<div class="htmlview paragraph">COST, WEIGTH AND POWER OUTPUT, render it unlikely that 2-stroke engines for chain saws and related applications can be superseded by any other propulsion system in the near future.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">In order to remain competitive in the future, 2-stroke engines - and thus cylinders and pistons - must be designed that they are able to achieve the largest possible power output from the lowest possible overall volume, with an adequate operational reliability and at competitive prices. Special attention must be paid to exhaust gas emission and noise, particularly in view of future legislation.</div> <div class="htmlview paragraph">This paper reports on new results obtained when increasing the power output of 2-stroke chain saw engines, and describes the prospects for an increase in operational reliability.</div>