Stihl ms661 vs 880

[Big J]

The 880s seem to be very unreliable now. I had one go bang at a year old, and I know several other people in similar situations. I'd probably opt for a 395xp now or buy a good used 088.

[Mick Dempsey]

Had my 088 for 15 years or so, use it maybe 4 times a year. Never had an issue with it.

I always run it out of fuel before storing it.

When you need it, you need it.

[spudulike]

Hi SPUD when I have more I will post my one up to you if this is ok thanks Jon

 

Jon, it will be a pleasure:thumbup:

[mendiplogs]

Jon, it will be a pleasure:thumbup:

 

Hi STEVE thanks mate new year job thanks Steve Jon

[Timbermcpherson]

Sooner you break out the 3120 or 88's, the sooner the jobs done. we run the big bars on our 88's but mostly use 2 3120's for "regular" cutting, one with a 28 and the other with a 42.

 

Feels like going backwards picking up the 66 after a big saw once the trees over 20 inches

 

But the greatest thing you can fit to a big saw is a D starter handle (stihl sell them for there rescue saws), makes them much easier to start.

Edited December 9, 2015 by Timbermcpherson

[Richard Thompson]

The 880 is a great saw, but not an everyday use saw.

I used an 880 for four hours on a job, it took me two days to get over the back ache from lugging that beast around , the 661 I have is just like using my 391.

also the 1.20cm guide for the 880 is like a razor blade very flexible and seems to do its own thing

[Thesnarlingbadger]

I would advise a 66 over an 88 unless you have a very big bit of timber to cut up.

However the 88 is a great bit of kit and well worth the money in my opinion but only if you really need it.

The 66 on the other hand is much easier to move about and I am quite happy to use it up the tree, where as the 88 up the tree is a trip to the chiropractor.

Also if you do decide the 88 is the toll for the job, avoid letting anybody who is good at digging holes in the lawn with chainsaws use it unless they are fast as hell sharpening saws. I almost cried about a year ago when we were still on a big beech takedown at 7 o'clock and the new lad picked up the 88 with a lovely sharp chain and cut through a log and about a foot of rocky soil. We didn't speak the whole way back lol (made up after he brought a cake in for everyone the next day).

[IVECOKID]

880 is one them saws that picks out 70 year old nails hidden deep inside, totally sole destroying.

 

Ste

[mendiplogs]

880 is one them saws that picks out 70 year old nails hidden deep inside, totally sole destroying.

 

Ste

 

HI STE your right i hit one 18" a bit of beach with the 880 :lol:thanks jon

[Forest2Furniture]

880's are great if you're milling other then that it's a sledge hammer to crack a nut.

I was looking at replacing my old 660 with a 661M but was warned about the electronic bit being a pain, so looking at a 461 instead.