This was the first saw I started falling timber with in 1988. It was unkillable. I started with a 32” bar, but changed to a 36” bar. It was so much easier to limb with a longer bar. I fell timber full time for 14 months with it. Then I got an 064 and it became my back up. The 281 did vibrate a lot more. I cut for 4 years using 064’s and sold it to my father in law when I joined the Coast Guard to fly on rescue helicopters for 3 years. I got out and cat logged with him, and was using that same old 281. I put another 6 months on it before the oiler finally quit. The shop loaned us a 394XP demo, and we bought it. The 281 went to landing duty. Still on the same piston. The 394 was a lot smoother, but man was that 281 durable.
@@twowheelsdown2002The 181/281/288s were pretty much bullet proof if they had a slight "crack" at high idle. And of course, the air filter was maintained properly... You must have had the carb dialed in for your chains. I bought a 181 in '82 when they first came out. Used a 32". Mostly because I might be a little vertically challenged, lol. But,,, maybe it was that I would use a bigger power head with a 3 foot bar... 2100 to be exact. The 181 was a limbing mo-chine. They were my first experience with a zipped saws as well. Thank you for the inclination to "go Coast Guard" helping others is commendable. Thanks for watching also.
@@hotsaws101 I had multiple washable air filters and changed them every day, rotating them. I round filed the first 6 months and my bullbuck told me he saw that I was working really hard, and asked if I wanted to buy his Simington grinder for $250, since he was not cutting much anymore. I had no idea, but said ok since he said it would help me. Right after I bought it I got put cutting with a guy who had been cutting 30 years, since he was 17. He gave me a used grinding wheel and had me use it to set my dressers, and he told me to buy a roll of Oregon full comp. I did as he advised and he showed me how to grind the corner in right. Holy shit! My chains cut like a beast! I had been working like a dog trying to show I could keep up. After that it was everyone else trying to keep up. And that thing went through limbs like they weren’t there. One quick throttle burst and an ankle size limb was gone.
Love my old 281 great saw....181 not so much had an early one...tons of up grades lots of peoblems... replaced the 480...I sold my 181 was running pretty good...bought the 281 Husqvarna worked alot of the bugs out...later got a 288....first Husqvarna I didn't need to upgrade the filtering system. Still have my Husqvarna 2100s for big trees.....the 281/288 great saw in mid size timber....thank you for the video. Shoe
Robert hi. I bought a 181 XP in '82. It took 6 months before the drive side case (known factory design flaw) cracked in between the bar studs. I mostly ran a 32" on it. Husqvarna replaced the case set with the "new & improved" bigger 6203 flywheel side bearing. I ran her until she died. Nickel & dime issues only. I think that some fallers have "worster" "luck" that others. Just like i think that some fallers are more easy on their equipment. Thanks for watching.
You make it look too easy. But that saw is a gem for sure. I have a 385/90 with 8T drive pulling 110 on a lightweight bar. Love the videos thanks for sharing.
Yeah… that’s a vintage build… just look at the sticker … you actually spelled “psycho” correctly lollll… hope you had a happy thanksgiving… and I wish you and yours a merry Christmas
Mr. Jack, the chain in the morning must have been awesome, still throwing some good chips here. One commented on the Stihl Elasto-start handle, you were the first I "saw" do this years ago, maybe on 1DangerCat(This one was a little Dangerous, Jan. 2019) on the same model Husqvarna. Maybe the same area and saw.This makes the saw easier to start for me and also spares the starter components, the 181/281 in my experience eat the pull ropes unless the handle is pulled out slightly at shutoff.
Brian hi. Awesome for Redwoods "Sam it was". A bit hunger-rry on the fir though. I put the "Stihlesque" chain catchers on the dawgs I built as well. Been doing both for a long time. They work better... Thanks for watching.
Brenden hi. It is like those that say that they never break a tree. I say if you haven't broken much, you haven't felled much. At least on non Christmas tree type ground with non Christmas type trees... Those that haven't fallen down much haven't been on West Coast yarder ground with Coasty type brush. Not just sayin either! Thanks for watching.
