A wolf in sheep's clothing

[Four Paws]

I recently acquired a new addition to my saw family. From what I have read and heard about this saw - it should turn out to be a real pleaser at a true 5 cubes. Over the summer cutting season, I will do some testing and attempt to post up a comparison with my Husky 385XP. I would also like to run it alongside a Stihl 046 and a Dolmar 7900 - but I don't own either.

 

[KMB]

I recently acquired a new addition to my saw family. From what I have read and heard about this saw - it should turn out to be a real pleaser at a true 5 cubes. Over the summer cutting season, I will do some testing and attempt to post up a comparison with my Husky 385XP. I would also like to run it alongside a Stihl 046 and a Dolmar 7900 - but I don't own either.

I will be looking forward to the info you pass along about this saw. I have been very happy with my stock 970. In the past, I have thought about converting it to a 980...if/when it gets 'tired'...if it wouldn't cost to much for the parts. So I'm anxious to hear your report(s). If I don't see any posts in the next while...I'll have to bug ya to get the info out... .

BTW, what size bar is on it in the pic ?

Kevin

 

[Big Neb]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the MS650 the Stihl model that is comparable to the 385xp. The MS460 is going to be a little anemic in comparison. The 7900 should give it a nice run however.

Nice looking saw!

What is the rated hp on that saw?

 

[Four Paws]

Well, the 981 is a true 5 cube class saw - 80.7cc. It is hard to compare saws when their displacements vary almost 10cc. I mean, unless the bigger saw is clapped out, it will always come out ahead with power in the cut. The closest match to the 981 would be the 7900 Dolmar, but I don't have one to run against the 981, and I don't know anyone within a days drive of me that runs one.

Stihl 460 = 76.5cc, 4.5kW
Dolmar 7900 = 79cc, 4.5kW
Efco 981 = 80.7cc, 4.2kW
Husky 385 = 85cc, 4.6kW
Stihl 650 = 84.9cc, 4.8kW

As we know, specs only tell 1/2 the story - everyone lies about power output, weight, etc. Troll will tell me the saw is a boat anchor because it doesn't look too good on paper. I like torque - I like running odd-ball saws that aren't really popular - I am only cutting firewood.

First impressions - I like the air filtration. BIG fuel/oil tanks (30oz./15 oz.) Very stout sidecover and double spikes. Excellent, nonrestrictive muffler - very easy to modify. Nice, straight top handle (personal preference). Nice fit and finish - everything lines up. Built like a brick chithouse! Somewhat cheesey on/off switch and choke lever. So/so throttle lock.

This saw will wear a 28" and 36" bar - the bar in the photo is a 36", Full Skip chain. Forest service permits aren't ready yet...so I am patiently waiting to get out and cut.

Oh, she tips the scales at 15lbs 3oz. PHO.

 

[Justsaws]

I am also looking forward to your review. I have seen a couple but have not used any. A local dealer is going to handle Efco again so I am looking forward to some parts availability. I hope it is all that some have said it is.

 

[Four Paws]

The weather was great - sunny and cool with a breeze, and I couldn't think of anything better to get in the saw building mood than cut firewood. Mixed some gas while I was warming my rig up - packed the saws, tool-bucket and maul, and headed up the mountain. Found a few spring blowdowns in an ideal shady spot.

Just a man, his tools and the great outdoors. I was even lucky enough to see a bull moose - he spooked before I could get a picture - still made my day! Cut and split a pick-up load. Already have about 4 cords put up for winter.

 

[Tzed250]

What about the Efco...?

 

[rahtreelimbs]

As we know, specs only tell 1/2 the story - everyone lies about power output, weight, etc. Troll will tell me the saw is a boat anchor because it doesn't look too good on paper. I like torque - I like running odd-ball saws that aren't really popular - I am only cutting firewood.

This gets my vote for Quote of the day!!!

 

[KMB]

The weather was great - sunny and cool with a breeze, and I couldn't think of anything better to get in the saw building mood than cut firewood. Mixed some gas while I was warming my rig up - packed the saws, tool-bucket and maul, and headed up the mountain. Found a few spring blowdowns in an ideal shady spot.

Just a man, his tools and the great outdoors. I was even lucky enough to see a bull moose - he spooked before I could get a picture - still made my day! Cut and split a pick-up load. Already have about 4 cords put up for winter.

What about the Efco...?

So......what are your first impressions of the 981? I'm bad with judging bar sizes in a pic...is it a 28" ? (a 28" and 32" bar is what you had said that saw would be wearing).

Kevin

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

You should A.) come to Colorado


Or I should B.) go to Idaho


I'll bring my 460 and maybe Ill buy a 7900.

For science:spam:


Forgive my ignorance, but is the saw a new make? Or a mint condition older model?

 

[Four Paws]

What about the Efco...?

Only ran one tank through it - too early to tell really. I love the sound of it - like an older 2-stroke bike. The thing really spins up and makes short work of the wood - burried 24" bar and full comp-full chisel Carlton chain. Lots more cutting to do before I will consider it 'broke-in'. Something tells me this saw will mod well

 

[Four Paws]

So......what are your first impressions of the 981? I'm bad with judging bar sizes in a pic...is it a 28" ? (a 28" and 32" bar is what you had said that saw would be wearing).

Kevin

I said 28" and 36"...but who am I kidding - a 36" tree for me is few and far between. Most like it will be a 24" and 28" for 95% of my cutting. I just got a great deal on that 36" bar from Bailey's so I had to get it! The saw balances great with a 24", just a tad nose heavy with a full tank and a 28" - once you are bucking a log, one hand operation (not safe, just testing) is a dream! You can unweight the top handle and it just hogs through the wood without even dogging in.

You should A.) come to Colorado

Or I should B.) go to Idaho

I'll bring my 460 and maybe Ill buy a 7900.

For science

Forgive my ignorance, but is the saw a new make? Or a mint condition older model?

Ich - I sold my 385XP, but have a fond memory of its abilities. I have a MS460 on the way, so I will have some first hand experience with the Stihl. If you are up for a road trip, you are invited! As for me heading your way - not until next year at the earliest. This 981 I have is new - Efco replaced it with the 181 - as far as I know, it is the same saw with a different model number and a few slight cosmetic changes - same drivetrain though.

 

[KMB]

I said 28" and 36"...

My bad...sorry about the bar sizes.

I didn't realize the saw was brand new...I'll be patient and wait for the 'broke in' review , but your first impressions sound good.

Kevin