STIHL MS 261 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £772.74 through £863.74
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 261 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review covers the STIHL MS 261 petrol chainsaw in detail, focusing on its stand-out features, performance technologies, specifications, and practical tips for getting the best results. You’ll also find a neutral comparison with closely related models and concise answers to the most-searched questions about this pro-focused saw.
Who the STIHL MS 261 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 261 is ideal for professionals and advanced users who want a light, balanced saw that still delivers serious cutting performance. It excels in small to medium tree maintenance, storm cleanup, firewood processing, and precision limbing. With multiple compatible bar lengths and a high-efficiency engine, it suits landscapers, arborists, farmers, and property owners who value fast starts, consistent power, and low-maintenance operation throughout long working days.
Key features
Enhanced cutting performance – The latest MS 261 combines the Light 04 guide bar with a .
325" RS Pro saw chain designed for fast, clean cuts. The narrower kerf chain delivers up to 20% higher cutting performance compared to the previous .
325" RS, helping you move through work quickly with a smooth finish.
M-Tronic electronic engine management – A fully electronic system precisely meters fuel and ignition timing to match conditions such as temperature, altitude, and fuel quality. The result is instant, consistent power, easy restarts, and optimal performance without manual carburettor adjustments.
Efficient 2-MIX engine – STIHL’s 2-MIX technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% and cuts emissions by up to 50% versus comparable two-stroke engines without 2-MIX. Four-channel transfer technology further optimises the air-fuel mix for responsive power and excellent fuel economy, meeting stringent EU Stage V requirements.
Comfortable anti-vibration system – Buffer and spring elements isolate vibration at the handles, keeping the saw comfortable to hold and reducing fatigue over long shifts.
Winter-ready operation – Carburettor preheating enables reliable running in cold conditions with a simple summer/winter setting. Models with electric carburettor heating maintain consistent fuel delivery even in frost, and versions with heated handles offer switchable warmth for a secure grip in low temperatures.
Long-life HD2 air filtration – A pre-separation intake path removes larger particles before they reach the filter. The PET-based HD2 filter features very fine, oil- and water-repellent pores—up to 70 percent finer than common fleece or polyamide media—helping protect the engine, extend service intervals, and make cleaning straightforward. Tool-free filter cartridge replacement speeds up maintenance.
Smart lubrication and lower oil use – The controlled-delivery oil pump and STIHL Ematic system concentrate oil exactly where it’s needed on the bar and chain, enabling up to 50% lower oil consumption. Select the E position for economical flow, or increase delivery for extra-long bars or very dry wood.
Pro-grade durability and serviceability – A stainless steel muffler stands up to heat and harsh environments. Captive nuts on the sprocket cover stay attached during chain changes. Side-mounted chain tensioning keeps your hands clear for quick, precise adjustments. Tool-free bayonet fuel and oil caps speed top-ups between cuts.
Easy starting and simple controls – A decompression valve reduces pull effort on the starter cord. The combi lever requires only one start position, and the stop function automatically returns to run—so a warm saw is ready to fire immediately.
STIHL MS 261 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 50.
2 cm³ - Power: 3 kW
- Engine power: 4.
10 HP - CO2: 705 g/kWh
- Device weight (without fuel): 4.
9 kg - System weight (without fuel): 5.
68 / 5.
80 / 5.
92 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 1.
60 kg/kW - Bar length options: 35 / 40 / 45 cm (14 / 16 / 18 in)
- Groove width: 1.
30 mm - Saw chain pitch: .
325" - Device length with bumper spike: 448 mm
- Sound pressure level: 105 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 114 dB(A)
- Vibration level (left/right): 3.
5 / 3.
5 m/s²
STIHL MS 261 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Against mid-range, farm-focused models, the MS 261 leans into professional features that boost productivity on the job: M-Tronic for auto-tuned performance, a long-life HD2 filtration system with pre-separation, side-mounted tensioning, captive nuts, and a light guide bar paired with a fast-cutting .
325" RS Pro chain. Users who prioritise maximum cut speed per kilogram and refined handling will appreciate the MS 261’s power-to-weight balance.
Compared with larger pro saws often chosen for heavy felling, the MS 261 emphasises agility and all-day comfort. Its efficient 2-MIX engine and vibration-damping design make it an excellent companion for frequent limbing, sectioning, and maintenance tasks where precision and control matter as much as raw power.
Usage tips
- Select the bar length that matches your typical work. A shorter bar enhances manoeuvrability; a longer bar expands reach for thicker stems.
- Use the side-mounted chain tensioner for quick, confident adjustments. Retension after the first few cuts with a new chain as it beds in.
- Set the oil pump to the E position for everyday cutting. Increase flow when running longer bars or working in very dry timber.
- Keep the HD2 filter clean. Pre-separation greatly extends service life, and the PET cartridge removes easily without tools for fast maintenance.
- Leverage the M-Tronic system: warm restarts are immediate thanks to the automatic stop-return function on the combi lever.
- Switch to winter mode so pre-heated intake air protects the carburettor in cold conditions. Models with electric carb heating and heated handles maintain excellent usability in frost.
- Use the decompression valve for an easier pull-start, and top up quickly with tool-free bayonet fuel and oil caps between jobs.
- Pair the Light 04 guide bar with the .
325" RS Pro chain to maximise cut speed and efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 261 a professional chainsaw?
Yes. It is built for professional use with M-Tronic electronic engine management, a long-life HD2 air filtration system with pre-separation, anti-vibration technology, and pro-focused service features like side-mounted tensioning and captive sprocket-cover nuts.
