gently and cleanly, with almost no chatter.

The MS 311, on the other hand, uses the Rapid Super 3 (RS3) chain, a newer, high-performance option from Stihl. It’s also designed to reduce vibration and kickback, but it's more aggressive and cuts faster, making it ideal for heavier-duty tasks or if you want to get through wood more quickly.

In short, the 291’s chain is great for control and comfort, while the 311’s chain is built for speed and power.

Emissions

If you care about protecting the environment, the MS 291 is the better pick. It’s built with low-emission technology that goes beyond even EPA and CARB standards. That means it’s not just easier on the environment, it’s also cleaner to run overall.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want a lighter saw for occasional jobs like cutting firewood, trimming trees, or yard cleanup, the Stihl MS 291 is a great pick. It’s easier to handle, a bit more fuel-efficient in day-to-day use, and perfect for homeowners or anyone who doesn’t need heavy-duty power.

But if you’re dealing with bigger trees, cutting more often, or need something tougher for farm or property work, the MS 311 is the better choice. It’s more powerful, built for longer use, and comes with features that make tough jobs easier, including a stronger chain and bigger fuel tank.

Stihl Chainsaws! Perfect for Your Needs

Both of these Stihl chainsaws have a lot to offer. They’re durable, powerful, and backed by a brand that professionals trust. The real decision comes down to how much power you need, how often you’ll use the saw, and how much comfort or fuel efficiency matters to you.

Visit stihl chainsaw dealers in Texas to check a wide range of Stihl chainsaws according to their model numbers.

Sometimes just holding the saw or hearing it run can make the choice clear. Either way, you’ll be in good hands with a Stihl.