Anyone actually using an MS391

[Stubby]

9 hours ago, djbobbins said:

In case anyone is interested, this is a different seller (has got the grace to call it a Stihl copy) but looks like the same model of saw that I didn’t buy yesterday:  

 

 

Standard Chinese Zomax " re badger "

[peatff]

On 04/04/2023 at 10:02, Peter 1955 said:

. I believe it's roughly equivalent to the trusty 038 I recently pensioned off.

 

038 was available in standard, super and magnum version, why ever you'd want one covered in chocolate and nuts is beyond me though 🤥

[Peter 1955]

2 hours ago, peatff said:

 

038 was available in standard, super and magnum version, why ever you'd want one covered in chocolate and nuts is beyond me though 🤥

Mine is littered with suffixes. AVSEQ! Go faster stripes as well. 😂 We used to get offcuts from a timber yard, and discussed the appeal of the Magnum offering, same weight, more power. They told us that one of the lads who worked there decided he must have that extra power, so got the Magnum. Apparently, it was a pile of poo. Interestingly, if you read the handbook for the 038, it told you to run so many tanks of fuel through it, then take it back to be retuned for more power. I did just this, and the mechanic told me that he was perfectly happy to do so, but if he didn't touch it at all, it would last forever. Following his excellent advice, so far it has done. 

[djbobbins]

13 hours ago, GarethM said:

Think I'd rather the Aldi special than buy anything off Facebook.

 

Vintage doesn't mean it's better, collectable maybe but a definite it's going in the collectable scrapman pile when it breaks.

 

Buy once, cry once as the saying goes.

I am quite undecided - was pleased with my £99 56cc Scheppach until I killed it.  
 

Also seen a used (but looks in v. good condition) Mitox 6224 which would probably do the job.  

[Trailoftears]

Interesting debate.I have a vintage 038 dating back to say,the early 80's? And it was classed as a 'farmer/landscaper' saw back in the day-i.e. a stihl budget saw- super farm boss type.I also own a newish ms261 ' pro' saw too+a ms441 pro saw.The old 038 is crude by today's standards I guess,but incredibly robust,with a forever filter,both sides of the case magnesium.Solid metal wrapover metal handle.It will start on a sixpence even after sitting under my workbench partially filled with no use for 6 months.The 261 is lovely too,but much more plastic involved,less magnesium-plastic starter recoil cover/handle,also the air filter isnt as good/cleanable either.Progress?The ms441 weighs the same as the old 038 and is about 5cc's more powerful with various luxuries-decomp valve etc,but quite bulbous I would say.My conclusions?Stihl made effin good saws back in the day and the old budget saws can hold their own-and more with today's pro versions.Be interesting to see will my 261 still be running like a mad dog in 40 odd years time....The 038 certainly does.

[djbobbins]

That sounds like exactly what I am looking for - rugged dependability and hopefully decent grunt from the 66cc (which I think the Super of that vintage is).