Stihl MS 271 Chainsaw (Model Guide)
The STIHL MS 271 is a 50.2 cm³, 2.6 kW gasoline chainsaw suited to trained users doing firewood work and routine property maintenance. Its exact bar and chain fit depends on the saw’s configuration, so check the bar stamp and manual before buying parts. For a used saw, inspect its condition and ask a STIHL dealer to verify its serial number.
A model name alone does not tell you whether a particular MS 271 is the right buy. Bar length, chain fit, wear, service history, and access to parts all affect ownership. I assess a used saw by looking past labels and seller claims: confirm the configuration, inspect the safety parts, and compare its condition with the work you need it to do.
The MS 271 is often sold as the Farm Boss, but names and specifications can vary by market. Confirm the model and manual for the saw in front of you. The figures below describe common specifications; they are not a substitute for the manual that matches your saw.
What the MS 271 is designed to do
The MS 271 is a mid-size gasoline chainsaw for trained users handling firewood, bucking, and routine property or tree-maintenance cuts. Its engine has a displacement of 50.2 cm³ and rated power of 2.6 kW. It is not a substitute for training, safe work planning, or a saw suited to a specific heavy-duty job.
For a homeowner who regularly cuts firewood, its size may offer more capacity than a light-duty saw. For occasional pruning or small limbs, that capacity can mean extra weight and upkeep without much benefit. Match the saw to the wood and the operator, not just the advertised bar length.
Common published figures include an engine speed of about 13,500 rpm at maximum power and an idle speed of about 2,800 rpm. Confirm these values in the manual for the exact market version. Carburetor checks and engine-speed adjustments need the correct procedure and a tachometer; do not tune the saw above its specified limit.
Bar and chain compatibility
A bar is the guide that supports the chain; pitch is the spacing between the chain’s drive links. Gauge is the thickness of those links where they fit in the bar groove. These measurements must match the saw’s bar, chain, and drive sprocket, so a model name alone is not enough to choose a replacement chain.
Many MS 271 setups use a .325-inch chain pitch, and 16- to 20-inch bars are common. But gauge and drive-link count depend on the installed bar and market configuration. Read the markings stamped on the bar and check the manual before ordering. Do not assume the chain gauge is .050 or .063 inch.
| Setup or measurement | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bar length | Bar stamp and manual | A longer bar raises cutting demand and can reduce control |
| Chain pitch | Chain, bar, and sprocket markings | Pitch must match across the drive system |
| Chain gauge | Bar stamp and chain specification | A mismatch may not fit the bar groove correctly |
| Drive-link count | Existing chain and bar setup | The chain must fit the bar length and adjustment range |
A shorter approved bar can be easier to manage, while a longer one may help with suitable larger cuts. Neither choice makes unsafe work safe. Use only a bar-and-chain combination approved for the exact saw and sprocket setup.
Used MS 271: identity and condition checks
A serial number is an identifier, not a universal public decoder for production date or factory origin. Ask a STIHL dealer to check it and confirm that the model and configuration make sense. Compare the saw’s markings and build with STIHL’s information for your market, and treat missing, altered, or inconsistent identifiers as a reason to pause.
I would not value a used MS 271 by its “Farm Boss” badge or claimed hours alone. Inspect the saw cold, ask for its service history, and look for signs of repair or damage. A clean exterior cannot prove good compression or correct tuning, so have a qualified service shop assess the engine if the price depends on its condition.
Before buying, inspect:
- Chain brake, throttle lockout, and chain catcher for damage or missing parts.
- Chain tension, cutter condition, bar rails, sprocket, and visible oiling.
- Starter, controls, handles, and housing for cracks or poor repairs.
- Serial markings and seller paperwork; ask a dealer to verify the saw.
- Whether the included bar and chain match the saw and each other.
Counterfeits and misrepresented equipment are harder to assess from photos. Buy from an authorized dealer when possible. With a private sale, meet where the saw can be inspected safely, request proof of purchase if available, and do not rely on stickers, packaging, or a serial number alone as proof of authenticity.
Setup and safety before cutting
Setup means checking the saw, cutting gear, and work area before starting. Use a helmet with face and eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw-rated leg protection, gloves, and sturdy boots. Inspect the safety parts and plan your stance, escape route, and exclusion zone before the chain moves.
Check the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, chain tension, bar rails, sprocket, and chain lubrication. The MS 271’s oil delivery is automatic and adjustable, so there is no single flow-rate figure that fits every setup. Use suitable bar and chain oil, and confirm that the system is delivering oil as described in the manual.
Use the fuel mix specified for the saw. Common MS 271 instructions call for a 50:1 gasoline-to-two-stroke-oil mix with suitable oil; confirm the exact manual before fueling. Never use straight gasoline or the wrong mix. Incorrect fuel can cause rapid engine damage, including seizure.
Set depth gauges, sometimes called rakers, to the specification for the chain fitted to the saw. Their height controls how much wood each cutter removes. Use the chain maker’s instructions and the correct gauge, rather than applying a generic clearance.
