STIHL has launched its new MS 881 – described as "the world's most powerful series-produced chainsaw".

Said to be ideal for professional heavy-duty felling, logging and mobile sawmills, the MS 881 is 19 per cent more powerful than the MS 661 model. With 121.6 cc of displacement and 8.6 hp/6.4 kW output, it is also the only saw in the Stihl range to drive a 0.404 pitch chain.

With standard bar lengths up to 41" and able to accept guide bars up to 59", the new saw is the ideal machine to takle even the most demanding forestry jobs, Stihl says.

Powered by Stihl's 2-mix engine, the MS 881 is described by the manufacturer as the only chainsaw in its performance class that meets the strict requirements of the European Euro-5 (EU5) exhaust emission standard.

Forestry Journal: Stihl's new MS 881 chainsaw.Stihl's new MS 881 chainsaw. New construction of cylinders, slimmer sprocket covers, and the development of lightweight components result in a weight-to-power ratio of 1.55 kg/kW, while a one-touch stop button is intended to ensure the MS 881 is ready to start at any time, whenever it is warm.

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Other design features include captive nuts on the optimised chain sprocket cover that offer additional convenience when changing the chain, as well as a new oil pump that regulates oil flow rate according to demand.

A long service life and ease of maintenance are improved, Stihl says, through the use of a new HD2 air filter with a radial seal that provides protection against fine dust, often created when planking and in sawmill environments. The introduction of a diagnostic socket also means that specialist dealers are able to quickly identify and eliminate faults.

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