anyone use the MS 039

treesailor · 11th November 2007, 05:41 PM

Hi I am thinking about buying a MS039 as a mid range saw that is light with alot of power to take up in the tree. Has anyone used this particular STIHL???

Eric Frei · 11th November 2007, 06:25 PM

That'd be the home owners model MS390 wouldn't it, they're plastic yeah?

There's 3 saws I really dont like from Stihl

MS290, MS310 and MS390

They call them Farmboss or something like that, have quite large engines and plastic cases. Also they like to stick a 25" bar on the MS390 so it looks even meaner but frankly ... it's gutless POS!

On paper the torque and hp look good, till you cut something, damned gutless. Also the ones I've had, my mates have had etc (so a lot, maybe 8 saws in total) all sucked to start hot.

From memory to help them cut I switched to 0.325 LP chain and 20" bar coz it couldn't pull a 20" chain through a palm head.

Stick with the pro model Stihls or get a Husky frankly.

Steve Tipton · 11th November 2007, 07:23 PM

Better off with a 361 or a 440. 357 husky goes good too

Eric Frei · 11th November 2007, 07:40 PM

Yeah, what he says.

shaggs · 11th November 2007, 08:58 PM

As the guys said above. They look good on paper but they're like drivindg a car with the handbrake on. Spend the extra and get the 361. Chalk and cheese.

shaggs · 11th November 2007, 08:59 PM

BTW if you Do have one, they are probably one of the easiest saws to mod the exhaust. Then they are at least bearable!

Eric Frei · 11th November 2007, 09:05 PM

I got a 390 thinking palms wont eat them away being all plastic ... friggin thing ate me away so I got rid of it cheap!

Even when you hit the throttle it takes yonks for it to get revs up, struggled with palms big time, now my palm slayer saw is a 44

shaggs · 11th November 2007, 09:13 PM

I had exactly the same thought (plastic for palms) but turned out to be crap. Dealer recons because the saw (motor size compared to power output) isn't working as hard it will last alot longer too. Problem is it takes you twice as long to do the job!
Exhaust mod did make quite a difference.

treesailor · 12th November 2007, 07:11 PM

Thanks for all the info. I have a coule of 046 's I was just thinking of getting something a little lighter to take up in trees. However Ill go with a 361 or just stick to the 046 thanks to all !!

DBS · 13th November 2007, 12:46 PM

i have nothing bad to say about the 361 !!!!

shaggs · 14th November 2007, 08:11 PM

361 definately the way to go.

treesailor · 18th December 2007, 07:02 PM

I bought the 361 a few weeks ago. Dam its a nice saw. Tons of power and better than dragging around my 046 all the time thanks guys

SawTroll · 18th December 2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

.... On paper the torque and hp look good, till you cut something, damned gutless. Also the ones I've had, my mates have had etc (so a lot, maybe 8 saws in total) all sucked to start hot.

From memory to help them cut I switched to 0.325 LP chain and 20" bar coz it couldn't pull a 20" chain through a palm head.

Stick with the pro model Stihls or get a Husky frankly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quintrex

Better off with a 361 or a 440. 357 husky goes good too

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

Yeah, what he says.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggs

As the guys said above. They look good on paper but they're like drivindg a car with the handbrake on. Spend the extra and get the 361. Chalk and cheese.

(and more)

Way to go!!!

If you think you need a 390, what you really need is a 361.....

woodyman · 23rd June 2008, 11:10 AM

My brother and I got our saws about the same time me a MS310 him a MS361.The only thing I dont like about the MS310 is how the heck do you clean the cylinder without taking the handle and carb off.With the muffler mod my MS310 out cut my brothers MS361 on a 12 inch peice of red oak.My brother could not understand how this could be.I let him make a few cuts with the MS310 and he was shocked at how it went through the oak without slowing down.I really like to keep my saws clean so the MS310 is up for sale.I just got my HUSQVARNA 359 yesterday and I am planning on how to mod it right now

Eric Frei · 23rd June 2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodyman

The only thing I dont like about the MS310 is how the heck do you clean the cylinder without taking the handle and carb off.

