I have some small trees I need to clear out and was thinking now would be a good time to get a new chainsaw. The 271 is absolutely overkill for this job but it won't be long before I'm going to need to take out some bigger trees or clean up after our next hurricane.

Really just wanting to hear if anybody has one or has had issues. Also, please talk me out of getting the 261 for an extra $200.

I've had one for about 56 years now. Great saw but very heavy.

I don't see a MS261 on Stihl's website. If you are comparing the MS271 to a MS291, I don't see much difference between the two. There is only about 5 CC volume and virtually no other differences. I would pick the MS271 over the MS291 if it is between those two.

When you see the chart on Stihl's website that goes from "occasionally used" to "frequently used", they are serious about that. I wore out a MS391 and they told me I was using it too much. I now have a 462CM-R and very happy with it but it cost twice as much as the MS391.

Before that I wore out a 034AV but it took about 25 years. I have also owned a 009 and a 011 ..... those are tiny ones that you are supposed to use for climbing into trees. I never liked them compared to a nice heavy saw just because I use the saw mostly for cutting mesquites out of fencelines and dont climb up in trees much at all.

The ms271 weighs almost 12.3 pounds. A ms170 is 8.6. If you are clearing small trees near a fence, the 170 is much easier to run all day.

The MS261 is the professional model comparable to the 271. I don't think I'll realize the difference there.

I looked at the MS170 but I like the idea of being able to run a 20" bar.

Sorry, but I had a 251 for years and loved it. It was the lightest homeowner saw with the most power.

I have wanted a 261 for years and finally got it a couple of years ago and it is about the same weight of the 251 with about 5 more cc. I think the 261 has the same engine as the one you are looking and it is almost 2 lbs lighter than the 271 and an all metal magnesium case.

My advice with chainsaws is try to buy the lightest you can with the biggest engine.

I have no business having a 261 but when I do run it. It is wonderful.

My father began selling Stihl a few years ago and I thought I'd use the opportunity to get a new saw. When I spoke to his regional rep comparing the 271 vs 291, he asked what bar length I wanted. He said to go with the 271 for the 18', and 291 if I wanted the 20". I went with the 291 and love it. Only wish I could've gotten a "family discount", but I don't regret spending just a bit more.

Side note: I did get to take the Stihl mechanics course for Silver Certification. I never realized how much technology they pack into a chain saw. I'm sold for life on them.

go with the 261 if its truly an option for you. I own a 261 and a 461, used to have a 271, and after a few years no comparison between the 261 and 271. IMO you should only spend the money on Stihl if you are buying a lifetime saw, and that extra 200 bucks pays off long term.

just my view

I have an MS 291 with a 20" bar. Great chain saw. The only problem is that it gets a bit heavy after about an hour of use.

On the other hand, my wife has an MS 181C. I love that chain saw, and frequently use it for smaller diameter trees/logs.

Can't say enough about Stihl chainsaws. They are great.

P.S. Just my opinion...get a pair of chaps. Saved my bacon a few years ago when I would have cut my femoral artery had I not been wearing them.

I've had a MS260 for a long time with no issues. It always starts. Always. It's a professional saw. Not sure what the difference is on the internals. Make sure whatever you get has a decompression valve.

ToddyHill said:

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P.S. Just my opinion...get a pair of chaps. Saved my bacon a few years ago when I would have cut my femoral artery had I not been wearing them.

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this.

and steel toes. and eye-pro.

ear pro too, they say, but i don't use it - don't like not being able to hear around me when i'm cutting. dumb but its my quirk.