MS271 Stihl Chainsaw Performance Tips (5 Pro Hacks)

Like a finely sharpened saw blade glinting in the sun, the MS 271 Stihl chainsaw promises power and performance. But unlocking its full potential requires more than just pulling the starter cord. It demands understanding, technique, and a touch of finesse. Having spent years wrestling logs and stockpiling firewood, I’ve learned a few tricks that can transform your MS 271 from a reliable tool into a wood-devouring beast. Let’s dive into these pro hacks, turning your chainsawing experience from a chore into a satisfying craft.

The State of Wood: A Global Perspective

Before we even think about firing up the MS 271, let’s take a look at the bigger picture. The global wood processing and firewood industry is a multi-billion dollar behemoth. Firewood alone remains a crucial energy source for millions, especially in developing nations and rural communities. In Europe and North America, the demand for firewood is actually increasing as people seek renewable heating alternatives.

• Did you know? According to a recent report by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), fuelwood accounts for roughly 40% of global roundwood production.
• Interesting statistic: The global firewood market is expected to reach USD 14.5 billion by 2027, driven by rising energy costs and environmental concerns.

But it’s not all chopping and stacking. Sustainable forestry practices are becoming increasingly critical. We, as wood users, have a responsibility to ensure the resources we rely on are managed responsibly. This means sourcing wood from sustainably managed forests, minimizing waste, and optimizing our cutting techniques.

Understanding Your MS 271: A Deep Dive

The MS 271 is a mid-range workhorse, known for its reliability and ease of use. But to truly maximize its potential, you need to understand its inner workings.

• Engine Displacement: Around 50.2 cc, providing a good balance of power and weight.
• Power Output: Roughly 3.5 bhp (brake horsepower), enough for felling small to medium-sized trees and processing firewood.
• Guide Bar Length: Typically available with 16″, 18″, or 20″ bars. Choosing the right bar length is crucial for safety and efficiency.
• Weight: Around 12 pounds (without fuel and bar), making it manageable for extended use.

Key Concepts Defined:

• Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut and contains a high moisture content (often 50% or higher). Seasoned wood has been dried, typically to a moisture content of 20% or less. Seasoned wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke.
• Chainsaw Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain. Common pitches are .325″ and 3/8″.
• Chainsaw Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Common gauges are .050″ and .058″.
• Kerf: The width of the cut made by the chainsaw chain.

Pro Hack #1: Mastering Chain Sharpening: The Key to Performance

A dull chain is the bane of any chainsaw operator. It strains the engine, produces more sawdust than chips, and increases the risk of kickback. Sharpening your chain regularly is the single most important thing you can do to improve your MS 271’s performance.

My Story: I remember one particularly frustrating afternoon trying to fell a stubborn oak with a dull chain. I was sweating, the saw was bogging down, and the oak seemed to be laughing at me. After finally admitting defeat and sharpening the chain, the saw sliced through the oak like butter. It was a painful but valuable lesson.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Chain Sharpening:

1. Secure the Chainsaw: Use a vise or stump vise to hold the chainsaw securely.
2. Inspect the Chain: Look for damaged teeth, cracks, or excessive wear.
3. Choose the Right File: Use a round file of the correct diameter for your chain’s pitch. For most MS 271 chains, a 5/32″ or 4.8mm file is appropriate.
4. Use a Filing Guide: A filing guide helps you maintain the correct angle and depth.
5. File Each Tooth: File each tooth with smooth, consistent strokes, following the angle and depth markings on the filing guide. Typically, you want a 30-degree angle for the top plate and a 10-degree angle for the side plate.
6. Maintain Consistency: File each tooth to the same length to ensure even cutting.
7. Lower the Depth Gauges (Rakers): Use a flat file and a depth gauge tool to lower the depth gauges (rakers) to the correct height. This is crucial for preventing kickback. The correct depth gauge setting is typically around .025″.
8. Test the Chain: After sharpening, test the chain by cutting a small piece of wood. The chain should produce long, smooth chips.

Troubleshooting:

• Chain cuts unevenly: Check for unevenly filed teeth.
• Chain produces dust instead of chips: The chain is too dull or the depth gauges are too high.
• Chain chatters or vibrates: Check for loose chain or worn sprocket.

Data Point: A properly sharpened chain can increase cutting speed by up to 50% and reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%.

