STIHL MS 271 Petrol Chainsaw
Price range: £609.70 through £617.28
Product information & specifications
STIHL MS 271 Petrol Chainsaw Review
This review explores the STIHL MS 271 petrol chainsaw in depth, focusing on its cutting performance, efficiency, maintenance-friendly design and year-round reliability. You’ll find who it suits best, the standout features that elevate everyday firewood and landscaping jobs, a concise spec list, a neutral comparison with related models, practical usage tips, and clear answers to popular search-based questions.
Who the STIHL MS 271 Petrol Chainsaw is for
The STIHL MS 271 is ideal for anyone who wants dependable cutting power for harvesting firewood and tackling landscaping work with confidence. It’s a strong match for homeowners managing larger properties, smallholdings and estates, as well as grounds and garden professionals seeking an efficient mid-range saw. Users who value quick chain adjustments, long air filter service life, tool-free refuelling and smooth handling will particularly appreciate its thoughtful design. With a winter-ready setup and efficient engine technology, it suits year-round use and frequent workloads.
Key features
Light 04 guide bar with .
325” RM3 Pro chain
The MS 271 arrives with a newly designed Light 04 bar paired to a high-performance .
325” RM3 Pro chain. The narrower kerf delivers up to 20% more cutting performance compared with the previous setup, helping you slice through firewood efficiently while maintaining a nimble, balanced feel.
Side-mounted chain tensioning
Chain re-tensioning is fast and protected thanks to a lateral tensioning screw accessed through the sprocket cover. This makes routine adjustments straightforward when working between cuts.
Long-life air filtration with HD2 filter
A pre-separation intake route removes larger debris before it reaches the filter. The HD2 filter then blocks fine dust, supporting long service intervals and consistent engine protection. Access is easy, and the one-piece engine cover simplifies routine checks.
Tool-free fuel and oil caps
Bayonet-style caps let you open and close the oil and fuel tanks without additional tools, speeding up refuelling and reducing interruptions on the job.
Winter-ready carburettor preheating
A simple switch between summer and winter operation routes warmed intake air around the carburettor. This helps prevent icing in cold conditions and keeps performance consistent when temperatures drop.
Four-channel engine technology
The charge flow is directed into the cylinder through four channels for thorough mixture combustion. The result is strong output with efficient fuel use, adding brisk acceleration and dependable cutting power.
Efficient 2-MIX engine
The 2-MIX two-stroke engine offers excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions while meeting strict EU Stage V standards. It runs on a petrol-and-engine-oil mix and is designed for reliable, low-maintenance performance.
Anti-vibration system
Buffer and spring elements reduce transmitted vibration at the handles, promoting comfortable control and helping you work productively for longer stretches.
Warranty and support tools
Extend the domestic warranty from two to three years when you purchase 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix fuel alongside the saw at the time of purchase; the dealer registers the extension for you. When it’s time for replacements, the STIHL bar and chain advisor helps you choose the correct bar-and-chain pairing. Note: bar exteriors may change over time while core specifications remain consistent.
STIHL MS 271 Petrol Chainsaw specifications
- Displacement: 50.
2 cm³ - Power: 2.
60 kW (3.
50 HP) - CO2: 717 g/kWh
- Weight (without fuel): 5.
6 kg - System weight (without fuel): 6.
51 / 6.
62 kg - Power-to-weight ratio: 2.
20 kg/kW - Bar length options: 40 cm or 45 cm (16 in or 18 in)
- Groove width: 1.
30 mm - Saw chain pitch: .
325 in - Device length with bumper spike: 450 mm
- Sound pressure level: 103 dB(A)
- Sound power level: 113 dB(A)
- Vibration level, left/right: 4.
5 m/s² / 4.
5 m/s²
STIHL MS 271 Petrol Chainsaw vs similar models
Versus STIHL MS 251: The MS 251 is a nimble option for lighter garden work. The MS 271 adds a step up in cutting performance and service-life features such as the long-life air filtration system and the RM3 Pro chain, making it an excellent choice for regular firewood cutting and frequent landscaping tasks.
Versus STIHL MS 291: The MS 291 sits a tier higher for those who prioritise capacity on larger stems. The MS 271 emphasises a highly efficient 2-MIX setup, balanced handling and quick maintenance access, offering an excellent blend of power and economy in day-to-day use.
Versus earlier MS 271 configurations: With the Light 04 bar and .
325” RM3 Pro chain, this model provides up to 20% faster cutting compared with the previous configuration, while keeping service and refuelling tasks quick and simple.
Usage tips
- Tension the chain using the side-mounted adjuster; check tension when the chain is warm and ensure it snaps back to the bar groove after being pulled by hand.
- Keep the chain sharp and match bar-and-chain types using the bar and chain advisor to maintain peak cutting efficiency.
- Clean the HD2 filter at sensible intervals; the pre-separation system extends service life, and the one-piece cover speeds access.
- Switch to winter mode in cold conditions so preheated intake air flows around the carburettor.
- Use a quality petrol-and-engine-oil mix; many users choose premixed fuel, and purchasing 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix at the same time as the saw enables a domestic warranty extension.
- Refuel and top up chain oil with the tool-free bayonet caps; wipe the area clean before opening to keep debris out of the tanks.
- Wear appropriate PPE and maintain proper stance and cutting technique for accurate, controlled cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STIHL MS 271 good for cutting firewood?
Yes. It’s purpose-built for harvesting firewood with a Light 04 guide bar and a .
325” RM3 Pro chain that increases cutting performance by up to 20% over the previous setup.
What bar length does the STIHL MS 271 use?
It supports 40 cm or 45 cm bars, which equate to 16 inch or 18 inch options.
What chain does the STIHL MS 271 use?
It is supplied with a .
325” RM3 Pro chain designed for strong cutting performance and a narrower kerf.
How much does the STIHL MS 271 weigh?
The device weight without fuel is 5.
6 kg. System weight without fuel is 6.
51 kg or 6.
62 kg depending on the configuration.
How do you tension the chain on a STIHL MS 271?
Use the side-mounted adjustment: slightly loosen the bar nuts, turn the lateral tensioning screw to set chain tension, then retighten the bar nuts. Always check tension again after a few cuts.
Can you use the STIHL MS 271 in winter?
Yes. Switch from summer to winter mode so preheated intake air flows around the carburettor, helping to prevent icing.
How do I extend the STIHL MS 271 warranty to 3 years?
Purchase 5 litres of STIHL MotoMix at the same time as the saw to extend the domestic warranty from two to three years. Your approved dealer handles registration at the point of purchase.
What fuel does the STIHL MS 271 use?
It uses a petrol-and-engine-oil mixture suitable for two-stroke engines. The 2-MIX design delivers strong performance with efficient fuel use and meets EU Stage V emissions requirements.
What are the STIHL MS 271 noise levels?
The sound pressure level is 103 dB(A) and the sound power level is 113 dB(A).
| Displacement | 50.2 cm³ |
| Power | 2.60 kW |
| Engine power | 3.50 HP |
| CO2 | 717 g/kWh |
| Device weight without refuelling | 5.6 kg 1) |
| System weight without refuelling | 6.51 / 6.62 kg 2) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.20 kg/kW |
| Bar length | 40 / 45 cm 3) |
| Bar length | 16 / 18 in 3) |
| Groove width | 1.30 mm |
| Groove width | 50 in |
| Saw chain pitch | .325" |
| Device length with bumper spike | 450 mm 1) |
| Sound pressure level | 103 dB(A) 4) |
| Sound power level | 113 dB(A) 4) |
| Vibration level, left | 4.5 m/s² 5) |
| Vibration level, right | 4.5 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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