Decisions?

[Grey]

So, I've been looking for a 90 cc class saw for heavy bucking, stumping and occasional milling, mostly in hardwoods, like Oak, Beech, Maple. Here's three options I'm thinking about:
1) 395XP Rebuilt and Ported by T Landrum, PHO = ball park $1000 + shipping
2) MS660, nearly new, like 1-2 hours (wife made him return it to a local dealer after she heard what he paid for it), Power Head plus a nearly new 25" loop of Stihl milling chain = ball park $900-950 OTD.
3) Wait for a new MS661CM, PHO=ball park $1100 OTD.
For what it's worth I already have Stihl 25" and 32" bars and chains. If I picked options 2 or 3 I'd probably get them ported within a year for $250-300, just not right away.

 

[mdavlee]

For $10 you can use your bars on the 395.

 

[Grey]

Thanks mdavlee

 

[gemniii]

So, I've been looking for a 90 cc class saw for heavy bucking, stumping and occasional milling, mostly in hardwoods, like Oak, Beech, Maple. Here's three options I'm thinking about:
1) 395XP Rebuilt and Ported by T Landrum, PHO = ball park $1000 + shipping
2) MS660, nearly new, like 1-2 hours (wife made him return it to a local dealer after she heard what he paid for it), Power Head plus a nearly new 25" loop of Stihl milling chain = ball park $900-950 OTD.
3) Wait for a new MS661CM, PHO=ball park $1100 OTD.
For what it's worth I already have Stihl 25" and 32" bars and chains. If I picked options 2 or 3 I'd probably get them ported within a year for $250-300, just not right away.

I'd wait for #3 and continue to look for a better bargain on #2, unless you can get a full 2 year warranty on #2 (using Stihl oil).
FWIW I paid $500 for my first 660, and $450 for my first 088.

 

[Grey]

I'd wait for #3 and continue to look for a better bargain on #2, unless you can get a full 2 year warranty on #2 (using Stihl oil).
FWIW I paid $500 for my first 660, and $450 for my first 088.

 

[Locust Cutter]

I'd have to try the 661 before bad mouthing it. I had a 660 and it was a great saw. I liked the balance and direct feel of it better than a 395. For purely felling, that's my pick. NOW, having said that, I do a lot more bucking than falling and the 395 has much better a/v, torque and oiling. The 660 handles like an iron mount Sportster and the 395 is more like a rubber mount Dynaglide. As Mike already mentioned, bushings/adapters are only $10-30 so that's a minor consideration...

 

[shanedut]

Dont rule out a 394 either they are almost identical to a 395 other than a few things. They can be made into a 395 if someone wanted but are fine as they are. They share the same case halfs and most of the same plastics. They can be had for much less than a used 395 or 660. I picked up 2 of them for 300 bucks running.

 

[Grey]

Dont rule out a 394 either they are almost identical to a 395 other than a few things. They can be made into a 395 if someone wanted but are fine as they are. They share the same case halfs and most of the same plastics. They can be had for much less than a used 395 or 660. I picked up 2 of them for 300 bucks running.

Wow!! Good scores and good idea. Thanks

 

[mdavlee]

The 661 is fine but if they find out you mill you may lose all warranty. I don't think stihl will warranty milling saws. Your dealer may help get by that.

 

[Locust Cutter]

I believe the 394 has an inboard clutch which is a blessing and a curse depending on your perspective. If you're considering used saws, I'd also HIGHLY suggest looking fr a nice used 9010 Dolmar (as they're no longer produced) as they have great torque and fling oil like the Exxon Valdez... They don't quite have the same top-end as a MS880 or a 395xp, but they pull like an 18-wheeler. They're also built like a brick outhouse.

 

[mdavlee]

I believe the 394 has an inboard clutch which is a blessing and a curse depending on your perspective. If you're considering used saws, I'd also HIGHLY suggest looking fr a nice used 9010 Dolmar (as they're no longer produced) as they have great torque and fling oil like the Exxon Valdez... They don't quite have the same top-end as a MS880 or a 395xp, but they pull like an 18-wheeler. They're also built like a brick outhouse.

394 has an outboard clutch. 9010 is strong like a 394/5.

 

[bryanr2]

The 661 is fine but if they find out you mill you may lose all warranty. I don't think stihl will warranty milling saws. Your dealer may help get by that.

What's a warranty, Mike?

 

[Locust Cutter]

394 has an outboard clutch. 9010 is strong like a 394/5.

I knew one had an inboard clutch and the other had an outboard but I couldn't remember which was which...