A new STIHL MS 271 Farm Boss chainsaw typically costs about $450-$600 before tax, with many standard configurations near $520. The final price depends on the bar length, dealer, region, included accessories, and whether the saw is new or used; fuel, chain, protective gear, and maintenance can raise the first-year budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New MS 271 Farm Boss | $450 | $520 | $600 | Price varies by dealer and bar setup |
| Used working saw | $250 | $375 | $500 | Condition, service history, and included bar matter |
| Replacement chain | $20 | $30 | $45 | Varies by pitch, gauge, and length |
| Basic protective gear | $100 | $220 | $400 | Chaps, helmet, eye and hearing protection, gloves |
| First-year ownership budget | $550 | $800 | $1,200 | Saw, basic gear, fuel, chain care, and routine service |
What a new MS 271 Farm Boss usually costs
Most U.S. buyers should budget $450-$600 for a new Farm Boss saw, before sales tax. The MS 271 is a 50.2 cc gas chainsaw commonly sold with an 18- or 20-inch bar. Dealer pricing and local availability shape the actual quote, and a specific bar-and-chain configuration may cost more than a basic listing.
A reasonable planning figure is about $520 for the saw alone. Prices can fall below that during a dealer promotion or for older inventory, while higher quotes may reflect a longer bar, included accessories, or regional pricing. STIHL chainsaws are generally sold through authorized dealers, so online advertised prices may not match the price offered at a local store.
The listed saw price usually does not include sales tax, fuel, a spare chain, sharpening equipment, or personal protective equipment. A buyer replacing an existing saw may already own those items; a first-time chainsaw owner should include them in the budget rather than treating the purchase price as the full cost.
Assumptions: New MS 271, standard 18- or 20-inch setup, ordinary dealer stock, and no bundled gear or extended service plan.
How bar, chain, and dealer charges shape the quote
The saw itself is the largest part of the purchase, but small add-ons can change the checkout total. The table separates typical price elements for a new purchase. Actual dealer packages differ, and some include setup or a spare chain in the advertised price.
| Cost item | Typical price | What changes it | Budget note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS 271 powerhead and standard bar | $450-$600 | Dealer, bar length, inventory | Main purchase cost |
| Spare chain | $20-$45 per chain | Chain pitch, gauge, and length | Useful for quick replacement |
| Bar oil and two-cycle oil | $15-$45 initially | Container size and brand | Ongoing consumables |
| Protective equipment | $100-$400 | Helmet, chaps, boots, and quality level | Can be a major first-time expense |
| Sales tax | About $0-$60 | Local tax rate and taxable items | Applied at checkout where required |
Dealer setup is often included in the saw price, but buyers can ask whether the quote includes assembly, chain tensioning, an initial operating check, and a basic handoff. A separate sharpening file, filing guide, or chain maintenance tool may add $10-$40. These are optional if the buyer already has compatible equipment.
Protective gear is not part of the chainsaw package in many transactions. A basic helmet-and-chaps setup may cost less than a complete outfit with chainsaw-rated boots and gloves. Gear prices vary substantially by certification, fit, and construction, so a low-cost package should be checked for appropriate protection rather than judged on price alone.
Why 18-inch and 20-inch bars change the price
Bar length, cutting needs, and the condition of the worksite have more effect on value than small price differences between dealers. The MS 271 is commonly paired with 18- or 20-inch bars, but the longer setup is not automatically the better choice. A shorter bar can be easier to handle for routine firewood and property cleanup.
Ask the dealer to identify the exact bar length and chain specification in the quote. A replacement chain for an 18-inch setup may cost about $20-$35, while a compatible 20-inch chain often falls around $25-$45. Pitch and gauge must match the bar and saw; choosing by length alone can result in buying an incompatible chain.
For cutting wood around 12-16 inches in diameter, an 18-inch bar may provide a practical working margin, depending on the cut and technique. A 20-inch bar can suit larger logs, but longer cutting equipment may add purchase cost and can feel heavier or less convenient. Frequent cuts near or above 18 inches in diameter may justify asking a dealer about the appropriate configuration and safe operating limits.
Access and wood condition matter too. Dirty, frozen, or ground-contact logs can wear a chain faster than clean, elevated wood. If the saw will be used for occasional pruning or small limbs, a Farm Boss may exceed the needed capacity; if the work involves larger trees or sustained commercial use, the buyer should compare other saw classes rather than paying for an unsuitable setup.
How location and dealer stock affect Farm Boss pricing
Local dealer availability can shift a quote by roughly 5%-15%, even when the saw configuration is identical. Dealers in high-cost metro areas may have higher operating expenses, while rural stores can have less competition or limited stock. These are broad budgeting differences, not fixed regional price rules.
In a region where the standard quote is about $520, a 5%-15% difference represents roughly $25-$80. A remote dealer may also charge for delivery or special ordering, while a nearby store may offer pickup and basic setup at no separate charge. Seasonal demand can affect stock more than a formal price change, especially after storms or during peak firewood preparation.
