How do I identify this Stihl?

[fearofpavement]

I had a different thread going earlier about which saws were "magnum" designation. This began because of an ad I found where the only info on the saw was that it was a "Magnum". I later found out it was a "Stihl" and after an actual phone conversation I learned "it's a big saw, a lot bigger than my other one". So the owner doesn't really know what model it is. He bought it used and apparently didn't have any good info at that time. He "thinks" it is an 066 because when he went to a saw shop it looked about the same size as their MS660's.

Well, the situation I'm in is that this saw is a long way from where I'm at but I will be passing through the area. I will have one shot to view the saw and either buy it or pass. I won't have the chance to collect info, post photos and get expert advice from this site.

I have no photos of the saw. I asked if the seller could look for some numbers on the saw and get those to me. If he doesn't, what info can I arm myself with that would allow me to see the saw and identify it. I have a MS660 but to be honest I am not so familiar with it that I would know it from an MS650 or perhaps even an MS460 without having them next to each other or having labels on it.

If it is an 046, 064, 056 or whatever, is there something distinctive about each of these large saws that would allow me to know what they are? For instance, I know what my saws look like but not sure what other saws look like. I assume an 066 would look nearly identical to an MS660? What about an 064 or 056? Do they look a lot different than the 066? smaller? different air filter? One has allen, one has Torx?

Any info I can arm myself with ahead of time would be helpful.
Thanks guys and merry Christmas!

Oh, and one more piece of data. He is asking $350 for the saw. Said he paid $450 for it and used it two years. I assume an 066 or 046 in decent shape would be worth this kind of money?

 

[Work Saw Collector]

Take the air filter cover off and there will be a 11xx number on the back side match it to this list it will narrow it down for you. You can find the 11xx number on most of the parts on the saw. The number will be molded into the plactic same color a little small to read but it will be there.

1106 090
1107 07
1108 08 S
1109 090 G
1110 041
1111 051, 075, 076
1112 041 G
1113 030, 031, 032
1114 020
1115 045, 056
1116 015
1117 042, 048
1118 028
1119 038
1120 009, 010, 011, 012
1121 024, 026, MS 260
1122 064, 066, MS 650, MS 660
1123 021, 023, 025, MS 210, MS 250
1124 084, 088, MS 880
1125 034, 036, MS 360
1127 029, 039, MS 290, MS 310, MS 390
1128 044, 046, MS 440, MS 460
1129 020 T, MS 200 T
1130 017, 018, MS 170, MS 180
1132 019 T, MS 191T
1133 MS 270, MS 280
1135 MS 361
1137 MS 192
1138 MS 441
1139 MS 171, MS 181, MS 211
1140 MS 311, MS 362, MS 391
1141 MS 261, MS 271, MS 291

 

[SawTroll]

Some models are missing on that list, but it surely is a nice place to start.....:smile2:

 

[fearofpavement]

Thanks for the list, that will really help me to narrow things down. Now as to value, if the saw for instance is an 064, will that be a less valuable saw than an 066? I am not thinking so much "size" as I am commonality and availability of replacement parts.

 

[Work Saw Collector]

Condition is everything we will need pics, a nice 064 could be worth more than a ratted out 066. If it was a 056 the 056 Mag II will be worth more going to haft to see it to say anything on price.

 

[fearofpavement]

Condition is everything we will need pics, a nice 064 could be worth more than a ratted out 066. If it was a 056 the 056 Mag II will be worth more going to haft to see it to say anything on price.

Yeah, I understand that the lack of details is going to make pricing an issue, unfortunately, as I stated in my first post, when I first see this saw is when I will need to make a go/no go decision. That is why I am trying to educate myself and go armed with as much info as possible.

So if it was an 056 in "average" condition, I am thinking $350 may be a bit on the high side?

The saw supposedly is a magnum whatever model it is...

 

[SawTroll]

Yeah, I understand that the lack of details is going to make pricing an issue, unfortunately, as I stated in my first post, when I first see this saw is when I will need to make a go/no go decision. That is why I am trying to educate myself and go armed with as much info as possible.

So if it was an 056 in "average" condition, I am thinking $350 may be a bit on the high side?

The saw supposedly is a magnum whatever model it is...

I wouldn't pay much for an 056, as I regard it as mostly a collectors item - but people are different!

Also, there is a chance that parts have been swapped out, and a Magnum sticker isn't a safe clue to what the saw actually is.....

 

[The Burning Rom]

If it is an 046, 064, 056 or whatever, is there something distinctive about each of these large saws that would allow me to know what they are? For instance, I know what my saws look like but not sure what other saws look like. I assume an 066 would look nearly identical to an MS660? What about an 064 or 056? Do they look a lot different than the 066? smaller? different air filter? One has allen, one has Torx?

Oh, and one more piece of data. He is asking $350 for the saw. Said he paid $450 for it and used it two years. I assume an 066 or 046 in decent shape would be worth this kind of money?

The early 066 models were "boxy" looking compared to the "rounder" late model 066s and MS660 models. 064 was very very similar to the 066 with less power. 056 is a much heavier saw, though the power output on the Mag II is 6.8hp...just shy of an MS660's 7.0hp. As stated though, much heavier. Here's a few pics side-by-side of the MS660 & 056 Magnum II. They are the 3/4 wrap and full wrap versions of the saws.

