I run all 32:1 using Lucas Semi Synthetic in AM parts saws. Just wanting extra lube in there. All these years running Stihls and using Stihl oil at 50:1, just didn't seem as prudent with the AM saws. Eventually I'm going to switch one over to Stihl oil and see what 50:1 does.
If you want an overall picture of how these saws hold up, check out Walt's
Hill Top Sawshop videos. Search through them and see where he has sent out some of his 660 builds for use by loggers to see if they'll keep running under extreme duress. He's been making videos of the 660s for at least 4 years now.
My thoughts are that the quality and reliability on a given kit saw are dependent on your care and finickyness during the build. I have 4 Huztl builds now, a pair of 361s that I am testing and comparing a bunch of porting steps and carburetor modifications to see how they perform, an MS250 that I use almost daily for limbing cleanup and slash pile management, and a MS660 that I'm still assembling. Can't say I have enough time on any one of these to draw a conclusion as to long term wear. From the value standpoint, doesn't seem to matter, as I already have gotten loads of value out of the ones I have running, both in cutting and in the enjoyment from building them. They already well serve the purpose and run as well as the OEM thing.
At first I was skeptical that these saws were ethical to pursue. Looking into the ethics, as I understand it, patent laws protect intellectual property like saw designs for 17 years. After that the designs fall into public domain. Not any different than generic drugs we all enjoy, or Chevy car parts that came from China. I'm a little surprised that they are now selling some of these saws as complete units instead of a box of parts. And as cheaply as the box of parts. My personal take on that is there is no way to separate themselves from any other cheap chinese saw. No liability protections other than thousands of miles of ocean between them and us. No real warranty behind them. You should see how frustrating it can get when trying to get them to send you the 39¢ parts they left out of your kits. They do reply, but they drag feet often enough to make it useful to just go out and get them yourself. I think the US is not the largest part of their market. The third world is HUGE for inexpensive saws with great designs behind them. I do wonder how long it will continue without any real support structure.
The one place that consistently worries me on longevity is stuff like chain tension adjusters, that while they claim is a replacement for OEM, the dimensions of their cases and of the adjuster parts is enough different that they do not cross. You cannot use their adjuster in an OEM Stihl saw and you cannot use a quality AM from Stens or Hyway or the OEM adjuster in the Huztl saw. That is one component that we are dependent on Huztl for long term. I will probably order a few extras just to make sure.
For the money, I think they are a good deal. I wouldn't trade my Stihls for them though.
Rick
