{"reviews":[{"id":7530663,"locale":"en_US","rating":3,"title":"Not impressed with the MS 271","text":"Hello all! Over the years I have run Stihl saws exclusively at work coming from a forestry background running a saw for hours and hours each day then while working for a municipal fire department I have always had good positive experiences with the Stihl saws from the older 066 and 044 and the MS 460 saws. \nWhen I needed a saw for work on my 4 acre property, i bought a Stihl, the 251 Wood Boss, because the trees I am cutting are 12\" or less in diameter, I am not using the saw everyday, and the price point. On a positive note it is a well balanced saw, comfortable to use, and always fires up immediately. All that being said, I must say that I totally regret my purchase of this particular model of Stihl for the following reasons:\n1. bar flex - what I have found is that the bar will flex especially when up cutting, cutting from the bottom to the top of a downed log so your bar does not get pinched in the curf. This single bar nut acts as a pivot point putting pressure on the chain tensioner adjuster screw head which has been damaged due to this flex. Even when really tightening down the bar nut, it just does not feel like the bar is totally rigid.\n2. oiler not sufficient - as others in the reviews have stated, the saw appears to throw enough oil when there is no load and it flings oil as it should if you run the saw and put the tip close to an object. Under load while cutting it is a different story, the bar and chain get super hot and it appears that the oiler just is not lubricating the bar. This is the first saw that I have run that the chain and bar get so hot during cutting that they are actually smoking, even with a properly tightened and sharpened chain cutting small diameter trees.\n3. chain tension issue - while bucking up logs I have to constantly tighten the chain. I think this goes back to the single bar nut design issue.\n4. bogs down while cutting - I know that this saw has a smaller power plant that I am used to, but I am really surprised how easily the saw will bog down under load. I am using the expensive Stihl Moto mix so I know it is running on great fuel.\nI think the sweet spot for this saw is a very occasional use on pretty small trees and limbs and am pretty confident that most of the issues stem from the design of the single bar nut, even my smaller electric chain saw from another manufacturer has a dual bar nut set up. Really wish I would have spent the extra $80 for at least the Farm Boss version.","textLength":2460,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":false,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"B Patrick","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":null,"state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-11-12T00:00:00-05:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[{"name":"wood cutting","score":0.47},{"name":"bar length","score":0.42},{"name":"cutting performance","score":0.5}],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7493253,"locale":"en_US","rating":4,"title":"Good saw","text":"Pretty good saw for everything I’ve thrown at it so far. Had trouble with it at first, but now it runs perfectly. I clean up my property, hunting trails, my neighbors property, etc.","textLength":181,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":false,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"RatherBfishing","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":null,"state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-11-04T00:00:00-05:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[{"name":"wood cutting","score":0.41},{"name":"maintenance","score":0.44}],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7487699,"locale":"en_US","rating":5,"title":"Work horse","text":"Great saw. Easy start, cuts like mad! Very happy! Many Stihl tools.","textLength":67,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"football","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"Indiana","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-10-27T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[{"name":"wood cutting","score":0.43},{"name":"cutting performance","score":0.45}],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7397862,"locale":"en_US","rating":5,"title":"Always starts in 4 pulls","text":"I’ve had for over a year and it never lets me down even in very cold weather","textLength":76,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"Millerbug","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"Sandyville","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-10-24T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7378022,"locale":"en_US","rating":5,"title":"Great little saw!","text":"Nice and light and gets the job done, definitely my favorite small saw.","textLength":71,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"BRamsey","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"NE Oregon","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7378021,"locale":"en_US","rating":1,"title":"Starts good good power chain under oiled gets hot","text":"MS 251: Got this saw two years ago, have not used it much until recently. The saw starts well, and has good power. It cuts well when the chain is sharp. Here in lies the problem. The chain dulls quickly. In the provided manual when the saw chain is properly oiled it will throw oil from the front sprocket enough to be noticeable on an object close to the front of the saw. The chain is not getting oiled properly. This model does not have an adjustable oiler. The oiler hole on the chain bar guide is clear and stihl bar oil the only oil used. The filter is clear, the oil lines free of damage or leaks, the worm gear is engaged properly. Its not a lack of oil coming from oiler port, its that, that oil doesn't get on the chain. The oils travels down the bar towards the rear of the bar, drips down to the lower chain as it returns into the saw towards the drive sprocket, it flings off the chain and covers the sprocket cover all while the chain is only slightly oiled. This I believe is causing the chain to run too hot and dull quickly. If this problem didnt exists it would be a good home use saw. I feel torque specs on bar guide nuts should be