STIHL MS 881 Petrol Chainsaw

The world’s most powerful production chainsaw

The STIHL MS 881 is a specialist professional petrol chainsaw developed for logging, harvesting very large timber, saw-frame applications and the most demanding forestry work.

Its 121.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine produces 6.4 kW / 8.7 hp, making it the most powerful series-produced chainsaw in STIHL’s current range.

The professional powerhead weighs approximately 9.7 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain and is designed to operate long .404″ cutting attachments.

Masseys offers the MS 881 with a 30″ / 75 cm, 36″ / 90 cm or 41″ / 105 cm guide bar.

Every petrol chainsaw sold by Masseys is assembled, inspected and test-run by our trained team before handover.

Browse Masseys’ complete range of STIHL petrol chainsaws or read our STIHL chainsaw buying guide.

Important variant information

The MS 881 is available from Masseys with three guide-bar lengths:

• 30″ / 75 cm
• 36″ / 90 cm
• 41″ / 105 cm

All three configurations use the same 121.6 cm³, 6.4 kW powerhead. The selected guide bar changes the reach, cutting-attachment weight, balance and required saw-chain length. It does not alter the engine’s output.

Each variation should have its own stock code, manufacturer part number, barcode, price, stock status and image.

Key features of the STIHL MS 881

• The world’s most powerful series-produced chainsaw
• Professional forestry and large-timber machine
• 121.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX petrol engine
• 6.4 kW / 8.7 hp power output
• 9.7 kg powerhead weight without fuel, bar or chain
• Choice of 30″, 36″ or 41″ guide bar
• .404″ STIHL Rapid Super saw chain
• 1.6 mm drive-link gauge
• Side-mounted chain tensioning
• Variable-displacement chain-oil pump
• STIHL Ematic lubrication system
• HD2 professional air filter
• Carburettor compensator
• Manual decompression valve
• Tool-free fuel and chain-oil caps
• Captive sprocket-cover nuts
• STIHL anti-vibration system
• Summer and winter operating settings
• Suitable for fitting to an appropriate saw frame

Who should choose the STIHL MS 881?

The MS 881 is intended for trained, experienced professional operators with exceptional cutting requirements.

Typical applications include:

• Professional logging
• Harvesting very large-diameter timber
• Felling and cross-cutting exceptionally large trees
• Wood-processing plants
• Mobile sawmills and saw-frame applications
• Specialist chainsaw milling
• Large-scale storm-clearance work
• Work requiring .404″ chain and very long guide bars

The MS 881 is not designed as a general-purpose domestic chainsaw. It is unnecessarily large and heavy for ordinary garden maintenance or typical household firewood preparation.

For lighter professional forestry work, compare the STIHL MS 462 C-M, STIHL MS 500i or STIHL MS 661 C-M.

Choosing a 30-, 36- or 41-inch guide bar

Select the shortest guide bar that comfortably suits the timber and working method. Longer bars increase reach but also add weight, leverage and chain length.

30″ / 75 cm guide bar

The 30-inch version is the most manoeuvrable MS 881 configuration sold by Masseys.

Choose it when:

• A 75 cm cutting attachment provides sufficient reach
• Lower cutting-attachment weight is important
• The saw will be used for mixed large-timber forestry
• You want the most manageable of the three configurations

The matching .404″ Rapid Super chain uses a 1.6 mm gauge and 91 drive links.

36″ / 90 cm guide bar

The 36-inch version provides greater reach for very large trunks, logging and appropriate milling applications.

Choose it when:

• The 30-inch bar is regularly insufficient
• The additional reach is genuinely required
• The operator has suitable training and long-bar experience
• The additional working weight can be safely controlled

The matching .404″ Rapid Super chain uses a 1.6 mm gauge and 108 drive links.

41″ / 105 cm guide bar

The 41-inch version provides the greatest cutting reach of the standard Masseys options.

Choose it only when:

• The work regularly involves exceptionally large-diameter timber
• A shorter cutting attachment is genuinely inadequate
• The operator is trained and experienced with very long guide bars
• The intended cutting method and guide bar are approved for the machine

The matching .404″ Rapid Super chain uses a 1.6 mm gauge and 123 drive links.

121.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX engine

The MS 881 uses a 121.6 cm³ STIHL 2-MIX two-stroke engine producing 6.4 kW / 8.7 hp.

The engine is developed for sustained high-output forestry work and provides the capacity required to drive long .404″ cutting attachments through exceptionally large timber.

STIHL 2-MIX technology uses stratified scavenging to support efficient combustion while meeting current EU Stage V emissions requirements.

Conventional carburettor with compensator

The MS 881 uses a conventional carburettor rather than STIHL M-Tronic or electronic fuel injection.

The carburettor compensator helps maintain engine performance, fuel consumption and exhaust quality as the air filter gradually becomes contaminated.