Compare quotes for the same model, bar length, chain type, and included items. A $490 price that excludes setup or a spare chain may not be a better deal than a $525 package that includes those items. Check whether the quote is before tax and ask how long the stated price remains valid.
For a fair comparison, request the out-the-door total from at least two authorized local dealers. If one quote is substantially lower, confirm that the unit is new, the exact model is MS 271, and the quoted bar setup is the same. A used, refurbished, or older model should not be compared directly with a new current-stock saw.
What labor and service fees may add to ownership
There is no installation labor for a ready-to-use chainsaw, but setup, sharpening, and repair work can create service charges. Basic dealer assembly and an operating check are often included in a new-saw purchase. Buyers should confirm this rather than assume every quoted price includes the same level of preparation.
Routine chain sharpening at a shop may cost about $10-$25 per chain, depending on the chain and local service rates. A more extensive tune-up or inspection commonly runs around $50-$120, excluding parts. Repair estimates can exceed that range if the saw needs a carburetor component, fuel-system work, a new bar, or other replacement parts.
For paid service, labor rates commonly fall around $75-$125 per hour, but many shops use a flat diagnostic fee or minimum charge. A small repair can therefore cost more than the hands-on time alone suggests. Request an estimate before authorizing work, especially on an older saw where repair cost may approach the price of a used replacement.
For example, 1.0-1.5 hours of service at $75-$125 per hour implies $75-$188 in labor before parts or shop minimums.
New, used, and repaired Farm Boss price comparisons
A used Farm Boss can save money, but the discount should account for wear and near-term repairs. Typical asking prices for a running used MS 271 range from about $250-$500. A clean, recently serviced saw with a sound bar and chain may command the upper end; unknown service history or visible wear should lower the offer.
| Buying scenario | Typical total | Example details | Cost risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| New standard setup | $450-$600 | 18- or 20-inch bar, dealer sale | Tax and gear not included |
| Used, ready to work | $250-$500 | Working saw with used bar and chain | Hidden wear or maintenance |
| Used plus immediate service | $325-$650 | $300 saw plus $25-$100 service and parts | Repair can erase savings |
| New saw with starter gear | $600-$1,000 | Saw, basic protective items, oil, and chain care | Gear quality changes total |
Before buying used, inspect the chain brake, throttle lockout, bar rails, chain tensioner, starter, and visible fuel or oil leaks. Ask for a cold start and a brief operating demonstration where safe and permitted. A saw that starts only when warm or has a damaged bar may need immediate attention.
Repairing an existing Farm Boss can be economical if the engine, crankcase, and main safety features are sound. A repair estimate of $75-$200 may make sense for a modest issue; a quote above $250-$350 deserves comparison with the price of a clean used saw or a new unit. Parts and diagnosis determine the final amount, so those figures are decision thresholds, not guaranteed repair prices.
Which Farm Boss add-ons are worth budgeting for
Budget for required consumables and safe operation before paying for convenience upgrades. A spare chain is a practical purchase for regular cutting, particularly if downtime would be inconvenient. A filing kit can reduce repeated sharpening charges, although it requires the correct file size and consistent technique.
First-year fuel and oil costs depend heavily on use. A homeowner cutting several cords may spend roughly $40-$150 on fuel and two-cycle oil, plus $15-$60 on bar oil and chain maintenance supplies. Lighter occasional use may cost less; frequent cutting, long travel to buy fuel, and repeated chain replacement can push the expense higher.
Replacement bars commonly cost about $35-$90, depending on length and product line. A new chain is usually less expensive than a bar, so a worn chain should not automatically trigger a bar replacement. A damaged, unevenly worn, or heavily burred bar may need replacement or service; ask a shop to inspect it before ordering parts.
Extended protection plans and bundled accessories should be evaluated against their actual terms. Check coverage duration, exclusions, required maintenance, and whether wear parts are covered. A package that adds $75-$150 of accessories can be useful if those items are already planned purchases, but it is not a savings if the buyer would not otherwise use them.
How to lower the price without cutting safety
The most reliable savings come from matching the bar and package to the job, not skipping protective equipment. Compare identical configurations across dealers and ask whether a current promotion, bundled chain, or included setup changes the out-the-door price. A modest discount is most useful when it does not come with missing accessories or unclear service terms.
Choose an 18-inch bar if it meets the expected cutting needs; do not pay extra for a 20-inch setup simply because it is longer. Conversely, buying a smaller or unsuitable saw and replacing it soon afterward can cost more overall. A dealer can confirm compatible bar and chain options for the exact MS 271 model.
Buy only the add-ons needed immediately. Owners with compatible fuel containers, sharpening tools, or protective gear can avoid duplicate purchases. First-time users should not treat safety gear as an optional way to meet a low budget; instead, compare basic compliant gear packages and add upgrades when they offer a clear benefit.
When considering used equipment, price the saw after inspection and subtract likely service costs from the seller’s asking price. For example, a $400 used saw that needs a $100 tune-up effectively costs $500 before tax or gear. If that leaves little difference from a new dealer-supported unit, the new saw may provide better value and a clearer service history.