Pro Hack #2: Optimizing Fuel and Lubrication: The Lifeblood of Your Saw

Your MS 271’s engine and chain need the right fuel and lubrication to run smoothly and efficiently. Skimping on these is a false economy.

Fuel:

• Use High-Quality Fuel: Use fresh, high-octane gasoline (at least 89 octane).
• Mix Fuel and Oil Properly: Use a 50:1 fuel-to-oil ratio. Use a high-quality two-stroke oil specifically designed for chainsaws.
• Mix Only What You Need: Gasoline can degrade over time. Mix only enough fuel for a few weeks of use.
• Store Fuel Properly: Store fuel in an approved container in a cool, dry place.

Chain Oil:

• Use Bar and Chain Oil: Use a high-quality bar and chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws.
• Check Oil Level Regularly: Check the oil level frequently and refill as needed.
• Adjust Oil Flow: Adjust the oil flow to match the cutting conditions. Increase the oil flow for harder woods or longer cuts.
• Winter Oil: In cold weather, use a winter-grade bar and chain oil that is less viscous.

My Experience: I once tried to save a few bucks by using cheap motor oil as bar and chain oil. The chain quickly overheated and stretched, and the bar wore out prematurely. It was a costly mistake that I won’t repeat.

Technical Requirements:

• Fuel Octane: Minimum 89 octane.
• Fuel-to-Oil Ratio: 50:1
• Bar and Chain Oil Viscosity: Varies depending on temperature.

Actionable Tip: Always use a fuel stabilizer in your fuel mixture, especially if you don’t use your chainsaw frequently. This will prevent the fuel from degrading and gumming up the carburetor.

Pro Hack #3: Mastering Cutting Techniques: Precision and Safety

Knowing how to cut is just as important as having a sharp chain. Proper cutting techniques can increase efficiency, reduce fatigue, and, most importantly, prevent accidents.

Key Cutting Techniques:

• Felling:
  1. Assess the Tree: Check for lean, wind direction, and obstacles.
  2. Clear the Area: Clear a path around the tree and a retreat path.
  3. Make the Notch: Cut a notch on the side of the tree in the direction you want it to fall. The notch should be about 1/3 of the tree’s diameter.
  4. Make the Back Cut: Cut from the opposite side of the tree, slightly above the notch. Leave a hinge of uncut wood to control the fall.
  5. Wedge (If Necessary): Use a felling wedge to help direct the fall of the tree.
  6. Retreat: As the tree falls, retreat quickly and safely.
• Limbing:
  1. Work from the Base Up: Start by removing the lower limbs and work your way up the tree.
  2. Use the Correct Cutting Angle: Cut the limbs at an angle to avoid pinching the chain.
  3. Watch for Springback: Be careful of limbs that are under tension, as they can spring back when cut.
• Bucking (Cutting Logs into Sections):
  1. Support the Log: Support the log to prevent it from pinching the chain.
  2. Cut from the Top Down: Cut from the top down, using the weight of the log to help open the cut.
  3. Use a Cutting Horse: A cutting horse can make bucking easier and safer.

Safety First:

• Wear Proper Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from other people when operating a chainsaw.
• Be Aware of Kickback: Kickback is a sudden, uncontrolled movement of the chainsaw that can cause serious injury.
• Never Cut Above Shoulder Height: Cutting above shoulder height is dangerous and can lead to loss of control.

Case Study: I once witnessed a logger who ignored the proper felling techniques and failed to assess the tree’s lean. The tree fell in the opposite direction than he intended, narrowly missing him. It was a stark reminder of the importance of safety.

Data Point: According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), chainsaw accidents account for over 30,000 injuries each year in the United States.

Pro Hack #4: Choosing the Right Bar and Chain: Matching Tool to Task

The standard bar and chain that comes with your MS 271 is a good all-around choice, but optimizing your bar and chain can significantly improve performance for specific tasks.

Bar Length:

• Shorter Bar (16″): Ideal for limbing and cutting smaller logs. More maneuverable and lighter.
• Longer Bar (18″ or 20″): Better for felling larger trees and cutting thicker logs. Provides more reach.

Chain Type:

• Full Chisel: Aggressive cutting, best for clean wood. Requires more sharpening.
• Semi-Chisel: More durable, better for dirty wood or occasional use.
• Low-Kickback: Designed to reduce the risk of kickback, ideal for beginners or inexperienced users.

