Stihl MS 291 Chain Replacement Guide (5 Pro Tips for Loggers)
Ever wondered if your Stihl MS 291 is roaring like a champion or just whimpering like a kitten? The secret often lies in that spinning beast – the chain. In this guide, I’m going to arm you with everything you need to replace the chain on your Stihl MS 291, and I’ll throw in five pro tips that I’ve learned from years of wrestling logs in the field. Let’s dive in and get that saw singing again!
The State of the Wood: Logging and Firewood in the Modern World
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s take a quick look at the bigger picture. The global logging and firewood industries are facing unprecedented challenges. According to a recent report by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), deforestation rates remain alarmingly high in many regions, while demand for sustainable wood products is increasing. This puts pressure on loggers and firewood producers to operate more efficiently and responsibly.
The firewood market itself is experiencing a resurgence, driven by both economic factors (firewood can be a cheaper heating alternative) and a renewed appreciation for the ambiance of a real fire. However, consumers are also becoming more aware of the environmental impact of burning wood, leading to increased demand for seasoned, sustainably sourced firewood.
Why Chain Replacement Matters: More Than Just a Sharp Cut
A dull or damaged chain doesn’t just make your work harder; it can be downright dangerous. A dull chain forces you to apply more pressure, increasing the risk of kickback, a sudden and violent backward movement of the saw that can cause serious injury.
Beyond safety, a sharp chain is crucial for efficiency. A sharp chain cuts faster, uses less fuel, and puts less strain on your saw’s engine. Think of it like this: a dull knife makes chopping vegetables a chore, while a sharp knife makes it a breeze. The same principle applies to chainsaws.
Choosing the Right Chain for Your Stihl MS 291
The Stihl MS 291 is a versatile saw, capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from felling small trees to bucking logs for firewood. However, to get the most out of your saw, you need to choose the right chain.
- Chain Pitch: This refers to the distance between the rivets on the chain. The MS 291 typically uses a 3/8″ pitch chain.
- Chain Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. The MS 291 usually uses a .050″ gauge chain.
- Number of Drive Links: This is the number of drive links on the chain, and it depends on the length of your guide bar. You’ll need to count the drive links on your old chain to ensure you get the correct replacement.
Stihl offers several different types of chains for the MS 291, each designed for specific applications. For example, the Rapid Micro Comfort (RMC) chain is a good all-around choice for general use, while the Rapid Super (RS) chain is designed for faster cutting speeds. The Picco Micro (PM) chain is a low-vibration chain, ideal for users who are concerned about fatigue.
My Story: The Tale of the Bent Drive Link
I once spent an entire afternoon trying to fell a stubborn oak tree with a chain that had a bent drive link. I didn’t realize the drive link was damaged until I had already made several cuts, and the saw kept binding up. It was a frustrating experience, and I ended up wasting a lot of time and energy. From that day on, I always inspect my chains carefully before starting any cutting project.
Stihl MS 291 Chain Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, let’s get down to business. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing the chain on your Stihl MS 291:
-
Gather Your Tools:
- New chainsaw chain (correct pitch, gauge, and number of drive links)
- Chainsaw wrench (usually comes with the saw)
- Gloves
- Screwdriver or bar adjustment tool (may be integrated into the chainsaw wrench)
- Wire brush (for cleaning the guide bar)
- Rags or paper towels
- Optional: Chain breaker and chain spinner (for repairing chains)
-
Safety First: Before you even think about touching your chainsaw, make sure the engine is turned off and the spark plug wire is disconnected. This will prevent accidental starting. Always wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp chain teeth and debris.
-
Loosen the Bar Nuts: Locate the bar nuts on the side of the chainsaw that hold the side cover in place. Use the chainsaw wrench to loosen them, but don’t remove them completely yet.
-
Remove the Side Cover: Once the bar nuts are loose, carefully remove the side cover. This will expose the guide bar and chain.
