I have been hearing about several people having oiler issues with the factory built G288’s. I built one of the kit saws, and the oiler has worked just fine…In fact it is capable of over oiling a 28” bar without being turned up all the way. Thanks for doing the video!
Blizzard conditions and icy it was a tough day in the woods today. Gotta finish the job before spring break-up. I have never run a 288 but It seems the folks that have really like them and say the same thing about the power delivery of those saws. Glad you were able to get a better oil pump, your saw runs real well.
I used a soda can side cut to a strip on the crank oiled up worked on the 361. Ordered a 288 for $109 bucks&79 shipping black friday is gona run my alaskin mill. Thanks again!
Excellent video Walt 😁 some very good points made regarding fit and finish of the g288 I noticed it felt much better put together right out of the box ! Though I had the same no oil issue, replaced the factory oil pump with a Farmertec one and it was oiling perfectly. Can’t wait to try it out in some big timber
Last year when I built a Farmertec 372 XP kit saw I had to cut down the oil pump to about the midway point when using a 20” bar. This is the first kit saw that I have not adjusted wide open, even with a 20 inch bar. I also lubes well at this setting with a 24 inch bar. I have not tried longer bars on the 372.
I have a G288 That is having the same problem yours was just not getting enough oil hopefully by the end of the week I’ll have a replacement Oiler but other than that I’ve been very happy seems like a really good saw
That g888 is something else, been eyeballing the 288 just never worked with any 200 series but seems simple enough to fix/americanize and port, I got the early orange g372xp years ago big bored it and ported the snot out of it and a pOP up, only changed and ported the jug and piston and it's been flawless I been waiting for the bottom end to go...but it just won't give up, it's the nastiest 77cc 372xp or 77-esk cc saw iv run, def out pull any 461s I've used and it came I tuned it very little out the box and it has always been great and reliable and strong, so much compression I had to switch to 550 cord starter rope, couldn't keep regular rope from snapping, the pull/torque and hp is insane and always tunes easily just as a husqy would..
Age does that to you. I am watching what I buy or build these days, because if I can’t start it I don’t need it. I am considerately older than you and Bob and can’t snatch a saw like I once could. I never have been a person that drop started saws but I had enough strength to ground start them. Mostly, I leg started most of them. I really love my little 026 Pro that I restored this winter. I can start it about any way I want, mostly leg starting. It won’t cut real big stuff but it will handle most anything that I need to cut. It’s backup is my H455, another easy starter. I had though about building the Stihl 880 but after watching your difficulties with it I decided against it. I may build the 038 but 60 odd cc is my limit.
Yeah...I thought I still "had it" when I first was running the g888.....right until it kicked back on a pull start. Tweaked my elbow to the point I couldn't run saws for a few days. :( So now kind of approach it like a dog around a rattle snake.
@@afleetcommand I know that feeling. It need to be a little richer. It fires early because it is lean. Pull it over in full choke a few more times before pushing it up to half choke. That is why I sold my 460 - that sucker ate up my arm. I think it is a squish problem. Farmertec just loves large squishes (.050+). Pop that cylinder off and check it. I know you know how to change it back to something reasonable. I am not a weenie. I cranked up a ms-461 in three pulls, witnessed.😎
@@afleetcommand being a long time bird hunter I know all about a bird dog sneaking up on a snattlerake. I once dropped three quails and I headed to the first two and my setter headed to the third. I picked up the first and as I started to pick up the second, a four footer hit my Russell Snake boots. He did not know I had reloaded my 20 gauge M1100, skeet,, so he ate three loads of #8’s. There was not a lot left of him but Princess wanted to look and I grabbed her collar before she did because a dead snake can still bite you. A dog that cannot smell a snake does not have a good nose. Princess was a Lelwellen setter and one of the best dogs I ever hunted behind.
