Stihl MS 310 Power & Weight (Field Specs)
The STIHL MS 310 is a 59 cm³ saw rated at 3.2 kW (4.4 bhp), with a 5.9 kg (13.0 lb) powerhead. That weight excludes the bar, chain, fuel, and bar oil, so the ready-to-cut saw weighs more. Its power suits demanding ground-based cutting, but safe bar choice and workload depend on the exact fitment, wood, condition, and operator.
In my spec reviews, one comparison keeps coming up: buyers see a 13-pound figure and assume that is the weight they will handle in the cut. It is not. The figure describes the powerhead alone. Adding cutting gear and fluids changes the load, while a longer bar can add reach but does not make a cut safe or suitable by itself.
This guide separates the MS 310’s published powerhead figures from its field setup. It also explains which details to verify before buying or fitting a bar and chain.
MS 310 power and weight at a glance
These figures describe the saw’s basic engine and powerhead, not its full working weight or performance in every cut. Use them to compare models, then check the actual bar-and-chain fitment on the saw you are considering. A worn, poorly tuned, or wrongly equipped saw may not deliver the expected result.
| Specification | Figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 59 cm³ | The engine’s swept volume |
| Rated output | 3.2 kW (4.4 bhp) | Manufacturer-stated engine power |
| Powerhead weight | 5.9 kg (13.0 lb) | Excludes bar, chain, fuel, and bar oil |
| Approximate idle speed | 2,800 rpm | Engine speed at idle; the chain must remain still |
| Approximate maximum engine speed | 12,500 rpm | Reference figure, not a tuning target |
The power rating is useful for comparing saws, but it does not tell you how fast a particular log will be cut. Wood type, diameter, chain sharpness, chain setup, and operator technique all matter. Power also does not cancel the handling demands of a heavy saw.
The listed weight is a dry powerhead figure. A complete saw carries more weight, and its balance changes with the bar, chain, and fuel level. If handling is a concern, compare complete saws configured with similar cutting equipment rather than comparing powerhead weights alone.
Choosing a bar and chain
A bar guides the chain and sets the reach of the cutting system. MS 310 setups commonly use bars in the 16–25 inch range where approved for the specific saw and chain. A bar’s length alone does not show whether the setup is compatible, well balanced, or right for the work.
A shorter bar is often a practical choice for routine cutting because it gives less reach to manage. Longer bars can suit some larger wood, but they demand careful control and do not increase the saw’s engine output. Choose only a combination approved for the saw.
Before buying a replacement bar or chain, match all of the following:
- Bar mount and fitment for the MS 310
- Chain pitch, commonly 3/8 inch on MS 310 setups
- Chain gauge, which must match the bar groove
- Drive-link count, which depends on the bar and chain
- Sprocket compatibility and the saw’s markings
- The model-specific STIHL fitment information
Do not guess a chain’s drive-link count from the bar length. Two bars of the same length can use different chain specifications. Read the markings on the bar and chain, then confirm them against the saw’s fitment data. If those details do not agree, do not run the setup.
| Work scenario | Practical starting point | Check before cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Routine ground-based cutting | A shorter approved bar, such as a suitable 16-inch setup | Verify exact pitch, gauge, drive links, and sprocket |
| Larger wood within your training and capacity | A longer approved bar may provide needed reach | Confirm saw fitment and that you can control the full setup |
| Unknown or mismatched parts | Do not cut | Identify each part and confirm compatibility first |
The table gives setup guidance, not permission to cut a particular tree or log. A long bar cannot make an unsafe cut safe. If the material, site, or required cut exceeds your skill or the saw’s suitable capacity, stop and seek qualified help.
Equipment setup and safety preparation
A safe setup means the saw, cutting equipment, protective gear, and work area are all ready before the engine starts. It is not enough to check that the engine runs. Inspect safety parts and the chain, plan where you will stand and move, and follow applicable OSHA 1910.266 requirements and ANSI Z133 practices.
Wear chainsaw-rated leg protection, a helmet with face and eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and protective boots. Check the chain brake, throttle interlock, chain catcher, handles, bar, and chain. Make sure the chain is correctly tensioned and that the fuel and oil caps are secure.
Clear your footing and plan escape routes before cutting. Look for lean, wind, dead limbs, nearby targets, and bystanders. For tree felling, a planned route and sound assessment matter as much as saw power. If you are not trained for the work, or conditions make the plan uncertain, use a qualified tree professional.
Starting and first checks
Start on firm ground, with the chain brake engaged and the bar clear, using the MS 310’s starting procedure. Do not drop-start the saw. After it starts, check that the chain stays still at idle, confirm the brake works, and verify chain lubrication. Let the saw warm briefly; avoid prolonged revving without a cutting load.
Use dedicated chainsaw bar-and-chain oil. There is no single oil viscosity or fixed flow rate that suits every temperature and setup. For a brief lubrication check, run the chain near a clean, safe surface and look for oil thrown from it. Follow the manual for the correct test and keep the bar clear of people and objects.
The fuel mix is 50:1 gasoline to two-stroke oil when using STIHL two-stroke oil or oil that meets the manufacturer’s specification. Do not use straight gasoline. Measure the mix accurately and check the manual for any model-specific fuel guidance.
