Stihl
MS 271 Farm Boss
$529.99
Best Chainsaws · head-to-head
MS 271 Farm Boss vs XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) is cheaper at $379.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
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Makita
XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)
$379.99Cheaper
Which is better: the MS 271 Farm Boss or XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)?
The XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) is the cheaper at $379.99. The XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 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 | XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $529.99 | $379.99 |
| Brand | Stihl | Makita |
| Released | — | — |
| 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 |
| Release | — | — |
Sources — MS 271 Farm Boss: stihlusa.com (verified 2026-06-19). XCU04 (18V X2 LXT): makitatools.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the MS 271 Farm Boss and XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
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.
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.)
Praised: Positioned as a quiet, emission-free alternative with power rivaling a 32cc gas chainsaw; Manageable 11.5 lb weight even with both 18V batteries attached; Lower maintenance than gas: no spark plug, engine oil, or air filter.