STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Petrol Chainsaw | 40 cm
Winter-ready professional chainsaw with handle and carburettor heating
Product description
The STIHL MS 261 C-M VW is the ideal choice for forestry work in small and medium-sized stands when you need to work reliably at low temperatures too. This winter-ready professional chainsaw combines high cutting performance with equipment specifically designed for winter operation. The ‘V’ stands for carburettor heating, the ‘W’ for handle heating.
Common problems
Winter forestry work in frost and snow brings typical problems:
- Cold handles make safe, precise operation of the chainsaw more difficult in frost
- Iced-up carburettors can disrupt engine operation at very low temperatures
- Standard chainsaws are not designed for continuous use in sub-zero temperatures
Solution
The MS 261 C-M VW tackles this with electric handle heating for warm, dry handles and electric carburettor heating that prevents icing at very low temperatures – combined with STIHL M-Tronic for reliable operation in winter too.
Key features
- Winter-ready professional chainsaw with 40 cm RS Pro cutting attachment
- Electric handle heating for warm, dry handles
- Electric carburettor heating to prevent icing in frost
- STIHL M-Tronic for optimum engine performance in every situation
- STIHL 2-MIX engine with 3.0 kW (4.1 hp) output
- HD2 filter and long-life air filter system with pre-separation
- Captive nuts on the sprocket cover
- STIHL anti-vibration system for more comfortable working
Highlights
Electric handle heating
Warm, dry handles even in frost and snow ensure safe, comfortable working in winter.
Electric carburettor heating
Temperature-dependent on/off switching prevents the carburettor from icing up at very low outside temperatures.
STIHL M-Tronic
The fully electronic engine management automatically controls ignition timing and fuel metering, even in winter conditions.
40 cm RS Pro cutting attachment
The 40 cm STIHL Light 04 guide bar with .325″ RS Pro saw chain offers high cutting performance and precise cuts.
Long-life air filter system
Pre-separation and the HD2 filter extend maintenance intervals, even during winter forestry work.
Comfortable working
The STIHL anti-vibration system significantly reduces strain on arms and hands during longer winter work.
Technical data
| Part number | 1141 200 0651 |
| Displacement | 50.2 cm³ |
| Power | 3.0 kW / 4.10 hp |
| Weight without fuel | 5.1 kg |
| Bar length | 40 cm |
| Chain pitch | .325″ |
| Chain type | Rapid Super Pro (RS Pro) |
| Sound pressure level | 105 dB(A) |
| Sound power level | 116 dB(A) |
| Vibration value left/right | 3,5 / 3,5 m/s² |
In the box
- STIHL MS 261 C-M VW petrol chainsaw
- STIHL Light 04 guide bar 40 cm
- .325″ Rapid Super Pro (RS Pro) saw chain
- Combination spanner
- Operating instructions
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Who is the STIHL MS 261 C-M VW suitable for?
The STIHL MS 261 C-M VW is aimed at forestry professionals who regularly need to work reliably in winter temperatures and frost.
What does VW mean in the model name?
V stands for electric carburettor heating to prevent icing, W for electric handle heating for warm hands in frost.
How heavy is the chainsaw in use?
The saw weighs 5.1 kg without fuel – slightly more than the standard MS 261 C-M due to the additional heating technology.
Which bar length should I choose?
35 cm is well suited to agile work in smaller stands. If you need more reach, the 40 cm version is a better choice.
What is included?
The chainsaw, STIHL Light 04 guide bar, saw chain, combination spanner and operating instructions are included.
Safety information & manufacturer details
Using a chainsaw requires experience and safe handling of the tool.
Before first use, familiarise yourself with the operation and the applicable safety regulations.
Please also note the requirements for suitable protective clothing such as chainsaw trousers, safety boots, gloves and a safety helmet with face and hearing protection.
If you are unsure about operating the machine, we recommend a personal handover and instruction from an authorised STIHL dealer.
- Read the operating instructions and safety information in full before first use.
- Wear suitable personal protective equipment.
- Use chainsaws only for their intended purpose.
Manufacturer information
STIHL Vertriebszentrale AG & Co. KG
Robert-Bosch-Straße 13
64807 Dieburg, Germany
Phone: +49 6071 204-0
Email: kundenservice@stihl.de
Data use information (Regulation (EU) 2023/2854)
| Connected products | All STIHL products connected to ‘STIHL connected’. |
| Access to product data | Product data is available in the ‘STIHL connected’ application. The product must be added first. |
| Deleting the user account | When your organisation is deleted, all linked data is removed, subject to statutory retention obligations. |
| Product data collected | Operational readiness status, service information and runtime data. |
| Data format | CSV file (Excel-compatible). |
| Data volume | Less than 1 MB per connected product. |
| Collection | Continuously in real time. |
| Storage location | Cloud infrastructure of the STIHL Group. |
| Storage period | Until the organisation is deleted, taking statutory retention periods into account. |
