Stihl MS 881 vs Husqvarna 3120 XP – What’s The Better Chainsaw?

Today we are going to be taking a look at a couple of beasts: the Husqvarna 3120 XP and the Stihl MS 881. These are the biggest and most capable chainsaws for each manufacturer.

Keep in mind that both of these chainsaws will be for heavy-duty, even commercial cutting. So if you are in the market for a serious chainsaw for serious felling and cutting, be sure to read the following comparison review.

Husqvarna 3120 XP Vs Stihl MS 881 Overview

At a glance, the Husqvarna 3120 XP and the Stihl MS 881 are very similar. They have engines that are similar in size and can be outfitted with very long bars. However, once we got our hands on both of these saws, we realized that usability was much different.

Right off the bat, the Stihl MS 881 was much easier to start than the Husqvarna 3120 XP. The Stihl also has a lot more features than the Husqvarna 3120 XP.

Quick Facts

	Husqvarna 3120 XP	Stihl MS 881
Weight	22.9lbs	21.8lbs
Max RPMs	9,000	N/A
Engine Power	8.3 HP	8.6 HP

Key Differences Between the Husqvarna 3120 XP and the Stihl MS 881

One of the things we noticed about these two chainsaws was the performance of the air filter. We nearly had to change out the filter of the Husqvarna 3120 XP after just a couple days of testing. The air filter of the Stihl MS 881 will last longer for sure.

Other than that, the major difference between these two chainsaws is the amount of features. The Stihl MS 881 has a few more premium features than the Husqvarna 3120 XP.

Husqvarna 3120 XP Key Features

Chain Brake – A nice safety feature, the chain will stop if there is too much inertia generated from kickback.
Forged Crankshaft – The three-piece forged crankshaft will no doubt enhance the longevity of this saw.
Quick Release Air Filter – The air filter is very easy to remove without special tools.
Low Vibration – The Husqvarna 3120 XP was built with Husqvarna’s low-vib technology to make it more comfortable to operate.

Husqvarna 3120 XP Pros & Cons

Pros:

Built to be durable
Smooth cutting
Doesn’t vibrate too much
Well-balanced cut path
Works true on its own

Cons:

Very hard to start
Very easy to flood

Stihl MS 881 Key Features

HD2 Air Filter – The HD2 air filter features a larger surface area than most air filters which enhances its longevity.
Cap Retainers – Both the fuel and oil caps have retainers attached to them so they won’t fall off and get lost.
Decompression Valve – Instantly release compression in the combustion chamber for easier starting.
121cc Engine – The 121 cc engine in the MS 881 is the largest chainsaw engine that Stihl produces.

Stihl MS 881 Pros & Cons

Pros:

Great for dense woods
Good for commercial work
Easy to start
Cuts well under its own weight
Great for cutting stumps

Cons:

Heavy
Pricey

Price Comparison

The Husqvarna 3120 XP will cost you about $2000 while the Stihl MS 881 can cost anywhere from $2000 to $2200.

Weight & Handling Comparison

The Husqvarna 3120 XP weighs 22 pounds while the MS 881 weighs 21 pounds. There is almost no difference when you’re handling them though – they are both heavy. That’s a plus when you’re in a log because both saws will basically cut on their own under their own weight; but it can be taxing on the body.

Power Comparison

The Stihl MS 881 actually has the slightly more powerful 8.6 HP engine but again, the difference in power is negligible.

Power Source

Both the Husqvarna 3120 XP and the Stihl MS 881 chainsaws are gas-powered chainsaws.

Efficiency Comparison

As you can imagine, neither of these chainsaws are very economical when it comes to fuel – especially when you’re revving at high RPMs. For instance, the Husqvarna 3120 XP consumes 7.7 pounds of fuel per hour.

How Big A Bar Can You Put on the Husqvarna 3120 XP?

The Husqvarna 3120 XP can take a bar as large as 42”

How Big A Bar Can You Put on the Stihl MS 881?

The Stihl MS 881 can reasonably be outfitted with a 41” bar.

Husqvarna 3120 XP Common Problems

We know this one firsthand and have read that many others had the same problem: the Husqvarna 3120 XP is very hard to start and floods easily and severely.

Stihl MS 881 Common Problems

One problem is that it bogs down when you give it gas. This could be a problem of altitude or carburetor adjustment.

Who Should Buy Each One?

If you don’t want to deal with troublesome starting, then the Stihl MS 881 is the better choice. However, once we got the Husqvarna 3120 XP started, it did seem like the more durable saw.

What Are They Best for?

Both the Husqvarna 3120 XP and the MS 881 are great for heavy logging, felling, stump busting and commercial work.

Other Chainsaws to Consider

Stihl MS 261

The Stihl MS 261 has a 50.2cc engine and can bear a bar as long as 20”. It gives ample power for felling and delimbing but struggles with large oak trees.

Pros:

Good for residential work
Fair price

Cons:

Needs a better handle

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Husqvarna 460

The 460 Rancher has a 3.6 HP engine and would be great for residential use. It’s easy to start and has comfortable front and rear handles.

Pros:

Easy to maneuver
Good for tree work

Cons:

Struggles with hardwood

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Ryobi 18 inch 38cc 2-Cycle Gas Chainsaw

It may not be the most powerful chainsaw but it is comfortable to use for hours at a time. This would be a good choice for light cutting jobs.

Pros:

Affordable
Lightweight

Cons:

Underpowered

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Assessment

While cutting performance between the Husqvarna 3120 XP and the Stihl MS 881 were both better than expected, what really hurt the Husqvarna was the easy flooding and difficult starting. For those reasons, the Stihl MS 881 is our choice as the superior chainsaw.