The filter should still be inspected, cleaned and replaced in accordance with the operating instructions.

Manual decompression valve

The manual decompression valve reduces cylinder compression during starting.

Pressing the valve before pulling the starter cord allows part of the compressed mixture to escape, reducing the force required to turn over the 121.6 cm³ engine.

The valve closes automatically when the engine fires.

.404″ Rapid Super cutting system

The MS 881 uses a professional .404″ STIHL Rapid Super full-chisel saw chain with a 1.6 mm drive-link gauge.

Rapid Super is designed for:

• High professional cutting performance
• Felling and cross-cutting very large timber
• Fast cutting in clean wood
• Professional logging and milling applications

Always confirm the guide-bar markings, pitch, gauge and drive-link count before ordering from Masseys’ replacement chainsaw chain range.

Side-mounted chain tensioning

The chain-tensioning screw is accessed through the side of the sprocket cover.

This provides protected access to the tensioning mechanism without placing the combination tool directly beside the chain’s cutting teeth.

Chain tension should be checked:

• Before each use
• After fitting a new chain
• During prolonged cutting sessions
• Whenever the chain no longer sits correctly against the guide bar

Stop the engine, allow hot components to cool and wear appropriate protective gloves before adjusting or handling the chain.

Variable-displacement chain-oil pump

The adjustable oil pump allows chain-oil delivery to be matched to the guide-bar length, timber and operating conditions.

The economy setting can reduce unnecessary oil consumption during suitable work. Additional oil delivery can be selected for very long guide bars or particularly dry timber.

Correct lubrication is especially important with the 36- and 41-inch cutting attachments.

STIHL Ematic lubrication system

The STIHL Ematic system combines the guide bar, Oilomatic chain and controlled-delivery oil pump to direct lubricant towards the points where it is required.

Check the chain-oil level and oil delivery before beginning work. Running a long cutting attachment with inadequate lubrication can rapidly damage the guide bar, chain and drive components.

Add suitable professional chainsaw chain oil before use.

HD2 professional air filter

The HD2 filter protects the engine from fine forestry dust and debris.

Its fine PET filter material is oil- and water-repellent and can be removed without tools for cleaning or replacement.

Regular inspection remains essential when working in dusty forestry or milling conditions.

Captive sprocket-cover nuts

The sprocket-cover nuts remain attached to the cover when loosened.

This reduces the risk of dropping or losing them during chain changes, guide-bar removal and cleaning at the work site.

Tool-free tank caps

The fuel and chain-oil tanks use bayonet-style caps that can be opened and closed without a separate tool.

Always ensure both caps are correctly aligned, fully closed and undamaged before starting the machine.

STIHL anti-vibration system

Spring and buffer elements reduce the transmission of engine and cutting vibration to the handles.

This supports greater comfort during appropriate professional work. It does not eliminate vibration, so exposure management, maintenance and correct working technique remain essential.

Summer and winter operation

The machine can be changed between summer and winter intake settings.

In cold conditions, the winter setting allows preheated intake air to flow around the carburettor and helps reduce the risk of icing.

Return the machine to the appropriate summer position when the conditions no longer require carburettor heating.

Fuel and chain-oil requirements

The STIHL MS 881 requires two separate fluids:

• A 50:1 mixture of petrol and approved two-stroke engine oil for the engine
• Dedicated chainsaw chain oil for the guide bar and saw chain

For self-mixed fuel, use suitable fresh petrol with approved STIHL two-stroke engine oil at the correct ratio.

Compatible ready-mixed alkylate fuel can also be used where appropriate.

Never add two-stroke engine oil to the chain-oil tank.

Fuel, two-stroke engine oil, chain oil and personal protective equipment are not included unless specifically stated in the selected offer.

STIHL MS 500i vs MS 661 C-M vs MS 881

Choose the STIHL MS 500i when low weight, rapid acceleration and electronic fuel injection are priorities.

Choose the STIHL MS 661 C-M for extremely demanding professional felling where an MS 881 is unnecessary.

Choose the MS 881 when its 121.6 cm³ engine, .404″ cutting system and compatibility with very long guide bars are genuinely required.

Technical specifications

What is included?

The standard package should include:

• STIHL MS 881 professional petrol chainsaw
• Selected 30″, 36″ or 41″ guide bar
• Matching .404″ STIHL Rapid Super saw chain
• Guide-bar scabbard
• Combination tool
• Operating and safety instructions

Fuel, two-stroke engine oil, chain oil and protective equipment are not included unless specifically stated.

Maintenance and Service Kit 4

Regular professional maintenance helps protect engine performance, starting reliability and cutting efficiency.

Routine checks should include:

• Chain tension and sharpening
• Guide-bar condition
• Chain-oil delivery
• HD2 air-filter condition
• Fuel filter
• Spark plug
• Chain-brake operation
• Starter mechanism
• Cooling-air passages
• Carburettor condition and adjustment

The STIHL Service Kit 4 contains an HD2 air filter, fuel filter and spark plug for routine MS 881 maintenance.

