A STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw with an orange body, gray and white guide bar, and black handles.
STIHL MS 261 C-M VW heated handle petrol chainsaw for tree surgeons and homeowners, featuring a powerful design.
STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw for tree surgeons and homeowners.
User demonstrating how to knee start the STIHL MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw in an outdoor setting.
STIHL MS 261 C-M Petrol Chainsaw in use by a tree surgeon in a mountain landscape.
    A STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw with an orange body, gray and white guide bar, and black handles.
    STIHL MS 261 C-M VW heated handle petrol chainsaw for tree surgeons and homeowners, featuring a powerful design.
    STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw for tree surgeons and homeowners.
    User demonstrating how to knee start the STIHL MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw in an outdoor setting.
    STIHL MS 261 C-M Petrol Chainsaw in use by a tree surgeon in a mountain landscape.
A STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw with an orange body, gray and white guide bar, and black handles.

FREE CHAIN

STIHL MS 261 C-M VW heated handle petrol chainsaw for tree surgeons and homeowners, featuring a powerful design.

FREE CHAIN

STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw for tree surgeons and homeowners.

FREE CHAIN

User demonstrating how to knee start the STIHL MS 261 C-M petrol chainsaw in an outdoor setting.

FREE CHAIN

STIHL MS 261 C-M Petrol Chainsaw in use by a tree surgeon in a mountain landscape.

FREE CHAIN

Stihl

MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw

SKU: Stihl | MS-1141 200 0650

Regular price
£798.29 Ex VAT
£798.29 £798.29 Ex VAT
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Guide Bar Length
Regular price
£798.29 Ex VAT
£957.95 Inc VAT
RRP: £915.83 Ex VAT
Sale price
£798.29 £798.29 Ex VAT
Regular price
£957.95 £957.95 Inc VAT

or 4 interest-free
payments of £239.49 with

Free Delivery Over £75 *

Worldwide Shipping from the UK

Trusted UK Arborist Retailer

30-Day Easy Returns

STIHL Approved Dealer


As a STIHL Approved Dealer, we supply genuine UK-spec machines with full manufacturer warranty, professional preparation, and expert aftersales support.

In-Store Collection – Professionally Prepared

Your machine is assembled and safety-checked by our trained in-store team.

You’ll receive a full handover with clear operating guidance and essential maintenance advice.

Product information & specifications

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STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw – Professional Power for Cold Conditions

Free Spare Chain Available

Worth £20–£40 depending on model

When you add this STIHL chainsaw to your cart, your free matching chain will appear automatically. Simply click "Add Free Item" in the cart to include it with your order.

  • Matching chain for this model
  • Ideal for quick swaps on the job
  • Helps reduce downtime

Your free chain will appear in the cart — just click "Add Free Item" before checkout.

The STIHL MS 261 C-M VW 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.

Key Features

  • Electrically Heated Handles – Keeps hands warm in cold conditions, maintaining grip security and reducing fatigue during winter forestry work.
  • Electronic Carburettor Heating – Prevents carburettor icing in low temperatures, ensuring smooth starts and reliable running in cold, damp conditions.
  • STIHL M-Tronic Engine Management – Automatically adjusts fuel and ignition for consistent performance across temperature, altitude and fuel quality changes.
  • 50.2cc 2-MIX Engine, 3.0 kW – Reduced fuel consumption and emissions versus conventional 2-stroke design.
  • 5.2 kg Without Fuel and Bar – Slightly heavier than the standard MS 261 C-M due to heating system components, but still well-balanced for all-day forestry work.
  • Ematic Lubrication System – Reduces bar oil consumption by up to 50%.
  • HD2 Air Filter – Long-life pre-separation filtration for dusty forestry environments.
  • Anti-Vibration System – Minimises hand-arm vibration for extended shift comfort.
  • Side-Access Chain Tensioner – Tool-free chain adjustments on site.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Displacement 50.2cc
Power Output 3.0 kW (4.1 hp)
Weight (without fuel and bar) 5.2 kg
Recommended Bar Length 35–45 cm (14–18")
Chain Pitch .325" RS Pro
Fuel Tank Capacity 500 ml
Oil Tank Capacity 270 ml
Vibration (L/R) 3.5 / 3.5 m/s²

Why Choose the STIHL MS 261 C-M VW?

