# MS 271 Farm Boss vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MS 271 Farm Boss (Stihl) and XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) (Makita) among chainsaws. XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) is the cheaper of the two at $379.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | MS 271 Farm Boss | XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $529.99 | $379.99 |
| Brand | Stihl | Makita |
| Power source | gas | battery |
| Bar length (in) | 18 | 16 |
| Engine cc or voltage | 50.2 cc | 36 V (2x18 V) |
| Weight (lb) | 12.3 | 8.3 |
| Anti vibration | Yes | Yes |
| Tool less chain tensioning | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic oiler | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Power source: MS 271 Farm Boss gas vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) battery
- Bar length (in): MS 271 Farm Boss 18 vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 16
- Engine cc or voltage: MS 271 Farm Boss 50.2 cc vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 36 V (2x18 V)
- Weight (lb): MS 271 Farm Boss 12.3 vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 8.3

## What reviewers say

**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.)

**XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)** — Only one whitelisted outlet, Pro Tool Reviews, covers the exact XCU04, and its piece is a spec-driven first look rather than a lab test, with no measured cut times or noise. It frames the 36V dual-18V saw as a quiet, low-maintenance gas alternative weighing 11.5 lbs. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- MS 271 Farm Boss: https://www.stihlusa.com/en/p/chainsaws-ms-271-gasoline-chainsaw-1027150 (stihlusa.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- XCU04 (18V X2 LXT): https://makitatools.com/products/details/XCU04Z (makitatools.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/chainsaws/stihl-ms-271-farm-boss-vs-makita-xcu04/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MS 271 Farm Boss ($529.99) vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) ($379.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/chainsaws/stihl-ms-271-farm-boss-vs-makita-xcu04/
License: CC BY 4.0.