Second hand ms661

[W66]

Hi all, looking to buy an ms661 for ripping/milling.

Ideally second hand, but I don't want to get one that will not last long and end up 'buying cheap buying twice '

How long/how many hours would you reasonably expect such as power unit to last before it starts costing money on repairs/giving up the ghost.

Am I better off just saving for a new one, or do they 'typically' go on for years. (I appreciate this depends a lot on how well they're looked after, serviced etc)

Cheers 

[AJStrees]

How much milling are you planning on doing? If its going to be regular then I would go with an 880 or 881 so you have the power to get through bigger stuff. If you are only going for bits and bobs then a 92cc Chinese knock off can perform well in milling. I have the 881 bought from new and a 92cc Chinese/Stihl equivalent which will run a  48" lo pro milling bar through 3 foot wide beech or oak which I have used on and off for 4 years.

 

 

[W66]

Not a huge amount at the moment, but hopefully increasing amounts in the future. Really I want to know opinions on second hand Vs new

[slack ma girdle]

I bought my Stihl 066 in 1998, and is still going strong. Its done a lot of milling, and still doesn't miss a beat.

 

[Bob_z_l]

My 2p worth.

 

If you buy new, you have provenance. You KNOW it has been maintained and had good oil/fuel.

 

I have a 661 (purchased new 2019) and a 6 month old (when I got it 881 - 2020).

 

The 881 every day for milling from 20" to 40" wide. If you  are after 14" to 24" then 661.

 

I'd still go for new. Looked after and loved , as they are, they'll be worth something...or earn their weight. Which they have. My 2008 660 was retired and made helped pay for the 661.

 

 

[AJStrees]

1 hour ago, W66 said:

Not a huge amount at the moment, but hopefully increasing amounts in the future. Really I want to know opinions on second hand Vs new

I think it is down to the operator of the machine, An old machine can always be repaired as long as you can get spares and in some cases they run for ever. I bought a used Stihl HS45 hedge cutter on ebay in 2005, still use it today with little issue, runs great, a new machine like a 661 will have a warranty on it and parts will wear and need replaced, however saying that, I bought my 881 brand new and it has done a fair bit of milling and runs great, no problems as yet, bought it in 2021 I think.