MS 261 C-M VW Chainsaw
Powerful 3.0 kW forestry chainsaw with Light 04 bar, fitted with electric carburettor heating and electrically heated handles
Overview
The STIHL MS 261 C-M VW petrol chainsaw is the perfect tool for small to medium tree maintenance work. This new version features a newly designed Light 04 guide bar as well as the new .325” RS Pro saw chain for improved cutting performance. The high performance .325” saw chain provides up to 20% more cutting performance compared to its predecessor (.325” RS) due to the narrower kerf. This light and well-balanced saw delivers plenty of power, whilst the M-Tronic technology controls the fuel and air mix at all times so the machine is always at optimum performance. The STIHL anti-vibration system significantly reduces vibrations at the handles for comfortable use of this petrol chainsaw throughout your working day.
The MS 261 C-M is a versatile, professional petrol chainsaw allowing you to run a selection of different bar lengths to suit your needs. It also includes useful features such as the easy-clean HD2 filter, adjustable oil delivery to the bar and chain, stainless steel muffler and captive nuts on the sprocket cover. The 2-MIX technology in the MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw ensures up to 20% less fuel consumption and up to 50% less emissions compared to the equivalent STIHL two-stroke engines without 2-MIX technology.
The MS 261 C-M VW comes fitted with electric carburettor heating and electrically heated handles for work in cold climates.
You can find videos showing you how to fill your machine with fuel and oil, fit bars and chains and start your chainsaw here.
Versions
Price-
MS 261 C-M VW - 35 cm / 14"£930.00*
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MS 261 C-M VW - 40 cm / 16"£942.00*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Product variations
- MS 261 C-M Chainsaw Powerful 3.0 kW forestry chainsaw with Light 04 bar
Technical data

Technical data
Technical data | Value |
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System weight kg 1) | 6 |
Displacement cm³ | 50.2 |
Power output kW/bhp | 3/4.1 |
Weight kg 2) | 5.1 |
Power-to-weight ratio kg/kW | 1.7 |
CO2 g/kWh | 705 |
Sound pressure level dB(A) 3) | 105 |
Sound power level dB(A) 3) | 116 |
Vibration values left/right m/s² 4) | 3.5/3.5 |
Tank volume l | 0.50 |
Speed at maximum power Um | 10.000 |
Bumper spike | Stahlkralle |
Sprocket - number of teeth | 7 Z |
Cylinder | Chrom |
Oil pump | einstellbar |
Filter | Langzeit Filtersystem (Vorabscheidung) / Patronenfilter HD2 |
Sprocket | Ringkettenrad |
Chain tensioning | seitliche Kettenspannung |
Anti vibration system | AV+Stahlfeder |
Handle type | Elektrische Griffheizung |
Filler cap | WTV werkzeugloser Tankverschluss |
Chain pitch | .325" |
EPA Certified fuel consumption glh | 0.438 |
EPA Certified fuel consumption l/h | 1.659 |
Oil tank volume cm3 | 270 |
1) Unfueled, with guide bar and saw chain
2) Without fuel, without bar and chain
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
The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Features

Standard features
The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Cutting Attachments

