Stihl MS 290 vs MS 291 (Direct Comparison)
The MS 291 is the newer choice, but it is not a major power upgrade: both saws are rated at about 2.8 kW. The discontinued MS 290 has slightly more displacement, while the MS 291 uses a cleaner-running engine design. For either saw, condition, correct chain setup, and a 16–18-inch bar matter more than the model number alone.
“Compare the saw’s actual condition and cutting setup, not just the badge.” That is the useful starting point when you are weighing these two models. I focus on the work you plan to do, the specifications that are verified, and the checks that matter if you are buying a used MS 290 or choosing an MS 291.
MS 290 vs. MS 291: The short answer
This comparison is between a discontinued saw and its newer redesign, not two very different power classes. Both are rear-handle, two-stroke models around 56 cc, with the same published rated output. The better buy depends on condition, service history, price, and the work you need done.
The MS 290 has 1.0 cm³ more displacement on paper. The MS 291 is the newer, cleaner-running redesign. Both are rated at approximately 2.8 kW, or 3.8 bhp, though published figures can vary by market and measurement convention. That means displacement alone does not make the MS 290 the stronger choice.
For a used MS 290, condition may outweigh its original specification. Ask for service records, inspect the saw, and have a qualified shop check it if its history is unclear. For an MS 291, confirm the exact model and configuration, then compare its price with its condition and local service options. I would not pay a premium for either saw based only on the model name.
Bottom line: Choose the sounder, correctly configured saw. If both are in similar condition and the price is fair, the MS 291 is the newer design. Neither offers a large rated-power jump over the other.
Key specifications: what the numbers show
The figures below highlight the main published differences and similarities. They do not measure the condition of an individual saw or guarantee how fast it will cut. Treat rated power and displacement as useful reference points, then check the manual and the saw’s own markings before buying parts or selecting a bar and chain.
| Specification | Stihl MS 290 | Stihl MS 291 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | Two-stroke | Two-stroke |
| Displacement | 56.5 cm³ | 55.5 cm³ |
| Rated output | About 2.8 kW (3.8 bhp) | About 2.8 kW (3.8 bhp) |
| Handle format | Rear handle | Rear handle |
| Status | Discontinued | Newer redesign |
| Common North American chain pitch | 3/8 in. | 3/8 in. |
Displacement is the volume swept by the piston inside the engine. Rated output is the manufacturer’s stated power under its test method. Neither figure tells you the whole story: a worn engine, dull cutters, a mismatched chain, or a poorly maintained air filter can all affect cutting.
The chain pitch shown is common for North American configurations, not a guarantee for every saw or setup. Chain gauge and drive-link count depend on the bar and chain fitted. Check the bar stamp and the applicable manual before buying a replacement chain.
Cutting performance and the right workload
Both saws suit occasional to regular firewood cutting and ground-based property work when properly maintained and matched to the job. Their similar rated output does not make them right for every tree or cut. Wood condition, chain sharpness, bar length, and operator skill all affect performance and control.
A practical general-purpose bar range is 16–18 inches. A 20-inch setup may suit favorable wood and a capable operator, but it asks more of the saw and the cutting technique. Bar length is not a safe-cutting-capacity rating: it does not mean a saw can safely fell any tree of that diameter.
For firewood, consider the diameter and type of wood you regularly cut, not the biggest piece you might face once. If the saw bogs down, do not push harder. Stop and check for a dull or damaged chain, incorrect tension, poor lubrication, or a cut that is pinching the bar. If the cause is unclear, get help from a qualified service shop.
Neither model is intended for climbing or aerial work. Felling, limbing, and bucking require training and an assessment of the tree, its lean, defects, and nearby hazards. For overhead hazards, complex felling, or work near utilities, use a qualified tree professional.
Bar, chain, and sprocket compatibility
A compatible setup matches the bar, chain, and drive sprocket to the exact saw configuration. The model name alone does not tell you the chain gauge or drive-link count. Read the bar stamp, check the saw’s manual, and confirm that the replacement parts match before you buy or cut.
Three measurements matter when matching a chain:
- Pitch is the spacing between chain drive links, measured using the chain maker’s method.
- Gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove.
- Drive-link count is the number of links that travel around the bar.
Many North American setups use 3/8-inch pitch, but do not assume the gauge is .050 or .063 inch based on the saw model. Look at the bar stamp and use the chain maker’s fit guide. A wrong match may not fit or may run poorly.
Use dedicated bar-and-chain oil. Oil delivery is automatic, but its flow varies with the saw and bar setup, so there is no single rate that applies to every MS 290 or MS 291. Keep the oil tank filled, check that the system is working, and follow the manual for inspection and service.
Buying scenarios: which model fits your situation?
These examples are decision scenarios, not test results from specific saws. They show how the shared power rating and different ownership histories can change the buying choice. In each case, condition and correct setup matter more than a small difference in displacement.
| Your situation | What to favor | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Used MS 290 with unclear history versus a well-kept MS 291 | The better-inspected saw | Wear and maintenance can matter more than the model name |
| Similar condition and fair prices | Often the MS 291 | It is the newer redesign, but rated output is similar |
| Mostly firewood and property cleanup | Either, if sound and correctly set up | Both are in a similar power class |
| You need a longer bar for occasional cuts | Verify the exact configuration first | Bar length alone does not establish safe capacity |
| Overhead work, climbing, or a complex tree | Neither as a reason to work beyond training | Hire a qualified tree professional |
For example, imagine two listings: an MS 290 with no service history and an MS 291 with clear maintenance records. The MS 291 may be the more sensible choice, but the listing is not proof of condition. Inspect both, start and test them only in a safe setting, and have a shop assess either saw if you cannot judge its mechanical state.