Professional safety and protective equipment

The MS 881 is a specialist high-output forestry chainsaw. It should only be operated by someone with appropriate training, experience and protective equipment.

Suitable protective equipment should include:

• Professional chainsaw trousers appropriate to the work
• Suitable chainsaw boots
• Forestry helmet
• Eye or face protection
• Hearing protection
• Protective gloves

Browse Masseys’ chainsaw trousers, chainsaw boots and wider range of professional forestry and chainsaw accessories.

Large, leaning, storm-damaged or technically difficult trees require suitable professional planning, competence, equipment and exclusion zones.

Warranty

STIHL’s standard warranty for professional petrol tools is one year, subject to current terms, correct use and appropriate maintenance.

Qualifying professional customers may extend the warranty from one to two years when an eligible STIHL Smart Connector is purchased with the machine and the extension is registered by the STIHL Approved Dealer at the point of sale.

Why buy the STIHL MS 881 from Masseys?

Masseys is a STIHL Authorised Dealer based in Woodville, near Swadlincote.

Every petrol chainsaw sold by Masseys is assembled, inspected and test-run by our trained team before handover.

Buying from Masseys gives you access to:

• Help choosing between the 30-, 36- and 41-inch configurations
• Advice comparing the MS 500i, MS 661 C-M and MS 881
• Genuine UK STIHL machinery and cutting attachments
• Product preparation and operating guidance
• Warranty registration and support
• Replacement guide bars and .404″ saw chains
• Fuel, two-stroke engine oil and professional chain oil
• Workshop servicing and carburettor support
• Chain sharpening and genuine replacement components
• Local collection and delivery options

Our garden machinery servicing and repairs workshop can assist with servicing, repairs, replacement cutting attachments and chain sharpening.

For advice about guide-bar length, product identifiers or whether the MS 881 is appropriate for your work, please contact Masseys before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Is the STIHL MS 881 the world’s most powerful production chainsaw?

Yes. STIHL identifies it as the world’s most powerful series-produced chainsaw, with a displacement of 121.6 cm³ and an output of 6.4 kW.

What replaced the STIHL MS 880?

The STIHL MS 881 is the direct replacement for the previous MS 880.

How much does the MS 881 weigh?

The powerhead weighs approximately 9.7 kg without fuel, guide bar or saw chain. The complete operating weight is considerably higher after the selected cutting attachment and fluids are added.

Which guide-bar lengths are available?

Masseys offers 30″ / 75 cm, 36″ / 90 cm and 41″ / 105 cm configurations.

Is the 41-inch version more powerful?

No. All configurations use the same 121.6 cm³, 6.4 kW powerhead. Only the guide bar and matching chain change.

Which chain fits the 30-inch MS 881?

It uses a .404″ STIHL Rapid Super chain with a 1.6 mm gauge and 91 drive links.

Which chain fits the 36-inch MS 881?

It uses a .404″ STIHL Rapid Super chain with a 1.6 mm gauge and 108 drive links.

Which chain fits the 41-inch MS 881?

It uses a .404″ STIHL Rapid Super chain with a 1.6 mm gauge and 123 drive links.

Does the MS 881 have M-Tronic?

No. It uses a conventional carburettor with a compensator rather than STIHL M-Tronic or electronic fuel injection.

Can the MS 881 be used with a saw frame?

Yes. STIHL states that the MS 881 can be fitted to a suitable saw frame. The installation, cutting attachment and operating method must be appropriate for the machine and carried out by an experienced professional.

Is the MS 881 suitable for chainsaw milling?

Its engine capacity and long-bar compatibility make it suitable for specialist milling and mobile sawmill applications when used with an appropriate approved setup by a trained operator.

Is it suitable for ordinary firewood?

It can cut timber intended for firewood, but it is unnecessarily large and heavy for typical domestic log preparation. A smaller professional or landowner chainsaw will normally be more practical.

What fuel does it use?

It uses a 50:1 mixture of suitable petrol and approved two-stroke engine oil. Compatible premixed alkylate fuel can also be used.

Does it require separate chain oil?

Yes. Dedicated chainsaw chain oil must be added to lubricate the guide bar and saw chain.

Can the oil delivery be adjusted?

Yes. The variable-displacement oil pump allows the chain-oil supply to be increased for very long guide bars or particularly dry timber.

Which service kit fits the MS 881?

STIHL Service Kit 4 is designed for the MS 441, MS 461 and MS 881 and includes the HD2 air filter, spark plug and fuel filter.

Can Masseys service the MS 881?

Yes. Masseys’ workshop can assist with servicing, repairs, carburettor support, replacement guide bars and chains, and chain sharpening.