066 vs 288 opinions

[cuttinstihl]

Hey all, I’m currently running a 2002 Stihl 066 with a 28” bar for my big saw, saw is all OEM except for an aftermarket DP muffler. I’ve got the chance to trade it on a 1998 288XP in similar condition, also with a 28” bar.

 

Is 288 really all its hyped up to be, or is the 066 the better option for a big saw?

[lux]

Stick with what you’ve got.  I can’t imagine you’d notice any real world difference 

[Mick Dempsey]

I have run both at the same time, general consensus is the 066 is very slightly faster, but the 288 is a dream to use ergonomically.

Keep the Stihl and buy the 288.

[openspaceman]

20 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

I have run both at the same time, general consensus is the 066 is very slightly faster, but the 288 is a dream to use ergonomically.

 

How often do you need to use an 90cc saw other than for ringing up when ergonomics hardly come in to it?

 

My experience with big saws is that post felling you seldom used then as a 60cc was easier to carry about for knotting up.

[Mick Dempsey]

37 minutes ago, openspaceman said:

How often do you need to use an 90cc saw other than for ringing up when ergonomics hardly come in to it?

 

My experience with big saws is that post felling you seldom used then as a 60cc was easier to carry about for knotting up.

True.

I used to use the bigger ones a lot more when I did a lot of ringing up, before I had a loader and was handballing wood.

Haven’t used anything bigger than my 576 in a good while.

OP seems to be an afficianado of the old stuff.

If it was purely about performance he’d buy a new 500i.

Edited September 7, 2023 by Mick Dempsey

[cuttinstihl]

1 hour ago, Mick Dempsey said:

True.

I used to use the bigger ones a lot more when I did a lot of ringing up, before I had a loader and was handballing wood.

Haven’t used anything bigger than my 576 in a good while.

OP seems to be an afficianado of the old stuff.

If it was purely about performance he’d buy a new 500i.

Ideally I’d be running a 500i, but I’m hesitant to spend over $1500USD, costs more than a new 661 here in the States

[Mick Dempsey]

Fair enough.

[Stubby]

Not worth debating . Either will do . . Having said that the 288 is very old school . There are 2 more generations of Husqvarna 90cc saws to go through . The 592 being the latest .

Edited September 7, 2023 by Stubby

[spudulike]

066s are bullet proof and spares are relatively easy to get hold of as the MS660 followed on from it until the MS661 came along.

The 288 is much rarer and spares more difficult to get hold of so....if you are collecting saws, purchase the 288, if you are using the saw for work....take the 066 every day of the week.

[Muddy42]

I find another use for these big saws is blocking up big knotty logs that wont split or are too heavy to lift.