STIHL MS 291 Petrol Chainsaw
£651.41 ex.VAT £781.69 Inc.VAT
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 291 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review explores the STIHL MS 291 Petrol Chainsaw, focusing on its power, efficiency, maintenance features and day-to-day usability for demanding outdoor tasks. You will find a clear look at who it suits, standout technologies, full specifications, how it stacks up against comparable models, practical usage tips and concise answers to popular questions.
Who the STIHL MS 291 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The MS 291 is designed for users who want a robust, petrol-powered all-rounder that excels in farm, estate and landscape maintenance. It is ideal for cutting firewood, managing windfall, trimming shelterbelts and tackling routine property upkeep where dependable performance matters.
Landscapers and grounds professionals will appreciate its balance of output and control, while experienced homeowners working larger plots benefit from a dependable engine and features that keep maintenance intervals comfortably spaced. It is also a smart pick for users who value reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions in a mid-range saw.
Key features
2.
8 kW performance with economical 2-MIX engine
The heart of the MS 291 delivers strong cutting power for an all-purpose saw, while the 2‑MIX design is engineered to trim fuel use by up to 20% and cut emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional two-stroke STIHL engines of the same class.
Four-channel technology for responsive power
A carefully directed fuel–air charge enhances combustion efficiency. The result is lively throttle response and high output that helps the chain stay productive in hardwood and larger diameter limbs.
Long-life air filtration with pre-separation and HD2 filter
A pre-separation airflow routes larger debris away before it reaches the HD2 filter, helping keep fine dust out of the engine. This system promotes long service life, extended cleaning intervals and easy care in dusty environments.
Compensator for consistent running
A carburettor compensator maintains the fuel–air balance as the filter loads, supporting steady performance, clean exhaust quality and efficient consumption over time. You keep cutting without frequent filter attention.
Professional anti-vibration system
Buffer and spring elements reduce the vibration transmitted to the handles. Comfortable control makes prolonged cutting sessions feel smoother and more manageable.
Side-mounted chain tensioner
Chain adjustments are quick and protected, with the tensioning screw accessed through the sprocket cover. This layout simplifies retensioning and chain swaps.
Tool-free fuel and oil caps
Bayonet-style caps let you open and close the tanks swiftly by hand, speeding up refuelling and bar oil top-ups between cuts.
Warranty upgrade opportunity
Domestic customers can increase standard coverage to three years by purchasing 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix at the same time as the saw; an approved dealer completes registration during purchase.
STIHL MS 291 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Engine power: 2.
80 kW - Engine output: 3.
80 HP - Displacement: 55.
5 cm³ - Bar length: 45 cm (18 in)
- Saw chain pitch: .
325″ - Groove width: 1.
60 mm - Device weight (without fuel): 5.
6 kg - System weight (without fuel): 6.
87 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 2 kg/kW
- Device length with bumper spike: 450 mm
- Sound pressure level: 103 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 114 dB(A)
- Vibration level left: 4.
5 m/s² - Vibration level right: 4.
5 m/s² - CO₂ emissions: 841 g/kWh
STIHL MS 291 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
STIHL MS 271
The MS 271 sits just below the MS 291, making it a great choice when nimble handling and routine farm and property tasks are the focus. Choosing the MS 291 brings added power for thicker logs and a little more headroom for demanding cutting without stepping up to a larger chassis.
STIHL MS 311
Positioned above the MS 291, the MS 311 is built for frequent heavy-duty work and larger timber. Opting for the MS 291 keeps the package more versatile for mixed tasks, with excellent fuel efficiency and a feature set tailored to everyday productivity.
In short, the MS 271 favors lighter, frequent maintenance; the MS 311 leans toward extended cutting in bigger wood; and the MS 291 balances strong output with efficiency for broad all-round use.
Usage tips
- Use fresh petrol and quality two-stroke oil at the recommended mix ratio to support clean running and strong acceleration.
