{"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 5.2kg without fuel and bar it produces 3.0kW (4.1hp), with bar lengths from 35-45cm (14-18\") covering felling, limbing and processing across a full forestry shift. Free UK delivery over £75, as an authorised STIHL dealer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\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, 3.0kW\u003c\/strong\u003e - reduced fuel consumption and emissions versus conventional 2-stroke design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e5.2kg 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\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"max-width:600px;background:#fff;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;box-shadow:0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,.03);overflow:hidden;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\n\u003ccol style=\"width:42%;\"\u003e\n\u003ccol style=\"width:58%;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eDisplacement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e50.2cc\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003ePower Output\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e3.0kW (4.1hp)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eWeight (without fuel and bar)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e5.2kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eRecommended Bar Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e35-45cm (14-18\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eChain Pitch\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e.325\" RS Pro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eFuel Tank Capacity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e500ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003eOil Tank Capacity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e270ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background:#f8f8f8;font-weight:600;text-align:left;padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;color:#111;\"\u003eVibration (L\/R)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:18px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;color:#111;\"\u003e3.5 \/ 3.5 m\/s²\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\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 0.3kg weight premium over the standard model is negligible in practical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eComplete Your Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-us\/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-us\/collections\/stihl-chainsaw-guide-bars\" style=\"color:#1c1f27;\"\u003eChainsaw Guide Bars\u003c\/a\u003e - 35-45cm bars compatible with this model\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/en-us\/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-us\/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-us\/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\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between the MS 261 C-M and the MS 261 C-M VW?\u003c\/summary\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 5.2kg versus 4.9kg for the standard model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes the carburettor heating switch on automatically?\u003c\/summary\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\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat bar and chain does the MS 261 C-M VW use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MS 261 C-M VW accepts 35-45cm (14-18\") guide bars and uses .325\" RS Pro chain, the same as the standard MS 261 C-M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eIs the MS 261 C-M VW worth the premium over the standard model for UK use?\u003c\/summary\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\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I use the same chains and bars as the standard MS 261 C-M?\u003c\/summary\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 35-45cm bars with .325\" RS Pro chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e","brand":"Stihl","offers":[{"title":"14\"","offer_id":45717605187828,"sku":"MS-1141 200 0650","price":1093.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16\"","offer_id":45717605122292,"sku":"MS-1141 200 0651","price":1105.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18\"","offer_id":45717605155060,"sku":"MS-1141 200 0653","price":1116.0,"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-us\/products\/stihl-ms-261c-m-vw-heated-handle-petrol-chainsaw","provider":"Gustharts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}