Starting, cutting, and shutdown
Safe operation follows a simple sequence: inspect and prepare, start the saw as the manual directs, cut with control, then shut down before carrying or servicing. This routine helps catch problems early and keeps the chain from running while you adjust or clear the saw.
- Before starting: Check fuel, chain oil, chain tension, and the saw’s safety parts. Engage the chain brake and start on stable ground, following the manual’s cold- or warm-start steps. Do not drop-start the saw.
- While cutting: Release the brake only when ready to cut. Hold the saw with both hands and keep a stable stance. Use the lower quadrant of the bar where practical, and stop if the chain loosens, becomes damaged, or cuts poorly.
- After cutting: Engage the brake and shut down before carrying, adjusting, or clearing debris. Let the saw cool, then clean and inspect it.
Rotational kickback can happen if the upper quadrant near the bar nose contacts wood or another object. The saw can move rapidly toward the operator. Keep the nose clear, avoid cutting with it, and use a firm two-handed grip. A chain brake is important protection, but it does not replace safe technique.
Do not cut above shoulder height or force a dull chain through wood. Both increase the chance of losing control. For felling, work only within your training and the saw’s capability. Plan an escape path, keep bystanders away, follow applicable ANSI Z133 and OSHA requirements, and maintain required clearance from power lines. Contact the utility or a qualified professional when the work is near a line.
Maintenance, sharpening, and storage
Regular maintenance means keeping the cutting system, filters, and cooling areas clean and correctly adjusted. It supports reliable operation, but it cannot correct worn or damaged parts. Use the matching manual and chain specifications, and have a qualified service shop handle work beyond your skill or tools.
Keep the chain snug against the underside of the bar while still able to pull it by hand with gloves. Recheck tension after initial running and after the saw cools. Rotate the bar periodically and inspect its rails for uneven wear.
Sharpen cutters to the angles marked for that chain. Lower depth gauges only with the correct gauge and file. Replace cracked, badly worn, or damaged parts rather than filing them into service. Keep the air filter and cooling fins clean, and use fresh, correctly mixed fuel.
For extended storage, follow the STIHL manual’s fuel-draining and storage instructions. Keep fuel in an approved container away from ignition sources. Clean and dry the saw, protect the chain, and store the machine securely out of children’s reach.
Common buying and setup scenarios
These examples show how the same model can suit one job but not another. They are decision scenarios, not claims about a specific owner’s saw. In each case, the right next step is to verify the exact configuration and condition.
| Situation | Practical decision |
|---|---|
| Regular firewood cutting | Consider the MS 271 if its weight and capacity suit the operator; verify an approved bar and chain |
| Occasional small-limb work | A smaller saw may be easier to handle; do not buy extra capacity you will rarely use |
| Used saw with an unknown chain | Read the bar stamp and manual, then match pitch, gauge, and drive-link count |
| Saw with unclear serial markings | Pause the purchase and ask a STIHL dealer to inspect and verify it |
| Long bar included in a private sale | Confirm approval for that saw and setup; inspect the chain, bar, and sprocket before use |
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the MS 271 have?
Common specifications list 50.2 cm³ displacement and 2.6 kW rated power. Confirm the values in the manual for your market and saw version. Engine speed and power should not be adjusted beyond the manufacturer’s limits.
What bar length does the MS 271 use?
Sixteen- to 20-inch bars are common, but the approved length depends on the saw’s exact configuration and market. Check the manual and bar stamp before replacing or changing the bar.
What chain fits an MS 271?
The chain must match the bar’s pitch, gauge, and drive-link count, as well as the sprocket. Many setups use .325-inch pitch, but do not assume the gauge or link count. Read the bar stamp and verify the setup.
Does every MS 271 use .050-inch chain gauge?
No. Gauge can vary with the bar and configuration. Check the installed bar’s markings and the manual rather than ordering by model name alone.
What fuel mix does the MS 271 need?
Common instructions specify a 50:1 mix using suitable two-stroke oil. Verify the exact manual before fueling. Do not run straight gasoline or use an incorrect mixture.
How can I verify a used MS 271’s serial number?
Ask an authorized STIHL dealer to check the serial number and confirm the saw’s identity. The number is not a universal public code for production date or origin. Also inspect the saw and request available purchase or service records.
Is the MS 271 suitable for felling trees?
It may be used for suitable work by trained operators, but suitability depends on the tree, saw setup, and operator skill. Plan the work, follow applicable safety requirements, and hire a qualified professional when the task exceeds your training or equipment.
Why might the chain not be getting enough oil?
Check the oil level, bar groove, oil holes, and visible oil delivery as the manual directs. Oil flow is adjustable and can vary by setup, so do not rely on a universal flow-rate figure. Have a service shop inspect a persistent problem.
Choosing with confidence
The MS 271 makes sense when its power and weight fit your regular work, its installed cutting parts match the saw, and you can maintain it safely. Before buying, verify the manual, bar and chain markings, safety parts, and serial number. For a used saw, a dealer inspection can help separate a sound tool from a costly repair.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Elliott Fowler. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