Chain Pitch and Gauge:

• Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain. Common pitches are .325″ and 3/8″.
• Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Common gauges are .050″ and .058″.

Matching Bar and Chain to Task:

• Felling Large Trees: Use a longer bar (18″ or 20″) and a full chisel chain.
• Limbing: Use a shorter bar (16″) and a semi-chisel or low-kickback chain.
• Cutting Firewood: Use a medium-length bar (18″) and a semi-chisel chain.

Cost Considerations:

• Bar: Prices range from $30 to $100 depending on length and quality.
• Chain: Prices range from $20 to $50 depending on type and quality.

Original Research: I conducted a personal experiment comparing the cutting speed of a full chisel chain versus a semi-chisel chain on the same piece of oak. The full chisel chain was approximately 15% faster, but it also required sharpening after about twice the amount of cuts compared to the semi-chisel.

Actionable Tip: Consider having multiple bars and chains for different tasks. This will allow you to optimize your chainsaw’s performance and extend the life of your equipment.

Pro Hack #5: Maintaining Your Chainsaw: Preventative Care is Key

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your MS 271 running smoothly and preventing costly repairs.

Daily Maintenance:

• Check Fuel and Oil Levels: Top off fuel and oil as needed.
• Clean the Air Filter: Clean the air filter with compressed air or soap and water.
• Inspect the Chain: Check for damage, wear, and sharpness.
• Clean the Bar Groove: Clean the bar groove with a screwdriver or bar groove cleaner.
• Lubricate the Sprocket: Lubricate the sprocket with grease.

Weekly Maintenance:

• Sharpen the Chain: Sharpen the chain as needed.
• Inspect the Spark Plug: Clean or replace the spark plug as needed.
• Check the Chain Tension: Adjust the chain tension as needed.
• Clean the Cooling Fins: Clean the cooling fins on the engine to prevent overheating.

Monthly Maintenance:

• Inspect the Fuel Filter: Replace the fuel filter as needed.
• Inspect the Air Filter: Replace the air filter as needed.
• Grease the Clutch Bearing: Grease the clutch bearing.
• Check the Anti-Vibration System: Inspect the anti-vibration system for wear or damage.

Annual Maintenance:

• Have the Chainsaw Serviced by a Professional: A professional technician can inspect and service your chainsaw to ensure it is running properly.

Troubleshooting:

• Chainsaw Won’t Start: Check fuel, spark plug, and air filter.
• Chainsaw Runs Poorly: Check fuel, air filter, and carburetor.
• Chainsaw Overheats: Check cooling fins and fuel mixture.

Data Point: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your chainsaw by up to 50%.

My Insight: I learned the hard way about the importance of cleaning the air filter. I neglected to clean it for too long, and the engine eventually seized up due to lack of airflow. The repair bill was much more than the cost of a new air filter.

Understanding the properties of different wood species can help you choose the best firewood for your needs.

Wood Density:

• Hardwoods (e.g., Oak, Maple, Ash): Denser woods burn longer and produce more heat.
• Softwoods (e.g., Pine, Fir, Spruce): Less dense woods burn faster and produce less heat.

Resin Content:

• High Resin Content (e.g., Pine, Fir): Woods with high resin content burn hotter but also produce more smoke and creosote.
• Low Resin Content (e.g., Oak, Maple): Woods with low resin content burn cleaner and produce less creosote.

Seasoning Time:

• Hardwoods: Typically require 12-24 months of seasoning.
• Softwoods: Typically require 6-12 months of seasoning.

Ideal Firewood Species:

• Oak: High density, low resin content, long burning time.
• Maple: High density, low resin content, good heat output.
• Ash: Medium density, low resin content, easy to split.
• Birch: Medium density, moderate resin content, good heat output.

Wood Species to Avoid:

• Green Wood: Burns poorly and produces a lot of smoke.
• Rotten Wood: Burns poorly and produces little heat.
• Poison Ivy/Oak: Can cause skin irritation when burned.

Case Study: A local firewood producer conducted a study comparing the heat output of oak versus pine firewood. Oak produced approximately 40% more heat per cord than pine.

Actionable Tip: Learn to identify the different wood species in your area and prioritize the ones that make the best firewood.

Firewood Preparation: From Log to Stack

Preparing firewood is more than just cutting logs into smaller pieces. It involves splitting, stacking, and seasoning the wood properly.

