A new Stihl MS 271 chainsaw typically costs about $500-$600 before tax, with the bar length, dealer pricing, and included accessories affecting the total. A used saw may cost less, while a chain, fuel, safety gear, or delivery can raise the purchase budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New MS 271 saw | $500 | $550 | $600 | Typical dealer price before tax |
| Used MS 271 saw | $250 | $375 | $475 | Condition and included bar or chain matter |
| Ready-to-work purchase | $550 | $650 | $800 | May include safety gear and spare chain |
What a new Stihl MS 271 usually costs
Most buyers should budget $500-$600 for a new saw alone. The MS 271 Farm Boss is a mid-size gasoline chainsaw with a 50.2 cc engine, commonly sold with an 18-inch or 20-inch bar. Dealer inventory, local pricing, and the exact package can move the price outside the typical range.
A basic purchase generally includes the powerhead, bar, chain, and standard tools or documentation supplied with the saw. Sales tax is extra, and Stihl products are typically purchased through authorized dealers rather than priced uniformly across every retailer.
Assumptions: New saw, standard bar and chain, ordinary dealer purchase, and no delivery or optional safety equipment.
How bar, chain, and dealer charges shape the quote
The listed saw price is only part of a complete setup. Dealers may quote accessories separately or bundle them with the saw, so buyers should confirm what is included before comparing offers.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes it | Buying note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS 271 saw with standard bar and chain | $500-$600 | Dealer, bar length, stock | Check whether the quoted model is 18 or 20 inches |
| Replacement chain | $20-$40 | Pitch, gauge, length | Match the chain to the bar and saw |
| Bar replacement | $35-$70 | Length and construction | Confirm fit before purchase |
| Fuel and bar oil starter supply | $15-$40 | Container size and product | Oil and fuel are recurring expenses |
| Basic protective gear | $100-$250 | Chaps, helmet, gloves, eye and ear protection | Quality and included pieces vary |
Ask for an itemized quote that separates the saw from add-ons. This makes it easier to compare a bare saw price with a package price rather than assuming a higher quote reflects the chainsaw itself.
Does an 18-inch or 20-inch bar change the MS 271 price?
Bar configuration can affect the quoted price and suitability for the work. An 18-inch setup is often a straightforward choice for general property maintenance; a 20-inch bar may add a modest amount, commonly around $10-$40 when sold as a different configuration. Exact pricing depends on dealer stock and whether the bar is included in a package.
The MS 271 has a 50.2 cc engine and is commonly configured with bars in the 18- to 20-inch range. A longer bar can be useful for larger cuts, but it is not automatically the best value: it can increase cutting load and may require a compatible chain. Buyers should verify the saw’s approved bar options and the dealer’s exact model specification.
Compare the complete bar-and-chain configuration, not just the engine model name. A quote for an 18-inch saw is not directly equivalent to one that includes a 20-inch bar, spare chain, or upgraded accessories.
Can the MS 271 be found cheaper used?
Used MS 271 saws commonly list around $250-$475, depending on age, condition, maintenance history, and included equipment. A clean, working saw with a usable bar and chain may be near the top of that range; one needing a chain, bar, carburetor work, or other repair should be priced lower.
Before buying, ask for a cold start and check that the chain brake, throttle lock, oiling system, and safety features work. A shop inspection or repair can add roughly $50-$150 or more, depending on the issue. Without a clear maintenance history, a low asking price may not represent a lower total cost.
How location and dealer availability affect the price
Dealer quotes can vary with local competition, shipping and inventory expenses, and seasonal demand. As a rough budgeting estimate, buyers in high-cost urban markets may see prices about 5%-15% above a typical quote, while some lower-cost areas or local promotions may come in 5%-10% below it. These are comparison ranges, not fixed regional price rules.
Stihl’s dealer network also means availability differs by location. If one dealer has the requested bar setup in stock and another must order it, the timing and package may differ even when the saw itself is similar. Compare the out-the-door total, including tax and any delivery charge, rather than comparing pre-tax prices alone.
What labor, setup, and upkeep add after purchase
Most buyers assemble or check a new saw with the dealer, but optional service can add to the initial bill. A shop may charge about $30-$80 for a basic inspection, setup, or sharpening, while repair labor is often around $75-$125 per hour, plus parts.
Routine expenses include replacement chains, bar oil, fuel, and periodic sharpening. A replacement chain generally costs $20-$40, and professional sharpening may run about $10-$25 per chain. These costs depend on use, cutting conditions, and whether maintenance is handled at home or by a shop.
Frequent use makes upkeep a more meaningful part of the ownership budget than the initial price difference between dealers. Ask whether any service included in a package is a one-time setup or ongoing coverage.
Which MS 271 quote offers the better value?
A practical comparison should list the same bar length, chain configuration, warranty terms, and included items for each dealer. A quote that is $30 higher may be competitive if it includes a spare chain or protective equipment, but accessories should be valued at their actual prices rather than treated as free.
For example, a $525 saw plus a $30 chain and $25 in fuel and oil supplies totals $580 before tax. A $590 package with the same items included could be comparable. A $650 package may still make sense if it includes useful protective gear, but not if it adds accessories the buyer already owns.
How to lower the Stihl MS 271 purchase total
Control the package, not the saw’s essential safety or fit. Request a bare-saw quote and a separate price for each accessory, then compare at least two local dealers. Choose the bar length suited to the expected cutting rather than paying for a longer setup that will rarely be used.
Buy only needed protective equipment, while retaining appropriate chainsaw safety gear, and avoid duplicate chains or tools already on hand. Check for dealer promotions or bundled service, but verify dates and what the offer covers. For a used saw, reserve money for inspection and likely wear items before deciding that the lower asking price is a true saving.