New MS661 or 395xp, what do I pick?

[edrrt]

Well I was unable to find anything on the used market and I'm out of time so I'm walking into the dealer this week and out with one of these.

I have huskies, they've been easy to run/ work on. I have never touched a stihl. The are both similar in price: $1300ish.

I need a large saw for big wood. Mostly turning it into to firewood but I would like to try and mill some of it for tables. Pic for ref: I have an endless supply of trees that size and significantly larger continously being felled.

Smallest bar it would see is a 36. But there's so much to cut nible is better.

The 661 seems more modern and updated for the same price. Auto tune, lighter... but maybe that makes for repair headaches?

395 seems older/ heavier but simpler tech.

If you're buying either one new and they're both about the same price what do people think?

I don't care how fast it cuts. I want something that starts reliably, doesn't leak oil all over my barns, and the less fiddly the better.

 

[Andyshine77]

If it's going to be a dedicated big wood saw I prefer the 595xp. I believe a 395 will have better longevity, very simple to wrench on, oils a bar length you want with ease, solid AV feel, massive air filter, lots of parts are available.

The 661 is a better all-around saw that you could get away with using on less than huge rounds, and as you said, the saw has some modern additions like a side chain tensioner. I believe a non Mtronic version is available, but hard to find.

 

[Bob Hedgecutter]

Smallest bar it would see is a 36?
I would be looking at a powerhead in the MS 880/881 or 3120 range.

 

[edrrt]

Smallest bar it would see is a 36?
I would be looking at a powerhead in the MS 880/881 or 3120 range.

I'm trying to avoid getting into that arms race because I feel if it's too big/ heavy I'm just not going to bother using it.

However if I need to trade up maybe the stihl will hold value better if the 595xp is around the corner.

 

[cuinrearview]

You said 36 and up and milling. The Stihl shouldn't even be in the conversation.

 

[Robin Wood]

Ported 395xp if you gonna need to pack it in the woods occasionally and it'll still kick in milling. Outboard clutch is a plus for milling, your climate seems warm like in my country

880/3120 becomes heavy to be packed in the woods, unless it travels in something than being lifted around lol. But they definitely got gobs of power compared to 90cc saws.

I'd pick 395xp for parts availability, power, comfort and reliability

Sent from my INE-LX2r using Tapatalk

 

[Bobby Kirbos]

Which brand has better dealer support in your area?

 

[Ketchup]

661 is more modern, more plastic and more expensive to maintain.

395 is more powerful, more durable, and more awkward.

Neither is perfect and neither is much fun to sling all day.

If possible, I would have a 70 or 80cc saw with me to do most of the work and save the long bar saw for major needs only (Like 390 32”, 395 42” Skip).

If it has to be an army of 1, I’m afraid I would do the 661 with a 32” and a 42” skip. Changing bars out is so much easier. It will struggle with the 42 though. And be prepared to spend big on parts.

 

[stihlaficionado]

661 smoother, skimpy on the bar lube, even with the pin in & full setting
395 , simple tech, better air filtration, torque monster

 

[Dean-O]

395

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I think the 395 is the cheaper one to run in the long term. $1300 for one sounds very high. Sometimes you can buy them at 20% off for about $910 shipped without a bar and chain. Beyond that, parts are cheaper and more available, as are parts saws. They also put out more oil, which is nice for bars over 36".

 

[Gord404]

I prefer the 395, (imo) easy to get parts for and your not tied to a computer at the dealer.

 

[edrrt]

If it has to be an army of 1, I’m afraid I would do the 661 with a 32” and a 42” skip. Changing bars out is so much easier. It will struggle with the 42 though. And be prepared to spend big on parts.

It's not an army of 1. I have a bunch of smaller saws. The the 346xp gets the most use, and the 357xp does most of the bucking.

 

[edrrt]

I think the 395 is the cheaper one to run in the long term. $1300 for one sounds very high.

Tell me where to get one cheaper and I'll buy one. They are $1630 OTD with a 36" bar out here everywhere. Every dealer within 300 miles has a wait list 5-10 ppl deep.

I have no problem ordering online. I just can't find them much cheaper there either right now.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

Tell me where to get one cheaper and I'll buy one. They are $1630 OTD with a 36" bar out here everywhere. Every dealer within 300 miles has a wait list 5-10 ppl deep.

I have no problem ordering online. I just can't find them much cheaper there either right now.

I have gotten great pricing numbers from Ashokan Turf and Timber. The owner, Bob is a great guy and a member here. HL Supply has a 20% off sale a few times year, and $910 with no bar and chain was the shipped price in November. Not sure what the full price is, but if you don't need it right this minute, waiting for the 20% off sale would be worth it.

 

[edrrt]

I called

I have gotten great pricing numbers from Ashokan Turf and Timber. The owner, Bob is a great guy and a member here. HL Supply has a 20% off sale a few times year, and $910 with no bar and chain was the shipped price in November. Not sure what the full price is, but if you don't need it right this minute, waiting for the 20% off sale would be worth it.

I called, they're out, but very good prices.

I need it in about a week.

 

[Ryan'smilling]

I called

I called, they're out, but very good prices.

I need it in about a week.

Have you tried Madsen's in Centralia Washington?

 

[sean donato]

Another nod for the 395xp. I've run both a 394xp with a 395xp topend transplant, and a ms660. The 660 is a fine saw, but I always wanted to go back to the 394/395xp. Mine has been dead reliable over the years. I got it used from a local logger who wore it out, and rebuilt it. Definitely a very powerful robust saw. Mine pulls a 36" with authority.

 

[sawfun]

+1 on Madsens for either saw. I'm a 395 kinda guy myself. It's simple, dependable, has more long bar torque, and no worrying about electronic support down the road.

 

[edrrt]

Have you tried Madsen's in Centralia Washington?

Yes. They won't ship them.

Even ebay is basically retail.

It seems that the 395 is seriously backordered.

Calling around I did find a small engine shop with a used 390 for $750, but I worry it's going to be underpowered.