Minha Vida É Viver Na Estrada Mauricio & Mauri Composição: Ivone Ribeiro / Joel Marques No dorso do asfalto, dentro do meu caminhão Sou caminhoneiro, eu sou peão A minha vida é livre feito um pássaro no ar Eu não tenho pressa de chegar O laço da saudade não me prende o coração A cada dia eu vivo uma paixão Eu solto na banguela, deixo a vida me levar Amando sem querer me apaixonar Minha vida é viver na estrada Em meu caminho brilha o sol da emoção O meu coração é fera que nunca foi domada No rodeio de uma paixão Nas curvas do caminho vou deixando a solidão No rádio toca sempre uma canção De dentro da cabine sou pedaço do motor Piso fundo com cuidado no acelerador No rastro dos pneus deixo o passado para trás E a cada dia eu vivo um pouco mais Domando o meu destino com a fibra de um peão nas rédeas firmes do meu caminhão
Was that springboard holes in that stump at the end to the right?..I have the 288 that vintage on my Alaskan mill and brother those are hard workin saws…thanks again …Matt
Sir, yes sir. The bottomend is a "181se" varietal. Think that it's around the '83 vintage - stock & original bearings. I am saving the thin ring slug & cylinder that came on it for a "specialty build". I used a 281single thick ring piston & the matching cylinder for a (this) Psy-Ko zippkitted work saw. I good running 288 it a force and will give a decent running 066 a scare. Thanks for watching.
@@hotsaws101 awesome jack…I frequent the Webster co woodchop festival in West Virginia I.e.stihl timbersports stop and 5 cube is dominated by 181s,281s…think I’d have to use those jugs to stay legal if we zipped my 88 if i remember correctly…people have no idea what goes into those chains just as I did and was amazed the angles they go at one to shave weight..stay safe brother and feels good to chat with a saw samurai..
Hi Dan. Nubie Question: What are you checking for (lean?) when you hold up your yoyo that has a chain on it? Did you cover this in another video? Thanks for all your good work and service!
Milton hi. I'm not sure which version of Motul you use. It will be dictated by the storage conditions somewhat. I've only checked on the Road Race & Off Highway - When not exposed to sunlight, in the factory sealed container, at a relatively constant temperature they said 4/5 years. Once opened up, it's a crappshoot base on the aforementioned criteria. Unsealed it is stable for a fair amount of time. I burn through mine relatively quick and have never used oil over a few months old. Thanks for watching.
Hey Mr jack I'm 15 and really interested in logging I have used saws a lot with my grandfather and really wondering what saw would be the best for me we cut a lot of pine trees here in Wyoming
Trace hi. One that has a good chain break. The problem you face is most of that country is at elevation. So if running a stock saw, they tend to be lagging. You never said what bar length or a brand preference. The cost is also a factor that needs to be considered. Your stature might come into play if you are tall. An example here is just how far does s guy want to bending over. How big in diameter the trees you will be felling is also a point of interest. Lemme no... Thanks for watching.
Sweet runnin saw Jack, seemed like she cut alright for a whole day chain but video doesn't show justice for a fresh ground chain and the effortless glide of it through wood when everything is dialed in. I've been fortunate not to have experienced it or even seen it with my own eyes, but was that poison oak you were sawing around as you limbed? Seemed like you were trying so saw as little of the vine as possible and throwing chips away if you did have to cut it............I've heard many a war story of that stuff and seen the handy work of poison oak, just never been "in it" out in the woods to know what it looks like. Thanks for the mini toad chapter and safe cuttin pard
Hey Jack, you my friend are great. I want to get my hands on a full wrap handle for 181,281,288. Do you happen to have one or could you fab one up? Thanks for the quiet great example.
Anthony hi. I have a few sets. Most are "high mileage" though... Making a full wrap set from the ½ wrap version is a spendy proposition. Especially if you don't want the rubber sheath wrecked. The authentic 181 version has an Al+³ spacer block in between the tank and bottom part of the handle. Assuming you have that part already. And the associated longer screws. If not, better be diligent and purchase those as well. The screws were an 8mm bolt head flange type plastic threaded verital. Look on eBay. There are sets available at times. Make sure you don't get an already "gnawed" on handle... Thanks for watching.
That saw really gets it done! I am hopping to get a hopped up saw from you Jack. I'm not sure how to contact you. I don't have your phone number anymore . Congratulations by the way. Your channel has grown to monstrous proportions!
Dan hi. Missed the "other" response. Hope that your Thanksgiving was good thus year! My email is in the description area of most of the videos posted in the last 5 years. No worries though. I still have your number after an upgrade on the latest phone. I'll contact you next week. Thanks.
Howie hi. It makes a huge difference in the filtration aspect when compared to the nylon version they came with originally. They also do a better job than the flocked element that came out later. Add in the v-stack and this system provides a little more performance as well. Thanks for watching.
Chris hi. The channel shows several in use. It could be the Pulse PET-2100dxr, PET-302R, and/or Stihl edt-9. You would have to narrow it down a bit for me to say which one it is. Thanks for watching.