- Before each session, confirm chain tension using the side-mounted adjuster; a properly tensioned chain improves cut quality and bar life.
- Keep the chain sharp and matched to the .
325″ pitch and 1.
60 mm gauge; consistent sharpening angles deliver faster, straighter cuts. - Top up bar and chain oil whenever you refuel, and verify oil delivery against a light surface before cutting.
- Make the most of the HD2 filter system by brushing away debris around the cover; inspect and clean during longer cutting days.
- Allow the saw to warm briefly on idle for smooth throttle response, then modulate revs to maintain steady chain speed through the cut.
- Store the saw clean and dry, release chain tension slightly when not in use and rotate the guide bar periodically for even wear.
- Choose protective equipment appropriate to chainsaw work, including eye, hearing, hand and leg protection.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 291 a good chainsaw?
Yes. With 2.
80 kW of power, an efficient 2‑MIX engine, long-life air filtration and professional anti-vibration, it is a highly capable all-rounder for farm, landscape and property maintenance.
What size bar does a STIHL MS 291 use?
The MS 291 is supplied with a 45 cm (18 in) guide bar according to the specifications. Always pair the bar with the correct chain pitch and gauge for optimal performance.
How much does a STIHL MS 291 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 5.
6 kg. The listed system weight without fuel is 6.
87 kg.
How many horsepower is a STIHL MS 291?
The engine output is 3.
80 HP, which equates to 2.
80 kW of power.
What chain does a STIHL MS 291 use?
The specification lists a .
325″ pitch with a 1.
60 mm groove width. Match chain type and drive link count to the bar fitted, and use the bar and chain advisory resources provided by STIHL for exact combinations.
How do you tension the chain on a STIHL MS 291?
Engage the chain brake, loosen the bar nuts on the sprocket cover, then turn the side-mounted tension screw to set proper tension. Tighten the bar nuts, release the brake and recheck tension by hand with gloves.
| Displacement | 55.5 cm³ |
| Power | 2.80 kW |
| Engine power | 3.80 HP |
| CO2 | 841 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 5.6 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 6.87 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 45 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 18 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.60 mm |
| Groove width | 63 in |
| Saw chain pitch | .325" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 450 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 103 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 114 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 4.5 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 4.5 m/s² 5) |
Product Info
Product Info
Side-mounted chain tensioning allows for protected, easy and quick chain tensioning and replacement. The tensioning screw is inserted laterally through the sprocket cover.
Pre-separation routing removes coarse, larger particles from the airstream before they can reach the actual filter. The HD2 filter keeps even fine dust away from the engine, ensuring a long engine service life, long cleaning intervals and easy maintenance of your chainsaw. When we refer to a long-life air filter system in chainsaws, this exclusively describes models that have pre-separation routing and an HD2 filter. With this system, you benefit from a significantly longer filter service life compared to conventional air filter systems.
The compensator is a control system in the carburettor, which uses pressure compensation to ensure that engine performance, exhaust gas quality and fuel consumption remain virtually constant over a long period of time, despite increasing contamination of the air filter. You do not need to clean the air filter until there is a noticeable drop in performance. This means that you can work for a long time without maintenance.
With tool-free fuel cap, you can open and close oil and fuel tanks in just a few simple steps, thanks to a bayonet closure.
Thanks to STIHL four-channel technology, you can work with your power tool with very low fuel consumption and high performance. The four overflow channels guide the fuel-and-air mixture into the cylinder in a targeted and more compressed manner, which optimally burns the fuel and significantly increases the performance of the engine.
Vibrations can occur when you put your power tools through their paces, and these are particularly noticeable in the grip area. The buffer and spring elements of the STIHL anti-vibration system reduce the transmission of vibrations to the handle area and therefore to your body. The result is that your power tool is more comfortable to hold and your work is much less tiring.
Warranty & Manuals
Warranty
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery
UK Standard Delivery from - £11.00
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Free Delivery available for orders above £150 Inc VAT
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Returns
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
Faulty returns please call us on 01603 754890
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