Stihl
MS 271 Farm Boss
$529.99
Best Chainsaws · head-to-head
MS 271 Farm Boss vs Power+ CS1804
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Power+ CS1804 is cheaper at $399.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
EGO
Power+ CS1804
$399.99Cheaper
Which is better: the MS 271 Farm Boss or Power+ CS1804?
The Power+ CS1804 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Power+ CS1804 is the cheaper at $399.99. The Power+ CS1804 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | MS 271 Farm Boss | Power+ CS1804 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $529.99 | $399.99 |
| Brand | Stihl | EGO |
| Released | — | — |
| Power source | gas | battery |
| Bar length (in) | 18 | 18 |
| Engine cc or voltage | 50.2 cc | 56 V |
| Weight (lb) | 12.3 | 12.25 |
| Anti vibration | Yes | — |
| Tool less chain tensioning | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic oiler | Yes | Yes |
| Release | — | — |
Sources — MS 271 Farm Boss: stihlusa.com (verified 2026-06-19). Power+ CS1804: egopowerplus.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the MS 271 Farm Boss and Power+ CS1804?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Power source: MS 271 Farm Boss gas vs Power+ CS1804 battery
- Engine cc or voltage: MS 271 Farm Boss 50.2 cc vs Power+ CS1804 56 V
- Weight (lb): MS 271 Farm Boss 12.3 vs Power+ CS1804 12.25
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
MS 271 Farm Boss
One whitelisted tester covers this exact model: Pro Tool Reviews names the Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss its Best for Firewood Stihl pick in a July 2024 buying guide. It is a qualitative recommendation praising the workhorse value and improved air filtration, with no independent lab measurements reported for this model. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Value workhorse firewood saw at just over $500 with a 20-inch bar; Improved pre-separation air filtration and half the emissions versus the older MS 270.
Flagged: Not the most powerful option; step up to a bigger saw if you need more power.
Power+ CS1804
One whitelisted source, Pro Tool Reviews, delivered a hands-on review of the EGO 18" CS1800 (the same 18" 56V chainsaw sold in the CS1804 kit SKU), rating it 9.4/10. The reviewer cut oak branches ranging 4"-12" and praised chain speed and cutting power, the LED light for storm cleanup, tool-free chain tensioning, metal bucking spikes, and the visual red chain-brake indicator, calling it strong value at $349 as a kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger. Only minor gripes (slight chain chatter on the first cuts, and the saw not sitting flat on the oil-fill side). No lab-measured numbers were reported; all three cited quotes were verified verbatim in the fetched text. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Outstanding chain speed and cutting power through hardwoods like oak; Bright, well-placed LED light useful for storm cleanup; Tool-free chain tensioning, operable with bare or gloved hands.
Flagged: Slight chain chatter on the first few cuts if not started against the spikes; Saw does not sit flat on the oil-fill side, so refilling needs a second hand.