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391 FarmBoss, MS 390Westcoastbloke
- 3 reviews
- 2 likes
Excellent
O.k. I think this saw will tick all the boxes. Unless you are a fool and abuse this tool it will give years of faultless operation. I have used this model in heavy rain with not a splutter (more than can be said for the operator!) and used extensively during and after bushfires in some pretty dodgy very hot and abrasive conditions. Stick to the standard chains, bar, sharpening kit etc. unless you are experienced and know what you are replacing. When the standard clutch sprocket wears to service limit (probably when your bar is worn out) rep...Read more
lace with the professional clutch drum and separate spline mounted sprocket assembly - chain tracks better and little sprocket is cheaper to replace later. This bit goes for all saws - keep it clean, keep the fuel mix fresh (40:1 Stihl oil, 25:1 cheap oil - mix no older than three months!!), keep it well serviced and sharp and particularly - KEEP SAFE. Quite powerful but not more than the equivalent Husky and other good brands at this size and engine capacity, Mine is earlier without the de-compressor model and that makes a huge difference in the starting process. I have had issues with fuel pick up lines - every second season got to get a new one - that may be a regional problem as I brought that up with a logging industry trainer two weeks ago and he noted this complaint is only wide spread in my area!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
phoenixTasmania, 7260
- 9 reviews
Excellent
i find this saw outstanding for its size with the easy start cord, and very reliable, for the few extra $$ its worth the upgrade from the MS310 as it complements to 20" bar better than the MS310
easy to start & great power with 20" bar good allround performer.
not to much to dislike, maybe the plastic chain drive cover but time will tell if it lasts the distance
2 comments
keep the fuel mix correct and clean, had my 390 for 5 years cut wood for 3 familys every season, only had it serviced once for the post buy tighten up
some things in life are simple- yuo wanty to go f... Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Leroyasked
What size bar to suit ms 390
2 answers
What size bar suit’s ams 390
16" - 24" standard range. The standard 20" seems to work best for general use, coping with full depth cuts in Australian hardwoods but you know you are using all of the blade... They might bog down a bit if you try to fit 24" and that is the largest recommended bar length - good for soft woods at that length, but probably not for ironbark... Anything bigger you probably want to consider a skip tooth chain.
JNichiasked
Is the 390 a better saw than 391 to buy second hand.can I run a 24 in chain on it?
2 answers
I would not recommend these saws to anyone, have a look at all the reviews, and by just this site.
The comparison in experiences between the 390 compared to the 391(model to replace the 390) is like compairing cheese and chalk.
The 390 is a workhorse but the 391 is a dud !
Seek out a trusty 390 and do a rebuild (after market parts, not genuine) yourself. It is a great way to learn about your saw and make it your 'best mate'. Shop around for the parts and check the reviews on the parts and finish quality. Be prepared to do some cleaning up with a 'dremmel' to port and polish and give a good clean up.
If the bore is overly smooth (mirror finish) run some honing stones with plenty of oil to refinish the bore.
Recommend considering the pop top (raised top) piston.
Increase the fuel 1/4 turn as your new mate will be working harder and this will help to minimise overheating. Google 'super tuning' for chainsaws
Take the time and enjoy the journey.
Paul Martinoasked
what price for Stihl Chainsaw Model MS391 FARMBOSS with 16" bar
2 answers
Do not waste your money on a MS391,
Only recommend a MS390, be patient and shop around. They do not often come up for sale but are worth the wait.
Thanks for your advice Peter but I purchased one some months ago.
Kind regards,
Paul Martino
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Fred13
I have been using chainsaws for 48 years, I have been a fan of Stihl chainsaws until I bought this ms 390. It is the hardest chainsaw I have ever had to start. I have pull started all kinds of chain... Read more
saws, outboard motors, weed eaters, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chop saws but this has the most tempermental choke I have ever seen. The decompression valve helps but if you flood it you may as well take a 30 minute break. I am very disappointed with this saw. On the positive side if you do get it does cut very well. So if you want to have a heart attack buy one.