The 056 has the shorter bar on it...

Yeah, I understand that the lack of details is going to make pricing an issue, unfortunately, as I stated in my first post, when I first see this saw is when I will need to make a go/no go decision. That is why I am trying to educate myself and go armed with as much info as possible.

So if it was an 056 in "average" condition, I am thinking $350 may be a bit on the high side?

$350 would be the very highest price for an "average" 056 Mag...on the lower end for a great/pristine 056 Mag.

 

[SawTroll]

......

$350 would be the very highest price for an "average" 056 Mag...on the lower end for a great/pristine 056 Mag.

The 066/660 surely is a much neater design that the 056 Mag! :msp_wink:

 

[fearofpavement]

This is helpful

Those side by side photos are great. Even I could tell the difference between the two with the visual aid. Yeah, I think if it turns out to be an 056 I'll pass on it. I don't collect saws. Just acquire ones I can use.

 

[SawTroll]

Those side by side photos are great. Even I could tell the difference between the two with the visual aid. Yeah, I think if it turns out to be an 056 I'll pass on it. I don't collect saws. Just acquire ones I can use.

You can of course use an 056 Mag for large cuts, but it surely is a heavy and bulky saw to handle. :msp_wink:

 

[fearofpavement]

I am trying to close a gap between the Stihl 039 and the MS660. Right now I have nothing between those two. I was thinking MS440 or MS460 (used) but if this does turn out to be an 066 I would set up one with a medium length bar and one with a long bar. I guess I'll try to connect with the guy on Tuesday and see what it is (assuming he hasn't sold it yet).
Thanks all for the info. I've been using saws for over 35 years but there is always more to learn. sigh.

 

[Saw Dr.]

Those side by side photos are great. Even I could tell the difference between the two with the visual aid. Yeah, I think if it turns out to be an 056 I'll pass on it. I don't collect saws. Just acquire ones I can use.

I suspect that a little trigger time on a good 056 MAG with a 28" or 36" bar and sharp chisel chain may change this thought. They are a hoot to run.

As for ID-ing the saw, I suggest finding a member whom you can text a picture of the saw to while you are looking it over. Said member then can ID it for you and offer price guidelines. If you announce when you are planning to check it out, someone (like me) will surely step up to the plate. I know why you don't want to announce here the location of the saw, and can't blame you there.

 

[fearofpavement]

I don't have texting on my phone but I will take my computer with me and a MiFi card so could potentially email a photo but I will have my family with me and can't hold them up while I am dinking with a saw. So it is going to be a situation where I will take a look and if I initially like what I see will delve deeper. But I am probably going to have 20 minutes from the time I arrive until the time I leave with or without the saw. The saw is probably 150 miles from where I am at for the holidays and I'm already 900 miles from home... The guy did say he had some big wood I could gnaw on with it. I will probably take him up on that if I am considering the saw after I see it.

 

[The Burning Rom]

I suspect that a little trigger time on a good 056 MAG with a 28" or 36" bar and sharp chisel chain may change this thought. They are a hoot to run.

Mine wears a 28" bar these days and is one of my favorite saws when it comes to cutting in big wood. Tons of torque, and the distinctive exhaust sound make it a ton of fun.

 

[homelitejim]

any big cc Stihl at a good price is worth buying whether it is old or not, I doubt you could really tell the difference in weight between a 066 and a 056 when you have over 28 inches of bar on them, and both will put a smile on you face. I have a 066 and a 045 super and enjoy using both of them.

 

[064AV]

056 does not use torx. As for the 046, 064, 066: look at the top cover. The 046 will have a decompression valve and is held in place by screws coming in horizontally through the side. 064/066 have no decomp valve, and screws are accessed vertically from above. A little harder to tell between those two, but the starter housing of the 064 is more narrow than the 066. It is about an inch wide, and the 066 is wider. I don't have a 066 in front of me to measure, but I'd guess about 1 3/8. I have hope that helps.

 

[homelitejim]

056 does not use torx. As for the 046, 064, 066: look at the top cover. The 046 will have a decompression valve and is held in place by screws coming in horizontally through the side. 064/066 have no decomp valve, and screws are accessed vertically from above. A little harder to tell between those two, but the starter housing of the 064 is more narrow than the 066. It is about an inch wide, and the 066 is wider. I don't have a 066 in front of me to measure, but I'd guess about 1 3/8. I have hope that helps.

my 066 has a decomp and my 045 uses a mix of torx and standard as does the 056.

 

[064AV]

I'll stand by my statement on the use of torx on 045/056, but that applies to original screws. You got me cold on the 066 though I thought that modernized design in your pic came along with the 660. Would you supply a measurement of the width of the starter housing. My 064 is only an inch wide. Of course he won't need it if it looks like your saw, but the old 066 is very similar in appearance to the 064.

 

[sawfun9]

Study the pictures on the site and get or look up the Stihl catalog pictures. They will show a side view that should help you a bit. Also the 056 has an orange handle.