You said you've had two Farmertec saws that were wins. Did you have issues with your Devil in a Blue Dress G660? I picked one up after watching the video were you left it out in the snow last winter and it popped off in a couple pulls. Put it to work milling and noodling and haven't had a bit of trouble out of it besides a chintzy chain tensioner.
No the g660 was an absolute win. And it's out on long term testing with a professional firewood supplier. So three is accurate from that perspective. I would say the series of built ms660's were by far the biggest successes....and MOST of them are still in service. But aren't stock and have a few OEM parts and a few Hyway parts as well which is why I didn't put them in. I also changed out a few parts on the Blue 660 with OEM as well. On the 888 and 288 there are NO parts at all from anywhere else than FT. Why in my mind set doing the video I picked them as they were the FIRST saws I could say that about. But you are correct, broaden the definition and scope and the blue 660 is number three, widen the scope a little more and those built 660 kits saws make four absolute successes. There are a few that weren't 372xp, 372xt, and a few others. :(
Hello sir, if you had to choose between the 288 and a stock G660, which one would you choose? I’m trying to decide. Also, I believe I saw you post in the Farmertec forum that you had mounted a full wrap handle to a 288. Was that very difficult to do? I’m thinking you said it was the handle for a 390. Thank you for your time.
Guess I've said this a couple of ways...the "practical" ready to work choice is the g660. For me even thought the g660 maybe technically spec sheet better, I prefer the g288
@@afleetcommand thank you for the response brother, I really appreciate it. Just today I actually ordered the 660 with a big bore kit. But later this year I plan to do a build on the 288 and the 395 when it comes out also.
Does any Husqvarna dealer in your area have any of those sleeves for 288 crank seal install? I have searched high and low. Any help would be much appreciated.
I run a 24inch for most operations and a 28 for felling the large ash and maples I have here. They aren't a light saw so I look to get the lightest combo possible for the task at hand. Those new Husqvarna bars I've acquired have worked out very well as have the c83 chain
So looking to a backup saw for my current husky 372 would you recommend the farmtech 372 knock off or the bigger 660 or the smaller joncutter mostly firewood lots of fire wood.
On the Farmertec...I would stick with the ms660's or now even the g288 over any of the 372 based offerings. The little Joncutter 5800 also has kind of "beat the odds" as well. A steal for a 55-60cc power class of saw. If you had a tough time either with bucks or pull starting go Joncutter 5800.... You have a little snap in your step g660
Go Walt! I see your reasoning for purchasing a knockoff, with a little time, work, and aquired knowledge, a guy like you can have a viable saw at a third the price of OEM. As for me, I would rather stick with the factory offerings that have been woods ported. Does that make me a hater?
Nope, and I completely understand that. If you watch my channel I have both factory build and kits over time. Three "classes" of saws on the Channel, Chicken chit to chicken soup hobby builds from OEM bones, Kits & Clones, and OEM saws. They are just saws. The kits & knock offs & vintage saws are for the hobby and hacker in me. The new OEM's for work. Said that dozens of times. And now the kits and blue saws have been developed to the point they can work...for real, I choose to also run them in the rough conditions and keep time off my OEM's
@@afleetcommand Gotcha. I really enjoy your channel... I think it is the only one I scribe to. I am retired and work part-time at a store in Idaho that sells Sthil and Husqvarna saws. Although I love my ported 346 and 550, I think the new Dewalt 4hp, 20" battery saw is going to make 50cc saws obsolete for many.
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
I have been hearing about several people having oiler issues with the factory built G288’s. I built one of the kit saws, and the oiler has worked just fine…In fact it is capable of over oiling a 28” bar without being turned up all the way. Thanks for doing the video!
Blizzard conditions and icy it was a tough day in the woods today. Gotta finish the job before spring break-up. I have never run a 288 but It seems the folks that have really like them and say the same thing about the power delivery of those saws. Glad you were able to get a better oil pump, your saw runs real well.
