STIHL has confirmed the MS 300 C-M as the direct replacement for the MS 261 C-M — its long-running professional 50cc-class forestry saw. If you run an MS 261 daily, or you're choosing between the two while stock of both is still around, here's what's actually different, in plain terms, and who should upgrade now versus wait.
Quick answer
The MS 300 C-M is a genuine upgrade, not a rebadge: more displacement, more power, 15% more torque, and it's lighter than the saw it replaces. If you fell or process medium-sized timber daily and your MS 261 is due for replacement anyway, the MS 300 is the straightforward choice. If your MS 261 is running well and you're not due an upgrade, there's no urgency — it isn't a different class of saw, it's a meaningfully better version of the same one.
MS 300 C-M vs MS 261 C-M — full comparison
| Spec | MS 261 C-M | MS 300 C-M |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 50.2 cc | 53.2 cc (+6%) |
| Power output | ~2.6 kW | 3.3 kW |
| Torque | Standard | +15% — less pressure-sensitive in larger timber |
| Bare powerhead weight | ~4.9 kg | 4.85 kg — lighter despite the larger engine |
| Carburettor management | M-Tronic 1 | M-Tronic 3 — faster response, no manual adjustment |
| Air filter | HD2 standard | HD2, larger surface area, longer service intervals |
| Felling guides | Single felling line | Felling line + two plunge-cut direction lines |
| Fuel level check | Standard tank | 50% fuel marker for an instant visual check |
| Snedding design | Standard underside | Optimised rib pattern, glides along the trunk |
| Chain pitch | .325" RS Pro | .325" RS Pro (1.3 mm / .050" gauge) — same pitch, no bar/chain re-buy needed |
| Bar lengths available | 14", 16", 18" | 14", 16", 18" |
What's actually driving the upgrade
Two things do most of the work here. M-Tronic 3 is STIHL's latest electronic carburettor management — it continuously adjusts fuel delivery for altitude, temperature and load, so there's no manual carburettor adjustment ever, faster throttle response than the MS 261's M-Tronic 1, and reliable starting whatever the conditions. The extra torque matters more day-to-day than the raw power figure — it's the difference between a saw that bogs down mid-cut in larger timber and one that doesn't, and STIHL's own figures put the MS 300 at 15% more than the MS 261 it replaces.
The smaller changes add up too: two additional plunge-cutting guide lines on the fan housing, a 50% fuel marker so you're not guessing or removing the cap to check, and a redesigned underside that's meant to reduce resistance when snedding along the trunk.
Should you upgrade from an MS 261 C-M?
If you're a professional felling and processing timber daily, the case is straightforward: more power and torque in a lighter saw, with a carburettor system that needs no maintenance-time attention, is a working-day improvement, not just a spec-sheet one. If your current MS 261 is still within its working life and performing well, there's less urgency — the MS 300 doesn't change what class of saw you need, it's a better version of the same class. Bar and chain compatibility carries over (same .325" pitch), so switching later doesn't mean re-buying consumables.
Price and availability
The MS 300 C-M is launching September 2026 as the MS 261 C-M's direct successor, and is available to pre-order now from Gustharts as an authorised STIHL dealer, in 14", 16" and 18" bar lengths. For current pricing and to secure your order ahead of launch, see the STIHL MS 300 C-M product page.
Gear up for it
- Chainsaw protective trousers — EN ISO 11393-2 certified leg protection, required for all chainsaw operation
- Chainsaw helmet systems — integrated face, visor and hearing protection for the MS 300's 105 dB(A) sound pressure level
- Sharpening and maintenance tools — keep the chain sharp and the HD2 filter clean between services
- STIHL spare parts — bars, chains and consumables for the MS 300 C-M and the MS 261 C-M it replaces
Why buy from Gustharts
Gustharts is an authorised STIHL dealer, so every MS 300 C-M we sell is genuine, warrantied stock — not grey import. Read more about buying from Gustharts, or see the full range on our STIHL Machinery page.
FAQs
Is the STIHL MS 300 C-M just a renamed MS 261?
No. STIHL has confirmed it as the direct successor, but it's a redesigned saw — more displacement (53.2cc vs 50.2cc), more power (3.3kW vs ~2.6kW), 15% more torque, and it's lighter despite the larger engine.
When does the MS 300 C-M launch, and can I order one now?
It launches across European markets in September 2026. Gustharts is taking pre-orders now as an authorised STIHL dealer — see the product page to reserve yours ahead of launch.
Will my existing bar and chain fit the MS 300 C-M?
Yes, if you're running .325" RS Pro chain — the MS 300 C-M uses the same pitch and gauge as the MS 261 C-M, so your existing spares and sharpening setup carry over.
Do I need to adjust the carburettor on the MS 300 C-M?
No. It runs M-Tronic 3, STIHL's automatic electronic carburettor management — it adjusts fuel delivery for altitude, temperature and load on its own. Manually adjusting an M-Tronic saw's carburettor will override the system and can cause running issues.
Is the MS 300 C-M worth upgrading to if my MS 261 still works fine?
Not urgently. The MS 300 is a meaningful improvement, but it isn't a different class of saw — if your MS 261 is performing well and isn't due for replacement, there's no need to rush. It's the better choice at your next upgrade point, or now if you're already in the market.