G hi. Most often ,yes. Some fallers will get it from breathing the fumes of the cooked leaves while stumping. Fire fighters will get internally as well while breathing all the smoke where oak is present. FireWeed. Only bothers primates. A scourge of this earth for sure. Thanks for watching.
Hello & thanks for watching. I clarified a little in the description. Sometimes there is a little nugget in that area...
To say that 281 is cherry may be an understatement. Watching you cut with it was a treat. 🤙🤙
This was the first saw I started falling timber with in 1988. It was unkillable. I started with a 32” bar, but changed to a 36” bar. It was so much easier to limb with a longer bar. I fell timber full time for 14 months with it. Then I got an 064 and it became my back up. The 281 did vibrate a lot more. I cut for 4 years using 064’s and sold it to my father in law when I joined the Coast Guard to fly on rescue helicopters for 3 years. I got out and cat logged with him, and was using that same old 281. I put another 6 months on it before the oiler finally quit. The shop loaned us a 394XP demo, and we bought it. The 281 went to landing duty. Still on the same piston. The 394 was a lot smoother, but man was that 281 durable.
@@twowheelsdown2002The 181/281/288s were pretty much bullet proof if they had a slight "crack" at high idle. And of course, the air filter was maintained properly... You must have had the carb dialed in for your chains.
I bought a 181 in '82 when they first came out. Used a 32". Mostly because I might be a little vertically challenged, lol. But,,, maybe it was that I would use a bigger power head with a 3 foot bar... 2100 to be exact.
The 181 was a limbing mo-chine. They were my first experience with a zipped saws as well.
Thank you for the inclination to "go Coast Guard" helping others is commendable.
Thanks for watching also.
@@hotsaws101 I had multiple washable air filters and changed them every day, rotating them. I round filed the first 6 months and my bullbuck told me he saw that I was working really hard, and asked if I wanted to buy his Simington grinder for $250, since he was not cutting much anymore. I had no idea, but said ok since he said it would help me. Right after I bought it I got put cutting with a guy who had been cutting 30 years, since he was 17. He gave me a used grinding wheel and had me use it to set my dressers, and he told me to buy a roll of Oregon full comp. I did as he advised and he showed me how to grind the corner in right. Holy shit! My chains cut like a beast! I had been working like a dog trying to show I could keep up. After that it was everyone else trying to keep up. And that thing went through limbs like they weren’t there. One quick throttle burst and an ankle size limb was gone.
Old girl sounds good sounds like my 288 i just pulled out of the junk yard an rebuild 💪🏻👍🏻
Best saw ever made 281xp
Love my old 281 great saw....181 not so much had an early one...tons of up grades lots of peoblems... replaced the 480...I sold my 181 was running pretty good...bought the 281 Husqvarna worked alot of the bugs out...later got a 288....first Husqvarna I didn't need to upgrade the filtering system. Still have my Husqvarna 2100s for big trees.....the 281/288 great saw in mid size timber....thank you for the video. Shoe
Robert hi.
I bought a 181 XP in '82. It took 6 months before the drive side case (known factory design flaw) cracked in between the bar studs. I mostly ran a 32" on it. Husqvarna replaced the case set with the "new & improved" bigger 6203 flywheel side bearing. I ran her until she died. Nickel & dime issues only.
I think that some fallers have "worster" "luck" that others. Just like i think that some fallers are more easy on their equipment.
Thanks for watching.
You make it look too easy. But that saw is a gem for sure. I have a 385/90 with 8T drive pulling 110 on a lightweight bar. Love the videos thanks for sharing.
Is that a stihl elastta start dude your saws vids are the best and you my friend are a humble man keep a cutting till the good Lord comes to get us
All day chain threw better chips than my freshly sharpened one
Dude.. that stick trick is genius.
Way to take your time hotsaws.. Nice saw, would love to see it run with a sharp chain.. Great video as always.. Cheers
Nice saw jack , thanks for bringing us along.
That saw is wholesome
“Wholesome”? Strange description but 👍🏻😂.
You have got yourself some great running saws
Yeah… that’s a vintage build… just look at the sticker … you actually spelled “psycho” correctly lollll… hope you had a happy thanksgiving… and I wish you and yours a merry Christmas
Love the stick trick: It helps, it works.
Mr. Jack, the chain in the morning must have been awesome, still throwing some good chips here. One commented on the Stihl Elasto-start handle, you were the first I "saw" do this years ago, maybe on 1DangerCat(This one was a little Dangerous, Jan. 2019) on the same model Husqvarna. Maybe the same area and saw.This makes the saw easier to start for me and also spares the starter components, the 181/281 in my experience eat the pull ropes unless the handle is pulled out slightly at shutoff.