provided.","textLength":1161,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":false,"upVotes":1,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"MadGerman","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":null,"state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-10-20T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[{"name":"wood cutting","score":0.45},{"name":"cutting precision","score":0.44},{"name":"chain quality","score":0.55},{"name":"cutting performance","score":0.54}],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7376584,"locale":"en_US","rating":1,"title":"Junk","text":"I bought this and used it twice ( 1 use of gas ) and it broke down took it in under warrantee and it took 3 months to get it back ..used it once ( barely ) and then a second time ..after the warrantee was over .. and it fell apart again ..The worst peace of expensive junk I have ever purchased !","textLength":296,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"Victim 62901","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"Southern Illinois ( Carbondale )","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-10-18T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7376585,"locale":"en_US","rating":5,"title":"Easy to use","text":"Chain saw is easy to start. Don't have to pull it a hundred times. Just the right size for my work around the farm. I use it clearing trees and clean up. Great tool","textLength":164,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"Shady Creek","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"Bridgeport, TX","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-10-13T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[{"name":"ease of use","score":0.83}],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7333494,"locale":"en_US","rating":5,"title":"24 inch blade","text":"When I purchased this, it was for a very large tree in our yard. I thought surely, I would still struggle getting through the base this saw proved me wrong and cut like butter!","textLength":176,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"Tree Removal","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"Butler, PA","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-09-29T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[{"name":"wood cutting","score":0.49}],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]},{"id":7296356,"locale":"en_US","rating":1,"title":"Wouldn't purchase again","text":"My MS251C chainsaw has repeatedly broke, it has been receiving warranty work for longer than I have actually owned it, I purchased it midway through July, and it never ran right, so I had it warranted so it was gone all of August, got it back beginning of September and had it for a week and its broken again, I have reached out to customer service and have received no help, would NOT recommend this chainsaw","textLength":409,"csFlag":false,"inappropriateFlag":false,"reviewedFlag":false,"autoModerated":false,"published":true,"incentivized":true,"upVotes":0,"downVotes":0,"orderId":null,"dimensions":[],"responses":[],"tags":[],"media":{"photo":[],"video":[],"audio":[]},"user":{"nickName":"Gabe97","firstName":null,"lastName":null,"emailAddress":null,"externalId":null,"city":"Kansas City, KS","state":null,"country":null,"ageRange":null,"badge":null,"shopperProfiles":[]},"reviewedDate":null,"purchaseDate":null,"dateCreated":"2025-09-26T00:00:00-04:00","customData":[],"incentiveType":null,"campaign":null,"deviceFingerprint":null,"topics":[],"syndication":{"sourceName":"Stihl","siteUrl":"https://www.stihlusa.com/","logoUrl":"https://images.turnto.com/site/syndicationlogos/5152_LH48.png"},"catalogItems":[{"sku":"997000-11432000700U","title":"STIHL MS 251 Wood Boss Chainsaw","url":"https://www.scheels.com/p/997000-11432000700U","category":"chainsaws-and-pole-saws","reviewCount":1333,"ratingCount":1333,"averageRating":4.3,"ratingBreakdown":{"1":128,"2":57,"3":69,"4":166,"5":913},"active":true,"attributes":[]}]}],"offset":0,"limit":10,"total":1333}"Full Description:\nThe STIHL MS 251 WOOD BOSS® Chainsaw is designed to deliver all the power you’d expect from STIHL equipment, yet with a comfortable and ergonomic design. The MS 251 WOOD BOSS® is perfect for felling small trees, pruning and thinning, and cutting firewood simply and efficiently. And with up to 20 percent fuel savings and 50 percent reduced emissions (as compared to previous models), you can enjoy a longer run time while feeling good about your impact on the environment.\n\nFeatures:\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>FUEL CAPACITY 13.2 oz.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ENGINE POWER 3.0 bhp\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>CHAIN OIL CAPACITY 6.7 oz.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>OILOMATIC® CHAIN .325" RM3\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 18 in.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>POWERHEAD WEIGHT 11.0 lbs.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>OILOMATIC® CHAIN .325" RM3 POWER SOURCE Gas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 18\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>POWERHEAD WEIGHT 11.0\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>POWER SOURCE Gas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>DISPLACEMENT 45.6 cc\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\nSpecifications:\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>POWERHEAD WEIGHT 11.0\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 18\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>OILOMATIC® CHAIN .325" RM3 POWER SOURCE Gas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>POWERHEAD WEIGHT 11.0 lbs.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended) 18 in.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>OILOMATIC® CHAIN .325" RM3\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>DISPLACEMENT 45.6 cc\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>CHAIN OIL CAPACITY 6.7 oz.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>FUEL CAPACITY 13.2 oz.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ENGINE POWER 3.0 bhp\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>POWER SOURCE Gas\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n"