291 Stihl Specs Breakdown (5 Expert Tips For Firewood Pros)

Let’s dive in!

The Stihl MS 291: A Firewood Pro’s Secret Weapon – Unveiling Specs & Expert Tips

What makes a chainsaw truly exceptional? It’s not just raw power; it’s the balance of performance, reliability, and user-friendliness. It’s a workhorse that’s earned its stripes in countless woodlots, but truly understanding its capabilities and limitations can elevate your firewood game to a whole new level.

I’ve spent years felling trees, bucking logs, and splitting wood. I’ve seen chainsaws come and go, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Stihl MS 291, however, has consistently impressed me with its blend of power and manageability. So, let’s dissect the MS 291, delving into its specifications and offering expert tips tailored for firewood aficionados.

Stihl MS 291 Specs: A Deep Dive

Understanding the technical specifications is crucial for making informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the key specs for the Stihl MS 291:

Engine Displacement: 55.5 cc (3.4 cu. in.)
Engine Power: 2.8 kW (3.8 bhp)
Weight (Powerhead Only): 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs)
Powerhead Weight: 12.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 0.5 liters (16.9 oz.)
Oil Capacity: 0.27 liters (9.1 oz.)
Guide Bar Lengths: 16″, 18″, 20″
Chain Pitch: 3/8″
STIHL Easy2Start™: Yes
STIHL Quick Chain Adjuster (B): Optional
Ematic Lubrication System: Yes

Let’s unpack these specs and see what they mean for you, the firewood pro.

Engine Power and Displacement

The 55.5cc engine provides a sweet spot of power for most firewood tasks. It’s strong enough to handle moderately sized logs without being overly heavy or fuel-guzzling. The 3.8 bhp indicates the engine’s peak power output. This is a crucial factor when dealing with tougher hardwoods like oak or maple.

Weight and Ergonomics

At 12.3 lbs (powerhead only), the MS 291 strikes a good balance. It’s not the lightest saw on the market, but it’s manageable for extended use. Weight matters, especially when you’re spending hours processing firewood. A lighter saw reduces fatigue and improves control.

Guide Bar Length

The MS 291 can accommodate guide bars ranging from 16″ to 20″. The ideal length depends on the size of the logs you typically encounter. For most firewood cutting, an 18″ bar offers a good compromise between maneuverability and cutting capacity. I prefer an 18″ bar for its versatility.

Chain Pitch

The 3/8″ chain pitch is a standard size that provides a good balance between cutting speed and durability.

Easy2Start™ System

This feature is a godsend, especially in cold weather. The Easy2Start™ system reduces the pulling force required to start the saw, making it significantly easier on your arms and shoulders.

Ematic Lubrication System

Proper chain lubrication is essential for extending the life of your chain and guide bar. The Ematic system helps to reduce oil consumption by delivering oil precisely where it’s needed.

5 Expert Tips for Firewood Pros Using the Stihl MS 291

Here are some insider tips that will help you maximize the performance and longevity of your MS 291:

Master the Art of Sharpening: A sharp chain is the key to efficient cutting and reduced strain on the engine. Learn how to sharpen your chain properly, either with a file or a chain grinder. I recommend using a Stihl 2-in-1 Easy File for field sharpening. It sharpens both the cutter and the depth gauge simultaneously, ensuring consistent results. Remember, a dull chain not only cuts slower but also increases the risk of kickback.
Fuel and Oil are Your Friends: Use high-quality fuel and oil specifically designed for two-stroke engines. Stihl recommends their own Ultra HP oil, which is formulated to provide excellent lubrication and reduce carbon buildup. The fuel should be a minimum of 89 octane and fresh. Old fuel can gum up the carburetor and cause starting problems. I prefer to mix my fuel in small batches to ensure freshness.
Air Filter Maintenance is Non-Negotiable: A clean air filter is essential for proper engine performance. Check and clean your air filter regularly, especially when working in dusty conditions. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, leading to reduced power and increased fuel consumption. I typically clean my air filter after every 4-5 tanks of fuel.
Chain Tension: The Goldilocks Zone: Maintaining proper chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient operation. The chain should be snug against the guide bar but still able to be pulled around by hand. Too loose, and the chain can derail. Too tight, and it can overheat and wear out prematurely. Check the chain tension frequently, especially when the chain is new, as it will stretch during the initial break-in period.
Listen to Your Saw: Pay attention to the sounds your saw is making. Unusual noises, such as squealing or rattling, can indicate a problem. Don’t ignore these warning signs. Address them promptly to prevent more serious damage. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting the problem yourself, take your saw to a qualified service technician.

Wood Anatomy and Properties: Understanding Your Material

To truly master firewood preparation, you need to understand the wood itself. Different species have different properties that affect their burning characteristics, seasoning time, and overall value as firewood.

Hardwood vs. Softwood: The Great Debate

Hardwoods and softwoods are broad categories based on the tree’s reproductive structure, not necessarily the density of the wood. Generally, hardwoods are deciduous trees (they lose their leaves in the fall), while softwoods are coniferous trees (they have needles and cones).