Brian hi.
Awesome for Redwoods "Sam it was".
A bit hunger-rry on the fir though.
I put the "Stihlesque" chain catchers on the dawgs I built as well. Been doing both for a long time.
They work better...
Thanks for watching.
@@hotsaws101 Yes sir...
Dang it Jack, cut those black sap poison oak vines out of the way first. The back of my neck is already starting to itch. Great vid.
Ah my fav 281, I still think one of your best
I have a beautiful 82 181SE and I think it out runs my 288xp high top. It’s a strong old school saw
Thats a cutting little saw! Quick work!
Nice undercut
9:24 as a friend would say "certified faller" ;)
Brenden hi.
It is like those that say that they never break a tree. I say if you haven't broken much, you haven't felled much. At least on non Christmas tree type ground with non Christmas type trees...
Those that haven't fallen down much haven't been on West Coast yarder ground with Coasty type brush. Not just sayin either!
Thanks for watching.
Man that saw sounds sweet!
Great video and sweet old saw buddy
Glorious rain!
Great saw sir love how u run some of ur collection of saws as i do the same . have a good week.
She's a ripper!
Minha Vida É Viver Na Estrada
Mauricio & Mauri
Composição: Ivone Ribeiro / Joel Marques
No dorso do asfalto, dentro do meu caminhão Sou caminhoneiro, eu sou peão
A minha vida é livre feito um pássaro no ar
Eu não tenho pressa de chegar
O laço da saudade não me prende o coração
A cada dia eu vivo uma paixão
Eu solto na banguela, deixo a vida me levar
Amando sem querer me apaixonar
Minha vida é viver na estrada
Em meu caminho brilha o sol da emoção
O meu coração é fera que nunca foi domada
No rodeio de uma paixão
Nas curvas do caminho vou deixando a solidão No rádio toca sempre uma canção
De dentro da cabine sou pedaço do motor
Piso fundo com cuidado no acelerador
No rastro dos pneus deixo o passado para trás E a cada dia eu vivo um pouco mais
Domando o meu destino com a fibra de um peão nas rédeas firmes do meu caminhão
Was that springboard holes in that stump at the end to the right?..I have the 288 that vintage on my Alaskan mill and brother those are hard workin saws…thanks again …Matt
Sir, yes sir.
The bottomend is a "181se" varietal. Think that it's around the '83 vintage - stock & original bearings.
I am saving the thin ring slug & cylinder that came on it for a "specialty build".
I used a 281single thick ring piston & the matching cylinder for a (this) Psy-Ko zippkitted work saw.
I good running 288 it a force and will give a decent running 066 a scare.
Thanks for watching.
@@hotsaws101 awesome jack…I frequent the Webster co woodchop festival in West Virginia I.e.stihl timbersports stop and 5 cube is dominated by 181s,281s…think I’d have to use those jugs to stay legal if we zipped my 88 if i remember correctly…people have no idea what goes into those chains just as I did and was amazed the angles they go at one to shave weight..stay safe brother and feels good to chat with a saw samurai..
Hi Dan. Nubie Question: What are you checking for (lean?) when you hold up your yoyo that has a chain on it? Did you cover this in another video? Thanks for all your good work and service!
what is the shelf life of motul oil which i run in my 461? i have some motul which is one and a half years old.
Milton hi.
I'm not sure which version of Motul you use.
It will be dictated by the storage conditions somewhat.
I've only checked on the Road Race & Off Highway -
When not exposed to sunlight, in the factory sealed container, at a relatively constant temperature they said 4/5 years.
Once opened up, it's a crappshoot base on the aforementioned criteria.
Unsealed it is stable for a fair amount of time. I burn through mine relatively quick and have never used oil over a few months old.
Thanks for watching.
Why are you using the stick, measuring string?
What boots you wearing in the woods?
Hello guys, can anyone tell me where I can buy a 281 xp or 288 xp chainsaw? I'm from abroad and I don't know your chainsaw websites.
How long does it take to get a saw done and price?
Tony hi
Email is the best, 1st point of contact.
Thanks for watching.
How often do you get a full day out of one sharpening?
Jim hi.
Most days.
Thanks for watching.
Hey Mr jack I'm 15 and really interested in logging I have used saws a lot with my grandfather and really wondering what saw would be the best for me we cut a lot of pine trees here in Wyoming
Trace hi.
One that has a good chain break.
