MS271 or MS261

Just from the spec sheets, the 261 has more horsepower and less weight than the 271.

Never ran a 271, but my 261 (stock) is a great saw. It can handle a 20" bar although 16" is my preference. It's easy to maintain and has the HD air filter. The newest model on the market (261C-M) has the M-tronic feature so no adjusting the carb necessary at all. IMHO go with the MS261C-M, especially if your budget allows. Also, since you are looking at the 50cc market, don't discount other brands. The Husqvarna 550XP is also a great saw. There are others too if you feel like doing the research. If you plan on having the saw for a long time, you can't go wrong with a pro model from any other top brands.

Let us know what you decide and of course pics or it never happened.

261= Pro grade saw. 271= Homeowner grade saw.

271= mid range/ farm saw, Not homeowner. If money is not a concern, spend $160 more and get a 261. However a 271 will be all you will ever need.

wenger7446 said:

Thanks! I understand the "Pro" vs. "Ranch" labeling differences but I was looking for particular differences. eg: better piston rings, better air filtration, better cooling, etc.

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Typically more metal in the build, more durability and an improved power to weight ratio. We have a few 260's at work and I also own one; all have been great saws. I can't comment on the 271.

261- mag case, captive bar nuts, hd filter, adj. oiler.

Those captive bar nuts sure are icing on the cake.

On the subject of the MS260, I was in the shop the other day indicating that I had budget to buy a couple more in January. They let me know that for next year Stihl is changing them over to an electronic ignition like the Husqvarna 550. I figured it was a matter of time.

wenger7446 said:

Thanks for the great feed back. What are captive bar nuts?

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The bar nuts are fitted into the cover so you cant lose them. Its a simple feature, but having lost them before I was appreciative of it.

wenger7446 said:

Thanks. This is what I was looking for. I am going to stick with Stihl. I have a great dealer and own several Stihl products and have GREAT luck with them.

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Glad to help. You will not be disappointed with the MS261 should you go that route.

If you have a great dealer,he should be able to provide you the differences between the two saws, and maybe he will let you try them out

The MS 261 is a professional forestry saw that is designed for heavy duty cutting in extreme conditions.
The MS 271 is a farming / landscaping saw that is designed for property maintenance.
The pro saw has many more advantages over consumer saws which reflects in the price.
The new MS 261 C-M which has a delayed stratified scavenging engine that provides powerful torque with lower emissions over a wide rpm range. The M-Tronic carb adjusts the ignition timing in all operating modes. It runs smoother due to special anti vibration springs between the engine and handles. It has a die cast magnesium housing and stainless steel muffler, decompression valve, long life air filter system, captive bar nuts.
The MS 271 is heavier, less hp and spins 1000 rpm less than the MS 261. The bar length is critical on these saws for performance, 271 max length 16", 261 18" bar.
I've run my buddies 2012 MS 290 16" bar against my stock 2012 MS 260 18" bar, the pro saw just out performs. After a muffler modification and exhaust porting this little pro saw runs a 20" bar like its big brothers.

Twisted Priorities said:

The MS 261 is a professional forestry saw that is designed for heavy duty cutting in extreme conditions.
The MS 271 is a farming / landscaping saw that is designed for property maintenance.
The pro saw has many more advantages over consumer saws which reflects in the price.
The new MS 261 C-M which has a delayed stratified scavenging engine that provides powerful torque with lower emissions over a wide rpm range. The M-Tronic carb adjusts the ignition timing in all operating modes. It runs smoother due to special anti vibration springs between the engine and handles. It has a die cast magnesium housing and stainless steel muffler, decompression valve, long life air filter system, captive bar nuts.
The MS 271 is heavier, less hp and spins 1000 rpm less than the MS 261. The bar length is critical on these saws for performance, 271 max length 16", 261 18" bar.
I've run my buddies 2012 MS 290 16" bar against my stock 2012 MS 260 18" bar, the pro saw just out performs. After a muffler modification and exhaust porting this little pro saw runs a 20" bar like its big brothers.

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Funny. . . according to Stihl the recommended guide bars lengths are the same (16"-20") for both saws. . .



OP: both are great saws and you'll never wear either one out. I say find the best deal.

Ya, in the Stihl catalog it shows 16-20" bars for both saws. On the Stihl website for Canada, US, Europe it has different lengths. Depends on the type of wood to be cut, the longer the bar the more it will bog down. My buddies who work in the tree service industry only use 20" bars on ms 460's and 24" on ms 660's.

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/grd/4235827339.html

Ms361 for cheap here...

PLAYS WITH FIRE said:

http://lancaster.craigslist.org/grd/4235827339.html

Ms361 for cheap here...

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Eh, $425 isn't that cheap.

If it a great shape 361 with good b&c that's not bad! In the burg that's about the going price...I would never recommend giving what they are asking. I have 2 261's and they are super saws but the 361 has bit more grunt for the bigger stuff.