Stihl MS 311 Chainsaw - 59.0cc Gas Engine with 20in Guide Bar for Farm and Ranch - STI-MS31120

Stihl MS 311 Chainsaw - 59.0cc Gas Engine with 20in Guide Bar for Farm and Ranch - STI-MS31120

Stihl MS 311 with 20in Guide Bar is a high-tech workhorse designed specifically for large properties, farms, and ranches where serious cutting power is needed. Its advanced engine technology delivers impressive fuel economy, allowing you to work longer between refueling stops while saving money on fuel costs. With a powerful 59.0cc engine producing 4.2bhp, this chainsaw easily handles demanding tasks from felling trees to cutting large amounts of firewood.

The MS311 combines professional-grade power with user-friendly features that make long workdays more manageable. The advanced anti-vibration system significantly reduces fatigue, while comfort features like toolless caps and side-access chain tensioning minimize downtime in the field. With larger fuel and oil tanks than comparable models, this reliable chainsaw keeps you productive through extended cutting sessions, letting you finish jobs faster and with less effort.

Features

• Fuel-Efficient Engine: Improves fuel economy by up to 20% over previous models for longer run times
• IntelliCarb Compensating Carburetor: Automatically adjusts air/fuel ratio when the air filter becomes restricted
• Advanced Anti-Vibration System: Reduces operator fatigue during extended cutting sessions
• Large Fuel and Oil Tanks: Designed for extended use with less frequent refilling
• Side-Access Chain Tensioner: Makes chain adjustments more convenient in the field
• Toolless Fuel and Oil Caps: Feature retainers for easy maintenance without special tools
• Decompression Valve: Makes starting easier with reduced pulling effort
• Bumper Spikes: Provide better control and stability during cutting operations

Specifications

What our Experts Think
Q&A

Q: What is the STIHL MS 311 Chainsaw?
A: A mid-range farm and ranch gas chainsaw powered by a 59.0 cc engine, configured here with a 20-inch guide bar, designed for firewood cutting, storm cleanup, and general land management.

Q: How powerful is it?
A: It produces about 4.2 hp (3.1 kW), giving strong cutting performance for medium-to-large logs and regular rural property use.

Q: Is 59cc accurate?
A: Yes — the engine displacement is 59.0 cc (3.6 cu. in.) across all MS 311 variants.

Q: What bar length does it support?
A: The MS 311 is typically recommended for 16" to 20" bars, making the 20-inch configuration one of the upper balanced setups for power and control.

Q: What makes it good for farm and ranch work?
A: It includes anti-vibration technology, IntelliCarb™ fuel compensation, and pre-separation air filtration, helping maintain consistent power while reducing maintenance and operator fatigue during long cutting sessions.

Q: Is it fuel efficient?
A: Yes. It uses STIHL’s low-emission engine design that improves efficiency and can reduce fuel use compared to older models while maintaining strong torque output.

Q: How heavy is it?
A: Around 13.6–14.1 lb (powerhead only, dry weight) depending on configuration, making it manageable for extended farm use.

Q: What is it best used for?
A: Ideal for firewood processing, small-to-medium tree felling, fence line clearing, and storm debris cleanup on farms and rural properties.

Q: Why choose the 20-inch version?
A: The 20-inch bar balances reach and control, allowing efficient cutting of larger logs without overloading the engine—better versatility than longer-bar setups on the same power class.

• The STIHL MS 311 is a farm & ranch–grade gasoline chainsaw designed for dependable, mid-heavy-duty cutting tasks like firewood, land clearing, and storm cleanup.
• Powered by a 59.0 cc STIHL engine (~4.2 hp), it delivers strong cutting performance with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions for longer runtime.
• Equipped with a 20-inch guide bar, it offers a more balanced, maneuverable setup compared to longer-bar variants while still handling medium-to-large logs efficiently.
• Built-in anti-vibration system and ergonomic chassis design reduce operator fatigue during extended cutting sessions.
• Features like pre-separation air filtration and IntelliCarb compensation help maintain consistent performance in dusty farm environments while extending filter life.
• Includes practical jobsite conveniences such as side-access chain tensioning and toolless fuel/oil caps for faster maintenance.
• Best suited for farm owners, ranchers, and property managers needing a durable all-round saw for regular heavy work—not continuous professional forestry use.
• A reliable “workhorse” chainsaw that prioritizes durability, control, and ease of use, with the 20" configuration offering the best balance of reach and handling.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean after every use: Remove sawdust, oil, and debris from bar, chain, sprocket cover, and cooling fins to prevent overheating and wear.
• Chain care: Keep chain sharp and properly tensioned; check before each use for safe, efficient cutting performance.
• Guide bar maintenance: Clean oil channels and sprocket tip regularly; flip bar periodically for even wear and longer service life.
• Chain lubrication: Always check bar oil level and ensure automatic oiler is functioning to protect bar and chain.
• Air filter service: Clean or replace regularly to maintain strong engine performance and fuel efficiency in farm conditions.
• Fuel system care: Use fresh fuel mix only; avoid stale fuel and drain tank for long-term storage.
• Spark plug check: Inspect periodically for carbon buildup and replace if starting becomes difficult or performance drops.
• Fastener inspection: Tighten bar nuts, chain cover, and housing screws due to vibration during heavy-duty cutting.
• Cooling system: Keep engine intake and fins clear of dust and wood chips to prevent overheating.
• Storage: Fit bar cover, store in a dry place, and lightly oil chain and bar to prevent rust.