-
Remove the Old Chain: Gently pull the guide bar forward to release the tension on the chain. Then, lift the old chain off the guide bar and sprocket.
-
Inspect the Guide Bar: This is a crucial step that many people overlook. Before installing the new chain, inspect the guide bar for wear and damage. Look for burrs, uneven wear, or a bent rail. If you find any of these problems, you may need to dress the guide bar with a file or replace it altogether. Clean the guide bar groove with a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Data Point: A worn guide bar can reduce cutting efficiency by up to 20%. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your guide bar can significantly extend its lifespan and improve your saw’s performance.
-
Install the New Chain: Place the new chain around the guide bar, making sure the cutting teeth are facing in the correct direction (they should point forward on the top of the bar). Ensure the drive links are seated correctly in the guide bar groove.
-
Position the Guide Bar: Align the guide bar with the bar studs on the chainsaw. Make sure the tensioning pin on the chainsaw engages with the tensioning hole on the guide bar.
-
Reinstall the Side Cover: Place the side cover back onto the chainsaw, making sure it’s properly aligned.
-
Tighten the Bar Nuts: Tighten the bar nuts finger-tight.
-
Adjust Chain Tension: This is a critical step. Use the screwdriver or bar adjustment tool to adjust the chain tension. The chain should be snug against the guide bar, but you should still be able to pull it around the bar by hand. A properly tensioned chain will have about 1/8″ of sag on the underside of the guide bar.
- Technical Requirement: Over-tightening the chain can damage the chain, guide bar, and sprocket. Under-tightening can cause the chain to derail.
-
Final Tightening: Once you’ve adjusted the chain tension, tighten the bar nuts securely with the chainsaw wrench.
-
Test the Chain: Start the chainsaw (with the chain brake engaged!) and let it idle for a few seconds. Then, disengage the chain brake and briefly rev the engine. Check the chain tension again and make any necessary adjustments.
5 Pro Tips for Loggers: Chain Replacement and Maintenance
Here are five pro tips that I’ve learned over the years that will help you get the most out of your chainsaw chain:
-
Sharpen Your Chain Regularly: A sharp chain is a safe chain. Learn how to sharpen your chain with a file or a chain grinder. Sharpening your chain regularly will not only improve cutting performance but also extend the life of your chain. I usually sharpen my chain after every two or three tanks of fuel.
- Actionable Tip: Invest in a good quality chainsaw file and learn how to use it properly. There are plenty of online tutorials and videos that can teach you the basics of chain sharpening.
-
Keep Your Chain Oiled: Proper lubrication is essential for chain life and performance. Make sure your chainsaw’s oil reservoir is always full, and use a high-quality bar and chain oil. A dry chain will wear out quickly and can even damage your guide bar and sprocket.
- Best Practice: Check the oil level frequently, especially when cutting hardwoods or in hot weather.
-
Rotate Your Guide Bar: To prevent uneven wear, rotate your guide bar every time you replace the chain. This will help distribute the wear evenly across the bar and extend its lifespan.
- Strategic Recommendation: Mark the top of the guide bar with a permanent marker so you can easily keep track of which side is up.
-
Clean Your Chainsaw Regularly: Sawdust and debris can accumulate in the chainsaw’s engine compartment and around the guide bar, causing overheating and premature wear. Clean your chainsaw regularly with compressed air or a brush.
- Troubleshooting Guidance: Pay particular attention to the air filter, which can become clogged with sawdust and reduce engine performance.
-
Carry a Spare Chain: There’s nothing worse than having your chain break in the middle of a job. Always carry a spare chain with you, so you can get back to work quickly.
- Resource Management Tip: Consider investing in a chain breaker and chain spinner, which will allow you to repair broken chains in the field.
The Science of Firewood: Seasoning for Success
Okay, let’s shift gears for a moment and talk about firewood. After all, what’s the point of cutting wood if you can’t burn it?
-
Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut wood that contains a high moisture content. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, has been allowed to dry for several months, reducing its moisture content to an acceptable level for burning.