I used a soda can side cut to a strip on the crank oiled up worked on the 361. Ordered a 288 for $109 bucks&79 shipping black friday is gona run my alaskin mill. Thanks again!
Excellent video Walt 😁 some very good points made regarding fit and finish of the g288 I noticed it felt much better put together right out of the box ! Though I had the same no oil issue, replaced the factory oil pump with a Farmertec one and it was oiling perfectly. Can’t wait to try it out in some big timber
I never bought the tool, always just use old film negitive, oil up,once seal is over step on crank pull film out, love your videos👍👍
Last year when I built a Farmertec 372 XP kit saw I had to cut down the oil pump to about the midway point when using a 20” bar. This is the first kit saw that I have not adjusted wide open, even with a 20 inch bar. I also lubes well at this setting with a 24 inch bar. I have not tried longer bars on the 372.
I have a G288 That is having the same problem yours was just not getting enough oil hopefully by the end of the week I’ll have a replacement Oiler but other than that I’ve been very happy seems like a really good saw
My older brother has a rebored rebuilt Holtzsforma and it cuts as fast on soft woods as my husky 545xp.
I have a 3 foot bar for my 288. May have to change the pump as well
I have 2.5 feet of snow here in the flat. I have noticed my 288 oils but is not crazy.
That g888 is something else, been eyeballing the 288 just never worked with any 200 series but seems simple enough to fix/americanize and port, I got the early orange g372xp years ago big bored it and ported the snot out of it and a pOP up, only changed and ported the jug and piston and it's been flawless I been waiting for the bottom end to go...but it just won't give up, it's the nastiest 77cc 372xp or 77-esk cc saw iv run, def out pull any 461s I've used and it came I tuned it very little out the box and it has always been great and reliable and strong, so much compression I had to switch to 550 cord starter rope, couldn't keep regular rope from snapping, the pull/torque and hp is insane and always tunes easily just as a husqy would..
Age does that to you. I am watching what I buy or build these days, because if I can’t start it I don’t need it. I am considerately older than you and Bob and can’t snatch a saw like I once could. I never have been a person that drop started saws but I had enough strength to ground start them. Mostly, I leg started most of them. I really love my little 026 Pro that I restored this winter. I can start it about any way I want, mostly leg starting. It won’t cut real big stuff but it will handle most anything that I need to cut. It’s backup is my H455, another easy starter. I had though about building the Stihl 880 but after watching your difficulties with it I decided against it. I may build the 038 but 60 odd cc is my limit.
Yeah...I thought I still "had it" when I first was running the g888.....right until it kicked back on a pull start. Tweaked my elbow to the point I couldn't run saws for a few days. :( So now kind of approach it like a dog around a rattle snake.
@@afleetcommand I know that feeling. It need to be a little richer. It fires early because it is lean. Pull it over in full choke a few more times before pushing it up to half choke. That is why I sold my 460 - that sucker ate up my arm. I think it is a squish problem. Farmertec just loves large squishes (.050+). Pop that cylinder off and check it. I know you know how to change it back to something reasonable. I am not a weenie. I cranked up a ms-461 in three pulls, witnessed.😎
@@afleetcommand being a long time bird hunter I know all about a bird dog sneaking up on a snattlerake. I once dropped three quails and I headed to the first two and my setter headed to the third. I picked up the first and as I started to pick up the second, a four footer hit my Russell Snake boots. He did not know I had reloaded my 20 gauge M1100, skeet,, so he ate three loads of #8’s. There was not a lot left of him but Princess wanted to look and I grabbed her collar before she did because a dead snake can still bite you. A dog that cannot smell a snake does not have a good nose. Princess was a Lelwellen setter and one of the best dogs I ever hunted behind.
I had oil pump problems changed it out no problem
Nice.😆 mate Cheers.👍
You said you've had two Farmertec saws that were wins. Did you have issues with your Devil in a Blue Dress G660? I picked one up after watching the video were you left it out in the snow last winter and it popped off in a couple pulls. Put it to work milling and noodling and haven't had a bit of trouble out of it besides a chintzy chain tensioner.
