Where the people buy the fake stihl saws from!

[GardenKit]

To get it in perspective, these 'fake' saws, as well as genuine branded 'cheap' saws DO have all the safety features, so its not fair to trash them on that.

 

The issue would be with the quality and efficiency of these features (as well as the rest of the saw) and I will trash them on that.

 

I had a very plausible copy of a Stihl in from a customer, it looked just like a Stihl, was apparently 'clearance stock' from an ebay seller. It was labelled as an MS640.

I have never seen a 640 so could not immediately say it was fake. The bar and chain looked just like Stihl (same markings) The stickers were just like Stihl. I had never heard of counterfeit saws (not an Arbtalker) but was suspicious. Took covers off, now starts to look not like a Stihl. No part numbers on mouldings etc.

And the clutch drum was about the size of an Ms200 one. I doubt this would have adequate braking effort for a 24" 90cc saw, even if it could drive it. The linkage to the brake looked pretty flimsy too.

 

And I have a lot of cheap chinese saws in with a problem such as Rich describes. After only a little use the chain brakes stays on a bit and the handle has to be pulled back to release it. Customers say ' getting fed up with having to hold the brake off all the time, makes my hand ache':thumbdown:

These can only be fixed with a complete brake cover assembly (where available) and that does not last either.

[Rob D]

You get what you pay for. If it doesn't last then even at a cheap price to throw it away and buy another - do this 3 times and suddenly they're not looking so cheap.

 

I've had a couple of cheap saws for rough work but only lasted 6 months.....