Is the STIHL MS 310 any good?
The 310 is a 59 cc chainsaw made from 2000 to 2009. When it was discontinued, it was replaced by the MS 311.
The 310 regularly pops up for sale on online marketplaces, and it’s not a bad saw for light work. Parts are relatively easy to find.
STIHL MS 310 Chainsaw
STIHL described the 310 as a ‘powerful firewood saw that is a step up from the STIHL Farm Boss.’
However, back in 2008, when this saw was being marketed, Farm Boss referred to different chainsaws than it does today, so don’t let that confuse you.
The MS 310 is a more powerful chainsaw than the current MS 271 Farm Boss, which is a 50cc, 3.49 hp saw.
The Stihl MS310 Chainsaw is a 59 cc, 4 hp chainsaw. It was sold with a 16, 18, or 20-inch bar.
STIHL MS 310 reviews
A farmer friend of mine owns the 310 pictured throughout this article.
He uses it regularly for small, light jobs but has much larger saws for anything serious. Overall, he’s found it to be a good saw.
Here are more reviews from users:
- Zach said, “I really like my 310 for landscaping type work, I run 20″ skip tooth. That’s about as big of a bar as that saw can handle.”
- Patrick said, “I’ve had mine about 13 yrs. Never had a minutes trouble with it. On the button every day.”
- Conner said, “They are a great firewood saw and are easy to work on.”
- Mike said, “I’ve had a 310 for 20 years, and it’s been a good saw. I much prefer my 400, though.”
- Andrew said, “I have two. After many hundreds of hours of use, they are still great saws.”
- Tommy said, “It’s heavy for the power.”
- Another Patrick said, “Over 10 years of heavy cutting. The only issue I had was a crack in the fuel line.”
- Christopher said, “Power to weight is not great. But it’s a good saw if you’re not using it constantly.”
- And CJ said, “bought one new 2008 cut hundreds of loads of wood still running strong.”
Loki said:
I’ve had mine for about 16 yrs. Never let me down.
Muffler moded it, run a 24″ on it, rips through everything I throw at it.
I have MS 391, MS 362c, MS 270, MS 180, and a MS 170, and the MS 310 is my first saw I ever bought and owned myself.
Yesterday, my 391 went down felling trees. Broke the ol 310 out and threw a 20″ on it and watched it rip through everything. Yes.
I 10000000000% recommend the MS 310.
Thomas said:
I bought a used 310 on the cheap about four years ago. Had very clean internals so I took a chance. I immediately did a muffler mod. I typically run an 18 inch bar on it and it kicks ass.
Wade said:
I bought one in 2003 after a hurricane. Mine has been a great saw and still runs as good as the day I bought it.
I’ve since moved up to two other commercial saws, but I keep my trusty 310 as a backup.
Joey said:
I’ve cut hundreds and hundreds of loads of firewood with mine.
Heavy but good saw, but little underpowered.
I’ve never had to do anything but put oiler on mine.
Jeff said:
Had one for 15+ years until it was stolen. Had to put a clutch in it around year 12.
Keep the chain sharp and it’s a good economical saw.
Mine never needed anything but the standard tune-up kit every few years.
Tons of wood cut with it.
Specs and features
- 59.0 cc / 3.6 cu in
- 3.0 kW / 4.0 hp
- 5.9 kg / 13.0 lbs
- 40 – 50 cm bar / 16″ – 20″ bar
- MS 310 spark plug: NGK BPMR7A, Bosch WSR6F, or Champion RCJ6Y
- Carburetor: Walbro HD-21B
Power to weight ratio: 0.307 hp per pound
While the MS310 hasn’t been sold for over a decade, it still has many great features that make it easy and comfortable to 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 had all of the modern features standard to Stihl chainsaws at production.
While it wasn’t considered a professional logging chainsaw like the Stihl MS 500i, MS 661, MS 881, it was a good mid-range saw.
Price and parts
When the Stihl MS310 was for sale, it cost $399.
As already stated, you can no longer buy it brand new from the dealer, and second-hand models are selling for $200- $300 on eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
- 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 will always 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.
STIHL 310 Chainsaw
The MS 310 is a good chainsaw to have in your collection.
Like most STIHL chainsaws, they run and last well. You don’t have to worry about longevity.
It won’t be a logger’s primary chainsaw, but that’s not what it was designed for.
If you want a reliable chainsaw for cutting ten cords of firewood annually, it’s good for that and should serve you well.
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….
I’ve used my 310 for over 20 years. I run a 20 inch bar most of the time but I switch out to 24 or 30 inch when needed. Every year I drop trees up to 4 feet in diameter and bucked them up, although most are in the 18 to 24 inch range. It’s slow going on the big stuff but the saw gets it done. Like every chainsaw I’ve used it can be temperamental, especially when starting cold but once you understand it’s quirks it a fine tool.