No the g660 was an absolute win. And it's out on long term testing with a professional firewood supplier. So three is accurate from that perspective. I would say the series of built ms660's were by far the biggest successes....and MOST of them are still in service. But aren't stock and have a few OEM parts and a few Hyway parts as well which is why I didn't put them in. I also changed out a few parts on the Blue 660 with OEM as well. On the 888 and 288 there are NO parts at all from anywhere else than FT. Why in my mind set doing the video I picked them as they were the FIRST saws I could say that about. But you are correct, broaden the definition and scope and the blue 660 is number three, widen the scope a little more and those built 660 kits saws make four absolute successes. There are a few that weren't 372xp, 372xt, and a few others. :(
Hello sir, if you had to choose between the 288 and a stock G660, which one would you choose? I’m trying to decide. Also, I believe I saw you post in the Farmertec forum that you had mounted a full wrap handle to a 288. Was that very difficult to do? I’m thinking you said it was the handle for a 390. Thank you for your time.
Guess I've said this a couple of ways...the "practical" ready to work choice is the g660. For me even thought the g660 maybe technically spec sheet better, I prefer the g288
@@afleetcommand thank you for the response brother, I really appreciate it. Just today I actually ordered the 660 with a big bore kit. But later this year I plan to do a build on the 288 and the 395 when it comes out also.
288 for the win👍
How does this compare to the low top 288 you did a while back?
Mine has a dot but I didnt think it was for anything
For me Im a Husky guy and Im not very rich . I had Husky bars already so I bought the 288 .
Does any Husqvarna dealer in your area have any of those sleeves for 288 crank seal install? I have searched high and low. Any help would be much appreciated.
I am gonna get one of these G288 myself. What size bar you running? I am thinking of a 32" bar for mine
I run a 24inch for most operations and a 28 for felling the large ash and maples I have here. They aren't a light saw so I look to get the lightest combo possible for the task at hand. Those new Husqvarna bars I've acquired have worked out very well as have the c83 chain
Thanks for the reply back it is much appreciated
So looking to a backup saw for my current husky 372 would you recommend the farmtech 372 knock off or the bigger 660 or the smaller joncutter mostly firewood lots of fire wood.
On the Farmertec...I would stick with the ms660's or now even the g288 over any of the 372 based offerings. The little Joncutter 5800 also has kind of "beat the odds" as well. A steal for a 55-60cc power class of saw. If you had a tough time either with bucks or pull starting go Joncutter 5800.... You have a little snap in your step g660
@@afleetcommand thank you I appreciate the feedback guess I'll look at both
I was thinking that much oil you might run out of fuel first.
I want more models but new little girl kinda changes priorities
I use a rolled pop can instead
Have you any experience with Neo-Tech saws
nope
Go Walt! I see your reasoning for purchasing a knockoff, with a little time, work, and aquired knowledge, a guy like you can have a viable saw at a third the price of OEM. As for me, I would rather stick with the factory offerings that have been woods ported. Does that make me a hater?
Nope, and I completely understand that. If you watch my channel I have both factory build and kits over time. Three "classes" of saws on the Channel, Chicken chit to chicken soup hobby builds from OEM bones, Kits & Clones, and OEM saws. They are just saws. The kits & knock offs & vintage saws are for the hobby and hacker in me. The new OEM's for work. Said that dozens of times. And now the kits and blue saws have been developed to the point they can work...for real, I choose to also run them in the rough conditions and keep time off my OEM's
@@afleetcommand Gotcha. I really enjoy your channel... I think it is the only one I scribe to. I am retired and work part-time at a store in Idaho that sells Sthil and Husqvarna saws. Although I love my ported 346 and 550, I think the new Dewalt 4hp, 20" battery saw is going to make 50cc saws obsolete for many.