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World’s Largest Running Chainsaw: world record in Ishpeming, Michigan

Sep 13, 2022
World’s Largest Running Chainsaw: world record in  Ishpeming, Michigan

Ishpeming, Michigan, United States--Da Yoopers, located at 490 North Steel Street in Ishphigheming, has a giant working chainsaw named `Big Gus' made by Moran Iron Works, Inc. of Onaway, Michigan, USA, which is 6.98 m (22 ft 11 in) long and 1.83 m (6 ft) high, thus setting the world record for being the World’s Largest Running Chainsaw, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.


"This Big Chainsaw is nicknamed “Big Gus”, although gas — as in gasoline — might be a more appropriate word to use,"the vroomvroomvroom.com reports.


"Its chain actually runs, powered by a V8 engine (like a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro)! It’s super loud!!!"


Photos:  travelthemitten.com (1),Da Yoopers Tourist Trap (2), YouTube (3)

World’s Largest Running Chainsaw: world record in  Ishpeming, Michigan

"Big Gus, the world's largest working chainsaw, sits on a rise pointing towards the highway," the Roadside America reports.


"Billy, our guide, fires up Big Gus, which is 23 feet long and is powered by a V-8 engine. The large chain cycles with a terrifying rumble, though Billy holds back on revving it up to forest hewing velocity. "Jim's always worries about the chain flying off across Highway 41," he says.


"Gus and Ernie are examples of what DeCaire calls "Yoopervations," one-of-a-kind items built out of necessity or whimsy, and made possible by long periods of enforced hibernation."

"Deemed as the longest working chainsaw, the Big Gus works at low-speed only to avoid the bar from falling off Highway 41," the  sawinery.net reports.


"Crafted by Moran Iron Works, Inc. of Onaway, Michigan, the longest working chainsaw is called “Big Gus.” It measures 22 feet, 11 inches long, and 6 feet high. In 1996, the longest bar was displayed at the Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in the USA."

World’s Largest Running Chainsaw: world record in  Ishpeming, Michigan

“Big Gus” sits in front of Da Yoopers Tourist Trap on US-41 near Ishpeming and holds the world record for largest working chainsaw," the travelthemitten.com reports.


"A sing nearby notes that it “has a GMC V-8 305 cubic inch water-cooled engine, a 3-speed automatic transmission and a 12-volt electric starter. The chain is made of 6″ pitch steel.”


"Weighing in at 3,500 lbs., Big Gus was made by Moran Iron Works in Onaway."

"Founded by the original members of the Upper Peninsula comedy troupe Da Yoopers, this gaudy self-admitted tourist trap exhibits bizarre U.P. humor, amazing innovations, and also the world’s largest working chainsaw and rifle," the Atlas Obscura reports.


"Their recording studio is also Da Yoopers Tourist Trap, which not only sells the usual tourist T-shirts and tchotchkes but also exhibits Big Gus, the world’s largest working chainsaw, and Big Ernie, the world’s largest working rifle. Other various Yooper innovations are also shown, like Christine On Steroids, a 1957 Buick with a snowplow."

Testimonials from Trip Advisor

"One might call the large items outside quirky or bizarre, but most are actually real items. From the chevy snow plow, to the truck with the large gun. From the mine cars to the outhouses. Many are fun to look at. Then there are the minerals, iron and copper pieces and more. Very good samples to see - and no charge!"


"The outside creations are interesting and fun to see. Many of the items inside the gift shop are humorous. It was a good time!"


"Best place to be able to see unique inventions, a taste of the culture, as well as a good laugh. Well laid out, and available all year around, (except the yard because of the snow.) So funny, and so heart warming."


"We had 3 of our grandsons with us 9, 11 and 11 and they had such a great time and so did grandpa and grandpa. The attractions were very unique and very entertaining for all. I would recommend everyone to stop and get a good laugh."

World’s Largest Running Chainsaw


Address: 490 N. Steel St., Ishpeming, MI
Directions:   Head west out of Ishpeming on US Hwy 41, between Ishpeming and West Ishpeming on the south side of the highway.

GPS: 46.4922, -87.6981
Hours: M-Th 9-8, F 9-9, Sa 9-8, Su 10-7 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone: 906-485-5595
Admission: Free

Online Store: https://dayoopers.com/the.store

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