What are you cleaning, the pot? I never done this, ever, I just dont get it can you explain what you're cleaning and why.

Occasionally I have squirted a ton of WD40 down the plug hole and cranked it but that's all. Then fire her up with a new plug and smoke out the neighbourhood ... prolly a law against that too!

Steve Tipton · 23rd June 2008, 04:29 PM

I think he's referring to cleaning the cooling fins?

woodyman · 24th June 2008, 01:20 AM

Sorry,I meant the cooling fins.My other two huskys I just sold(one a 1980 44 and the other a 1984 266SE)I had no problem cleaning the cooling fins on.Im I wrong or is there a way to clean the cooling fins on a MS310 with out taking half the saw apart?

STEVEGODSEYJR · 25th June 2008, 12:29 AM

I have a ms390 saw that is ok for what I use it for. I am just selling it too buy something that I can put a 28" bar on it when I need too. Lately I have been cutting up some very lsrg trees for firewood.

Eric Frei · 25th June 2008, 09:33 PM

28" bar eh, you want something over 4kw for that.

arborjockey · 26th June 2008, 12:25 PM

Whats in between the 200t and the 361? My 361 is a little bit to much some times. We have a pro at work and runs ok...

TrevMcRev · 26th June 2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arborjockey

Whats in between the 200t and the 361? My 361 is a little bit to much some times. We have a pro at work and runs ok...

Ms260 was a good in between saw, but still, just chuck a little 16" bar on the 361 it'll go like mad.

arborjockey · 27th June 2008, 01:06 PM

Im not afraid to admit its a little much for me. The 361 is a great saw but a bit big for me to be comfertable in the tree. 6'3 165lb I climb from sun up to sun down 8 days a week no problem but the wrists cant hold that saw up all day.

newguy18 · 28th June 2008, 01:55 AM

8 days a week? from what i understood i ain't much bigger than a 51 husky and thats what i climb with.

11th November 2007, 05:41 PM	#1
treesailor Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 14	anyone use the MS 039 Hi I am thinking about buying a MS039 as a mid range saw that is light with alot of power to take up in the tree. Has anyone used this particular STIHL???

11th November 2007, 06:25 PM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: anyone use the MS 039 That'd be the home owners model MS390 wouldn't it, they're plastic yeah? There's 3 saws I really dont like from Stihl MS290, MS310 and MS390 They call them Farmboss or something like that, have quite large engines and plastic cases. Also they like to stick a 25" bar on the MS390 so it looks even meaner but frankly ... it's gutless POS! On paper the torque and hp look good, till you cut something, damned gutless. Also the ones I've had, my mates have had etc (so a lot, maybe 8 saws in total) all sucked to start hot. From memory to help them cut I switched to 0.325 LP chain and 20" bar coz it couldn't pull a 20" chain through a palm head. Stick with the pro model Stihls or get a Husky frankly. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

11th November 2007, 07:23 PM	#3
Steve Tipton Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 823	Re: anyone use the MS 039 Better off with a 361 or a 440. 357 husky goes good too

11th November 2007, 07:40 PM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: anyone use the MS 039 Yeah, what he says. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

11th November 2007, 08:58 PM	#5
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: anyone use the MS 039 As the guys said above. They look good on paper but they're like drivindg a car with the handbrake on. Spend the extra and get the 361. Chalk and cheese.

11th November 2007, 08:59 PM	#6
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: anyone use the MS 039 BTW if you Do have one, they are probably one of the easiest saws to mod the exhaust. Then they are at least bearable!

