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Posted

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 

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Posted

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.

 

 

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Posted

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

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Posted

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.

 

 

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Posted
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.

  • Like 2
Posted
9 hours ago, topchippyles said:

Mark member gobbypunk has been selling stuff off I'm sure he has an 880 that would make a great saw for milling.

That sounds good - anyone know how I can get hold of him to enquire?

Posted

On the theme of not 'buying twice', Id seriously consider a 120cc saw for any milling.  Milling is such hard work on a saw and bigger saws are better suited. Yes you can get away with a 90cc saw, but 120 cc is so much easier.   Remember for milling you don't necessarily need all the comfort or safety features like AV or chain brake.  Use this to get a good price on an older saw.

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

Milling is hard on saws. If buying it for that specific purpose I'd be getting an 880/881 size, the new price is not much different near £2k. I dont know how the used prices compare, £1k used or more for a decent one?

 

I've not used a 660, I have used a 500i which is near enough the same spec, not for milling, but it wants as much power as you can get.


 I would get a cheapy Farmertec or two. My G372XP works quite well (I didnt buy it for milling but have done a bit).


£600 for a new G888 with bar, chain etc.. the G660 clones are about £300.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204816296107

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/205154078035

 

I am very tempted to get a G888 myself however Im only doing occasional domestics and not very often we remove a larger tree. So it would likely take up space and rarely get any use.

 

A ripping chain is for milling along the end grain, its slow and dusty. When I want to mill a log I use a standard chain from the side of the log, "noodling", called as it makes long noodle like chips, instead of dust. Much quicker and satisfying, easier cleanup, easier on the saw but may take more skill to get a straight cut.

 

 

Edited by kram

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