The 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.

Complete Your Kit

FAQs

What is the difference between the MS 261 C-M and the MS 261 C-M VW?

The 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.

Does the carburettor heating switch on automatically?

Yes — the electronic carburettor heating on the MS 261 C-M VW operates automatically and does not require manual activation by the operator.

What bar and chain does the MS 261 C-M VW use?

The 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.

Is the MS 261 C-M VW worth the premium over the standard model for UK use?

For 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.

Can I use the same chains and bars as the standard MS 261 C-M?

Yes — 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.

Specification

Bar length 35-40 cm
Bar length 14-16 "
Displacement 50.2 cm³
Power output 3/4.1 kW/HP
Weight 5.1 kg 1)
Power-to-weight ratio 1.7 kg/kW
Weight 5.88 / 6 kg 2)
Length with bumper strike 448 mm
Sound pressure level 105 dB(A) 3)
Sound power level 116 dB(A) 3)
Vibration values left/right 3.5/3.5 m/s² 4)
Saw chain pitch .325 "
CO2 705 g/kWh

1)Without fuel, without bar and chain2)Without fuel, with bar and chain3)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)4)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²

STIHL MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw – Professional Power for Cold Conditions

Free Spare Chain Available

Worth £20–£40 depending on model

When you add this STIHL chainsaw to your cart, your free matching chain will appear automatically. Simply click "Add Free Item" in the cart to include it with your order.

  • Matching chain for this model
  • Ideal for quick swaps on the job
  • Helps reduce downtime

Your free chain will appear in the cart — just click "Add Free Item" before checkout.

The STIHL MS 261 C-M VW 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.

Key Features

  • Electrically Heated Handles – Keeps hands warm in cold conditions, maintaining grip security and reducing fatigue during winter forestry work.
  • Electronic Carburettor Heating – Prevents carburettor icing in low temperatures, ensuring smooth starts and reliable running in cold, damp conditions.
  • STIHL M-Tronic Engine Management – Automatically adjusts fuel and ignition for consistent performance across temperature, altitude and fuel quality changes.
  • 50.2cc 2-MIX Engine, 3.0 kW – Reduced fuel consumption and emissions versus conventional 2-stroke design.
  • 5.2 kg Without Fuel and Bar – Slightly heavier than the standard MS 261 C-M due to heating system components, but still well-balanced for all-day forestry work.
  • Ematic Lubrication System – Reduces bar oil consumption by up to 50%.
  • HD2 Air Filter – Long-life pre-separation filtration for dusty forestry environments.
  • Anti-Vibration System – Minimises hand-arm vibration for extended shift comfort.
  • Side-Access Chain Tensioner – Tool-free chain adjustments on site.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Displacement 50.2cc
Power Output 3.0 kW (4.1 hp)
Weight (without fuel and bar) 5.2 kg
Recommended Bar Length 35–45 cm (14–18")
Chain Pitch .325" RS Pro
Fuel Tank Capacity 500 ml
Oil Tank Capacity 270 ml
Vibration (L/R) 3.5 / 3.5 m/s²

Why Choose the STIHL MS 261 C-M VW?

The 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.

Complete Your Kit

FAQs

What is the difference between the MS 261 C-M and the MS 261 C-M VW?

The 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.

Does the carburettor heating switch on automatically?

Yes — the electronic carburettor heating on the MS 261 C-M VW operates automatically and does not require manual activation by the operator.

What bar and chain does the MS 261 C-M VW use?

The 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.

Is the MS 261 C-M VW worth the premium over the standard model for UK use?

For 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.

Can I use the same chains and bars as the standard MS 261 C-M?

Yes — 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.

