STIHL MS 880 MAGNUM Review

This heavy-duty chainsaw offers maximum power for the most demanding cutting conditions.

Simply the most power of any STIHL professional chainsaw, the MS 880 MAGNUM still boasts a great power-to-weight ratio for a big saw that’s surprisingly nimble, thanks to STIHL engineering. Ideal for felling and bucking large diameter trees, this saw is precision balanced with excellent handling and reliability. And with a staggering 23% increase in engine power over the likes of the heavy-duty MS 660, the MS 880 really knows how to deliver the goods. And it’ll accept guide bars up to 59” in length – almost five whole feet of cutting power to tackle your most demanding jobs. The Wrap-handle version is available in select areas. (See MS 880 R).

Features

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.

IntelliCarb Compensating Carburetor

The IntelliCarb™ Compensating Carburetor is designed to automatically adjust the air/fuel ratio when the air filter becomes restricted or partially clogged and maintains the engine’s correct RPM. IntelliCarb™ uses air from the clean side of the air filter to control the diaphragm and flow of fuel. As the air filter becomes dirty and less air is available for the carburetor, the IntelliCarb™ system adjusts the fuel flow to compensate for the decrease in air flow. This is in contrast to typical carburetors that utilize this air from the “dirty” side of the air box.

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.

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.

STIHL OILOMATIC Saw Chain

STIHL makes its own saw chains.

Ematic™ Bar

Includes a polymer ramp reservoir that holds bar oil until it can be picked up by a passing chain. This can reduce oil usage by up to 50%.

Bumper Spikes

They help prevent pull-in and provide better control, making cuts easier.

Spark Arrester Muffler

Has large baffles which reduce noise levels and contain a screen designed to reduce the emission of sparks.

STIHL Quickstop® Chain Brake System

Designed to stop the chain in fractions of a second. Can be manually activated by inertia if the kickback force is sufficient.

Front Hand Guard

Designed to reduce the risk of injury.

Front Handle

Designed for a secure grip and ergonomically angled for comfort.

Protected Spark Plug

Protected, yet easy to change.

Large Starting Handle

Easy to grip.

Smooth Clean Design

Has no rough edges to snag on clothing or brush.

Air Filter Cover

Easy to remove for fast and easy filter cleaning or replacement.

Master Control Lever™

Is a single lever operating the choke, starting throttle lock and on-off switch.

Rear Hand Guard

Reduces the risk of injury as well as provides a wide area for foot placement during starting.

High-Tech Polymer Housings

Lightweight, withstand greater impact, and are corrosion-resistant.

Translucent Fuel Tank

Allows operator to easily check fuel level before starting work.

Anti-vibration system

Helps reduce operator fatigue.

Electronic Ignition

Provides easier starting and smoother running.

Replaceable “In Tank” Fuel and Oil Filters

Lower cost and are easy to maintain.

Inboard Chain Brake

Requires less maintenance and makes saw chain sprocket easier to remove.

Automatic Bar and Chain Oiler

Lets the operator concentrate on cutting, not bar lubrication.

Chain Catcher

Helps reduce the risk of operator contact by a chain if it should break or derail.

Throttle Trigger Lockout

Must be depressed before the trigger can be activated.