Stihl 261 vs 271 – What’s The Better Chainsaw?

On the surface, the Stihl 261 and the Stihl 271 chainsaws have a  lot in common.

And even when you dig a little deeper, you will find that a lot of the key specs are identical.

But you can rarely get a good sense of how a chainsaw will perform until you actually have it revving in your hands.

Reading the spec chart simply isn’t enough. You have to really do your research in order to make the right choice.

After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a chainsaw that is unwieldy or isn’t powerful enough for what you need it for.

That’s why we helped out with the research by comparing these two Stihl chainsaws side-by-side.

While similar in most respects, we put them through their paces to suss out the minute differences that you need to know about.

Stihl 261 Vs Stihl 271 Overview

A lot of people get thrown off by the fact that the Stihl 261 and the Stihl 271 actually have the same engine size.

But the story of the Stihl 261 Vs the Stihl 271 is mainly one of size and power.

Overall, the Stihl 261 was the more powerful and capable chainsaw. So for processing dense woods, the Stihl 261 was actually more capable.

The Stihl 261 is actually a bit lighter than the Stihl 271 as well.

Quick Facts

	Stihl 261	Stihl 271
Weight	10.8lbs	12.3lbs
Bar Length	16 to 20 inches	16 to 20 inches
Engine Power	4 HP	3.4 HP

Key Differences Between the Stihl 261 and the Stihl 271

The Stihl 261 and the Stihl 271 chainsaws are similar in weight and size.

In the hands though, the Stihl 271 is a bit bulkier. And as you can see from the above shart, it’s almost 2 pounds heavier too.

This probably won’t make too much of a difference for most users; but if comfort is a priority for you, it’s worth considering.

Again, the Stihl 261 was more powerful. It also has a magnesium crankcase while the Stihl 271 has a polymer case.

Stihl 261 Key Features

• Pre-Separation Air Filter – This air filter design keeps larger debris from reaching the air filter so you don’t have to replace it so often.
• Decompression Valve – This feature makes it easier to start the chainsaw up as it lowers the compression level in the combustion chamber.
• Side Chain Tensioner – You can easily access the chain tensioner from the side of the Stihl 261.
• Captive Nuts – The captive nuts on the Stihl 261 ensures secure connections between integral parts.

Stihl 261 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• More powerful
• Easy startup
• Lightweight design
• Doesn’t vibrate too much
• Magnesium case

Cons:

• Typically more expensive
• Some kickback

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Stihl 271 Key Features

• Pre-Separation Air Filter – The Stihl 271 also features the pre-separation air filter that keeps large debris from ever reaching the air filter.
• Side-Access Chain Tensioner – All you need to adjust the chain tension is a bar wrench.
• Polymer Case – The polymer crank case of the Stihl 271 chainsaw helps save a bit of weight.
• 2cc Engine – The 50.2cc engine is capable of 3.4 HP and is suitable for light commercial work.

Stihl 271 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A bit more affordable
• Runs relatively quietly
• Great for Limb-cutting
• Can be outfitted with a 20” bar
• Efficient with fuel

Cons:

• Less powerful
• Struggles with felling

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Price Comparison

The Stihl 271 sells for $450 on the official Stihl website while the Stihl 261 can cost as much as $600 at some retailers.

Weight & Handling Comparison

Both the Stihl 261 and the Stihl 271 have a very comfortable, angled front handle and an easy to control, trigger-style throttle.

As mentioned though, the Stihl 261 is actually lighter by almost two pounds. So if you have to get up into trees to cut limbs, the Stihl 261 might actually be easier to handle.

Power Comparison

The Stihl 261 is slightly more powerful than the Stihl 271. From our testing, we found that it struggles less with felling trees and hewing down oak logs.

The Stihl 261 produces 4 HP while the Stihl 271 produces 3.4 HP.

Power Source

Both of these chainsaws are gas-powered. The Stihl 261 has a 16.9 ounce fuel tank and so does the Stihl 271.

Available Attachments

While there are no true attachments available for these chainsaws directly from Stihl, there are a number of accessories available such as fling guides and carrying cases.

Efficiency Comparison

Not surprisingly, the Stihl 271 was the more fuel-efficient chainsaw.

While both of these saws have the same size motor, the Stihl 271 has a longer overall runtime with the same size fuel tank.

How Big A Bar Can You Put on the Stihl 261?

The Stihl 261 can be outfitted with a bar as large as 20 inches.

How Big A Bar Can You Put on the Stihl 271?

You can also put a 20” bar on the Stihl 271.

Stihl 261 Common Problems

Some consumers have mentioned that the Stihl 261 struggles in high temperatures and tends to vapor lock.

Stihl 271 Common Problems

Some people have found that the Stihl 261 overheats and starts to smoke when running high.

This is typically an air filter problem and in most cases, can be solved simply by replacing the air filter.

Are These Professional Saws?

Yes. Both the Stihl 261 and the Stihl 271 provide professional-grade power and performance.

Stihl 261 Vs Stihl 261 C-M

The Stihl 261 C-M features Stihl’s M-Tronic microprocessor that automatically adjusts power depending on how you are using the chainsaw.

This enhances the overall efficiency of the saw; but all other specs and features are the same.

Who Should Buy Each One?

The Stihl 261 would be great for anyone who does commercial-grade work while the Stihl 271 is a good choice for anyone that does more ground-level, firewood processing work.

What Are They Best for?

The Stihl 261 was lighter so it was easier to use up in trees. The Stihl 271 was great at processing firewood very quickly.

Other Chainsaws to Consider

BILT HARD Gas Chainsaw 18 inch

This chainsaw puts out 2.7 HP so it’s good for residential work. It can be outfitted with an 18” bar and it has a self-cleaning air filter system.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Durable carburetor

Cons:

• Not for commercial use

Overall Score: 92/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

CRAFTSMAN 41BY4216791

The CRAFTSMAN 41BY4216791 has a 42cc engine and a 16” bar. Our first impression was that this saw was light and maneuverable. However, there are some kickback issues.

Pros:

• Cuts smoothly
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Some kickback

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 440

When we first used the Husqvarna 440, we could tell that it was built to last. It has a 2.4 HP engine and an 18” bar. It’s great for light commercial use and cutting thick limbs.

Pros:

• Durable
• Easy to start

Cons:

• Loud

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Assessment

We say, if you can afford the extra money, go with the Stihl 261.

It seems more durable overall (magnesium case) and it is more capable. Plus, it weighs less than the Stihl 271 so it’s superior in almost every way.