Specification

Bar length 35-40 cm
Bar length 14-16 "
Displacement 50.2 cm³
Power output 3/4.1 kW/HP
Weight 5.1 kg 1)
Power-to-weight ratio 1.7 kg/kW
Weight 5.88 / 6 kg 2)
Length with bumper strike 448 mm
Sound pressure level 105 dB(A) 3)
Sound power level 116 dB(A) 3)
Vibration values left/right 3.5/3.5 m/s² 4)
Saw chain pitch .325 "
CO2 705 g/kWh

1)Without fuel, without bar and chain2)Without fuel, with bar and chain3)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2.5 dB (A)4)K-factor according to DIR 2006/42/EC = 2m / s ²

STIHL Warranty

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STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.

The following exceptions apply:

  • AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
  • AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
  • Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
  • Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines - See STIHL's website here

Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.

Downloads

STIHL offer a 1 year professional warranty or 2 year domestic warranty with all of their machines.

The following exceptions apply:

  • AK System, AS System and AI Line cordless products aren't covered under warranty when used by professionals
  • AP System machines, batteries and chargers - 2 year professional warranty
  • Pressure washers - 2 year professional warranty or 3 year domestic warranty
  • Mowers, tillers, shredders, scarifiers & iMOW machines - See STIHL's website here

Extend your Stihl warranty by an additional year when purchasing a STIHL Smart Connector with selected machinery from the petrol and cordless range. Extends your petrol warranty from 1 to 2 years AND 2 to 3 years on select cordless tools.

Downloads

Delivery & Returns

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UK Delivery

Fast, reliable delivery from our UK warehouse.

  • Free UK delivery on eligible orders over £75 +VAT. Long, heavy or oversized items may incur an additional delivery charge, shown at checkout.
  • UK Standard Delivery from £3.60 + VAT
    Estimated delivery: 2–4 working days
  • Next Working Day Delivery – £6.00 + VAT

    Order before 3:00pm (Monday–Friday) for next working day delivery

All UK orders are dispatched Monday–Friday and sent via a tracked courier service.

International Delivery

We ship worldwide from the UK.

  • Europe from £10.00

    Estimated delivery: 2–7 working days
  • Rest of the World from £12.00

    Estimated delivery: 2–11 working days

Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on destination and order contents.

Customs, Duties & Taxes

International orders may be subject to local import duties, taxes, or customs charges.

When UPS is selected at checkout, applicable duties and taxes are included in the total price. For other shipping services, duties and taxes may be charged separately on delivery and are the responsibility of the recipient.

Customs processing times may affect delivery estimates.


Returns

30-Day Return Policy

  • Items can be returned within 30 days of delivery
  • Products must be unused and in original condition
  • Return postage costs apply unless the item is faulty or incorrect


For full details, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.

UK Delivery

Fast, reliable delivery from our UK warehouse.

  • Free UK delivery on eligible orders over £75 +VAT. Long, heavy or oversized items may incur an additional delivery charge, shown at checkout.
  • UK Standard Delivery from £3.60 + VAT
    Estimated delivery: 2–4 working days
  • Next Working Day Delivery – £6.00 + VAT

    Order before 3:00pm (Monday–Friday) for next working day delivery

All UK orders are dispatched Monday–Friday and sent via a tracked courier service.

International Delivery

We ship worldwide from the UK.

  • Europe from £10.00

    Estimated delivery: 2–7 working days
  • Rest of the World from £12.00

    Estimated delivery: 2–11 working days

Shipping costs and delivery times are calculated at checkout based on destination and order contents.

Customs, Duties & Taxes

International orders may be subject to local import duties, taxes, or customs charges.

When UPS is selected at checkout, applicable duties and taxes are included in the total price. For other shipping services, duties and taxes may be charged separately on delivery and are the responsibility of the recipient.

Customs processing times may affect delivery estimates.


Returns

30-Day Return Policy

  • Items can be returned within 30 days of delivery
  • Products must be unused and in original condition
  • Return postage costs apply unless the item is faulty or incorrect


For full details, please visit our Shipping & Returns page.

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