{"product_id":"stihl-ms-261c-m-vw-heated-handle-petrol-chainsaw","title":"MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw","description":"\u003ch1\u003eSTIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw – Professional Power for Cold Conditions\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin:24px 0; padding:26px; border:1px solid #e5e7eb; border-left:3px solid #f47a20; border-radius:20px; background:#f7f7f7; font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex; align-items:center; margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block; width:6px; height:6px; border-radius:50%; background:#f47a20; margin-right:10px;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3 style=\"margin:0; font-size:18px; font-weight:600; color:#1c1f27; letter-spacing:-0.01em;\"\u003eFree Spare Chain Available\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 12px; font-size:14px; line-height:1.5; color:#f47a20; font-weight:700;\"\u003eWorth £20–£40 depending on model\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 16px; font-size:14px; line-height:1.8; color:#4b5563;\"\u003eWhen you add this STIHL chainsaw to your cart, your free matching chain will appear automatically. Simply click \u003cstrong\u003e\"Add Free Item\"\u003c\/strong\u003e in the cart to include it with your order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 16px 18px; padding:0; font-size:13.5px; line-height:1.85; color:#4b5563;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatching chain for this model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for quick swaps on the job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps reduce downtime\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border:none; border-top:1px solid #e5e7eb; margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0; font-size:12.5px; line-height:1.7; color:#6b7280;\"\u003eYour free chain will appear in the cart — just click \u003cstrong\u003e\"Add Free Item\"\u003c\/strong\u003e before checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSTIHL MS 261 C-M VW\u003c\/strong\u003e is the cold-weather variant of STIHL's most popular professional mid-range forestry chainsaw, adding electrically heated handles and electronic carburettor heating to the proven 50.2cc M-Tronic engine platform. At 5.2 kg without fuel and bar it produces 3.0 kW (4.1 hp), with bar lengths from 35–45 cm (14–18\") covering felling, limbing and processing across a full forestry shift. In stock at Gustharts as an authorised STIHL dealer, with free UK delivery over £75.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElectrically Heated Handles\u003c\/strong\u003e – Keeps hands warm in cold conditions, maintaining grip security and reducing fatigue during winter forestry work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElectronic Carburettor Heating\u003c\/strong\u003e – Prevents carburettor icing in low temperatures, ensuring smooth starts and reliable running in cold, damp conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSTIHL M-Tronic Engine Management\u003c\/strong\u003e – Automatically adjusts fuel and ignition for consistent performance across temperature, altitude and fuel quality changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e50.2cc 2-MIX Engine, 3.0 kW\u003c\/strong\u003e – Reduced fuel consumption and emissions versus conventional 2-stroke design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e5.2 kg Without Fuel and Bar\u003c\/strong\u003e – Slightly heavier than the standard MS 261 C-M due to heating system components, but still well-balanced for all-day forestry work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmatic Lubrication System\u003c\/strong\u003e – Reduces bar oil consumption by up to 50%.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHD2 Air Filter\u003c\/strong\u003e – Long-life pre-separation filtration for dusty forestry environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnti-Vibration System\u003c\/strong\u003e – Minimises hand-arm vibration for extended shift comfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide-Access Chain Tensioner\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tool-free chain adjustments on site.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #e5e5e5; border-radius:20px; overflow:hidden; font-size:14px; line-height:1.5; color:#111;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\n\u003ccol style=\"width:42%\"\u003e\n\u003ccol style=\"width:58%\"\u003e\n\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8; font-weight:600; text-align:left; padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8; font-weight:600; text-align:left; padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eDisplacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e50.2cc\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003ePower Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e3.0 kW (4.1 hp)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eWeight (without fuel and bar)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e5.2 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eRecommended Bar Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e35–45 cm (14–18\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eChain Pitch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e.325\" RS Pro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eFuel Tank Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e500 ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eOil Tank Capacity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px; border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e270 ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;\"\u003eVibration (L\/R)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;\"\u003e3.5 \/ 3.5 m\/s²\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose the STIHL MS 261 C-M VW?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MS 261 C-M VW is the specification to choose when the core MS 261 C-M is the right saw for the job but cold-weather reliability and operator comfort are requirements. Carburettor icing is a genuine operational issue in UK winter forestry conditions; the electronic heating system eliminates it without relying on the operator to remember manual choke procedures. Heated handles make a material difference to grip and control when temperatures are low — a safety consideration as much as a comfort one. The 0.3 kg weight premium over the standard model is negligible in practical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eComplete Your Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-int\/collections\/chainsaw-chains\" style=\"color:#1c1f27;\"\u003eReplacement Chainsaw Chains\u003c\/a\u003e – .325\" RS Pro chains for the MS 261 C-M VW\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-int\/collections\/stihl-chainsaw-guide-bars\" style=\"color:#1c1f27;\"\u003eChainsaw Guide Bars\u003c\/a\u003e – 35–45 cm bars compatible with this model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-int\/collections\/fuel-oil\" style=\"color:#1c1f27;\"\u003e2-Stroke Oil and Fuel\u003c\/a\u003e – STIHL HP Ultra and MotoMix for 2-MIX engines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-int\/collections\/filing-kits-guides-sharpening\" style=\"color:#1c1f27;\"\u003eChain Sharpening Tools\u003c\/a\u003e – filing kits for .325\" chain maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-int\/collections\/chainsaw-clothing-ppe\" style=\"color:#1c1f27;\"\u003eForestry PPE\u003c\/a\u003e – chainsaw trousers, helmets, gloves and boots for compliant felling work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between the MS 261 C-M and the MS 261 C-M VW?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe VW variant adds electrically heated handles and electronic carburettor heating for cold-weather operation. The core 50.2cc M-Tronic engine is identical; the VW weighs 5.2 kg versus 4.9 kg for the standard model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the carburettor heating switch on automatically?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the electronic carburettor heating on the MS 261 C-M VW operates automatically and does not require manual activation by the operator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat bar and chain does the MS 261 C-M VW use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MS 261 C-M VW accepts 35–45 cm (14–18\") guide bars and uses .325\" RS Pro chain, the same as the standard MS 261 C-M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the MS 261 C-M VW worth the premium over the standard model for UK use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor professional forestry contractors working through winter months in the UK, the carburettor heating and warm handles are practical benefits rather than luxury features. The standard MS 261 C-M is sufficient for spring through autumn use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use the same chains and bars as the standard MS 261 C-M?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — the MS 261 C-M VW shares the same bar and chain specification as the standard MS 261 C-M, accepting 35–45 cm bars with .325\" RS Pro chain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stihl","offers":[{"title":"14\"","offer_id":45717605187828,"sku":"MS-1141 200 0650","price":1080.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16\"","offer_id":45717605122292,"sku":"MS-1141 200 0651","price":1092.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18\"","offer_id":45717605155060,"sku":"MS-1141 200 0653","price":1103.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0690\/6603\/1348\/files\/Stihl-MS-261-C-M-VW-Heated-Handle-Petrol-Chainsaw.jpg?v=1756818943","url":"https:\/\/www.gustharts.com\/en-int\/products\/stihl-ms-261c-m-vw-heated-handle-petrol-chainsaw","provider":"Gustharts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}