ms271 vs ms261

Arborist Forum

Help Support Arborist Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

missedbass

ArboristSite Operative
Joined
Dec 4, 2011
Messages
192
Reaction score
55
Location
LI, NY
I know the 261 is a pro saw and the 271 is a mid range saw. what makes the 261 a pro saw and justifies the $120 diff. in price?
I'm new to this site, not a pro, just someone who likes to heat his house with wood and would like to get info from the guys who use the saws. Thanks in advance.
 
MS 271 Chain Saw
DISPLACEMENT
50.2 cc (3.06 cu. in.)

ENGINE POWER
2.6 kW (3.49 bhp)

WEIGHT (powerhead only)
5.6 kg (12.3 lbs.)


MS 261 Chain Saw
DISPLACEMENT:
50.2 cc (3.06 cu in)

POWER:
2.8 kW (3.75 bhp)

WEIGHT:
5.26 kg (11.6 lbs.)

Looks like power to weight ration is the big differance
 
A lot is design. The 261 is a mag case, easier to work on and rebuild, more power, lighter. The 271 is more plastic, heavier, and a little more difficult to work on for the avg joe at least. The 271 if probably fine for the avg joe that justs cuts a little firewood. On the flip side, resale wise for the 261 you probably wouldn't lose much more $ if you decided to sell.
 
Don't forget the 291 - it is a better alternative to the 261 than the 271 is. Stihl isn't even offering the 271 for sale here, and it is easy to understand the reasons for that decition! :msp_wink:
 
Don't forget the 291 - it is a better alternative to the 261 than the 271 is. Stihl isn't even offering the 271 for sale here, and it is easy to understand the reasons for that decition! :msp_wink:

Are you saying the 291 is better than the 261? :msp_confused:
 
I know the 261 is a pro saw and the 271 is a mid range saw. what makes the 261 a pro saw and justifies the $120 diff. in price?

What Stihl-Pioneer said.

Being a 'Pro' saw usually means higher quality materials and construction, designed to last longer than a 'homeowner' saw, or to stand up to heavier use. Metal case instead of plastic; better quality alloys used in cylinder/ piston; better power-to-weight ratio, etc. It also means that parts are more readily available, including from aftermarket suppliers, as professional users tend to rebuild, rather than replace, their saws. That's also why they keep more of their value.

That said, the other ones mentioned in this thread are well made saws that could last you a lot of years for personal use, even if you cut several full cords a year. Some of it comes down to personal choice in tools, and how much you care (or are able) to invest in a saw.

Philbert
 
yes I agree. I know the 261 has more bells and whistles than the 271/291. ex. - decompress valve, adj. oil pump, pleated filter vs fleece, 1/4 turn shroud cover screws. means little to me for $120 more. for cutting 2-3 cords a year i think the 271 is the one for me.
 
I agree spend the extra on the 261:smile2: But if you dont think you need a pro saw deff. check out the 291. Only 40 bucks more than the 271 and more power:smile2::smile2:
 
Stihl

271 12.3
291 12.1 maybe fudging if the same chassis as the 271
311 14.1
391 14.1

Why bother making the 271 or 311? Other brands are guilty of doing the same, less cc same wieght. Steve
 
. . . means little to me for $120 more. for cutting 2-3 cords a year i think the 271 is the one for me.

Spend the extra money on a good set of chaps ($70), a few wedges ($10), and a Fiskars splitting maul ($40)!

And enjoy your new saw.

Philbert


(P.S. Don't forget to buy the six-pack of STIHL ULtra oil, and double your warranty for an extra 6 bucks!)
 
yes I agree. I know the 261 has more bells and whistles than the 271/291. ex. - decompress valve, adj. oil pump, pleated filter vs fleece, 1/4 turn shroud cover screws. means little to me for $120 more. for cutting 2-3 cords a year i think the 271 is the one for me.

You are forgetting the magnesium crankcase (don't drop the 271/291 on its plastic oil tank), and the cylinder that comes off with 4 bolts in a about 5 minutes.
 
yes I agree. I know the 261 has more bells and whistles than the 271/291. ex. - decompress valve, adj. oil pump, pleated filter vs fleece, 1/4 turn shroud cover screws. means little to me for $120 more. for cutting 2-3 cords a year i think the 271 is the one for me.

The lighter and stronger mag case is well worth that difference alone! :smile2:
 
Stihl

271 12.3
291 12.1 maybe fudging if the same chassis as the 271
311 14.1
391 14.1

Why bother making the 271 or 311? Other brands are guilty of doing the same, less cc same wieght. Steve

At least they don't care to import them here. It also was the same way with the 290, 310 and 270 here.
 
Currently I have a fairly new Stihl MS260 which I have been very happy with. But after reading all the latest comments and reviews on the new Stihl MS261, I am seriously considering trading up. To me the extra money spent on a more powerful saw will save you time whenever your cutting. So what's that extra time savings worth to you? The specs show this saw having an excellent power to weight ratio which will make for an excellent all around saw. So I would recommend spending the extra money for the MS261 if you can afford it.

Good luck with your purchase.
 
If your not using it everyday or cutting firewood for profit save your money. I've used pro saws for pro use and gotten more than you should out of homeowner models under professional use as well. As far as rebuilding the saw unless you straight gas it or it's just plain old worn out at which point it's probably not worth rebuilding that point is useless as well. The new Stihl engines rev much higher than the old homeowners so performance wise your gonna be surprised. Just make sure if you go 291 don't get the 290, most underpowered turd I ever had the displeasure of using.
 
If your not using it everyday or cutting firewood for profit save your money. I've used pro saws for pro use and gotten more than you should out of homeowner models under professional use as well. As far as rebuilding the saw unless you straight gas it or it's just plain old worn out at which point it's probably not worth rebuilding that point is useless as well. The new Stihl engines rev much higher than the old homeowners so performance wise your gonna be surprised. Just make sure if you go 291 don't get the 290, most underpowered turd I ever had the displeasure of using.

I just hope they have managed to make a decent power band on their non-pro models this time..........
 
Back
Top