-
Why Seasoning Matters: Burning green wood is inefficient and produces a lot of smoke and creosote, a flammable substance that can build up in your chimney and increase the risk of a chimney fire. Seasoned wood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.
-
Moisture Content Targets: The ideal moisture content for firewood is below 20%. You can measure the moisture content of your firewood with a moisture meter.
- Data Point: Wood with a moisture content above 30% will be difficult to ignite and will produce a lot of smoke.
-
Seasoning Methods: The best way to season firewood is to stack it in a sunny, well-ventilated location. Elevate the wood off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up from the soil. Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow.
- Case Study: I once conducted an experiment where I compared the drying rates of firewood stacked in different configurations. I found that firewood stacked in a single row, with plenty of space between the rows, dried significantly faster than firewood stacked in a tightly packed pile.
Budgeting for Wood Processing: Cutting Costs, Not Corners
Wood processing can be an expensive hobby or profession. Here are some tips for budgeting and managing your resources effectively:
High-quality tools will last longer and perform better, saving you money in the long run.
Maintain Your Equipment: Regular maintenance will extend the life of your tools and prevent costly repairs.
Shop Around for Supplies: Compare prices on chainsaw chains, bar and chain oil, and other supplies before you buy.
Consider Used Equipment: You can often find good deals on used chainsaws and other wood processing equipment.
Sell Your Firewood: If you’re producing more firewood than you need, consider selling the excess to friends, neighbors, or local businesses.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when processing wood and preparing firewood:
-
Cutting Corners on Safety: Safety should always be your top priority. Wear appropriate safety gear, follow safe cutting practices, and never operate your chainsaw when you’re tired or distracted.
-
Neglecting Maintenance: Neglecting maintenance is a surefire way to shorten the life of your tools and equipment.
-
Burning Green Wood: Burning green wood is inefficient, produces a lot of smoke, and can damage your chimney.
-
Improper Stacking: Stacking firewood improperly can slow down the drying process and increase the risk of rot.
-
Underestimating the Work Involved: Wood processing and firewood preparation can be physically demanding tasks. Be prepared to put in the time and effort required to get the job done right.
Next Steps and Additional Resources
Now that you’ve learned how to replace the chain on your Stihl MS 291 and prepare firewood, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some next steps and additional resources to help you along the way:
-
Practice Chain Replacement: Practice replacing the chain on your chainsaw until you’re comfortable with the process.
-
Sharpen Your Chain: Learn how to sharpen your chain with a file or a chain grinder.
-
Season Your Firewood: Start seasoning your firewood now so it will be ready to burn in the winter.
-
Connect with Other Wood Processors: Join a local logging or firewood association to connect with other people who share your passion for wood processing.
-
Consult Online Resources: There are many excellent online resources available for wood processors and firewood producers. Search for websites, forums, and videos that provide information on chainsaw maintenance, firewood preparation, and other related topics.
-
Suppliers of Logging Tools:
- Stihl Dealers: Your local Stihl dealer is a great place to buy chainsaws, chains, and other logging tools.
- Bailey’s: Bailey’s is a popular online retailer that sells a wide range of logging tools and equipment.
- Northern Tool + Equipment: Northern Tool + Equipment is another online retailer that offers a variety of logging tools and equipment.
-
Drying Equipment Rental Services:
- Local Equipment Rental Companies: Many local equipment rental companies offer drying equipment for rent, such as dehumidifiers and fans.
- Specialty Drying Equipment Suppliers: There are also specialty drying equipment suppliers that offer more advanced drying solutions, such as kiln drying systems.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Saw Sharp and Your Wood Dry!
Replacing the chain on your Stihl MS 291 is a straightforward task that can significantly improve your saw’s performance and safety. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating the pro tips I’ve shared, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a wood processing pro. Remember to always prioritize safety, maintain your equipment, and season your firewood properly. Now, go out there and make some sawdust!
