STIHL MS 271 Chainsaw Reviews, Specs, Features, Price, Comparisons

The STIHL MS 271 is one of the Farm Boss chainsaws.

Farm Boss is a marketing term applied to STIHL saws at the top of the homeowner range. They are not professional saws, but they’re still reasonably powerful.

The Farm Boss chainsaws are generally considered to be the worst STIHL Chainsaws. However, as you’ll see from the reviews below, plenty of guys love them.

Images from Ace Hardware’s Stihl MS271 listing.

Stihl MS271 versions

The MS271 is a 50.2 cc saw that’s usually listed for under $500, making it cheaper than pro-level saws.

There are two different versions of the 271:

• Stihl MS291 – the base model
• Stihl MS291 C-BE – with the additional features of Quick Chain Tensioning and ErgoStart

The C version of the saw has a Quick Chain Tensioner (B) which you can see in the above image.

This differs from the base model which has bar nuts has for tightening/loosening the chain.

Stihl Ergo Start (E) is described as:

A spring between the starter cord reel and crankshaft relieves the strain when starting, meaning that excessive pulling on the cord is no longer needed. The result is a convenient starting procedure with practically.

But for most people, it doesn’t make a huge difference.

If you were tossing up between the 271 and 271 C, we’d recommend the base model.

If you need something a little bit easier to start with, go with the C-BE version. Some people do like the chain tensioning system on the 271 C, but you have more control with bar nuts.

MS 271 vs MS 261 vs MS 391

The 271 is often compared with the STIHL MS 261, also a 50cc saw.

The big difference is that the 261 is a pro-level saw and is much better built. 99.9% of those who have used both saws would say get the 261 over the 271, which is far superior, but it does cost an extra $200.

The other saw it’s often compared with is the unpopular MS 391.

The 391 is another Farm Boss, but it’s more powerful than the 271 and can take a longer bar.

Which saw to choose out of these three depends on your budget and plans. If you need a chainsaw to cut a bit of firewood each year, the $500 MS 271 would be fine. You don’t need to splash out on a pro saw if you won’t be using it much. Save your money and don’t buy “too much saw.”

However, a pro-level model is far superior if you want to use the saw frequently. These saws give you fewer problems, have more power, resulting in quicker cut times, and perform better over the long term. They are built better and perform better.

Specs and features

Here is a full list of the MS271’s specs and features. Depending on the country and time of manufacturing, there may be some differences between models/versions.

• Displacement: 50.02 cc (3.06 cu in)
• Power @ 9500 rpm: 2.6 kW (3.5 hp)
• Weight: 12.3 lbs (5.6 kgs) Powerhead only
• Fuel capacity: 16.9 fl oz (0.50 l)
• Oil tank capacity: 8.1 fl oz (0.24 l)
• Piston stroke: 1.26 in (32 mm)
• Cylinder bore: 1.85 in (47 mm)
• Idle speed: 2500 rpm
• Max speed: 13000 rpm
• Ignition: Electronic magneto ignition
• Spark plug: Bosch WSR 6 F or NGK BPMR 7 A
• Electrode gap: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
• Bar lengths: 16, 18, 20 in (40, 45, 50 cm)
• Chain: .325 pitch, 0.063 gauge

The product description on Ace Hardware states:

The MS 271 farm boss replaces the mighty MS 270 with a saw that’s loaded with features and technology.

It starts with a highly efficient engine that delivers 20 percent longer run times between refuelings – while cutting exhaust emissions in half compared to the MS 270. There’s also a pre-separation air filtration system that’s so effective, that your air filter can last up to five times longer (now that’s a high performance). All engineered into one compact, ergonomic design. This time-saving technology boosts the efficiency of the engines filter system, doubling the time between air filter cleanings.

The side-access chain tensioner [on the C-BE version] makes it much more convenient for the user to adjust the saw chain with a bar wrench as opposed to the typical location of the guide bar adjustment screw.

Zero to low exhaust emissions.

Otherwise, the MS271 has all the great features of a modern Stihl homeowner saw. These include an Anti-vibration system, tool-free fuel caps, a single master control switch, a fuel-efficient engine, and so on.

More information is in the Stihl MS271 manual (instant download here).