Hardwoods: Typically denser than softwoods, hardwoods burn longer and produce more heat. Examples include oak, maple, ash, birch, and hickory.
Softwoods: Softwoods ignite more easily and burn faster than hardwoods. They are often used for kindling or starting fires. Examples include pine, fir, spruce, and cedar.

Density and BTU Value

The density of wood is a key factor in determining its BTU (British Thermal Unit) value, which is a measure of the amount of heat it produces when burned. Denser woods have a higher BTU value per cord.

Here’s a comparison of the approximate BTU values for some common firewood species:

Hickory: 27.7 million BTU/cord
Oak (Red): 24.6 million BTU/cord
Maple (Sugar): 24.0 million BTU/cord
Ash (White): 23.6 million BTU/cord
Birch (Yellow): 20.2 million BTU/cord
Pine (White): 15.8 million BTU/cord

Moisture Content: The Enemy of Efficient Burning

Moisture content is the percentage of water in the wood. Freshly cut wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. For optimal burning, firewood should be seasoned to a moisture content of 20% or less.

High moisture content reduces the heat output of the wood and creates more smoke and creosote. Creosote is a flammable substance that can build up in your chimney and increase the risk of a chimney fire.

Identifying Wood Species

Being able to identify different wood species is a valuable skill for any firewood pro. Here are some tips:

Bark: The bark is often the easiest way to identify a tree. Pay attention to the color, texture, and pattern of the bark.
Leaves: If the tree still has its leaves, use a tree identification guide to match the leaves to the species.
Grain: The grain pattern of the wood can also be helpful in identification.
Smell: Some woods have a distinctive smell when freshly cut.

Logging Tool Selection and Maintenance Best Practices

Beyond the chainsaw, a variety of tools can make your firewood operation more efficient and safer.

Felling Axes and Wedges

A felling axe is used to fell trees, while wedges are used to prevent the tree from pinching the saw blade as it falls.

Axe Selection: Choose an axe with a head weight that you can comfortably swing for extended periods. A 6-8 lb axe is a good general-purpose size.
Wedge Selection: Use plastic or aluminum wedges, as steel wedges can damage your saw chain if you accidentally hit them.
Maintenance: Keep your axe sharp by filing it regularly. Store your axe and wedges in a dry place to prevent rust.

Splitting Mauls and Wedges

A splitting maul is used to split logs, while splitting wedges are used for larger or more difficult logs.

Maul Selection: Choose a maul with a head weight that you can comfortably swing. A 6-8 lb maul is a good general-purpose size.
Wedge Selection: Use steel splitting wedges for maximum splitting power.
Maintenance: Keep your maul sharp by filing it regularly. Store your maul and wedges in a dry place to prevent rust.

Log Splitters: Manual vs. Hydraulic

Log splitters can significantly reduce the effort required to split firewood.

Manual Log Splitters: These splitters use a lever or foot pedal to drive a wedge into the log. They are relatively inexpensive and require no fuel or electricity. However, they can be physically demanding to use for extended periods.
Hydraulic Log Splitters: These splitters use a hydraulic pump to power the wedge. They are more expensive than manual splitters, but they are much easier to use and can split larger logs. Hydraulic splitters are available in both gas-powered and electric models.

Chainsaw Safety Gear: Protecting Yourself

Safety should always be your top priority when working with chainsaws and other logging tools.

Chainsaw Chaps: These protect your legs from chainsaw cuts.
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or a face shield to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing from the loud noise of the chainsaw.
Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands and improve your grip.
Steel-Toed Boots: Wear steel-toed boots to protect your feet from falling logs and other hazards.
Helmet: Wear a helmet to protect your head from falling branches and other hazards.

Firewood Seasoning Techniques and Safety Considerations

Seasoning firewood is the process of drying it to reduce its moisture content. Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently, produces more heat, and creates less smoke and creosote.

The Importance of Seasoning

As mentioned earlier, firewood should be seasoned to a moisture content of 20% or less for optimal burning. Seasoning reduces the weight of the wood, making it easier to handle.

Seasoning Methods

Air Drying: This is the most common method of seasoning firewood. Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location. Allow the wood to season for at least six months, or preferably a year or more.
Kiln Drying: This method uses a kiln to dry the wood quickly. Kiln-dried firewood typically has a moisture content of 10-15%. However, kiln-dried firewood is more expensive than air-dried firewood.

Stacking Techniques

Proper stacking is essential for efficient seasoning.

Single Row: Stack the wood in a single row to maximize air circulation.
Off the Ground: Stack the wood on pallets or other supports to keep it off the ground and prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood.
Sunny and Windy Location: Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and wind to promote drying.
Covering: Covering the top of the woodpile with a tarp can help to prevent rain and snow from saturating the wood. However, be sure to leave the sides of the pile open to allow for air circulation.

Measuring Moisture Content

You can use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of your firewood. Insert the probes of the meter into the freshly split face of a log. The meter will display the moisture content as a percentage.

Firewood Storage Safety

Keep Firewood Away from Your House: Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your house to reduce the risk of termites and other pests infesting your home.
Clear Vegetation: Clear any vegetation around your firewood pile to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.
Check for Pests: Inspect your firewood for signs of pests, such as termites or carpenter ants. If you find pests, take steps to eliminate them before bringing the firewood into your home.

