MS 461 - $1,079.95 DSRP
A well-balanced, professional chainsaw that is fuel efficient and low maintenance.
With the same power and weight as the MS 460, it offers up to 20% less fuel consumption, meaning you can spend less time refueling and less money on fuel. This durable chainsaw also features high torque over a broad RPM range to deliver professional performance. The heavy-duty HD-2 filter element provides longer run times between air filter maintenance. Wrap handle (MS 461 R) and severe cold weath...Read More
Model Features
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STIHL ElastoStart™
The ElastoStart™ starter handle is an exclusive feature of STIHL. It is a starting grip with a built-in shock absorber that helps reduce the effort when pulling on the starter cord. The ElastoStart™ starter grip noticeably reduces the sudden peak forces (compression) normally felt during cranking. The forces which occur at the grip after the first compression stroke are smoothed out. -
IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor
The IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor is designed to automatically adjust the air/fuel ratio when the air filter becomes restricted or partially clogged and maintains the engine’s correct RPM. IntelliCarb™ uses air from the clean side of the air filter to control the diaphragm and flow of fuel. As the air filter becomes dirty and less air is available for the carburetor, the IntelliCarb™ system adjusts the fuel flow to compensate for the decrease in air flow. This is in contrast to typical carburetors that utilize this air from the “dirty” side of the air box. -
Side-Access Chain Tensioner
The side-access chain tensioner makes it much more convenient for the user to adjust the saw chain with a bar wrench as opposed to the typical location of the guide bar adjustment screw. -
Toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers
Simply lift the lever and twist the caps to remove or tighten. There‘s no need to use a tool to tighten or loosen. -
Decompression Valve
The decompression valve, also referred to as 'deco' or 'deco valve', vents compression in the cylinder for easier starting. The decompression valve temporarily reduces the compression in the combustion chamber during cranking and helps reduce the effort needed to pull the starter rope. It is opened manually and closes automatically as soon as the engine fires.
Standard Features
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Reduced-Emission Engine Technology - Caring for Nature
The STIHL Inc. “Caring for Nature” seal identifies its powered products that are more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL Inc. defines “low exhaust emissions” as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards. -
Common Features for Chainsaws
View the features common to many STIHL chainsaws.
Important Information
* The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on.
Note: STIHL recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% Ethanol content. Using fuel with greater than 10% Ethanol content may cause damage to your equipment and may void your STIHL warranty. Learn More…
WARNING! Improper use of any power tool may cause serious
or fatal injury. Read, understand and follow carefully the operating
and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products.
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
Click to view the STIHL Limited Warranty Time Periods
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
We Also Suggest
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HP Ultra 2-Cycle Engine Oil
HP Ultra is a fully synthetic 2-cycle engine oil specially suited for high performance chainsaws and power tools. This oil has outstanding engine cleaning characteristics, plus “ultra” superior lubricating qualities in comparison to other 2-cycle engine oils. It is ideal for use in STIHL 4-MIX® engines. This oil is biodegradable, degrading by 80% in 21 days.•2.6 oz. bottle makes 1 gallon mix
•5.2 oz. bottle makes 2 gallon mix
•6.4 oz. bottle makes 2 1/2 gallon mix
•12.8 oz. bottle makes 5 gallon mix
STIHL recommends a mix of 50:1 high-quality 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline to STIHL engine oil. This same mix ratio should be used during break-in. -
Bar and Chain Oil
STIHL Bar and Chain oil is formulated to adhere to the bar and chain, and to reduce wear. Special agents in the oil formulation help keep sap and pitch from clinging to the bar and chain.Available in quart and gallon bottles, 5 gallon pails and 55 gallon drums, in both summer and winter weights.
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Complete Filing Kits
Kits available for the following chain types: STIHL PICCO™ Mini; 1/4" pitch chain; .325" pitch chain; 3/8" pitch chain; .404" pitch chain.
Includes file guide, depth gauge, round file, flat file and two file handles in tool pouch.Chain Pitch File Diameter File Guide
Part NumberSharpening Kit
Part Numberin. mm in. mm Part Number 3/8 PMN 9.32 5/32 4.0 0811 411 8073 1/4
3/8 PM6.35
9.325/32 4.0 0811 411 8091 0.325 8.25 3/16 4.8 0811 412 8088 3/8 9.32 13/64 5.2 0814 243 3384 5605 750 4329 0.404 10.26 7/32 5.5 0811 412 8108 5605 750 4330
For Your Safety
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Pro Mark™ Forestry Helmet System
The STIHL Pro Mark™ Forestry Helmet System is a premium quality product, designed with NRR 25 hearing protection and adjustable ratchet-style six-point suspension. -
Pro Mark™ Wrap Chaps - 9 Layer
Same as our apron style chaps with additional lower leg full wrap-around cut-retardant protection. Waist size expands from 30" to 42". Available with 6 or 9 layers in 36" length.