STIHL MS 271 reviews

The Stihl MS271 is a good top-of-the-range homeowner chainsaw.

At 50 ccs, it’s suitable for felling small trees, bucking firewood for the home, pruning branches, storm clean-up, clearing trails, and construction, landscaping, or farm use.

If you are more familiar with the Husqvarna brand, the Stihl Farm Boss chainsaws are similar to the Husqvarna Rancher chainsaws like the 450, 455, and 460.

The Stihl dealer presenting the 271 in the video above says it’s their number 1 selling chainsaw, so it can’t be all that bad.

Here are the pros and cons from users and experts.

Morten said:

The 271 has a ridiculously low (worst in class) power-to-weight ratio of 3.49 bhp/12.3 lbs.

As a comparison, the MS261 has 4.1 bhp/10.8 lbs. 17% more power at 12% less weight – 35% higher power-to-weight ratio.

MORE weight and LESS power, totaling more than a third added dead-weight on the MS271. That is a lot, if you use a power tool for hours at a time, several days a week, for many years. I’m just stating facts here.

The additional cost [compared to a 261] is not a lot if you amortize it out over the hours you use the saw in its life time. It translates into wasted energy and/or lowered productivity.

To me that matters!

Greg said:

My dealer said for his money the 250 is hands down better than 271 because it doesn’t have all that emissions stuff on it.

I’ve also read a lot of reviews with 271 about piston scorching and not being warrantied but the only real bad I’ve seen with 250 is starting issues but ours starts just fine.

Angelo said:

Its a decent saw just cheaply constructed. I had one and it served me well for what i did with it. They are a really fast saw for the money.

That being said you get twice the saw for the same money with an ECHO CS590. The CS590 is a magnesium case like a pro saw and just all around a better buy.

Jerad said:

Any plastic crankcase saw is a big turn off. Harder to work on these, less power to weight ratio. Cheaper construction all and all.

For a little bit more money you can get a much much better 261.

And Ted said:

Don’t mess around with those toy saws buy a 462 or a 500i with a 32 and a 36 inch bar.

They will cut 99 percent of anything on the planet. And will probably last you for the next 20 years.

These are some positive reviews of the 271 from owners and users:

• “Love my 271. Chews up everything I’ve thrown at it.”
• “Man, I love mine I’ve cut four-foot trees with mine!! 20-inch bar and chain too!! I’ve had mine for 5/6 years now!”
• “I have a 271 along with an 025 and it’s a great saw, going on 5 years.”
• “Mine was a solid machine. My only complaint was a non-adjustable oiler. Did fine with an 18” bar.”
• “I have a 271 and I love it. I don’t understand why it gets so much hate either.”
• “The 271 is probably the best bang for the buck.”

David said:

I’ve had my 271 for 6 years now haven’t had any issues with her. When I take a chainsaw to the woods I want them to work.

A lot of people said go with the ms 261 – well, after looking at the two saws same cc but almost 300 bucks more, I decided 271.

I also have my late dad’s 290 Farm Boss and I’ve cut alot of wood with her too and no problems.

But saws, like beer, trucks, and tools, it doesn’t matter everyone hates them or everyone loves them.

Consider how much money you can afford to spend, size of wood, how much use you will be using her for, and go from there.

Owen said:

I have a 271 and it is hands down the best saw I’ve owned.

Very powerful and is small enough to do little trees and limbing but big enough to handle large trees if need be. Tons of torque as well.

And Nigel said:

I’ve had a 271 for over 8 years, it’s been bloody superb for what I use it for. Keep it sharp and give it decent fuel and oil, and it will last.

We are not all professionals, but there are usually the haters as its not a PRO saw, as they love to say. I love mine, get it my friend.

STIHL MS 271 chainsaw

So, should you get an MS 271? Is the Stihl MS 271 a good chainsaw?

As you’ll see from these user reviews, it depends on who you talk to. We think it’s a good homeowner saw, but you can get better if you want to spend more. But for the money, the MS 271 is a good chainsaw.

It has a poor power-to-weight ratio, but it doesn’t matter too much if you’re not using it that often. She’s a bit on the heavy side, but as someone said, is minus 2 pounds worth the extra $200 – $300?

If you want to confuse the matter even more, also consider the MS441 and MS251.