The problem you face is most of that country is at elevation. So if running a stock saw, they tend to be lagging.
You never said what bar length or a brand preference.
The cost is also a factor that needs to be considered.
Your stature might come into play if you are tall. An example here is just how far does s guy want to bending over.
How big in diameter the trees you will be felling is also a point of interest.
Lemme no...
Thanks for watching.
Sweet runnin saw Jack, seemed like she cut alright for a whole day chain but video doesn't show justice for a fresh ground chain and the effortless glide of it through wood when everything is dialed in. I've been fortunate not to have experienced it or even seen it with my own eyes, but was that poison oak you were sawing around as you limbed? Seemed like you were trying so saw as little of the vine as possible and throwing chips away if you did have to cut it............I've heard many a war story of that stuff and seen the handy work of poison oak, just never been "in it" out in the woods to know what it looks like. Thanks for the mini toad chapter and safe cuttin pard
@@colevirgilcole3758 oh man, that sounds like a real beech!
Fire Weed. Only bothers humans in the animal kingdom.
Some of the skurge that we have from the fall of man in the book of Genesis.
@@hotsaws101 ah 10-4
How are yall going to like running electric chainsaws in the future?
Hey Jack, you my friend are great. I want to get my hands on a full wrap handle for 181,281,288. Do you happen to have one or could you fab one up? Thanks for the quiet great example.
Anthony hi.
I have a few sets. Most are "high mileage" though...
Making a full wrap set from the ½ wrap version is a spendy proposition. Especially if you don't want the rubber sheath wrecked.
The authentic 181 version has an Al+³ spacer block in between the tank and bottom part of the handle.
Assuming you have that part already. And the associated longer screws. If not, better be diligent and purchase those as well. The screws were an 8mm bolt head flange type plastic threaded verital.
Look on eBay. There are sets available at times. Make sure you don't get an already "gnawed" on handle...
Thanks for watching.
U don’t see the 281xp on the eastern part of the USA , it sounds rightous
Mary hi.
Not surprising. NLA since in the '90s, as far as I know, everywhere in America.
Someone else said righteous too.
Thanks for watching.
In my eastern US the 181, 281, 288 are thick as the hair on a dogs back....
281XP👌👌👍
Is that an old cedar or redwood stump in with old spring board notches?
Bert hi.
Redwood. Thanks for watching.
That saw really gets it done! I am hopping to get a hopped up saw from you Jack. I'm not sure how to contact you. I don't have your phone number anymore . Congratulations by the way. Your channel has grown to monstrous proportions!
Nor Cal hi.
No worries, I don't recognize the handle.
Email. In the description of most over the last years.
Thanks for watching.
No problem. This is Dan Leeper. Is your e mail somewhere on your channel ? I am thinking about a hopped up 572. Does that saw take a hop up well?
Dan hi. Missed the "other" response.
Hope that your Thanksgiving was good thus year!
My email is in the description area of most of the videos posted in the last 5 years.
No worries though. I still have your number after an upgrade on the latest phone. I'll contact you next week.
Thanks.
Thanks Jack. I will contact your e mail then. My Thanksgiving was good. I hope yours was as well.
Hi Jack. Yes my Thanksgiving was good. I hope yours was good as well. I look forward to talking to you. God bless you.
Does that air filter make any difference?
Howie hi.
It makes a huge difference in the filtration aspect when compared to the nylon version they came with originally.
They also do a better job than the flocked element that came out later.
Add in the v-stack and this system provides a little more performance as well.
Thanks for watching.
@@hotsaws101 do you have a part number for the v-stack and k&n air cleaner?
Hi , what wireless tach do you use in your other testing videos??
Chris hi. The channel shows several in use.
It could be the Pulse PET-2100dxr, PET-302R, and/or Stihl edt-9.
You would have to narrow it down a bit for me to say which one it is.
Thanks for watching.
@@hotsaws101 ok , what do you suggest? What’s the best option ??
What do you recommend for chain saw filing ? File wise / method ?
Poison oak, wash with a degreasing soap like dawn, the oils is what gets you!!
G hi.
Most often ,yes.
Some fallers will get it from breathing the fumes of the cooked leaves while stumping. Fire fighters will get internally as well while breathing all the smoke where oak is present.
FireWeed. Only bothers primates. A scourge of this earth for sure.
Thanks for watching.
Do you have a email? Looking at having a saw ported. Wondering if you still do that.
Zach hi. The email address is in the description area. Thanks for watching.
Super akce 🐑😆🍗😛🤗🐻🐙😀😅✊😝🚜♥️🎻🌽💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