Now consider an MS 290 that has been well maintained and priced fairly beside a neglected MS 291. The older saw may be the better buy after inspection and a realistic estimate of needed repairs. The comparison is not “old is bad, new is good”; it is a choice between two individual machines.
Equipment setup, PPE, and site safety
A safe cut starts before the engine runs. Check the saw’s controls and cutting parts, wear suitable protective gear, and assess the site. Neither model’s age or power rating removes the need for training, a stable stance, a clear work area, and a plan for what the wood may do as it moves.
Before use, inspect the chain brake, throttle trigger and interlock, chain catcher, handles, bar, chain tension, and fasteners. Wear a helmet with eye and face protection, hearing protection, chainsaw chaps, gloves, and protective boots. Clear bystanders from the work area and identify overhead hazards, escape routes, and fire controls.
For refueling, shut off the engine and move away from ignition sources. Fill the fuel tank and the chain-oil tank before starting. Use the model-specific cold- or warm-start steps in the manual, with the saw on firm ground and the chain brake engaged. Before cutting, confirm that the brake works and the chain receives oil.
Use a stable stance and a two-handed grip. Keep the bar nose clear of wood and other objects: contact at the upper quadrant of the bar nose can cause kickback, rapidly throwing the saw back toward the operator. Avoid plunge cuts unless trained and equipped for them, and never cut above shoulder height.
Before felling or bucking, assess lean, wood defects, and where the cut may bind. Use a sound hinge and suitable notch and back-cut method only within your training. Stop if the tree’s movement or loading is uncertain. Follow ANSI Z133 and applicable OSHA rules; 29 CFR 1910.266 applies where its logging-work scope covers the work. During felling, keep at least two tree lengths from other workers unless the applicable plan or rule requires more.
Maintenance, fuel, and seasonal care
Routine care helps you spot problems before they affect a cut. Follow the manual for each model, use the correct fuel mix and chain oil, and stop if the chain is damaged or no longer cuts properly. Service needs can differ with use, storage, and condition, so do not rely on a single schedule for every saw.
When using Stihl two-stroke oil, the specified fuel mix is 50:1 gasoline to oil. Use fresh fuel, and follow the applicable manual if you use another approved oil. Never run straight gasoline: a two-stroke engine needs oil in the fuel, and missing oil can quickly damage the piston and cylinder.
Never force a dull or incorrectly tensioned chain through wood. Stop the saw and inspect it. Sharpen or replace a damaged or dull chain, and set its depth gauges, also called rakers, to the chain maker’s specification. There is no single clearance that is right for every chain. Incorrect depth-gauge settings can affect cutting and control.
After work, engage the chain brake, shut the engine off, and let the saw cool before transport or refueling. Clean the air filter, bar groove, oil ports, sprocket area, and cooling intake. Check chain tension and cutter damage. For seasonal storage, follow the model manual’s fuel-storage guidance and keep the saw clean and dry.
FAQ: MS 290 and MS 291
These short answers address the common questions that come up when choosing between the two saws. They focus on their published specifications, suitable work, and safe setup. Check the manual and the markings on your specific saw before buying parts or making a change.
Is the MS 291 more powerful than the MS 290?
Both are rated at about 2.8 kW (3.8 bhp). Published output is similar.
Which has more displacement?
The MS 290 has 56.5 cm³; the MS 291 has 55.5 cm³.
Is the MS 290 discontinued?
Yes. It is discontinued; the MS 291 is the newer redesign.
Is the MS 291 a major upgrade in power?
No major rated-power increase is shown in the listed figures. Condition and setup still matter.
What bar length should I choose?
A 16–18-inch bar is a practical general-purpose range. Confirm the exact approved setup in the manual.
Can I use a 20-inch bar?
A 20-inch setup demands good technique and favorable wood. Confirm compatibility first; bar length does not define safe capacity.
Are the MS 290 and MS 291 chain sizes identical?
Do not assume so. Check the bar stamp for pitch and gauge, and confirm drive-link count.
What fuel mix should I use?
Use 50:1 with Stihl two-stroke oil. Follow the applicable manual for other approved oils, and never use straight gasoline.
Which saw is better for firewood?
Either can suit firewood cutting if it is in good condition, correctly configured, and within your skill and workload.
Can I use either saw for tree climbing or work near power lines?
No. Use a qualified tree professional for climbing, overhead hazards, complex felling, or work near utilities.
Final decision
The MS 290 and MS 291 are close in displacement and rated output. The MS 291 is the newer design, but it is not a clear power-class leap. Compare condition, service history, price, parts fit, and the workload you actually have.
For either saw, match the chain, bar, and sprocket to the exact configuration. A 16–18-inch bar is a sensible starting range for general work, not a promise of safe capacity. If your work involves overhead hazards, complex felling, or utilities, hire a qualified professional.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
