Solo 681 for milling?

NC4TN · Jul 19, 2010

For you experienced milling operators; how adequate would the SOLO 681 (80.7 cc, 6.4 HP) be as a matchup with a 30 inch Alaskan? Bailey's has an awful good deal on these. I had been leaning for a new MS 660, but the $1K plus price tag is not an attractive option. Does an extra half horsepower make that much difference? I will not be cutting anything bigger than 20 inches< and mostly poplar for cabin logs...actually will be using the granberg mini-mill doing edging. Thanx in advance for the advice.

discounthunter · Jul 19, 2010

i have no expirience with solo's,but 80'cc will mill just fine.i would recommend going at least 36" on an alaskan,your bar uses 4-6"

wigglesworth · Jul 19, 2010

A 681 on a 30" alaskan will do just fine, but it wont be the fastest setup by any means. I run an 044/046 hybrid on my MK-III mill, I think its the 24", and it does a great job.

But, as some other folks will be sure to point out, there is no replacment for displacment on a CS mill, and a good 90cc saw will be much better suited for a 30" mill.

smokinj · Jul 19, 2010

80cc 36in. would be fine most logs will be smaller.....so most of the time you will have enough power. With a mill that large an aux oiler would be on my list as well...My 880 36in. mill makes a big differance...Keeping cool is the key. Muff. port and keep the air filter as clean as possiable. Solo on sale for 699.00 To get the max out of a 36in. mill your going to need a 42in bar