If you’re in the market for a new chainsaw, you might be wondering whether the Stihl 881 or the Stihl 661 is the right model for you. Both saws are designed for professional use, but there are some key differences between them that you’ll want to take into account before making your purchase.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between the Stihl 881 and the Stihl 661 so that you can decide which saw is right for you.

Stihl 881 

The Stihl 881 is a powerful and versatile saw that can handle a variety of tasks. It is a great choice for those who need a saw that can do it all. The Stihl 881 is a great choice for those who need a powerful and versatile saw. It can handle a variety of tasks and is a great choice for those who need a saw that can do it all.

Stihl 661 

The Stihl 661 is a powerful and versatile saw that is perfect for a variety of applications. It features a powerful engine that delivers plenty of power and torque, making it ideal for cutting through tough materials. The saw also features a durable and robust build quality that makes it perfect for use in demanding environments. The Stihl 661 is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful saw.

Compare Stihl 881 and 661

Engine Displacement

The Stihl 881 is a saw with a large engine displacement of 79.5 cc. On the other hand, the Stihl 661 has a smaller engine displacement of 61.5 cc. So, what does this mean for you?

Generally speaking, a larger engine displacement will result in a more powerful saw. This means that the Stihl 881 is likely to be a better choice for tougher jobs that require more power. However, the Stihl 661 may be a better choice for lighter jobs, or if you’re looking for a saw that’s more lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Power output

When it comes to power output, the Stihl 881 is no slouch. It produces an impressive 8.8 horsepower, which is more than enough to get the job done. The Stihl 661, on the other hand, only produces 6.6 horsepower. This may not seem like a big difference, but it is enough to give the 881 a significant advantage when it comes to power output.

Weight

The Stihl 881 and 661 saws are both great options for anyone in the market for a new saw. But which one is the better option? To answer that question, we first need to take a look at the specs of each saw. The Stihl 881 weighs in at 8.5 pounds, while the Stihl 661 weighs 9.5 pounds. So, the 881 is the lighter of the two saws.

Power-to-weight ratio

When it comes to choosing a chainsaw, one of the most important considerations is the power-to-weight ratio. This is a measure of the saw’s power in relation to its weight, and it’s important to choose a saw with a good power-to-weight ratio so that you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

The Stihl 881 is a powerful saw that weighs just under 10 pounds. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 2.88, which is very good. The Stihl 661 is also a powerful saw, but it weighs a bit more, at 11.5 pounds. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 2.29, which is still good, but not as good as the 881.

Sound pressure level

How do they compare when it comes to sound pressure level?

The Stihl 881 is slightly quieter than the Stihl 661, with a sound pressure level of 97 dB compared to the Stihl 661’s sound pressure level of 103 dB. This means that the Stihl 881 is less likely to cause hearing damage than the Stihl 661. However, both chainsaws are still relatively loud and should be used with ear protection.

Sound power level

There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing the right chainsaw for you. One of the most important factors is the sound power level. The Stihl 881 has a sound power level of 109 dB(A), while the Stihl 661 has a sound power level of 103 dB(A).

The Stihl 881 is a little bit louder than the Stihl 661, but it’s not a huge difference. If you’re looking for a chainsaw that’s going to be a little bit quieter, then the Stihl 661 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a chainsaw that’s going to be a little bit more powerful, then the Stihl 881 is the way to go.

Vibration level left/right

The Stihl 881 is a powerful and rugged chain saw that is built to last. It has a high vibration level, however, which can be a problem for some users. The Stihl 661 is a similar chain saw but with a lower vibration level. This makes it a better choice for those who are looking for a more comfortable saw to use.

Saw chain pitch

Both saws are designed for cutting wood, but they have different pitches. The Stihl 881 has a 3/8″ pitch, while the Stihl 661 has a 5/8″ pitch.

The difference in pitch means that the Stihl 881 can cut through smaller diameter wood more easily, while the Stihl 661 can handle larger diameter wood. If you’re not sure which one you need, it’s best to consult with a professional before making your purchase.

STIHL Oilomatic saw chain type

Both saws are part of Stihl’s Oilomatic saw chain type, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before you make your purchase.

The Stihl 881 is a professional-grade saw that is designed for heavy-duty use. It has a higher power-to-weight ratio than the Stihl 661, making it a better choice for felling large trees or cutting through thick branches. The 881 also has a higher chain speed, making it a faster saw overall.

The Stihl 661 is a homeowner-grade saw that is designed for light-duty use. It has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Stihl 881, making it a less powerful saw overall. However, the 661 is still a capable saw for general yard work and pruning.

Stihl 881 vs 661, which is the best chainsaw?

So, which one is better? The Stihl 881 or the Stihl 661?

The Stihl 881 is a powerful chainsaw that can handle even the most challenging tasks. It has a lot of features that make it a great choice for professionals. For example, it has an automatic oiling system that keeps the chain lubricated, and it also has a chain brake that stops the chain if it gets jammed.

The Stihl 661 is also a great chainsaw, but it’s not as powerful as the 881. It’s a good choice for homeowners who need a chainsaw for occasional use. It doesn’t have as many features as the 881, but it’s still a durable and reliable chainsaw.

It depends on what you need it for. If you need a powerful chainsaw for professional use, then the Stihl 881 is the best choice. If you need a chainsaw for occasional use, then the Stihl 661 is a good choice.

Summary

The bottom line is that the Stihl 881 is a better saw for most people. It’s more powerful, has better features, and is built to last. If you can afford the extra cost, it’s definitely worth it. However, if you’re on a budget, the Stihl 661 is still a great saw. It’s not as powerful or feature-rich as the 881, but it’s a lot cheaper and it will still get the job done.