When I first decided to upgrade my chainsaw setup, I wasn’t looking to become a professional logger. I just needed something with more grunt than my little homeowner saw. I had a few big oak trees down after a storm, and my 40cc saw just wasn’t cutting it—literally.
That is when I picked up the Stihl MS 311.
If you are looking for a saw that sits right in the middle—stronger than a garden tool but cheaper than a pro rig—this is my take on what it is actually like to own and run the MS 311.
Why I Chose the MS 311
I call this the “Goldilocks” dilemma. I didn’t want to spend $800+ on a professional MS 362, but I knew the smaller residential saws would die trying to buck through 20-inch hardwood logs.
The MS 311 is part of Stihl’s “Farm & Ranch” series. It is built for people like me: landowners who cut firewood for heat or clean up property on the weekends. It has a 59cc engine, which puts it in a serious power class compared to the typical 35cc or 45cc saws you see at big box stores.
The First Impression
The first thing I noticed when I pulled it out of the truck was the build. It feels substantial. It doesn’t feel like a toy.
- The Look: It has that classic Stihl orange and grey, and the body looks wide and aggressive.
- The Bar: I run mine with a 20-inch bar. You can technically go up to 25 inches, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The 20-inch bar feels perfectly balanced for this powerhead.
Let’s Talk About the Weight
I have to be honest with you—this saw is heavy.
The powerhead alone weighs about 13.7 lbs. Once you add the bar, the chain, a full tank of gas, and bar oil, you are lugging around quite a bit of weight.
If you are used to a small limbing saw, this will be a shock. The first time I used it for a full Saturday of cutting, my arms were jelly by noon. This is the main trade-off of the “Farm & Ranch” series. It uses a clamshell engine design (plastic chassis with a metal cylinder) rather than the magnesium alloy used in pro saws. That saves you money, but it adds pounds.
My advice: If you have to hike two miles into the woods, do not take this saw. But if you are driving your truck or tractor up to the log pile? It is perfect.
Performance
Once I got the saw running, the weight didn’t matter as much. This thing loves to eat wood.
I remember sinking the teeth into a seasoned oak log that was about 18 inches thick. My old saw would have bogged down. The MS 311 just kept pulling. The 4.2 brake horsepower (bhp) gives you a lot of low-end torque.
I didn’t have to “nurse” the cut. I could let the bumper spikes grab the bark and just pivot the saw through. It throws big, chunky chips—a sign of a healthy, powerful cut.
Key Features That I Actually Use
- Decompression Valve: This is a life saver. A 59cc engine has a lot of compression. This little button on top releases pressure so you don’t tear your shoulder out pulling the starter cord.
- Side-Access Chain Tensioner: I hate trying to tighten a chain from the front near the sharp teeth. The side access makes it safe and fast.
- Air Filtration: Stihl uses a pre-separation air filter system. I’ve noticed I don’t have to clean the filter nearly as often as I used to. It spins the air to eject the heavy dust before it hits the filter.
Areas for Improvement
It isn’t all perfect. Here are two things that bug me:
- Cold Starts vs. Warm Starts: It starts great when cold. But if I run it hard for an hour, turn it off to move a log, and try to restart it immediately? It can be finicky. I learned you have to find the sweet spot with the choke.
- Plastic Feel: While the engine is tough, some of the outer casing is polymer (plastic). It holds up fine, but it doesn’t have that “bombproof” feel of the metal pro saws.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Spec | Note |
| Engine Displacement | 59.0 cc | Great for medium to large trees |
| Engine Power | 4.2 bhp | High torque for hardwood |
| Powerhead Weight | 13.7 lbs | Heavier than pro models |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.3 oz | Good run time between fills |
| Chain Pitch | 3/8″ RS3 | Aggressive cutting chain |
| Rec. Bar Length | 16″ to 20″ | 20″ is the sweet spot |
Who Is This Saw For?
If you cut firewood for your home, maintain a few acres of land, or need to clear storm damage once or twice a year, the Stihl MS 311 is a fantastic choice. It gives you big-saw power without the $1,000 price tag.
However, if you are trying to make a living with a chainsaw, cutting 8 hours a day, 5 days a week? Save your money and buy the MS 362. Your back will thank you for the weight savings.
For me, the MS 311 is the trusty workhorse that lives in my shed, ready for the heavy lifting whenever nature decides to drop a tree on my fence.
FAQs – Stihl MS 311 Review
Is the Stihl MS 311 a professional saw?
No, the Stihl MS 311 is a Farm and Ranch saw. It is built for heavy tasks but not daily use. Pro saws are lighter and cost more. This saw is great for firewood.
How big of a bar can I put on a Stihl MS 311?
You can use a 25-inch bar on the Stihl MS 311. But a 20-inch bar works best. It balances the weight well. The saw has plenty of power to cut hard wood easily.
What fuel mix does the Stihl MS 311 need?
Use a 50:1 mix of gas and oil for the Stihl MS 311. Try to use high octane gas. Avoid ethanol to keep the engine safe. This helps the saw run smooth for years.
How much horsepower does the MS 311 have?
The Stihl MS 311 has 4.2 horsepower. The engine has high torque. It cuts thick logs and does not bog down. It is a very strong saw for tough farm or home jobs.
What chain does the Stihl MS 311 use?
The Stihl MS 311 uses a 3/8 inch pitch chain. This chain is thick and strong. It cuts wood fast. Always check the gauge on your bar before you pick up a new loop.
Does the Stihl MS 311 have a decomp valve?
Yes, the Stihl MS 311 has a decompression valve. Press it before you pull the cord. It lets gas out to lower the pressure. This makes the saw much easier to start.