Great video Mr. Stuart, your experience and your opinion on these products. You certainly have some time on them, very enjoyable listening to your feedback...great job sir...
I was good to hear from you! I know you have a lot of experience with chainsaws, at some point I would like to try and put together a saw kit. Maybe one of those MS 880 car engines that call a chainsaw!
Good video. Thanks for your honesty, clarity and downright intelligent review of both of these products. As far as the 660, just one more video that makes me ask myself why I dont own one. I would love to run a 28" plus bar. I love goats. Glad to catch a peek.
Excellent review! I have a G660 as well. FWIW, they are 92cc saws. The handle is metal, but I agree, it's not has durable as I'd like. The full wrap handle is a MUST if you're going to do any felling with the saw. I ended up bending mine out slightly so that the shorter scrench will fit it correctly. Also agree with your thoughts on the on/off switch. It's on my list of things to eventually upgrade, but its been working for the last 2 years so we'll see. I haven't had problems with my tensioner (28" and 42" bars), but I've heard of the problem before. I really should get a spare to have on hand. As far as parts to replace, I had to replace all of the fasteners that needed installed by me. For the record, that's the ones that hold the handle on, and the screws and nuts that hold the felling spikes on. My oiler was also problematic. Since I need to run a 42" bar from time to time, I picked up a hi output oil pump from Hyway, and it has worked fine. I haven't had to do anything with my recoil. I've also heard of problems with the clutch springs. I messed mine up (user error) so I'm not sure if mine would have had any problems or not. Either way, a $30 replacement from Hyway took care of it. I also picked up a DP muffler from them. All in all, I probably have an extra $50 to $60 worth of parts on mine. I also have an 064 that was rebuilt with an 066 top end. My clone is absolutely a stronger saw than the 064 rebuild. My reason for going with a clone instead of an older used saw that only costs a little more than the "fixed" close is that with the new saw, I'm getting new rubber seals, new rubber intake boots, new anti-vibe bushings, ect. These are things that go bad due to age, and can result in some time consuming repairs on the older saws. I don't mind wrenching on a saw (new clone OR used OEM) that I didn't pay $1,500 for, but I feel like the failure modes on the new clones are more well defined meaning that I can replace a few parts up front with either OEM or quality aftermarket, and then I'll be trouble free for several years to come. By contrast, if I buy a used 660, there's a good chance that I'll be having to rebuild the carb or replace some rubber after a year or two.
I just bought the mid size granberg to start getting into milling and I love it! I need a bigger saw tho I’m running a 60cc husky and it’s struggling so I’m deciding on a used ms660 or a new Holzfforma.
I can’t say what would be best for anybody else but I would have been better off starting out with the ms660. I spent about $350 on the g660, and probably another $250 on repair parts. It lasted less than a year, and left me stranded and frustrated quite a few times. Plus the hours diagnosing and fixing it. That $600 would have gone a long ways toward a new or used ms660.
Very good review of both the saw and mill. I agree totally with your assessment of the saw. Found your video because I need a longer bar for my G660 and was comparing the Granberg n Holtzfforma bars n chains. Going with the Granberg because there’s not enough price difference not to
Thanks for the comment! Absolutely agree about comparing Granberg v Holzz for that. Their mills are just flat out awful. I really like their solid nose bars though, especially for milling. You don’t need to choke up so much on the nose so gives you prob 2-3 extra inches! Awesome
Do you think sleeving or putting some type of bushing would help with the thinner material on the bar stabilizers (for lack of a better term) of the Holzfforma mill?
