Stihl
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss
$529.99
Best Chainsaws · head-to-head
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss vs Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) is cheaper at $379.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
No photo yet
Makita
Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)
$379.99Cheaper
Which is better: the Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss or Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)?
The Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) is the cheaper at $379.99. The Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss | Makita 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 — Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss: stihlusa.com (verified 2026-06-19). Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT): makitatools.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss and Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Power source: Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss gas vs Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) battery
- Bar length (in): Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss 18 vs Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 16
- Engine cc or voltage: Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss 50.2 cc vs Makita XCU04 (18V X2 LXT) 36 V (2x18 V)
- Weight (lb): Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss 12.3 vs Makita 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.
Stihl 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.
Makita 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.