Product Description
The STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS 20-Inch Gasoline Chainsaw is a powerful farm-and-ranch saw designed for harvesting firewood, property maintenance, storm cleanup, limbing, and occasional tree-felling work.
Its 50.2cc STIHL two-stroke engine produces approximately 2.6 kW or 3.5 HP, providing the torque needed for demanding cutting jobs while maintaining a manageable powerhead weight of approximately 12.3 lb.
The MS 271 FARM BOSS incorporates STIHL’s reduced-emission engine technology and is engineered to deliver longer operating periods between refueling compared with the previous-generation model. STIHL states that the design can provide approximately 20% longer runtime between refueling while substantially reducing exhaust emissions compared with its predecessor.
A pre-separation air-filtration system removes larger particles before they reach the primary air filter. This helps extend filter service intervals and supports more consistent engine performance in dusty cutting environments. STIHL states that the filter can last up to five times longer than on systems without this pre-cleaning feature.
The saw also features STIHL’s anti-vibration system, a side-access chain tensioner, a Master Control Lever, toolless fuel and oil caps, and an automatic chain-lubrication system. Together, these features simplify routine handling and maintenance while supporting comfortable operation during longer cutting sessions.
The current U.S. lineup commonly offers the MS 271 FARM BOSS with either an 18-inch or 20-inch guide bar. The 20-inch configuration provides additional reach for larger logs and firewood, while the 18-inch version offers slightly easier maneuverability.
Key Features
50.2cc High-Output Engine
The STIHL two-stroke engine delivers approximately 3.5 HP for demanding farm, ranch, firewood, and property-maintenance applications.
20-Inch Guide Bar
The commonly sold 20-inch configuration provides useful cutting reach for logs, fallen timber, and firewood preparation.
Pre-Separation Air Filtration
Centrifugal airflow separates larger debris before it reaches the main filter, helping extend cleaning intervals.
Reduced-Emission Engine Technology
The engine is designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared with older STIHL models in the same class.
STIHL Anti-Vibration System
Buffer elements reduce the amount of engine and cutting vibration transferred to the operator handles.
Side-Access Chain Tensioner
The chain-adjustment screw is accessible from the side of the sprocket cover using the supplied combination wrench.
Master Control Lever
Starting, operating, choke, and stop functions are managed through one centralized control.
Toolless Fuel and Oil Caps
Quarter-turn caps allow the fuel and chain-oil tanks to be opened and closed without additional tools.
Automatic Chain Lubrication
The lubrication system continuously delivers bar oil to the guide bar and chain during operation.
Translucent Fuel Tank
The tank design allows the remaining fuel level to be checked visually.
Bumper Spikes
Metal bumper spikes help stabilize the saw against the wood during cutting.
STIHL Quickstop Chain Brake
The chain-brake system is designed to stop chain movement when manually activated or during certain kickback events.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | STIHL |
| Product Model | MS 271 FARM BOSS |
| Unique Model Name | MS 271 FarmCut 20 |
| Generated SKU | STI-MS271-FB20-502CC |
| Product Type | Farm and ranch gasoline chainsaw |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder two-stroke gasoline |
| Engine Displacement | 50.2cc / 3.06 cu. in. |
| Engine Output | 2.6 kW |
| Horsepower | Approximately 3.5 HP |
| Rated Engine Speed | Approximately 9,500 rpm |
| Idle Speed | Approximately 2,800 rpm |
| Powerhead Weight | Approximately 12.3 lb / 5.6 kg |
| Recommended Bar Range | 16–20 inches |
| Common U.S. Bar Options | 18 or 20 inches |
| Chain Pitch | .325 inch |
| Common Chain Type | STIHL 26 RM3 |
| Chain Tensioning | Side-access adjustment |
| Fuel-Tank Capacity | Approximately 16.9 fl. oz. / 500 ml |
| Chain-Oil Capacity | Approximately 8.1 fl. oz. / 240 ml |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline and two-cycle oil mixture |
| Fuel-Mix Ratio | 50:1 |
| Starting System | Recoil start |
| Air Filtration | Pre-separation filtration system |
| Vibration Control | STIHL anti-vibration system |
| Chain Brake | STIHL Quickstop |
| Primary Control | Master Control Lever |
| Lubrication | Automatic bar-and-chain oiler |
| Recommended Use | Firewood, farm maintenance, storm cleanup and property work |
STIHL’s official technical documentation confirms the 50.2cc displacement, 2.6 kW output, approximately 3.5 HP rating, 9,500 rpm rated speed, and 2,800 rpm idle speed.
Engine and Filtration System
The MS 271 FARM BOSS uses a powerful two-stroke engine built for demanding property-maintenance applications. Its pre-separation filtration system removes heavier debris from the incoming air before it reaches the primary filter.
This design can:
- Extend air-filter service intervals
- Maintain airflow in dusty conditions
- Support more consistent engine performance
- Reduce frequent filter cleaning during long jobs
Guide Bar and Saw Chain
The MS 271 supports guide bars between approximately 16 and 20 inches. U.S. dealers commonly offer 18-inch and 20-inch versions.
A typical configuration uses:
- .325-inch chain pitch
- STIHL 26 RM3 OILOMATIC chain
- STIHL Rollomatic guide bar
- Side-access chain adjustment
- Automatic bar-and-chain lubrication
Replacement bars and chains must match the saw’s required pitch, gauge, mounting pattern, and drive-link count.
Recommended Applications
The STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS is suitable for:
- Cutting and processing firewood
- Farm and ranch property maintenance
- Storm-damaged tree cleanup
- Cutting fallen limbs and logs
- Limbing and bucking
- Maintaining wooded properties
- Occasional tree-felling work by properly trained operators
What’s Included
- 1 × STIHL MS 271 FARM BOSS chainsaw powerhead
- 1 × 20-inch STIHL guide bar
- 1 × Compatible STIHL .325-inch saw chain
- 1 × Guide-bar scabbard
- 1 × Combination wrench or scrench
- 1 × Operator’s instruction manual
- Manufacturer safety and warranty documentation
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