What's The Most Powerful Modern Chainsaw Ever Made And How Many CC Does It Have?

If you want to cut down wood and split trees in half, you need a truly powerful tool. Luckily, chainsaws are truly powerful tools. They have been around since their invention all the way back in 1830 by an orthopedic technician called Bernhard Heine. There are several unexpected uses for chainsaws that date back to the time it was invented. The power tool originally found its place in hospitals, surgical rooms, and even the delivery room before it evolved into the mechanical forestry tool that it is today.

The most powerful production chainsaw right now is not the one that can swing the fastest or make the loudest roar. It's about what machine can blend raw engine displacement, usable power, and durability into one. Among current gas chainsaws, one model outshines the rest. This is the Stihl MS 881 Magnum. Stihl is no stranger to the chainsaw industry. In fact, the first electric chainsaw ever built was the brainchild of Andreas Stihl, so it feels fitting that the chainsaw often touted as the world's most powerful series-production chainsaw is a Stihl product.

The MS 881 delivers the highest engine displacement and horsepower among modern commercially available saws. Displacement is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and is a crucial factor that indicates how much volume the engine's cylinders move.

If you ranked every major chainsaw brand from worst to best, Stihl would likely come out on top. And the Stihl MS 881 Magnum is undoubtedly the German manufacturer's crown jewel. The manufacturer's official documentation states that the MS 881 has an engine displacement of 121.6 cc, which is the highest among any modern chainsaws. But there are many other impressive specs to go along with those nearly 122 cc. One is its power output of approximately 6.4 kW or 8.7 horsepower, which is absorbed by its weight of 21.8 pounds, helping to guide the bar and chain. It also has a fuel capacity of approximately 44 US fluid ounces or 1,300 cc, and a chain oil capacity of about 23.7 fl oz. All of these are fitted into a guide bar or chain configuration that supports long guide bars. 

Despite the MS 881's displacement of 121.6 cc being the largest among Stihl's production chainsaws, it's not just big for show. The saw is built for forestry professionals and serious work where bar length and power demand are high. Users mention that the saw's 2-MIX two-stroke engine design produces better performance. The design has improved fuel efficiency and emissions compared to older large-cc saws.

Power output and torque aside, there are other aspects of a chainsaw that matter. You need to know how long it can run, how it handles bar length, and even how well it breathes. A saw with huge cc but bad design or heat management isn't king. It is worth noting that while the raw cc is enormous, the saw has to handle heat, vibration, handling, and, of course, safety. Thankfully, Stihl equips it with features like decompression valves, an ElastoStart rope starter with reduced pull effort, and an anti-vibration design.

Yet, there are still certain trade-offs. The most obvious being its weight. The powerhead already comes in heavy at around 22 pounds. But once you attach a long bar, plus a chain, you end up with a much greater total weight, which could be upwards of 26 pounds. Holding that in awkward positions when climbing, while trimming, or when fatigue sets in, is no easy feat. You also have to consider its cost and maintenance. All the chainsaw maintenance tips and tricks still apply here, but big displacement means more stress, more fuel, and more bar/chain wear. Parts like air filters, anti-vibration mounts, and chain oils will need more frequent attention. Also, the initial purchase price isn't cheap at around $3,300.

Finally, safety gear, experience, and proper technique become more critical. Since you're dealing with a power tool of this magnitude, massive torque can kick. Starting a saw this size without proper technique can strain muscles, so this isn't a tool for beginners.