Stihl MS311 20" Bar Petrol Chainsaw 1140 200 0695 | GYC

Had my 311 for quite a while. About a year and a half ago the muffler loosened up. We tightened it and kept cutting. The next day, it was loose again after a tank of gas. I retapped the holes to an M6 and this held for about 6 months. Last week the muffler fell off. I have run Stihl for 20 plus years and never had one do this. The saw runs fine but it can't keep a muffler on. No help from the dealer I purchased the saw from. Recently upgraded to an MS 362.

As to be expected with a Stihl Product-outstanding

Out here in the Pacific Northwest chainsaws are as common a tool to be found as a knife or fork. We are known for our timber country (Portland's professional soccer team is called the Timbers). We have a ranch with hundreds of trees and unfortunately, we have storms out here on a regular basis. That is why I have 6 Stihl saws. Number one, because I like them and could probably get by with one but I appreciate fine craftsmanship. I also have two which I will loan out to family and friends when they need help on their property if they don't own a quality chainsaw or cutting tool of their own At work we have lineman who patrol 18,000 miles of high voltage transmission line. They carry at least one Stihl saw with them for a reason. They can be counted on during the most ... MoreOut here in the Pacific Northwest chainsaws are as common a tool to be found as a knife or fork. We are known for our timber country (Portland's professional soccer team is called the Timbers). We have a ranch with hundreds of trees and unfortunately, we have storms out here on a regular basis. That is why I have 6 Stihl saws. Number one, because I like them and could probably get by with one but I appreciate fine craftsmanship. I also have two which I will loan out to family and friends when they need help on their property if they don't own a quality chainsaw or cutting tool of their own At work we have lineman who patrol 18,000 miles of high voltage transmission line. They carry at least one Stihl saw with them for a reason. They can be counted on during the most difficult conditions. Because of the quality of the build and craftsmanship involved, these saws, even with heavy use can be counted on to last for years. A more reliable saw is a safer saw-thank you Stihl for making such a high quality product, you have made me and my family lifetime customers.

Awesome Chainsaw

Bought the MS311 chainsaw on the recommendation of the Stihl dealer to cut up several huge trees that were professionally downed. German made saw was perfect for the task, cutting 20-30 inch trunks without bogging down. The added weight of the saw helped get thru the trunks with ease. I initially wanted a lighter saw but was steered to the MS311 after describing my tasks. Boy was the salesman right. Absolutely wonderful chainsaw. No regrets

Awesome Power, once you get it started

Once running the saw has plenty of power even for my 25" bar sawing through a Black Cherry tree trunk. I have had a great deal of trouble starting the saw. In and out of the shop 3 times. Finally after 3 NGK plug changes the saw would start. About 6 pulls on full choke to get the burp then 6 pulls on half choke to get it to start. Changed to a Champion plug RCJ6Y and now starts on the second pull. I am using the Stihl Motomix 50:1. The saw has not lugged down at all with the 25" bar on it. I am quite impressed with the power.

Great Firewood Saw

I was looking for a farm and ranch saw and bought the MS311 with 20" bar, primarily for felling and bucking firewood at home. So far, it's done an excellent job! I followed Stihl's break-in recommendations and the saw has really become a beast. I have used it on ash, cherry, oak and maple in temperatures down to 2*F. No issues starting and the fuel economy has been very good. The saw is slightly heavier than it's professional counterparts, but not bad. Ergonomics are also very good and it feels solid and balanced in your hands. If you're looking for a reliable farm and ranch saw, I recommend the MS311.

It's how you run it.

I've had this saw for 4 years. I put it on full choke and it turns after maybe 3 pulls. Runs by the 5th. I live at 9000 feet cut even higher. This saw has worked out great for me every time. I haven't had any issues that alot of people talk about. UNFORTUNATELY, I believe I cut something to thick and overheated and scored the cylinder head. It still runs but I dont get the full power. And I think it was because I cut too thick. I do reccomend changing the air filter for one other than the one it comes with.

Plastic where there should be metal.

I bought this about 5 months ago. It was the highest end saw I could find within fifty miles of where I was shopping and I cannot tell you how disappointed I am. The power is fine and I do like that extra big fuel tank and oil res. But and this is a HUGE but it is plastic, brittle plastic at that, where there should be metal. I set the saw down on snow, not ice, snow from about a foot up, didn't feel like bending all the way down and it IS a chainsaw not a Tiffany lamp after all. Or so I thought. That drop of 12" broke the wrap around handle in two. Now first off why in the world is it plastic? That's rhetorical, as the answer is it should NEVER be plastic. and two, if it just has to be made of plastic (you know like by law) and "should" doesn't enter into this, ... MoreI bought this about 5 months ago. It was the highest end saw I could find within fifty miles of where I was shopping and I cannot tell you how disappointed I am. The power is fine and I do like that extra big fuel tank and oil res. But and this is a HUGE but it is plastic, brittle plastic at that, where there should be metal. I set the saw down on snow, not ice, snow from about a foot up, didn't feel like bending all the way down and it IS a chainsaw not a Tiffany lamp after all. Or so I thought. That drop of 12" broke the wrap around handle in two. Now first off why in the world is it plastic? That's rhetorical, as the answer is it should NEVER be plastic. and two, if it just has to be made of plastic (you know like by law) and "should" doesn't enter into this, then WHY isn't it made from some durable form of the stuff?Now normally, I don't complain. I suck it up, fix it, and move on. I didn't complain when this saw rolled over and the black half of the trigger handle broke. I just taped it up and kept on sawing. Same thing when this saw got a hole in the air cleaner cover. How? I couldn't tell you. I deal with the fact that the oil cap is a nightmare to get situated right and the gas cap that seems to be right but pops off about one in ten times and dumps gas all down my leg. but that handle?!?! Come on Stihl you can do better, Please do better. There isn't much left since Jonsered disappeared.