Field cutting and workload
The MS 310 is a professional-size saw, but that label does not mean every user or every tree is a suitable match. Its 3.2 kW rating gives a useful power reference; safe capacity still depends on the cut, saw condition, bar setup, wood, and operator skill.
Maintain secure footing and two-hand control. Keep the bar nose away from objects, and use the lower bar quadrant where practical. Avoid forcing the chain through wood or allowing the kerf to close and bind the bar. A sharp, correctly fitted chain helps the saw cut as intended; more pressure is not a fix for a dull chain.
Rotational kickback is a rapid upward and backward movement of the bar. It can happen when the upper quadrant at the bar nose contacts wood or another object. Keep the nose out of the cut, never cut above shoulder height, and do not rely on the chain brake to prevent injury.
For felling, use a planned escape route and correctly formed directional notch and hinge only when trained and when conditions allow. Do not attempt felling beyond your training, the saw’s suitable capacity, or the site conditions. A larger or more powerful saw does not replace sound felling practice.
Field setup scenarios
These are setup examples, not reports of specific jobs or guarantees of cut performance. They show how to apply the specs when assessing a saw or preparing it for work. In each case, the operator must still check fitment, condition, and safe capacity.
- Routine ground cutting: A shorter approved bar can be a sensible starting point. Confirm its chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count, then check tension and oiling.
- Larger hardwood: A longer approved bar may offer reach, but the operator must be able to control it and the saw must be correctly equipped. Stop if the cut binds or exceeds your ability.
- A used saw with mixed parts: Do not infer compatibility from appearance. Read the bar, chain, and sprocket markings, then compare them with the model’s fitment information.
- A saw that moves its chain at idle: Shut it down and correct the fault before use. Do not continue cutting with a moving chain at idle.
These checks answer a key buying question: the MS 310’s power rating alone cannot confirm that a used saw is ready for work. Its parts, condition, and setup need to be inspected.
Maintenance, chain sharpening, and tuning
Maintenance keeps the cutting system in working order; it does not raise the saw’s rated power. Keep the chain sharp and correctly tensioned, and inspect the bar groove and oil passages. Follow the chain maker’s sharpening directions and the saw manual rather than relying on a setting that may not match your chain.
Depth gauges control how much wood each cutter can take. Set them to the chain manufacturer’s specification. A value near 0.65 mm (0.025 inch) is common for some applicable 3/8-inch chains, but it is not universal. Check the exact chain specification before filing.
The approximate figures of 2,800 rpm at idle and 12,500 rpm at maximum engine speed are references, not instructions to tune by ear or to treat as universal limits. Use the model-specific tachometer tuning limits and service procedure. If the saw will not idle without chain movement, runs poorly, or shows signs of a fuel or oil leak, stop and have the fault corrected.
After work, engage the brake, shut off the engine, and let the saw cool before maintenance or refueling. Clean the cooling-air inlets, cover, bar groove, and oil passages. Inspect the chain and its tension, and check for damage before the next use.
Storage and seasonal care
Proper storage limits avoidable wear and helps you find problems before the next job. Let the saw cool, clean debris from the body and cutting parts, and store it where it cannot be reached by children or damaged. Follow the owner’s manual for fuel-system storage steps and local rules for fuel handling.
Refuel away from ignition sources. Before restarting, check for leaks, confirm the caps are secure, and inspect the bar and chain. Never start or run the saw if a safety feature is disabled or a part is damaged.
For longer breaks in use, do not guess at fuel-storage procedures. Follow STIHL’s instructions for the model and the fuel in use. Keep bar-and-chain oil separate from the fuel mix, and use the specified products and handling practices.
Bottom line: The MS 310 combines 59 cm³ displacement and 3.2 kW output with a 5.9 kg powerhead. The complete saw weighs more, and a safe working setup depends on approved bar-and-chain fitment, condition, training, and the cut. Verify those points before deciding that this is the right saw for your workload.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the STIHL MS 310 weigh?
Its powerhead weighs 5.9 kg (13.0 lb). That figure excludes the bar, chain, fuel, and bar oil.
How much power does the MS 310 have?
It is rated at 3.2 kW, or 4.4 bhp, with a 59 cm³ engine.
What bar lengths are used with the MS 310?
Common setups use 16–25 inch bars where approved for the specific saw and chain. Confirm the exact fitment before use.
What chain pitch does the MS 310 use?
Common setups use 3/8-inch chain. Confirm the pitch, gauge, drive-link count, and sprocket match the saw and bar.
Can I choose a chain by bar length alone?
No. Bar length does not establish chain compatibility. Check the bar and chain markings and the saw’s fitment information.
What fuel mix does the MS 310 require?
Use a 50:1 gasoline-to-two-stroke-oil mix with STIHL two-stroke oil or oil meeting the manufacturer’s specification. Never use straight gasoline.
What is the MS 310’s maximum engine speed?
The approximate maximum engine speed is 12,500 rpm. Use the model-specific tuning limits for service; do not treat this figure as a tuning target.
Should the chain move while the saw idles?
No. If it moves at idle, shut the saw off and correct the problem before cutting.
How can I check chain lubrication?
Use the manual’s test procedure and look for oil thrown from the chain during a brief test. Keep the bar clear of people and objects.
Is the MS 310 suitable for tree felling?
It is a professional-size saw, but safe felling requires training, a suitable setup, and conditions the operator can manage. Use a qualified tree professional if the task exceeds your training or capacity.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