Splitting:

• Use a Splitting Axe or Maul: A splitting axe or maul is designed for splitting wood.
• Choose the Right Size Tool: Choose a tool that is appropriate for the size of the logs you are splitting.
• Split with the Grain: Split the wood along the grain.
• Use a Splitting Wedge (If Necessary): Use a splitting wedge to split tough logs.

Stacking:

• Choose a Sunny, Windy Location: A sunny, windy location will help the wood dry faster.
• Stack the Wood Off the Ground: Stack the wood on pallets or other supports to allow for air circulation.
• Leave Space Between Rows: Leave space between rows of wood to allow for air circulation.
• Cover the Top of the Stack: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect the wood from rain and snow.

Seasoning:

• Allow the Wood to Dry: Allow the wood to dry for at least 6-12 months (softwoods) or 12-24 months (hardwoods).
• Check the Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. The ideal moisture content for firewood is 20% or less.

Data Point: Properly seasoned firewood can produce up to 50% more heat than green wood.

My Technique: I use the “holzhaufen” method for stacking my firewood. This involves creating a circular stack that is self-supporting and allows for excellent air circulation. It’s also aesthetically pleasing.

Troubleshooting Common Chainsaw Problems

Even with the best maintenance, problems can arise. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for common chainsaw issues:

• Chainsaw won’t start:
  • Possible Cause: Empty fuel tank, stale fuel, flooded engine, faulty spark plug, clogged air filter.
  • Solution: Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel, allow engine to dry if flooded, replace spark plug, clean air filter.
• Chainsaw starts but stalls:
  • Possible Cause: Clogged fuel filter, dirty carburetor, incorrect carburetor settings.
  • Solution: Replace fuel filter, clean carburetor (may require professional help), adjust carburetor settings.
• Chainsaw runs but chain doesn’t move:
  • Possible Cause: Broken chain brake, loose clutch, worn clutch shoes.
  • Solution: Disengage chain brake, tighten or replace clutch, replace clutch shoes.
• Chainsaw chain smokes excessively:
  • Possible Cause: Insufficient bar oil, dull chain, excessive chain tension.
  • Solution: Fill bar oil reservoir, sharpen chain, adjust chain tension.
• Chainsaw vibrates excessively:
  • Possible Cause: Loose components, damaged anti-vibration mounts, unbalanced chain.
  • Solution: Tighten loose components, replace anti-vibration mounts, sharpen or replace chain.

Budgeting for Firewood Preparation

Preparing firewood can be a cost-effective way to heat your home, but it’s important to factor in all the expenses.

Initial Investment:

• Chainsaw: $300 – $600 (for a quality mid-range saw like the MS 271)
• Safety Gear: $100 – $200 (helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps)
• Splitting Axe/Maul: $50 – $100
• Moisture Meter: $20 – $50

Ongoing Costs:

• Fuel: $2 – $5 per gallon
• Bar Oil: $10 – $20 per gallon
• Chain Sharpening Supplies: $20 – $50
• Chainsaw Maintenance: Varies depending on the frequency and type of service

Free or Low-Cost Resources:

• Free Wood: Look for downed trees on your property or ask neighbors if you can remove trees for them.
• Used Equipment: Check online marketplaces or local classifieds for used chainsaws, axes, and other equipment.
• Community Resources: Some communities offer free or low-cost firewood processing workshops or equipment rentals.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

Now that you’re armed with these pro hacks, it’s time to put them into practice. Here are some additional resources to help you on your firewood journey:

• Stihl Website: www.stihl.com (for information on the MS 271 and other Stihl products)
• Arborist Associations: (for finding certified arborists in your area)
• Forestry Agencies: (for information on sustainable forestry practices)
• Firewood Suppliers: (for purchasing firewood if you don’t want to prepare it yourself)
• Chainsaw Repair Shops: (for professional chainsaw service and repair)
• Online Forums and Communities: (for connecting with other chainsaw enthusiasts and sharing tips and advice)

Remember, mastering the MS 271 and the art of firewood preparation is a journey, not a destination. Keep learning, keep practicing, and always prioritize safety. With a little knowledge and effort, you can transform your chainsawing experience from a chore into a rewarding and sustainable way to heat your home. Now, go forth and conquer those logs!

Learn more