Questionable reliablity

I recommended this chainsaw for my grandparents due to them living in a wooded area with storms because as you might know, they don't mix. But the first time using was its first repair, I don't remember what happened exactly but I know from what I remember is when we went to go use it for the first time it worked great and turned it off to refill it again. But when we went to start again it wouldn't start and, it sounded like the compression was gone and that there was something metal in the engine. So we took it to the dealer we got it from, It took them a little while to fix it but we got it back and, after verifying it runs and sounded okay, we stored it for the winter and brought it back out just this week. So I got it ready And started up just fine. With no ... MoreI recommended this chainsaw for my grandparents due to them living in a wooded area with storms because as you might know, they don't mix. But the first time using was its first repair, I don't remember what happened exactly but I know from what I remember is when we went to go use it for the first time it worked great and turned it off to refill it again. But when we went to start again it wouldn't start and, it sounded like the compression was gone and that there was something metal in the engine. So we took it to the dealer we got it from, It took them a little while to fix it but we got it back and, after verifying it runs and sounded okay, we stored it for the winter and brought it back out just this week. So I got it ready And started up just fine. With no signs of anything wrong. Gave it to my grandmother and she began using it she cut the first log just fine but after she was done cutting and it was idling it stopped for no reason and felt hot. So we took it to a closer dealer for service. It sounded like there was something metal in the engine like before so we thought that the repair failed because I know mistakes happen, We all mess up sometimes and mistakes happen. But anyways a couple of days later they got back with us saying that the breather was clogged and it blew the piston in the engine. I'm thinking over here how is it clogged after getting repaired. It started up quickly and sounded great but then just broke when began using it on a log. I just feel blamed for suggesting this product, I thought STIHL was a reliable brand... I even suggested a trimmer for them and now I'm questioning if that will break too.

Should have bought this a long time ago!

I have had this for two weeks now, and have cut up two downed trees with 14 inch plus diameter trunks. I have the twenty inch bar and the 59 cc engine . I also have a popular pro 20 inch 50cc which this is replacing and to be honest I should have bit the bullets two years ago , there is a reason Stihl is more expensive it’s because it a lot better. The Stihl was a couple hundred bucks more but it is really a supreme beast. I went with the 59 cc engine after reading reviews that it makes a big difference and compared to the popular it really does. I have twice borrowed Stihl from friends and feel in love .There is a procedure for starting a Stihl I have found out in your tube and various sources. I flooded mine three or four times before I found this out. Simple ... MoreI have had this for two weeks now, and have cut up two downed trees with 14 inch plus diameter trunks. I have the twenty inch bar and the 59 cc engine . I also have a popular pro 20 inch 50cc which this is replacing and to be honest I should have bit the bullets two years ago , there is a reason Stihl is more expensive it’s because it a lot better. The Stihl was a couple hundred bucks more but it is really a supreme beast. I went with the 59 cc engine after reading reviews that it makes a big difference and compared to the popular it really does. I have twice borrowed Stihl from friends and feel in love .There is a procedure for starting a Stihl I have found out in your tube and various sources. I flooded mine three or four times before I found this out. Simple now I know.1. Try starting with full choke until first burp/kick2.continue starting at half choke . It will then start after a few pulls guaranteed!3 after it’s warmed up choke off.Now I got this it starts every time this way.Btw I use the gas that is pre made as I never know how long it will be between use and never want to dump out gas. The pre made stuff doesn’t go bad from what I hear and for me being a little lazy in regards to maintenance and storage procedures this is great piece of mind knowing that the gas is always good no matter how many months it’s been since last use.

Under powered for its size/weight

Overall, this is an okay saw, though it seems a bit sluggish and generally has a lot less power output than I'd expect for the number of CC's. Though I keep my chains very sharp, I find this saw to just not be up to the task of bucking larger fir and hemlock, which can be quite wet. I've since purchased a 462, and wish I'd never bought this saw. It seems to be an awkward place in terms of weight/power: too heavy for limbing and light bucking, and under powered for felling or larger trees. Some reviewers mentioned that it does better after break-in, so I waited until I had 30 or so tanks of gas through it.I've also found that this saw seems to have a finicky oiler, which becomes clogged more quickly than other saws I run.