2027 Stihl MS 261 16 in

2027 Stihl MS 261 16 in

This chainsaw offers an optimized power-to-weight ratio, great fuel efficiency, and convenience features.

Not available in all markets

The STIHL MS 261 is a versatile professional chainsaw built for demanding work, from cutting firewood to thinning and felling. Its redesigned cylinder and ergonomic housing provide an impressive power-to-weight ratio, giving you strong cutting performance in a well-balanced saw. Redesigned bumper spikes help provide better control while cutting, and the STIHL anti-vibration system helps reduce fatigue when there’s a full day of work ahead.

Designed to spend more time cutting and less time on maintenance, the MS 261 features a pre-separation air filtration system that doubles the time between filter cleanings. A decompression valve and STIHL ElastoStart™ help make starting easier, while the side-access chain tensioner makes chain adjustments more convenient. Toolless fuel and oil caps simplify refueling and adding bar and chain oil. With low exhaust emissions, high fuel efficiency, and professional-grade performance, the MS 261 is a dependable saw built for the variety of work professionals take on every day.

Hazard Warnings

General Power Tool

Improper use of any power tool may cause serious or fatal injury. Read, understand, and follow carefully the operating and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only. Improper use of any power tool may cause serious or fatal injury. Read, understand, and follow carefully the operating and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.

E-10 Statement

Note: STIHL  recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% Ethanol content. Using fuel  with greater than 10% Ethanol content may cause damage to your equipment and  may void your STIHL warranty.

Proposition 65 - English

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Product Details:

• All-purpose professional gas chainsaw
• For forestry work
• Easy starting and optimized engine performance with STIHL M-Tronic
• Long service intervals due to the long-life air filter system

Features May Include:

Adjustable Automatic Oiler

• The Adjustable Automatic Oiler allows the user to adjust the lubricant of the guide bar and saw chain for different bar lengths and cutting conditions.

Anti-Vibration System

• STIHL has developed a system for minimizing the vibration levels of handheld outdoor power equipment. The STIHL anti-vibration system helps reduce operator fatigue and provides a more comfortable working experience.

Bumper Spikes

• These spikes prevent pull-in and provide better control, making cutting easier.

Decompression Valve

• The decompression valve, also referred to as 'deco' or 'deco valve', vents compression in the cylinder for easier starting. The decompression valve temporarily reduces the compression in the combustion chamber during cranking and helps reduce the effort needed to pull the starter rope. It is opened manually and closes automatically as soon as the engine fires.

Ematic™ Lubrication System

• The Ematic™ guide bar, when used with STIHL OILOMATIC® saw chain, will provide proper lubrication and less oil consumption than conventional methods. The system works because two ramps, strategically placed in the guide bar rail, help contain the flow of oil and direct all lubrication to the sliding faces of the bar and chain links as well as the rivets and driver holes, which in turn can reduce bar oil consumption up to 50%.

IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor

• The IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor is designed to automatically adjust the air/fuel ratio when the air filter becomes restricted or partially clogged and maintains the engine’s correct RPM. IntelliCarb™ uses air from the clean side of the air filter to control the diaphragm and flow of fuel. As the air filter becomes dirty and less air is available for the carburetor, the IntelliCarb™ system adjusts the fuel flow to compensate for the decrease in air flow. This is in contrast to typical carburetors that utilize this air from the “dirty” side of the air box.

Master Control Lever™

• The Master Control Lever™ is an easy to use single lever, operating the choke, starting throttle lock, and on-off switch. The operator must pull the throttle trigger before moving the Master Control Lever™ to the choke position.

Pre-Separation Air Filtration System

• This time-saving technology boosts the efficiency of the engine’s filter system, doubling the time between air filter cleanings. Air drawn into the engine is first separated via centrifugal force, ejecting the heavier dirt particles before being routed to the air filter. This pre-separation means less dirt to be captured by the air filter, resulting in less frequent cleaning and maintenance.

STIHL ElastoStart™

• The ElastoStart™ starter handle is an exclusive feature of STIHL. It is a starting grip with a built-in shock absorber that helps reduce the effort when pulling on the starter cord. The ElastoStart™ starter grip noticeably reduces the sudden peak forces (compression) normally felt during cranking. The forces which occur at the grip after the first compression stroke are smoothed out.

STIHL Quickstop®

• STIHL chainsaws are equipped with a chain stopping system designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. It is called a STIHL Quickstop® chain brake. The STIHL Quickstop® chain brake is designed to stop the rotation of the chain if activated by the operator’s hand or by inertia if the saw kicks back with sufficient force. In some working positions, the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake can be activated by inertia, stopping the chain within fractions of a second.

Side-Access Chain Tensioner

• The side-access chain tensioner 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.

Throttle Trigger Lock

• See it in action!

Toolless Fuel and Oil Caps with Retainers

• Simply lift the lever and twist the caps to remove or tighten. There’s no need to use a tool to tighten or loosen.