Features
- Reduced-Emission Engine Technology—Caring for Nature –
  
  The STIHL Inc. “Caring for Nature” seal identifies its powered products that are more environmentally conscious, producing zero or low exhaust emissions. STIHL Inc. defines “low exhaust emissions” as being cleaner than EPA and/or CARB exhaust emission standards.
- HD2 Air Filter –
  
  The HD2 air filter on this unit is washable, providing extremely long filter life and lowering maintenance costs. The large surface area allows for longer run times between cleanings and high performance even while operating in dusty and dry conditions. Overall, the HD2 air filter provides better protection of the engine compared to standard air filters.
- Easy manual adjustment of the carburetor settings –
  
  The simplified design of the carburetor allows for easy manual adjustment.
- Efficient stop switch technology –
  
  Efficient stop switch technology saves users time and reduces the chance of flooding the engine when starting.
- Greater fuel efficiency and Reduced exhaust emissions as compared to the previous model –
  
  The MS 881 has the same power as the MS 880 while using less fuel and reducing exhaust emissions, saving time and money while also being better for the environment.
- The largest, most powerful saw in the STIHL lineup –
  
  With its updated engine design and up to 41” guide bar length, the MS 881 is the largest, most powerful chainsaw in the STIHL lineup.
- STIHL Quickstop® –
  
  STIHL chainsaws are equipped with a chain stopping system designed to reduce the risk of injury in certain kickback situations. It is called a STIHL Quickstop® chain brake. The STIHL Quickstop® chain brake is designed to stop the rotation of the chain if activated by the operator’s hand or by inertia if the saw kicks back with sufficient force. In some working positions, the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake can be activated by inertia, stopping the chain within fractions of a second.
- Ematic™ Lubrication System –
  
  The Ematic™ guide bar, when used with STIHL OILOMATIC® saw chain, will provide proper lubrication and less oil consumption than conventional methods. The system works because two ramps, strategically placed in the guide bar rail, help contain the flow of oil and direct all lubrication to the sliding faces of the bar and chain links as well as the rivets and driver holes, which in turn can reduce bar oil consumption up to 50%.
- Wrap Handle (R) –
  
  Saw can be used in multiple positions for felling or limbing with hands in the proper positions.
- STIHL ElastoStart™ –
  
  The ElastoStart™ starter handle is an exclusive feature of STIHL. It is a starting grip with a built-in shock absorber that helps reduce the effort when pulling on the starter cord. The ElastoStart™ starter grip noticeably reduces the sudden peak forces (compression) normally felt during cranking. The forces which occur at the grip after the first compression stroke are smoothed out.
- Fuel and oil caps with retainers –
  
  The fuel and oil cap retainers keep the caps attached to the unit for added convenience.
- Side-Access Chain Tensioner –
  
  The side-access chain tensioner makes it much more convenient for the user to adjust the saw chain with a bar wrench as opposed to the typical location of the guide bar adjustment screw.
- Adjustable Automatic Oiler –
  
  The Adjustable Automatic Oiler allows the user to adjust the lubricant of the guide bar and saw chain for different bar lengths and cutting conditions.
- Anti-Vibration System –
  
  STIHL has developed a system for minimizing the vibration levels of handheld outdoor power equipment. The STIHL anti-vibration system helps reduce operator fatigue and provides a more comfortable working experience.
- Decompression Valve –
  
  The decompression valve, also referred to as ‘deco’ or ‘deco valve’, vents compression in the cylinder for easier starting. The decompression valve temporarily reduces the compression in the combustion chamber during cranking and helps reduce the effort needed to pull the starter rope. It is opened manually and closes automatically as soon as the engine fires.

Specifications

POWER SOURCE	Gas
POWERHEAD WEIGHT	22.0 lbs.
GUIDE BAR LENGTH (Recommended)	25 in.
OILOMATIC® CHAIN	3/8″ RM3
CHAIN OIL CAPACITY	23.7 oz.
ENGINE POWER	8.6 bhp
FUEL CAPACITY	44 oz.
DISPLACEMENT	121.6 cc

STIHL recommends #3946 (46 RS 80) OILOMATIC® saw chain and 25″ 3002 000 9731 Ematic™ guide bar combination. The recommended guide bar length is 21″ to 41″

Warnings and Safety

Note: STIHL recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% Ethanol content. Using fuel with greater than 10% Ethanol content may cause damage to your equipment and may void your STIHL warranty.

* The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The occurrence called “kickback” can cause serious or fatal injury. Always read the instruction manual carefully before using your saw. STIHL uses a green and yellow color-coding system to help you select a powerhead, bar and chain combination that complies with the kickback requirements of ANSI Standard B175.1 (gasoline-powered saws) and §30 of UL 1662/ ANSI Standard B175.1 (electric chainsaws). Ask your STIHL dealer about safe operating procedures and the advantages of the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake, STIHL Quickstop® Plus additional chain braking feature, STIHL reduced kickback bars and STIHL low-kickback saw chains.

STIHL recommends the use of green reduced kickback bars and green low kickback chains on all STIHL chainsaws.

WARNING! Improper use of any power tool may cause serious or fatal injury. Read, understand, and follow carefully the operating and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products.