Close up of MS 261 cutting through tree trunk with Ematic™ guide bar

Man using MS 261 to cut through tree trunk with Ematic™ guide bar

MS 261

Name: MS 261
Brand: STIHL
SKU: ms261
Rating: 4.6065 (399 reviews)

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

Features

Ematic™ Lubrication System
STIHL ElastoStart™
IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor
STIHL Quickstop®

Not available in all markets

The MS 261 chainsaw delivers low exhaust emissions, high fuel efficiency, and, of course, professional-grade performance. Its redesigned cylinder and ergonomic housing deliver a great power-to-weight ratio, weighing just 10.8 lbs. Designed for large volume cutting, the MS 261 also features the STIHL anti-vibration system for enhanced comfort. Other convenience features include a pre-separation air filtration system and a redesigned spiked bumper. Add the MS 261 to your jobsite today.

Features
- 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%.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bumper Spikes -
  These spikes prevent pull-in and provide better control, making cutting easier.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Throttle Trigger Lock -
  See it in action!
- Reduced-Emission Engine Technology—Caring for Nature -
  The STIHL Inc. “Caring for Nature” seal identifies its powered products that are more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL Inc. defines “low exhaust emissions” as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards.

Specifications

Questions And Answers

Reviews

Warnings And Safety
Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance - Video
Product Instruction Manual (PDF)
Product Safety Manual (PDF)
STIHL Limited Warranty
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The occurrence called “kickback” can cause serious or fatal injury. Always read the instruction manual carefully before using your saw. STIHL uses a green and yellow color-coding system to help you select a powerhead, bar and chain combination that complies with the kickback requirements of ANSI Standard B175.1 (gasoline-powered saws) and §30 of UL 1662/ ANSI Standard B175.1 (electric chainsaws). Ask your STIHL dealer about safe operating procedures and the advantages of the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake, STIHL Quickstop® Plus additional chain braking feature, STIHL reduced kickback bars and STIHL low-kickback saw chains.

STIHL recommends the use of green reduced kickback bars and green low kickback chains on all STIHL chainsaws.
* The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on.
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.
WARNING! 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.

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POWER SOURCE	Gas
POWERHEAD WEIGHT	10.8 lbs.
GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended)	16 in.
OILOMATIC® CHAIN	.325" RM3
CHAIN OIL CAPACITY	9.13 oz.
ENGINE POWER	4.0 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY	16.9 oz.
DISPLACEMENT	50.2 cc
INTENDED USE	Professional