Husky 285cd new to me saw

[Jeremiah chambless]

Hello all. New member here. Came across this site rummaging through pages on the google machine about a saw I picked up. A buddy of mine bought a storage unit and told me there was an old saw in it and if I wanted it I could get it for 50 bucks. Figured it was worth a look. Turned out to be an old husky 285 cd. A few sprays of starting fluid and it fired right up. Even had an almost new looking 24 inch Oregon power match bar and chain. I've had it for a few weeks now and I love. Has a ton of torque and will go through anything I've put it on. My only concern with the saw is it has no chain brake on it. A lot of my cutting is on land that has been cleared so there's a lot of climbing around. My question to all the experts here is what all clutch covers and with chain brakes will fit. I have seen like the 1100,2100,2101 and the 480. Is there anymore that would. I had a guy suggest a 288 but it looks different to me. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[computeruser]

DO NOT USE STARTING FLUID!!!! That is a great way to kill a 2-stroke engine. Use proper mix gas, dribbled or squirted down the carb throat.

Otherwise, I think any of those saws you reference will be able to swap a clutch cover with a brake on. I think having the brake is a very good idea.

 

[Jeremiah chambless]

Well goes to show not to trust your local repair shop. He has always told me a few sprays wouldn't hurt. But thanks for that info. And yeah on a saw that size it just seems like a great idea to me.

 

[Jeremiah chambless]

Bump for more info. I've seen a lot of people that mill have a 95cc or little bigger how would this saw do on a simple Alaskan mill?

 

[andrethegiant70]

It'd be fine as long as you don't go too big. They are nice, big torquey things, but 85 is 85. That saw will, I believe, take a 2100 jug without other modifications, so you could pump it up to around 100ccs. IMHO, what is holding those saws back is the lack of available parts. I haven't looked for parts lately, but I did set my miller 2100 aside in favor of something that had a more ready supply of parts. If memory serves, ignition might be an issue. Before you start beating it up on a mill, do yourself a favor and go on a parts search.