Project Planning and Execution: From Tree to Fireplace

Effective project planning is crucial for a successful and efficient firewood operation.

Assessing Your Needs

How Much Firewood Do You Need? Estimate the amount of firewood you’ll need for the heating season. A typical household uses 3-5 cords of wood per year.
What Species of Wood Do You Want? Choose wood species based on their burning characteristics and availability in your area.
Where Will You Get Your Wood? Decide whether you’ll be felling your own trees, buying logs from a logger, or purchasing pre-cut firewood.

Site Preparation

Clearing the Area: Clear the area around the trees you’ll be felling to create a safe working space.
Planning Your Felling Strategy: Plan the direction in which you’ll fell each tree, taking into account the wind direction, the lean of the tree, and any obstacles in the area.

Felling Techniques

The Notch: Cut a notch in the tree on the side you want it to fall. The notch should be about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
The Back Cut: Cut a back cut on the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of wood to control the direction of the fall.
Using Wedges: If the tree is leaning in the wrong direction, use wedges to help guide its fall.

Bucking and Splitting

Bucking: Cut the felled tree into manageable lengths for splitting.
Splitting: Split the logs into pieces that are the right size for your fireplace or wood stove.

Stacking and Seasoning

Stacking: Stack the split firewood in a single row, off the ground, in a sunny and windy location.
Seasoning: Allow the wood to season for at least six months, or preferably a year or more.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Let’s look at some real-world examples of how the Stihl MS 291 can be used in firewood preparation.

Case Study 1: Small-Scale Firewood Business

A small-scale firewood business in rural Maine relies on the Stihl MS 291 as their primary chainsaw. They process approximately 50 cords of firewood per year, primarily from oak, maple, and birch. The MS 291’s reliability and power have been essential to their success. The owner reports that the saw starts easily, even in cold weather, and that it can handle the tough hardwoods they encounter. They also appreciate the saw’s relatively light weight, which reduces fatigue during long days of cutting.

Case Study 2: Homeowner Firewood Preparation

A homeowner in Colorado uses the Stihl MS 291 to prepare firewood for their wood-burning stove. They typically process 5-10 cords of firewood per year, primarily from lodgepole pine and aspen. The MS 291’s Easy2Start™ system is particularly helpful at high altitude, where starting engines can be more difficult. The homeowner also appreciates the saw’s Ematic lubrication system, which helps to reduce oil consumption.

My Personal Experience

I remember one particularly challenging job where I had to clear a large area of overgrown forest. The trees were a mix of hardwoods and softwoods, ranging in size from small saplings to large, mature trees. The Stihl MS 291 proved to be an invaluable tool for this project. Its power allowed me to fell even the largest trees with ease, and its maneuverability made it easy to navigate the dense undergrowth. The saw’s reliability was also crucial, as I was working in a remote area with limited access to repair services.

Current Industry Statistics and Data Points

Firewood Consumption: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), approximately 2% of U.S. households use wood as their primary heating source.
Firewood Market Size: The global firewood market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually.
Chainsaw Market Share: Stihl is one of the leading manufacturers of chainsaws in the world, with a significant market share.
Firewood Prices: Firewood prices vary depending on the location, species of wood, and the quantity purchased. These challenges can include:
- Limited Access to Equipment: Chainsaws and other logging tools can be expensive, making them inaccessible to some individuals and small businesses.
- Lack of Training: Proper training is essential for safe and efficient operation of chainsaws and other logging tools. However, access to training may be limited in some areas.
- Safety Concerns: Firewood preparation can be a dangerous activity, and safety precautions are essential. However, some individuals may not be aware of the risks or may not have the resources to implement proper safety measures.
- Environmental Regulations: Some areas have regulations regarding tree felling and firewood harvesting. It’s important to be aware of and comply with these regulations.
- Storage Space: Firewood requires a significant amount of storage space, which may be limited for some individuals.
Conclusion: The Stihl MS 291 – A Reliable Partner for Firewood Success

The Stihl MS 291 is a versatile and reliable chainsaw that is well-suited for a variety of firewood preparation tasks. Its blend of power, manageability, and user-friendly features makes it a popular choice among both professionals and homeowners. By understanding the saw’s specifications, following expert tips, and prioritizing safety, you can maximize its performance and longevity.

Remember, preparing firewood is not just about cutting wood; it’s about understanding the wood itself, using the right tools and techniques, and prioritizing safety. With the Stihl MS 291 as your partner, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any firewood project, from felling trees to splitting logs to stacking seasoned wood.

Next Steps
- Sharpen Your Chain: If you haven’t already, learn how to sharpen your chainsaw chain properly.
- Inspect Your Safety Gear: Make sure your chainsaw chaps, eye protection, and hearing protection are in good condition.
- Plan Your Next Firewood Project: Assess your firewood needs, choose your wood species, and plan your felling and splitting strategy.
- Stay Safe: Always prioritize safety when working with chainsaws and other logging tools.
Happy cutting!