STIHL 261 vs 271: My Field-Tested Breakdown

Trying to choose between the STIHL 261 and 271? Here’s the short answer: the MS 261 is lighter, stronger, and made for full days in the woods. The MS 271 is heavier but simpler—and great for yard jobs or firewood. I’ve used both for years.

I’ve cut oak up north and cleared trees down south after storms. The 261 has pro features that save time and effort. But the 271 still works hard without costing as much. If you’re torn like I was, I’ll break down what really matters.

STIHL 261 vs 271: Which Chainsaw Fits You Best?

I’ve used both the STIHL MS 261 and MS 271 for years. From cutting storm damage to prepping firewood for cold Midwest winters, I know what these saws can do. Both are solid, but they fit different needs. Here’s a side-by-side look at how they really perform.

Cutting Power: STIHL 261 vs 271

Both saws handle hardwood. But the MS 261 cuts faster and stays strong under load. It powers through big logs without slowing down.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Engine Displacement	50.2 cc	50.2 cc
Power Output	4.0 hp	3.5 hp
Max Bar Length	20 in	20 in

I’ve used both on thick hickory and maple. The 261 moves smoother. The 271 can do it, but I need to go slower. When it’s time for serious cutting, I grab the 261.

Rating: MS 261 – 9.5/10 | MS 271 – 8/10

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Weight and Balance: STIHL 261 vs 271

The MS 261 is lighter and easier to handle. After long jobs, that makes a big difference.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Weight (dry)	10.8 lbs	12.3 lbs
Balance	Well-balanced	Front-heavy
Fatigue	Low	High

The 271 wears me out faster. The 261 feels nimble, even after 45 minutes of work.

Rating: MS 261 – 9/10 | MS 271 – 7.5/10

Fuel Use and Runtime: STIHL 261 vs 271

Both saws sip fuel. But the MS 261 runs longer and cleaner.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Fuel Tank Size	16.9 oz	16.9 oz
Runtime	~50 min	~40–45 min
Emissions	Low	Standard

The 261 gives me more runtime per tank. It also smells cleaner and builds up less grime.

Rating: MS 261 – 9/10 | MS 271 – 8/10

Ease of Use: STIHL 261 vs 271

The MS 271 is easier to start and set up. The 261 takes a bit more skill but gives you more control.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Start System	Standard	Easy2Start
Chain Tension	Manual	Quick Adjust
Filter Access	Tool-free	Tool-free

The 271 gets going fast. But once you learn the 261, it rewards you with better feel and feedback.

Rating: MS 261 – 8/10 | MS 271 – 9/10

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Durability and Build: STIHL 261 vs 271

The MS 261 is made tougher, with better materials and a high-end filter.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Crankcase Material	Magnesium	Polymer
Air Filter	HD2 Filter	Felt Filter
Long-Term Build	Strong	Moderate

The 261 handles dust, mud, and wet jobs better. Its filter stays clean longer. The body takes more abuse without cracking.

Rating: MS 261 – 9.5/10 | MS 271 – 8/10

Noise and Vibe: STIHL 261 vs 271

Both saws are loud. But the MS 261 sounds smoother, especially at full throttle.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Idle Noise	Moderate	Louder
Under Load	Smooth	Rougher
Ear Protection	Needed	Needed

I always wear muffs, but the 261’s sound is easier on the ears over time.

Rating: MS 261 – 8.5/10 | MS 271 – 8/10

Price and Value: STIHL 261 vs 271

The MS 271 is cheaper, but the MS 261 gives more value if you use it often.

Feature	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
MSRP	~$649.99	~$499.99
Value for Power	High	Good
Long-Term Value	Excellent	Fair

The 261 costs more but lasts longer. If you only cut now and then, go with the 271.

Rating: MS 261 – 9/10 | MS 271 – 8/10

Overall: STIHL 261 vs 271

Both saws are solid. But they’re made for different folks.

Category	STIHL MS 261	STIHL MS 271
Best For	Pros, daily firewood	Homeowners, weekend work
Strengths	Light, strong, durable	Easy to use, affordable
Weaknesses	Price, learning curve	Heavy, slower under load

If you cut wood all day or tackle big logs, the MS 261 is worth every penny. If you just need it for light use, the MS 271 will still get the job done.

Rating: MS 261 – 9/10 | MS 271 – 8.2/10

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How I Use Both Saws Throughout the Year

I use both the STIHL MS 261 and MS 271 all year long—but for different jobs.

In spring and fall, I grab the MS 271. It’s great for cleaning up limbs or storm debris. It’s not the lightest saw, but it’s easy enough to handle. It runs smooth and doesn’t burn too much fuel.

In winter, I switch to the MS 261. That’s when I’m cutting oak and ash for firewood. The 261 cuts faster and runs longer. After a full day, my arms don’t feel as sore. That helps a lot when it’s cold out and the sun sets early—like it does here in the Midwest.

If a neighbor asks to borrow a saw, I hand them the 271. It’s simple and safe for people who don’t cut often.

But when it’s my job to do, I take the 261. It saves time, cuts clean, and keeps me going without long breaks or fuel runs.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

• Use clean gas. Try ethanol-free fuel or STIHL MotoMix. Bad gas clogs small engines fast.
• Keep your chain sharp. Even the MS 261 will slow down if the teeth are dull.
• Let the 261 warm up for 30 seconds. The M-Tronic system runs better that way.
• Drain your gas tank or add fuel stabilizer before long storage. It helps the saw start easy later.
• Check bar oil often, especially on the 261. It oils more than the 271 and runs out faster.

Read More: STIHL MS250 vs MS251

Final Thoughts on STIHL 261 vs 271

If you cut firewood once in a while or just clean up the yard, the MS 271 is a solid pick. It’s tough, easy to run, and doesn’t cost as much.

But if you work the saw hard—cutting wood all winter or clearing storm damage—the MS 261 is worth it. It’s lighter, faster, and made for long days.

I keep both in the shed. But when I leave for a job that matters, I only take one. That’s the 261.

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FAQs: STIHL 261 vs 271