85-90cc saw recommendations (for general cutting/milling)

[nstueve]

I'd head for the 394/395 route. 2100's are easy enough to find on ebay for around your price but usually need a little work. I don't think you'll be getting a mill and saw for $500. If you can bump your price cap $200 it will open you up to a 90cc 394/395 pretty easily, and even get you into some 100cc saws like the 2100 and maybe a 076.

keep in mind you'll want at least 4 dedicated chains for milling for each size bar.

We really need to know what size wood you're looking to mill to make recommendations. If you are only running a 32" bar or less that changes things a little...

 

[Brushwacker]

Find an 066 or ms650 0r ms 660, 5 to $600 probably will get u something decent if you spend the time looking. These models are usually easier to resale and get most your money back also in the event you want to upgrade later. Good parts availability to.
Get the word out to some dealers, check with loggers and tree services in your area. Some of them will want money for the holidays or are upgrading for the next season. May be try an ad in craigslist.

 

[SierraWoodsman]

394/395 or 660 would be the best for you, but good luck finding a quality one at the price you're looking for. The deals are out there but they're few and far between.

 

[HuskStihl]

Ah, I love that better built crap. That is why I work on so many Stihls.

You're forgetting that if a Stihl breaks down, it was user error. If a husky fails, it was 'cause they're cheap crap

 

[tpope]

You're forgetting that if a Stihl breaks down, it was user error. If a husky fails, it was 'cause they're cheap crap

Time to unsub...

 

[Four Paws]

How about a sp125 Mcculloch. 123cc, auto AND manual oiler, we're built to run bars longer than a smart car. Ha

 

[hseII]

How about a sp125 Mcculloch. 123cc, auto AND manual oiler, we're built to run bars longer than a smart car. Ha

I want 2, but they aren't in My price range.
I damn sure will continue to want 1-2 though

 

[Herseim]

I've been milling all summer for my post and beam in Alaska. Tried the Stihl 364 and got served up some education. I went to a Stihl 660 and couldn't be happier. It cuts very well and oils my 36" bar even better (no auxiliary oiler). I have around 1000 board feet on it and it doesn't even know it.

I'm using a 3/8 pico chain. Three of them... you'll need back-up.

 

[Herseim]

Tried the Stihl 364

I meant 362

 

[sachsmo]

I've been milling all summer for my post and beam in Alaska. Tried the Stihl 364 and got served up some education. I went to a Stihl 660 and couldn't be happier. It cuts very well and oils my 36" bar even better (no auxiliary oiler). I have around 1000 board feet on it and it doesn't even know it.

I'm using a 3/8 pico chain. Three of them... you'll need back-up.

Hmm,

I checked out a board feet calculator from the University of Missouri.

According to their calculator I once milled 326 board feet in 4 hours!

(actually more if you count the top 'cap' slab)

3"x 25" x 19 feet long x 3 slabs!

That was a White Oak a fella at work had a pro tree guy take down because he was afraid it would come down on his house.

I used a Sachs Dolmar 153 (100cc) for most of it, and when the carb got cranky I switched to an SD 143 (95cc).

That 95cc saw felt a whole bunch less than the 100cc we started with.

In a cross cut application the 143 will cut much faster than the 153, but put them side by side on a good rip, the 153 hands the 143 its arse.


I have ran Husky 2100s against the 153, same thing, the Husky is much faster cross cutting, but when you lug them down on a long rip the 153 just pulls down and keeps on eating.

 

[sachsmo]

When milling stroke seems to be King.

Them old 153s at only 100cc have a 2mm longer arm than an 090 (137cc)

I sure would like to strap an old CT or 166 to my milling frame.

48mm stroke,,,,,,,,,,,,,YEA BABY!

Here's a pic to show the height of them 100cc saws;

 

[bnmc98]

Get the word out to some dealers, check with loggers and tree services in your area. Some of them will want money for the holidays or are upgrading for the next season. May be try an ad in craigslist.

Being a logger, I would never buy one of my saws used. Just a tip to think about.

 

[Brushwacker]

I have to admit there are some very abused saws out there. I still like to ask loggers though if they have something for sale when I run across them which isn't often. Last time I did this guy offered me an ms 650 and an 660 power heads which he'd been carrying around and robbing a few parts off for $100. Wasn't much wrong with the 650 and I made a nice saw out of it with a few parts + b&c . From what I hear he likes to sell his working saws also at the end of the year and replace them. Some one told me he could of had 066's or 660's from him for $300 in working condition some years back.