Cutting Attachments
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Light 04
The Light 04 is the first STIHL guide bar model to feature this new name and innovative design. The new Light 04 features a special construction that means you benefit from improved balance and therefore less fatigue when sawing, because this tool's slim contour means it weighs up to 200 g less than existing guide bars. The result is easier manoeuvrability during cutting, and agile chainsaw work. And the new design is more than just easy on the eye, as you can also read information about its properties and features directly on the bar. So you can always find the right combination of bar and chain for your STIHL chainsaw.
Versions
Price- Light 04, .325" RM3 / RS Pro, 1.3 mm, 35 cm / 14" £48.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Light 04
The Light 04 is the first STIHL guide bar model to feature this new name and innovative design. The new Light 04 features a special construction that means you benefit from improved balance and therefore less fatigue when sawing, because this tool's slim contour means it weighs up to 200 g less than existing guide bars. The result is easier manoeuvrability during cutting, and agile chainsaw work. And the new design is more than just easy on the eye, as you can also read information about its properties and features directly on the bar. So you can always find the right combination of bar and chain for your STIHL chainsaw.
Versions
Price- Light 04, .325" RM3 / RS Pro, 1.3 mm, 40 cm / 16" £50.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Light 04
The Light 04 is the first STIHL guide bar model to feature this new name and innovative design. The new Light 04 features a special construction that means you benefit from improved balance and therefore less fatigue when sawing, because this tool's slim contour means it weighs up to 200 g less than existing guide bars. The result is easier manoeuvrability during cutting, and agile chainsaw work. And the new design is more than just easy on the eye, as you can also read information about its properties and features directly on the bar. So you can always find the right combination of bar and chain for your STIHL chainsaw.
Versions
Price- Light 04, .325" RM3 / RS Pro, 1.3 mm, 45 cm / 18" £54.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Rapid Micro 3 Pro (RM3)
Minimum-vibration saw chain, high cut quality, sturdy, and low chatter. The new high-performance saw chain in the .325" chain pitch and 1.3 mm drive link thickness is suitable for felling, delimbing, sawing firewood, and maintaining young stands. Its narrower saw kerf enables the .325" Pro to achieve up to 20% better cutting performance in comparison with the previous .325" saw chains in this drive link thickness.
Technical data Value Chain pitch 8.25mm/.325" Pitch .325 inch Drive link gauge 1.3 mm Drive link thickness 1.3mm/.050" Required File size 4.8mm / 3/16" Versions
Price- Rapid Micro 3 Pro (RM3) .325", 1.3 mm, 60 drive links, 35 cm / 14" £30.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Rapid Micro 3 Pro (RM3)
Minimum-vibration saw chain, high cut quality, sturdy, and low chatter. The new high-performance saw chain in the .325" chain pitch and 1.3 mm drive link thickness is suitable for felling, delimbing, sawing firewood, and maintaining young stands. Its narrower saw kerf enables the .325" Pro to achieve up to 20% better cutting performance in comparison with the previous .325" saw chains in this drive link thickness.
Technical data Value Chain pitch 8.25mm/.325" Pitch .325 inch Drive link gauge 1.3 mm Drive link thickness 1.3mm/.050" Required File size 4.8mm / 3/16" Versions
Price- Rapid Micro 3 Pro (RM3) .325", 1.3 mm, 67 drive links, 40 cm / 16" £34.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Rapid Micro 3 Pro (RM3)
Minimum-vibration saw chain, high cut quality, sturdy, and low chatter. The new high-performance saw chain in the .325" chain pitch and 1.3 mm drive link thickness is suitable for felling, delimbing, sawing firewood, and maintaining young stands. Its narrower saw kerf enables the .325" Pro to achieve up to 20% better cutting performance in comparison with the previous .325" saw chains in this drive link thickness.
Technical data Value Chain pitch 8.25mm/.325" Pitch .325 inch Drive link gauge 1.3 mm Drive link thickness 1.3mm/.050" Required File size 4.8mm / 3/16" Versions
Price- Rapid Micro 3 Pro (RM3) .325", 1.3 mm, 74 drive links, 45 cm / 18" £38.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Accessories

Accessories
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MotoMix
STIHL MotoMix is our patented premixed fuel, specially blended for ultimate performance. This 50:1 mixture is a combination of premium non-ethanol, high-octane motor fuel and our highest quality STIHL HP Ultra oil. It also stays fresh in your equipment over extended storage periods.
Technical data Value Shelf life up to 5 Years Versions
Price- MotoMix 5 l £20.00*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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ForestPlus chain oil
Based on high-quality mineral oils, ForestPlus is suitable for use with all chainsaws, including harvesters. ForestPlus delivers reliable chain lubrication and no resin build up, even during prolonged down times.
Versions
Price- ForestPlus chain oil - 5 l £17.70*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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HP Ultra 2-stroke engine oil
Fully synthetic oil with exceptional lubrication properties. Burns with extremely low residue due to ash-free additive. Suitable for continuous use under the most demanding engine conditions. Performance class: JASO-FB, ISO-L-EGB. Fuel/oil ratio 50:1. Recommended for STIHL 4-MIX engines.
Versions
Price- HP Ultra 2-stroke oil - 1 l (for 50 l) metering bottle £26.50*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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Varioclean special cleaner
Water based, alkaline detergent specifically for dissolving and removing organic oil residues and for cleaning air filters and housings. The detergent is biodegradable. Avoid contact with the eyes and keep out of reach of children.
Versions
Price- Varioclean special cleaner, 500ml £9.90*
* Manufacturer's recommended retail price updated as of February 2021. The manufacturer's recommended retail prices are subject to change without notice.
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The version(s) available in each country may differ from the above range and specifications; specific details may be subject to change without notice. Please ask your local STIHL Approved Dealer for further information.
Documents
Owners manuals and safety brochures
Languages | Date | Link |
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25/06/2020 |