What bar lengths does the STIHL MS 261 take?
It supports multiple bar lengths to suit your work, including 35 cm, 40 cm, and 45 cm (14 in, 16 in, and 18 in).
How much does a STIHL MS 261 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 4.
9 kg. System weight without fuel varies with bar and chain at 5.
68 / 5.
80 / 5.
92 kg.
How many horsepower is a STIHL MS 261?
Engine output is rated at 3 kW, equivalent to 4.
10 HP.
Does the STIHL MS 261 have M-Tronic?
Yes. M-Tronic electronically manages ignition timing and fuel metering to deliver optimum performance in all working conditions.
What chain size is on a STIHL MS 261?
It runs a .
325" pitch chain and is supplied with the high-performance .
325" RS Pro saw chain for fast, efficient cutting.
| Displacement | 50.2 cm³ |
| Power | 3 kW |
| Engine power | 4.10 HP |
| CO2 | 705 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 4.9 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 5.68 / 5.80 / 5.92 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.60 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 35 / 40 / 45 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 14 / 16 / 18 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.30 mm |
| Groove width | 50 in |
| Saw chain pitch | .325" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 448 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 105 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 114 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 3.5 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 3.5 m/s² 5) |
Product Info
Product Info
Side-mounted chain tensioning allows for protected, easy and quick chain tensioning and replacement. The tensioning screw is inserted laterally through the sprocket cover.
With STIHL M-Tronic, you’ll have the best performance from your work tool from the outset. Fully electronic engine management regulates the ignition timing and fuel metering in all work situations, taking into account external conditions such as temperature, altitude and fuel quality.
Thanks to electric carburettor heating, you can work without interruption even in frosty weather conditions. You do not need to keep an eye on the temperature, as the heating element activates automatically at critical temperatures thanks to temperature-dependent switch-on and switch-off controls. The heater then heats up the carburettor to prevent freezing.
The electric heating can be easily switched on as required. This means that your hands stay warm even in cold weather and you keep a secure grip on your power tool. The handle heating system consists of maintenance-free and wear-free heating elements.
The controlled-delivery oil pump reduces your chainsaw’s oil consumption by up to 50%. To use it, simply select the E position. For very long cutting attachments or very dry wood, an additional oil volume can be set by the user.
Pre-separation routing removes coarse, larger particles from the airstream before they can reach the actual filter. The HD2 filter keeps even fine dust away from the engine, ensuring a long engine service life, long cleaning intervals and easy maintenance of your chainsaw. When we refer to a long-life air filter system in chainsaws, this exclusively describes models that have pre-separation routing and an HD2 filter. With this system, you benefit from a significantly longer filter service life compared to conventional air filter systems.
The HD2 filter protects your power tool’s engine against even the finest dust, ensuring a longer service life and reduced wear. The filter made from PET material has up to 70% finer pores than fleece and polyamide filters, and is also oil- and water-repellent. This also makes it easier to clean the filter. When needed, the filter cartridge can be easily replaced without tools.
With tool-free fuel cap, you can open and close oil and fuel tanks in just a few simple steps, thanks to a bayonet closure.
The STIHL Ematic system comprises a STIHL Ematic or Ematic S guide bar, a STIHL Oilomatic saw chain and a controlled-delivery oil pump. It ensures that the chain oil gets to where it is needed for lubrication. This allows you to reduce oil consumption by up to 50%. If you often work in dusty conditions or if you use long guide bars, you can quickly and easily increase the oil quantity at any time with the new oil pump system.
Thanks to carburettor preheating, you can work reliably with your chainsaw even in winter. You can change the operation from summer to winter mode in just one simple step. In the winter setting, pre-heated intake air flows around the carburettor, preventing it from icing up.
This makes it impossible for the nuts to fall off and get lost when the cover is removed.
Thanks to STIHL four-channel technology, you can work with your power tool with very low fuel consumption and high performance. The four overflow channels guide the fuel-and-air mixture into the cylinder in a targeted and more compressed manner, which optimally burns the fuel and significantly increases the performance of the engine.
The decompression valve makes it easier to start your power tool. When starting, you can allow some of the compressed mixture to escape from the cylinder by opening the valve. This protects the start-up system and reduces the amount of force required on the starter cord.
Only one start position is required on the combi lever. Thanks to the stop function, once the machine is turned off the control lever immediately moves back into the operating position. This allows a warm machine to be restarted immediately.
With the STIHL 2-MIX engine, you can reduce exhaust emissions and fuel consumption, and therefore operating costs. This 2-stroke engine is low-maintenance and uses fuel efficiently even at high power levels. Use a mixture of petrol and engine oil as fuel. The STIHL 2-MIX engine complies with the strict EU Stage V emissions directive.
Vibrations can occur when you put your power tools through their paces, and these are particularly noticeable in the grip area. The buffer and spring elements of the STIHL anti-vibration system reduce the transmission of vibrations to the handle area and therefore to your body. The result is that your power tool is more comfortable to hold and your work is much less tiring.
Warranty & Manuals
Warranty
STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.
The following exceptions apply:
- AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
- AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
- Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
- Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines
Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery
UK Standard Delivery from - £11.00
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Free Delivery available for orders above £150 Inc VAT
Estimated delivery 2-4 days
Returns
Returns
30-Day Return Policy
Faulty returns please call us on 01603 754890
For more information on shipping options, visit our contact us page