ms362 vs ms391

neckar · October 14, 2019, 09:22:48 PM

What is the difference between the Sthil ms362 and the ms391? I see the physical differences in the catalog but they sound almost identical. I maintain 80 acres of hardwoods and some incidental cutting for friends with an Echo sp620 and will be buying a second saw, one of the 2 mentioned above.

lxskllr · October 14, 2019, 09:37:45 PM

Less weight and more power with the 362. They're probably equally repairable, unless you went for the 362cm. A computer problem would require dealer assistance. The older 362 standard had issues with the air cleaner letting in dirt. Dunno if they've updated it to the newer pleated filter(which some people also complain about). Never used a 391, but I have a 362cm, and am very happy with it.

btulloh · October 14, 2019, 09:50:46 PM

I tried a 391 and then gladly bought the 362cm. No comparison. Better balance, lighter, more repairable. It's been a really good saw. No problems with the m-tronic. Stays in good tune.

sawguy21 · October 14, 2019, 10:05:59 PM

The 391 is a lower priced farm/ranch saw, while good for it's intended purpose it is no match for the 362. The latter is lighter, faster, and more durable designed for steady use by the professional cutter.

neckar · October 15, 2019, 05:06:49 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm no professional but do appreciate good equipment which means the 362. Now, to go with the cm model or not. I don't like more complicated machines but I haven't heard any bad things about it, seems to keep the saw in tune. Any comments?

lxskllr · October 15, 2019, 05:18:13 PM

Probably depends on how proficient you are at tuning, and doing your own maintenance, and how much you enjoy it. I can muddle my way through mechanical work, but it isn't something I enjoy. I like the cm because all I have to do is add fuel, bar oil, and pull the cord. It Just Works™.

Like I said in the previous post, a computer problem will require a trip to the dealer to fix. At this point, there's no way around it. With the non cm saw, you can do everything yourself. I've had zero issues with my two Mtronic saws, and given a choice, I'd prefer the cm variant.

ChrisRoss · October 16, 2019, 01:13:30 AM

MS362 is lighter and more powerful than MS391.It has good balance and can ensure a lot more repairs than ms391.

ladylake · October 16, 2019, 05:08:19 AM

Ms362 is a fine saw and should be real close to a Echo CS620 in cutting speed, get a Echo CS590 or 620 way before a Stihl MS391. Steve

neckar · October 16, 2019, 07:43:28 PM

Thanks for all the replies, it made my decision much easier. Explains the price difference in the Stihls.

ZeroJunk · October 17, 2019, 08:56:39 PM

Can you even buy a standard MS362 anymore ?

lxskllr · October 17, 2019, 09:00:33 PM

Quote from: ZeroJunk on October 17, 2019, 08:56:39 PM
Can you even buy a standard MS362 anymore ?

They're still listed in the catalog. If I remember right, mine that got stolen was built in 2016.

btulloh · October 17, 2019, 09:09:35 PM

If you look at the catalog or the website, they break down into homeowner, farm, and pro. It makes more sense then. Just looking at the dealer, they don't separate the sheep from the goats.

Probably any non-mtronic models still available are new old stock.

After using the mtronic for 2or3 years, i wouldn't want the other version. Just my experience so far.

Magicman · October 17, 2019, 09:16:09 PM

Quote from: ZeroJunk on October 17, 2019, 08:56:39 PM
Can you even buy a standard MS362 anymore ?

Yes, I bought one this year.

lxskllr · October 17, 2019, 09:19:28 PM

Quote from: Magicman on October 17, 2019, 09:16:09 PM
Yes, I bought one this year.

Have they changed to the pleated air filter, or is it still the old cartridge?

Magicman · October 18, 2019, 07:45:02 PM

Pleated.

sablatnic · October 19, 2019, 10:21:04 AM

Maybe wait for the replacement - in a year or two:

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JW IN VA · October 20, 2019, 05:19:06 PM

Will the new pleated filter work on the older style MS 362? I haven't had issues with mine but if the new style is batter and will fit,I'll try it.
I like to clean mine when I flip my bar every other sharpening.Mostly, all it takes is tapping the filter on something or using a clean paint brush.

lxskllr · October 20, 2019, 05:23:19 PM

I gave half a look at converting my saw, but it's a non trivial change. There's a lot of plastic that needs to go with the new system, including the top cover. I wasn't interested enough to put that kind of effort into it.

JW IN VA · October 20, 2019, 05:49:31 PM

Thanks.I won't try it.Alright with what I have.

ZeroJunk · October 21, 2019, 12:08:02 PM

Quote from: Magicman on October 17, 2019, 09:16:09 PM
Quote from: ZeroJunk on October 17, 2019, 08:56:39 PM
Can you even buy a standard MS362 anymore ?
Yes, I bought one this year.

I work on three or four that belong to a tree service that are standard carburetors. He loves them.
The only regular problem that arises is that some how the throttle linkage manages to come out of it's slot occasionally. Don't see what the guys do to get it out, but they do.
These saws have a lot of hours on them.

ChrisRoss · October 23, 2019, 10:32:21 PM

I had 362. It has some problems in air cleaner.Not sure about if the issue is fixed yet!

woodfire · November 14, 2019, 10:17:19 AM

391 is a clamshell engine while the 362 is bolt on cylinder
local stihl elite dealer no longer stocks the 362 with computer chip carb because they had so many returns and problems with them
if it any comparison like a 261 vs 250, the 261, the 261 will cut circles around a 250