11th November 2007, 09:05 PM	#7
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: anyone use the MS 039 I got a 390 thinking palms wont eat them away being all plastic ... friggin thing ate me away so I got rid of it cheap! Even when you hit the throttle it takes yonks for it to get revs up, struggled with palms big time, now my palm slayer saw is a 44 __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

11th November 2007, 09:13 PM	#8
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: anyone use the MS 039 I had exactly the same thought (plastic for palms) but turned out to be crap. Dealer recons because the saw (motor size compared to power output) isn't working as hard it will last alot longer too. Problem is it takes you twice as long to do the job! Exhaust mod did make quite a difference.

12th November 2007, 07:11 PM	#9
treesailor Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 14	Re: anyone use the MS 039 Thanks for all the info. I have a coule of 046 's I was just thinking of getting something a little lighter to take up in trees. However Ill go with a 361 or just stick to the 046 thanks to all !!

13th November 2007, 12:46 PM	#10
DBS Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CT USA Posts: 182	Re: anyone use the MS 039 i have nothing bad to say about the 361 !!!! __________________ Stihl MS 200T Stihl MS 361

14th November 2007, 08:11 PM	#11
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: anyone use the MS 039 361 definately the way to go.

18th December 2007, 07:02 PM	#12
treesailor Sappling Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 14	Re: anyone use the MS 039 I bought the 361 a few weeks ago. Dam its a nice saw. Tons of power and better than dragging around my 046 all the time thanks guys

23rd June 2008, 11:10 AM	#14
woodyman Sappling Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA Posts: 17	Re: anyone use the MS 039 My brother and I got our saws about the same time me a MS310 him a MS361.The only thing I dont like about the MS310 is how the heck do you clean the cylinder without taking the handle and carb off.With the muffler mod my MS310 out cut my brothers MS361 on a 12 inch peice of red oak.My brother could not understand how this could be.I let him make a few cuts with the MS310 and he was shocked at how it went through the oak without slowing down.I really like to keep my saws clean so the MS310 is up for sale.I just got my HUSQVARNA 359 yesterday and I am planning on how to mod it right now Attached Thumbnails

23rd June 2008, 04:29 PM	#16
Steve Tipton Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 823	Re: anyone use the MS 039 I think he's referring to cleaning the cooling fins? __________________ Heightmaster

24th June 2008, 01:20 AM	#17
woodyman Sappling Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: USA Posts: 17	Re: anyone use the MS 039 Sorry,I meant the cooling fins.My other two huskys I just sold(one a 1980 44 and the other a 1984 266SE)I had no problem cleaning the cooling fins on.Im I wrong or is there a way to clean the cooling fins on a MS310 with out taking half the saw apart? Attached Thumbnails

25th June 2008, 12:29 AM	#18
STEVEGODSEYJR Sappling Join Date: May 2008 Location: INDIANA Posts: 21	Re: anyone use the MS 039 I have a ms390 saw that is ok for what I use it for. I am just selling it too buy something that I can put a 28" bar on it when I need too. Lately I have been cutting up some very lsrg trees for firewood.

25th June 2008, 09:33 PM	#19
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,811	Re: anyone use the MS 039 28" bar eh, you want something over 4kw for that. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

26th June 2008, 12:25 PM	#20
arborjockey Mature tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: hawaii. ohio. oregon. california Posts: 260	Re: anyone use the MS 039 Whats in between the 200t and the 361? My 361 is a little bit to much some times. We have a pro at work and runs ok...

27th June 2008, 01:06 PM	#22
arborjockey Mature tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: hawaii. ohio. oregon. california Posts: 260	Re: anyone use the MS 039 Im not afraid to admit its a little much for me. The 361 is a great saw but a bit big for me to be comfertable in the tree. 6'3 165lb I climb from sun up to sun down 8 days a week no problem but the wrists cant hold that saw up all day.

28th June 2008, 01:55 AM	#23
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: anyone use the MS 039 8 days a week? from what i understood i ain't much bigger than a 51 husky and thats what i climb with. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

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