Direct product selection: Petrol chainsaws for forestry

MS 261

Groundbreaking 2.8kW Petrol chainsaw

General

Highly versatile mid-range petrol chainsaw. The new updated version of the best-selling MS 260 reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% and exhaust emissions by up to 50%. Additional features include the new HD2 long life air filter system, anti-vibration technology and patented captive nuts on the chain sprocket cover. This mid-range professional chainsaw is suitable for a wide variety of applications, from cutting firewood, to thinning work and felling medium sized stands.

Versions



Deviations from the product range and information provided here are possible, depending on the country. STIHL reserves the right to make changes to technical specifications and equipment.

Technical specifications

MS 261

Technical specifications

Technical specifications Value
Displacement 50,2 cm³
Power output 2,8/3,8 kW/bhp
Weight 1) 5,2 kg
Power-to-weight ratio 1,9 kg/kW
Sound pressure level 2) 102 dB(A)
Sound power level 3) 114 dB(A)
Sound power level 3) 113 dB(A)
Vibration level left/right 4) 3,5/3,5 m/s²
Saw chain pitch .325"
STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type Rapid Super (RS)

1) Without fuel, without bar and chain
2) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 (dB (A))
3) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)
4) K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²

Deviations from the product range and information provided here are possible, depending on the country. STIHL reserves the right to make changes to technical specifications and equipment.

Features

MS 261

Standard equipment

  • STIHL ElastoStart Zoom
    STIHL ElastoStart

    Due to compression pressure, jerky stresses occur when starting internal combustion engines. The damping element in the ElastoStart special starter grip alternately absorbs and releases force according to the compression pattern. The result is smooth, even starting.

  • STIHL 2-MIX engine Zoom
    STIHL 2-MIX engine

    The two-stroke engine with STIHL 2-MIX technology saves up to 20 % of fuel and reduces emissions by up to 70 % compared to STIHL 2-stroke engines of the same performance class without 2-MIX technology.

  • Carburettor heating (V) Zoom
    Carburettor heating (V)

    By changing the chain saw from summer to winter operation, the intake air is pre-heated over the engine fins. This ensures that the carburettor does not ice up and you can continue working in freezing temperatures.

  • Controlled-delivery oil pump Zoom
    Controlled-delivery oil pump

    Different bar lengths, wood types and sawing techniques require different amounts of oil. The controlled-delivery oil pump allows the user to select just the right amount of oil for the job at hand.

  • Side-mounted chain tensioning Zoom
    Side-mounted chain tensioning

    Side-mounted chain tensioning makes it easy to tension the chain safely.

  • Pre-separation air filtration system Zoom
    Pre-separation air filtration system

    STIHL long-life air filtration systems with pre-separation achieve perceptibly longer filter life compared with conventional filter systems. Air drawn in is swirled. The larger, heavier particles are ejected. The pre-cleaned air is routed to the air filter via the pre-separator duct.

  • HD2 filter Zoom
    HD2 filter

    This air filter keeps even the finest dust away from the engine, ensuring a particularly long service life. Thanks to its special material, the filter can easily be cleaned by washing, for example with STIHL Varioclean and warm water.

  • Advanced combustion technology Zoom
    Advanced combustion technology

    Four overflow channels swirl the fuel-air mix before ignition, allowing for optimum combustion and highly efficient performance. The result is lower fuel consumption and high torque across a broad rpm range.

  • Compensator Zoom
    Compensator

    This controller in the carburettor prevents the fuel-air mixture getting richer as the air filter becomes clogged. The correct quantity of fuel is delivered to the carburettor depending on the quantity of air passing through the air filter. This keeps the fuel/air ratio in the combustion mixture constant and hence also the engine power. The filter doesn't need to be cleaned until an appreciable drop in power occurs.

  • Decompression valve Zoom
    Decompression valve

    The decompression valve is part of the easy starting system. The valve should be pressed before starting to reduce the compression pressure when starting, as well as reducing the effort needed to pull the starter rope. The decompression valve is semi-automatic; it must be pressed manually before starting, but then closes automatically.

  • STIHL anti-vibration system Zoom
    STIHL anti-vibration system

    Precisely calculated buffer zones minimise the transfer of engine and saw chain vibrations to the front and rear handles. The chainsaw therefore runs noticeably smoother. This allows the user to save their strength and work longer.

  • STIHL Ematic System Zoom
    STIHL Ematic System

    Compared to conventional bars without Ematic, the STIHL Ematic system reduces the consumption of chain lubricant by up to 50 %, depending on the type of wood and the cutting attachment used. This system comprises a STIHL Ematic or Ematic S guide bar, a STIHL Oilomatic saw chain and a variable-flow or reduced-flow oil pump. As a result, virtually every drop of chain lubricant is delivered to exactly the right spot.

  • Single-lever master control Zoom
    Single-lever master control

    All important functions such as start, choke, throttle and stop are operated via a single lever.

  • Captive nuts Zoom
    Captive nuts

    When changing the cutting attachment, you will not risk losing the nuts on the sprocket. The MS 261 is the first STIHL chainsaw to be equipped with the captive nuts. A great advantage for all users.

  • Tool free fuel caps Zoom
    Tool free fuel caps

    Special caps to open and close the tank cap quickly, easily and without tools.

Deviations from the product range and information provided here are possible, depending on the country. STIHL reserves the right to make changes to technical specifications and equipment.

Accessories

MS 261

Accessories

    • Chainsaw bag Zoom
      Chainsaw bag

      For tidy storage and transport of chainsaws with bar lengths up to 45 cm.

    Versions

    • Combination socket tool Zoom
      Combination socket tool

      For tensioning the chain and changing the chain, bar and spark plug. Width across flats: 19 (for MS 261 up), 19-13 (for MS 271, MS, 291, MS 311, MS 391), 19–16 (for MS 170, MS 171, MS 180, MS 181, MS 193 C, MS 211, MS 231, MS 241, MS 251), 16 and 13 ( for MS 150, MS 201, MS 201 T).

    Versions

    • Multi-function tool Zoom
      Multi-function tool

      Practical, multi-function quality tool in a sturdy plastic case. 3.5 mm flat-blade screwdriver for carburettor adjustment and cleaning grooves, Torx® TX 27 screwdriver, nylon pouch with belt loop. Width across flats 19-13 for MS 271, MS 291, MS 311 and MS 391, width across flats 19-16 for MS 170, MS 171, MS 180, MS 181, MS 193 C, MS 211, MS 231, MS 241 and MS 251.

    Versions

    • Multi function tool, size across flats 19 - 13

    • Laser 2-in-1 Zoom
      Laser 2-in-1

      Felling direction indicator and cutting guide in one. For cutting short pieces of wood without complicated measuring, can be used as a felling direction indicator to check the cuts and felling direction, demonstration video on DVD. Choose the holder suitable for your chain saw.

    Versions

    • Holder 1141 for STIHL Laser 2-in-1 Zoom
      Holder 1141 for STIHL Laser 2-in-1

      For MS 261, MS 271, MS 291, all design variants except VWMS 261, MS 271, MS 291

    Versions

    • Holder 1141 for STIHL Laser 2-in-1

Deviations from the product range and information provided here are possible, depending on the country. STIHL reserves the right to make changes to technical specifications and equipment.

Documents

Owners manuals and safety brochures

Languages Date Link
manual icon de / fr / it 16.07.2021