Stihl 271 Vs Stihl 261 Chainsaw – What’s the Better Option?
If you’re shopping for mid-size chainsaws then you have probably looked at the Stihl 271 Farm Boss and the Stihl 261.
And like most consumers, you have probably been a bit confused as to which one to choose. The Stihl 271 Farm boss and the Stihl 261 are very evenly matched when it comes to power and size.
This can make your choice very difficult. Bit fear not for we have reviewed both of these chainsaws in detail to give you a better insight. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Stihl 271 and the Stihl 261
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Overview of the Stihl 271 Vs the Stihl 261
The difference between the Stihl 271 Farm Boss and the Stihl 261 can be boiled down to two aspects: weight and features.
The power that both of these chainsaws generate is almost identical. However, the Stihl 261 is actually lighter. It feels lighter in the hands and is a bit easier to manage out in the field.
The Stihl 261 also has more periphery features which may or may not matter to you depending on the type of cutting you’ll be doing.
Stihl 261 Key Features
- Compensating Carburetor – The carburetor of the Stihl 261 will actually pull air from the clean side when it senses that one side of the filter is clogged.
- Quickstop – The Stihl 261 is also outfitted with a safety feature called Quickstop. This will actually stop the chain when it senses kickback.
- Adjustable Oiler – The operator can increase or decrease oil distribution depending on the cutting situation.
Stihl 261 Common Issues
One of the most common problems with the Stihl 261 is improper idling. This usually occurs when the gas in the engine gets too cold.
Stihl 261 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It has a great power to weight ratio
- It’s great for felling trees and delimbing
- It weighs less than the Stihl 271 Farm Boss
- Great with hardwoods
Cons:
- It’s expensive
- Kicks back easily
Stihl 271 Key Features
- Ergonomic Leading Handle – The front handle of the Stihl 271 is angled slightly to give more leverage and control to the operator.
- Pre-Separation Air Filter – Centrifugal force ejects large debris so that it never makes contact with the air filter.
- Side-Access Tensioner – The chain tensioner is located right on the side of the saw to make it easier to adjust the slack.
Stihl 271 Common Issues
Some customers have noted that it’s very easy to over-rev and overheat the engine of the Stihl 271 Farm Boss.
Stihl 271 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s fuel-efficient
- Cuts through hardwoods very well
- Good for light storm cleanup
- The air filter lasts for a long time
Cons:
- It’s heavier than the Stihl 261
- Not great for inexperienced operators
Who Should Buy Each?
In terms of power, the Stihl 271 and the Stihl 261 are almost evenly matched. So they suit the same kinds of jobs – namely felling mid-diameter trees, cutting through hardwood and light storm cleanup.
However, the Stihl 261 is considerably more expensive than the Stihl 271 so if you are looking for a budget chainsaw the Stihl 271 may be better for you.
Price Comparison
You can buy the Stihl 271 Farm Boss directly from the manufacturer which sells it for $450. The retail price for the Stihl 261 usually ranges from $600-$700.
Weight & Handling Comparison
This is yet another slight difference between these two saws. The powerhead of the Stihl 271 Farm Boss is actually heavier at 12.3 pounds. Meanwhile the powerhead weight of the Stihl 261 is only 10.8 pounds. Naturally, the Stihl 261 is slightly easier to handle than the Stihl 271.
Both of these saws cut very easily and you won’t have to exert much force when cutting with either one. However, for cutting jobs that require more time, the Stihl 261 would be the optimal choice if you want to spare your body.
Blade & Chain Comparison
The max recommended bar length for both of these saws is 20 inches. They also come with .325” gauge OIlomatic chains (RM3).
Power Comparison
While the Stihl 271 has a 3.49 HP engine and the Stihl 261 has a 4.0 HP engine, the difference in power can’t be felt out on the field. They both also sport a 50.2cc engine so they are evenly matched in terms of power.
Efficiency Comparison
Cutting efficiency will have a lot to do with the chain you use but both of these saws come stock with very sharp chains that cut very efficiently.
Durability Comparison
Both the Stihl 271 Farm Boss and the Stihl 261 are built very well. Though we had limited time with them, we felt that they would both last for many years.
Other Chainsaws to Consider
Stihl MS 251
The Stihl MS 251 sports a 45.6cc engine but it’s very lightweight and excellent for cutting firewood and trimming trees.
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna 16 Inch Chainsaw
This is a 38cc engine chainsaw that comes with a 16 inch bar. It also features an automatic chain oiler and side-access chain tensioner. This is a very durable chainsaw that starts up very easily in cold temperatures.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Stihl MS 211
The Stihl MS 211 is a light-duty chainsaw – good for firewood and delimbing small trees. It features a 35.2cc engine and weighs just under 10 pounds. It has a side-access chain tensioner and the same compensating carburetor as the Stihl 261.
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
While these two chainsaws look very similar when you look at their specs, in the field, the Stihl 261 delivers more reliable performance. It’s easy on the body while delivering the same power as the Stihl 271.
The only caveat is that you have to buy it from 3rd party retailers and they usually jack up the price. But if you have the extra money to spend, we would recommend choosing the Stihl 261.
