MS 261 C-M VW Heated Handle Petrol Chainsaw
SKU: Stihl | MS-1141 200 0650
- 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
Free Delivery Over £75 *
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As a STIHL Approved Dealer, we supply genuine UK-spec machines with full manufacturer warranty, professional preparation, and expert aftersales support.
Product information & specifications
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
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
- Replacement Chainsaw Chains – .325" RS Pro chains for the MS 261 C-M VW
- Chainsaw Guide Bars – 35–45 cm bars compatible with this model
- 2-Stroke Oil and Fuel – STIHL HP Ultra and MotoMix for 2-MIX engines
- Chain Sharpening Tools – filing kits for .325" chain maintenance
- Forestry PPE – chainsaw trousers, helmets, gloves and boots for compliant felling work
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
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
- Replacement Chainsaw Chains – .325" RS Pro chains for the MS 261 C-M VW
- Chainsaw Guide Bars – 35–45 cm bars compatible with this model
- 2-Stroke Oil and Fuel – STIHL HP Ultra and MotoMix for 2-MIX engines
- Chain Sharpening Tools – filing kits for .325" chain maintenance
- Forestry PPE – chainsaw trousers, helmets, gloves and boots for compliant felling work
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
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
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.

