Is the Stihl MS310 chainsaw any good?
I have a friend (called Alf) who owns one and uses it regularly. That’s it pictured throughout this post (he did offer to wipe it down before I took some pictures) and I had a chat with him about it.
The MS310 is a mid-range 59cc chainsaw that was produced between 2000 – 2009. It’s no longer for sale new, having been replaced by the MS311, but used models often pop up on online marketplaces – parts are also relatively easy to find.
Stihl MS 310 Chainsaw
So, is the Stihl MS 310 a good chainsaw?
To sum up, in Alf’s opinion, yes, it’s pretty good!
He uses it with an Oregon chipper chain for felling hardwood trees.
It’s one of many saws he has and uses on the farm, but this one is mostly used for dropping small-width (30 – 40 inches) hardwood trees.
You can see this example of an MS310 that has been well used and is a little rough around the edges. You can only just make out the model number if you look closely.
However, chainsaws were made to be used, and this one sure has been.
Stihl MS310 Specs
You can see the MS310 chainsaw specs in this table from the 2008 version of Stihl’s site.
This states it is a ‘powerful firewood saw that is a step up from the STIHL Farm Boss.’
However, back in 2008, the Farm Boss referred to a different saw than it does today, so don’t let that confuse you.
In saying that, the MS310 is definitely a more powerful chainsaw than the current MS271 Farm Boss which is a 50cc, 3.49 hp saw.
The Stihl MS310 Chainsaw is a 59cc 4 hp chainsaw.
It was most commonly sold with a 16, 18, or 20-inch bar.
Stihl recommends not using anything shorter than a 16″ bar on it, nor longer than a 20″ bar – though, of course, there are plenty of people out there who take it to 24″ or above (it’s just not recommended).
Other technical specs:
- Powerhead Weight: 13 lbs
- Power to weight ratio: 0.307 hp per pound
- MS 310 spark plug: NGK BPMR7A, Bosch WSR6F, or Champion RCJ6Y
- Carburetor: Walbro HD-21B
MS310 Chainsaw Features
While the MS310 hasn’t been sold for well over a decade now, it still had a lot of great features for easy and comfortable use.
These include:
- Toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers
- Bumper spikes for better control
- STIHL Quickstop chain brake system for stopping chain fast
- Front handguard to help prevent injury
- Ergonomically angled front handle for comfort
- Protected spark plug (with easy access)
- Easy to access and clean air filter
- Anti-vibration system to make use for longer periods easier
- IntelliCarb compensating carburetor keeps RPM levels even
- Good power-to-weight ratio
- Adjustable automatic bar and chain oiler
- Carburetor preheat shutter for summer/winter operation
- Side access chain tensioner
- Strong polymer casing and clean design prevents snagging in the bush
- Forged connecting rod with caged needle bearings (like professional saws)
It basically had all of the modern features common to Stihl chainsaws at the time of production.
While it wasn’t considered a professional logging chainsaw like the Stihl MS500i, MS661, MS881, or something like that, it was a high-spec mid-range saw.
Stihl MS310 Price And Parts
When the Stihl MS310 was for sale new it cost $399.
As already stated, you can no longer buy it brand new from the dealer, and second-hand models on eBay and Facebook Marketplace are selling for $200 – $300.
- Examples on eBay here – working models and chainsaws for parts
- On Amazon here – a wide variety of parts for the MS310
- HL Supply – good for MS310 parts
The price is always going to depend on the condition of the chainsaw and your location.
Especially with chainsaw inflation at an all-time high right now, it won’t be long before a used Stihl chainsaw that is no longer in production costs as much as when it was.
My guess is that in another year, you can expect to pay $399 for a used MS310.
Stihl MS310 Chainsaw Review
The Stihl MS310 is a good chainsaw for its time.
However, some users think that people would be better off getting a pro-Stihl chainsaw instead. It’s at the top of the homeowner range, so why not just go pro?
In the video above you can find out more about:
- Specs and features of the MS310
- How to start it
- See the air filter and side casing removed
- See the chainsaw in action
- Hear Human’s thoughts on the saw
It’s a powerful chainsaw that is excellent as a home-use firewood chainsaw, farm use, horticulture/agriculture chainsaw.
As already stated, my friend uses it for felling trees, though he’s not using it all the time for this. It’s on hand for infrequent use, though it has been used a lot over the year.
It can be used for clearing land and for dropping reasonably thick trees, though obviously not overly thick with a max 20″ bar on it.
Pros:
- A powerful multi-use chainsaw
- Top features for comfort and ease of use
- Affordable
Cons:
- There are better saws out there
- Can be a bit sluggish at times
To sum up, it’s a ‘good but not great’ chainsaw.
If you have come across a good, well-maintained, and looked after MS310 for sale, and it’s a good price, there’s no reason not to grab it.
However, if you’re seeking out a good chainsaw to buy and haven’t honed in on a specific model, there are better options out there.
The Husqvarna 359 is a very similar chainsaw in the Husky line that you also might be able to find second-hand.
Stihl 310 Chainsaw
The MS310 is a good chainsaw to have in your collection.
As with most (if not all) Stihl chainsaws, they run well and last a long time. You don’t have to worry about longevity.
It’s not going to be a logger’s primary chainsaw, but that’s not what it was designed for.
If you want a reliable chainsaw for cutting 10 cords of firewood per year, it’s good for that and should serve you well.
One final idea for an alternative that can be purchased new today, check out the Stihl MS251. It’s another good home firewood chainsaw.
I recently picked up a 310 for payment on dropping a huge hackberry tree. It has very few hours on it and looks like new after cleaning it up. I have lots of stihl chainsaws from 170 to 500i. I cut some live oak with it and was very impressed
I own the MS310 which I bought when they first came on the market in 2000. I cut lots of firewood each year and have used it religiously now for 22 years. It is a great saw and I’m glad I bought it back then. Parts are readily available and this saw has never had a major problem. I run a 20 inch bar and on occasion have put up to a 28 inch bar on it for larger logs that come in. I will keep using it for the next 20 years.
My 310 Stihl has outlasted Me.!!! I am 82, and have had My saw for about 18 years. I heat 1800 sq feet wih wood using My 310, and Troybilt 27 ton splitter (10-13 cords per year) some friends get emergency firewood!!!!! Dr said NO MORE woodcutting if I want to continue walking, so My entire operation is going up for sale… Alligator tears rolling down My cheeks. If I was to buy another saw, It would be a Stihl….