The Legend of the Stihl 029 Super Chainsaw: A Classic Farm Boss
The Stihl 029 Super chainsaw stands as a legendary model in the history of mid-range, heavy-duty utility saws.1 Part of the iconic 1127 series, which also included the standard 029 and the more powerful 039, the 029 Super Stihl chainsaw filled a crucial gap between homeowner and professional saws.2 It quickly became the go-to choice for firewood cutters, large property owners, and farmers, earning a reputation for rugged durability and surprising power.
Though discontinued, its legacy lives on through the modern MS 290 series and its continued popularity on the used market. This article provides a deep dive into the 029 Super Stihl chainsaw specs, an honest review, guidance on sourcing parts and the manual, and what to expect when looking for one for sale.
📅 Stihl 029 Super Years Made and Model Lineage
The 029 Super Stihl chainsaw was a specific, enhanced variant of the original 029 model.
Production Timeline
- Year Introduced: The Stihl 029 model line was introduced around 1992.3
- Model Lineage: The 029 series, including the 029 Super, was eventually succeeded by the popular MS 290 (often branded as the Farm Boss).4 The basic design platform, known for its durable polymer casing, was the foundation for Stihl’s most popular homeowner/utility saws for decades.
- Year Discontinued: The 029 series was phased out around 2000, making way for the MS-series nomenclature (MS 290, MS 310, MS 390).5
What Made the “Super” Special?
The “Super” designation meant the saw had a slightly larger displacement and bore size than the standard 029 model, resulting in more horsepower and torque. This gave it an edge in handling longer guide bars and tougher wood-cutting tasks, offering near-professional performance at a mid-range price.
⚙️ 029 Super Stihl Chainsaw Specs: Power and Build
The 029 Super Stihl chainsaw specs positioned it as a heavy-hitting utility saw, designed for hard work without the specialized lightweight components of a professional model.
| Specification | Detail (029 Super) |
| Engine Displacement | $\approx 56.5 \text{ cc} (3.45 \text{ cu. in.})$ |
| Engine Power | $\approx 2.8 \text{ kW} (3.8 \text{ bhp})$ |
| Powerhead Weight | $\approx 5.9 \text{ kg} (13.0 \text{ lbs})$ |
| Fuel Capacity | $560 \text{ cc}$ |
| Recommended Bar Lengths | $16 \text{ inches to } 20 \text{ inches}$ |
| Standard Chain Pitch | $3/8 \text{ inch}$ |
| Standard Chain Gauge | $0.050 \text{ inch}$ |
Stihl 029 Super Weight
At a Stihl 029 Super Weight of approximately 6$13 \text{ lbs}$ (powerhead only), the saw is considered solid and robust.7 While modern professional saws in this displacement class may be slightly lighter, the 029 Super’s mass contributes to its durability and dampens vibration during aggressive cutting.
⭐ 029 Super Stihl Chainsaw Review: Performance in the Field
The 029 Super Stihl chainsaw review consensus is overwhelmingly positive, particularly from the perspective of a user needing a reliable, powerful saw for serious firewood duty or property maintenance.
- Power and Torque: Users often praise the saw’s strong torque curve, allowing it to pull a $20 \text{ inch}$ bar through hardwood effectively, though an $18 \text{ inch}$ bar is often cited as the perfect match for optimum speed.
- Durability: The saw’s heavier construction and robust polymer shell make it highly resistant to damage from drops and bumps, key attributes for a saw used in demanding environments.
- Serviceability: As a simpler, non-M-Tronic model, the 029 Super is relatively easy for knowledgeable owners or small engine shops to diagnose and repair.
The primary drawback cited in a 029 Super Stihl chainsaw review is the weight; it is heavier and less nimble than its professional counterparts (like the 026/MS 260) but offers comparable power to the slightly larger 039/MS 390.
💰 029 Super Stihl Chainsaw Price and Availability
Since it has been out of production for decades, the 029 Super Stihl chainsaw price is determined exclusively by the used market.
Used Market Pricing
The 029 Super Stihl chainsaw for sale typically appears on classifieds sites, auctions (like eBay), and local farm equipment listings.8
- Running Condition Price: A well-maintained 029 Super Stihl chainsaw for sale in good running condition with solid compression typically fetches between $250 and $400 USD, depending on the bar/chain included and the cosmetic condition.
- “For Parts” Price: Saws sold for parts or needing major engine work can often be purchased for less than $200 USD.
Its resale value holds steady because of the Stihl brand reputation, the availability of aftermarket parts, and the simple, robust engineering.
🛠️ Resources for the Classic Stihl Owner
Maintaining a vintage saw requires access to the right documentation and components.
029 Super Stihl Chainsaw Manual
The original 029 Super Stihl chainsaw manual is essential for proper maintenance. It contains critical information regarding:
- Fuel Mixture: The correct two-stroke oil ratio (typically 50:1 with Stihl oil).9
- Carburetor Tuning: Detailed instructions for adjusting the High (H) and Low (L) screws.
- Maintenance Schedules: Specifics on cleaning air filters, spark plug gaps, and chain tensioning.
While hard copies are rare, the manual can often be found in PDF format through Stihl’s official archives or via online enthusiast forums.
029 Super Stihl Chainsaw Parts
One of the great advantages of owning a Stihl saw from the 1127 series is the excellent interchangeability of parts with other models in the family (029, 039, MS 290, MS 310, MS 390).
- Availability: Genuine Stihl parts are often still available through authorized dealers.
- Aftermarket: Due to the extreme popularity of the MS 290/029 platform, there is a vast supply of high-quality aftermarket 029 Super Stihl chainsaw parts available online, including cylinder/piston kits, ignition coils, carburetors, and standard wear items like filters, oil pumps, and clutch assemblies. This keeps repair costs reasonable and the saw economically viable to rebuild.
❓ 5 FAQs about the Stihl 029 Super Chainsaw
Q1: What is the main difference between the Stihl 029 and the 029 Super?
A: The Stihl 029 Super is an enhanced version of the standard 029. It features a slightly larger piston bore, resulting in an increased engine displacement (from $54.1 \text{ cc}$ to $\approx 56.5 \text{ cc}$) and a corresponding boost in horsepower and torque. This gives the Super the edge for handling $20 \text{ inch}$ bars and tougher cuts.
Q2: What modern Stihl saw replaced the 029 Super?
A: The Stihl 029 Super and its 1127 series siblings were replaced by the Stihl MS 290, which is commonly known as the Farm Boss. The MS 290 carried forward the utility-class spirit and much of the design philosophy of the 029 platform.
Q3: What is the optimal bar length for the 029 Super?
A: While the 029 Super Stihl chainsaw specs list a maximum recommended bar length of $20 \text{ inches}$, most experienced users suggest an 18-inch guide bar provides the best balance of cutting capacity, speed, and handling for general firewood cutting.
Q4: Can I still get genuine 029 Super Stihl chainsaw parts?
A: Yes. Stihl maintains a good supply of genuine 029 Super Stihl chainsaw parts through its dealer network, and because the internal engine design is shared with the very popular MS 290, high-quality aftermarket parts are also widely available, making the saw easy and affordable to maintain.
Q5: Is the Stihl 029 Super a professional-grade saw?
A: The 029 Super Stihl chainsaw is generally classified as a heavy-duty utility or farm saw, not a professional logging saw. While it has ample power, its construction (specifically the polymer housing and heavier build) means it is not designed for the continuous, all-day stress of an arborist or professional logger, who typically use lighter, all-magnesium chassis saws like the MS 261 or MS 362 series.
