Running an old saw

[Dan Forsh]

I still run a Husky xp281, worst thing about it is starting it, it is a brute, needs a decompressor on it. Either that or I am being a girl.

 

Check that your starter rope spool hasn't split, the one I had nearly had me handing in my man membership card until I found out that this was the problem and the rope was binding on itself.

[roys]

Check that your starter rope spool hasn't split, the one I had nearly had me handing in my man membership card until I found out that this was the problem and the rope was binding on itself.

 

Cheers for that, although I did take the spark plug out and it pulled over no probs, bit of a rough test but I had to check.

[SiW]

yeah those 281's have massive compression, i used to run a 2101xp that was easy to start compared to a 281xp

 

I still run the 2101 xp. It's not for the faint hearted lol

[MattyF]

For every day work you can keep your old school saws , bad anti vibes and emissions and bland power bands I'm all for any new auto tune or Stratto saw.

Great for an occasional blast though....

[spudulike]

Cheers for that, although I did take the spark plug out and it pulled over no probs, bit of a rough test but I had to check.

 

They are bitches to pull over, you either give it 100% commitment or that starter handle just pulls itself through those tender hands of yours:thumbdown:

 

They have big compression, a small starter spool and a set ignition timing meaning no girly starting retarded ignition timing like the modern machines:lol:

 

Best option - make sure it is set up well and starts on 2-3 pulls!

 

Try a 298XP and the 181/281 doesn't seem quite that bad:001_rolleyes:

[64treefrog]

ms200t- will stick with these as long as pos,

044 -used daily, cant fault it,

088 -still going strong,

056 (1980) had a new carb, still in use

my mid size planking mill has a Danarm 171ss (1974) I have several spare saws for parts.

 

newer saws have come and gone in the meantime!

all of these are easy to work on, spares available and simple (like their owner)

[Sawchip]

Today we were talking at work about the problems people are having with new saws such as auto tune , with this in mind is finding and running a older saw such as a StihL 029 or a husky 350 a good option ? Also for a older saw how long would parts be available to keep the saw running ? The guy I was with has just had his saws nicked and he was looking to restore his husky 55 to use instead of buy a new saw.

The 300 series Husqvarna's are not a bad compromise with anti vibe and less hassle to keep in good running order than some newer ones iv found..as long as the carb to cylinder upgrade has been done. A 351 is not common but is the mag /alloy cace rather than the plastic one on the 350…although the 350 is not a dog by any means. Its not a clamshell due to having a alloy base that the cylinder bolts to . I have a soft spot for late 200 series Husqvarna, 254 and 262 are in the arsenal.Have a Dolmar 109 and a 115i…thats a brill saw at 3.75hp and 52cc..light and short boded, cock on with 15 inch bar. Currently the two saws i tend to pick up to use are a Ms 260 and Ms 361. The Ms 260 has grown on me and the Ms 361 is bit of a revaluation for me. Caused me to look much closer at Stihl saws in the 2002-2011 age with the old carbs. Anyhow there a few personal likes ..but it of corse will come down to personal taste.

[miker]

254,262,266,268,272.281 288, 2101 are all cracking saws imo,. but im just an old school reprobate lol

[TreeswingerPerth]

Husky 242xp in daily use

254xp in regular use

Stihl 038 magnum occasionally

And a minty husky 266xp I'm keeping good .

Nearly forgot my trusty 262xp , lives in my truck

[openspaceman]

254,262,266,268,272.281 288, 2101 are all cracking saws imo,. but im just an old school reprobate lol

 

I keep a 254,262 and 288 for when I do go out on track, the blokes always comment on the 262 being heavy compared to the MS261 they normally use but I've never weighed it compared with a MS 361 which would be a modern equivalent I think.