STIHL Pro Mark items are "Wash and Wear." They do not require dry cleaning as other brands do.
MS 461 is rated out of 5 by 133.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Stan65 from Starts every time Just went through a Tornado. This saw chewed through 17 10-20 inch trees that we blown over at the roots with no problems and very quickly with a skip tooth chain. Very pleased.
Date published: 2018-04-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by HardwoodHitman22 from Saw is Heavier than advertised in specs The Saw is heavier than advertised in the specs listed almost 3/4 of a pound heavier. I would not of purchased the saw if I would have know this.
Date published: 2018-04-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by MizerLT28 from Great power to weight ratio I bought this saw to replace my 066. The older I get the heavier the saw seems to get.I put a 25" bar on the MS461. This seems to be a great combo. I was afraid I would give up to much power, but I hardly notice it. I still have my 066, but the MS461 is definitely my go to saw now. I also run a MS261. Everybody should try this lightweight powerhouse! Thank You Stihl for building great professional chain saws.The dealer (BINKLEY & HURST) was also great!
Date published: 2018-03-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by Max2018 from Great saw This is the best saw I’ve run to date. It was an abusive winter taking down a gnarly 20 acre stand. Snow, rain, mud, water. Everything awful was there. I was cutting up a 40” maple the fell into a creek, 12” deep. I slipped on ice that was under ther water and the saw was totally submerged, running, for 15-20 second. The beast never skipped a beat. Still ran like a top immediately after and still now 3 months later. I will be buying more as i expand this year
Date published: 2018-03-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by Gmanjimbo from New 461 Recently purchased an MS-461 with a 30 inch bar. Been using an o38 for 27 years, and it is older then that. But after using the new 461/30 inch I had my local shop order me another one with a 20 inch bar, witch I should get tomorrow. Its amazing how much better cutting wood is with a new and bigger saw that just gets stuff done!
Date published: 2018-03-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by Unkadave1 from Very strong saw I’ve had this 491 for about a month and use it just for very large trees. I had the dealer put a 36” bar on it since it came with a 28”. I’ll keep the 28” for a spare but I cut very large oak abd pine mostly. This saw sped up my cut down time tremendously compared to the 391 I already had with a 25” bar. They’re both very strong and so far easy to crank and very dependable.
Date published: 2018-03-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by Woodchopper661 from Perfect size for an all around saw Picked one of these up a couple of months ago used, but with only about 6 tanks of fuel through it. Hadn't really planned on buying this saw as I recently purchased a 661, but I couldn't turn down the deal I got on it. I love this for a multi purpose saw, as it's not quite as heavy as the 661 for limbing, but it still has lots of power when you want to get into some of the bigger wood. One other thing I've observed is that this saw doesn't have the same antivibe system as the 661, but I don't notice any difference in the smoothness between the two when I'm cutting which really surprised me. I still love my 661, but its also nice to have this saw when running for a long period of time with a little less weight. I can also set each one up with the appropriate size bar, and not have to switch around. If I was forced to only run one saw, this would be the one I would use. I also like the fact that the 461 has almost an extra 7cc over the 441, yet they weigh nearly exactly the same.
Date published: 2018-03-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by Theodore from Best saw I've owned I've cut firewood for many years and this saw out performs any saw I had in the past. First used it on some large pin oaks with 32" base. Plenty of power to cut the extremely hard wood, I'm very happy with this saw. It seemed expensive but I quickly learned it was worth it. I bought my first set of chaps after running this saw. I've one issue with the saw and wondering if anyone else has had the same issue with their saw. I cut would all times of the year and only have issue when it's well below freezing. When I first run the saw when it's very cold out it starts fine. If I shut it off and let it set for quit awhile in the cold I can't get the decompress value to work. The button goes down but I can't pull the starter cord to get it started again. I have to put it in my truck and warm it up before the compression valve will work again. I asked the dealer about the problem and he said he hadn't heard of anyone having that problem. I read through a lot of reviews but didn't see anyone that had that problem. Guess I need to call Stihl and ask them what the problem could be. It doesn't effect the performance of the saw but is an inconvenience.
Date published: 2018-03-12