That could help. I put a large washer on it and a longer coupling nut. At least it’s functional that way. I ended up using it for parts on my granberg mark iv. The rails are interchangeable
Just found you and subbed from Nebraska. Started my channel this year and look forward to following yours. I also have a clone and has treated me well for about a year. Take care
I’m going to put another video out on this saw. I think it’s better to buy a used stihl/husqy, or save for a new saw. I’ve had so many problems with the saw and replaced so many parts, that I could have purchased a used 660 or 395xp for the same price or a little bit more. Ignition coil went out this week, a new one is $150. Chain tensioner ran $50. Spark plugs go back because saw runs real dirty, and the pull cord mechanism is giving me problems so there’s that too. I think these saws are extremely homeowner grade, and basically last long enough to expire the warranty and then leave the customer needing to spend a whole lot on parts. I’m hoping this can last long enough to get a bandsaw as well!
I work in mechanical design and the truth is everyone copies everyone. The IP stuff is mostly about creating economic rent and a monopoly market for your self. From a consumer point of view don't worry about lol, if its cheaper and a better fit for you buy it, they are not paying you to defend their patents, brand loyalty is for suckers imho. These Chinese saws started as parts saws for the AM parts market since the OEM doesn't provide good support for their legacy products and then evolved into completely saws. They are a option in the market and are not as good as OEM but are better from a price perspective, for 300 dollars you can probably get a used MS660/066 on its last legs.
Totally agree about the aftermarket and the size. Mine actually just crapped out, gave me about a year. I was running it on 40 to 1 fuel oil, but a lot of the guys that use these for Mehling like I did that I need to be down to 30. I’ve been pretty “meh” on the quality of these saws, they’re a little bit short of minimum viable, but also agree that they have their place. Brand loyalty is absolutely for the birds
Hey buddy thank you for your honest assessment.You sound like me if l were to evaluate a product that l have purchased.llove the honest evaluation because you have a care for others who may be in a similar circumstance.Thank you for that .I will talk with you again later there are a lot of bench talk l would like to run by you.Keep up the good work TTYLCLIFF
It is a bit of a gamble, but hell you could buy three for the price of one. And it sounds like these Chinese companies are trying to work out some of the bugs in these saws. We’ll see how they last.
Hey man! Your video on the neotech got me motivated to finally do this one. If the G660 broke tomorrow I would buy another happily. The saw doesn’t owe me anything at this point, it’s paid for itself. They came out with a 122cc 088 that I am very tempted to get for milling.
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Great video Mr. Stuart, your experience and your opinion on these products. You certainly have some time on them, very enjoyable listening to your feedback...great job sir...
I was good to hear from you! I know you have a lot of experience with chainsaws, at some point I would like to try and put together a saw kit. Maybe one of those MS 880 car engines that call a chainsaw!
Good video. Thanks for your honesty, clarity and downright intelligent review of both of these products. As far as the 660, just one more video that makes me ask myself why I dont own one. I would love to run a 28" plus bar.
I love goats. Glad to catch a peek.
Much appreciated! I try to help people spend money wisely. The G660 is absolutely a great saw.
Excellent review! I have a G660 as well. FWIW, they are 92cc saws. The handle is metal, but I agree, it's not has durable as I'd like. The full wrap handle is a MUST if you're going to do any felling with the saw. I ended up bending mine out slightly so that the shorter scrench will fit it correctly. Also agree with your thoughts on the on/off switch. It's on my list of things to eventually upgrade, but its been working for the last 2 years so we'll see. I haven't had problems with my tensioner (28" and 42" bars), but I've heard of the problem before. I really should get a spare to have on hand. As far as parts to replace, I had to replace all of the fasteners that needed installed by me. For the record, that's the ones that hold the handle on, and the screws and nuts that hold the felling spikes on. My oiler was also problematic. Since I need to run a 42" bar from time to time, I picked up a hi output oil pump from Hyway, and it has worked fine. I haven't had to do anything with my recoil. I've also heard of problems with the clutch springs. I messed mine up (user error) so I'm not sure if mine would have had any problems or not. Either way, a $30 replacement from Hyway took care of it. I also picked up a DP muffler from them. All in all, I probably have an extra $50 to $60 worth of parts on mine. I also have an 064 that was rebuilt with an 066 top end. My clone is absolutely a stronger saw than the 064 rebuild.
My reason for going with a clone instead of an older used saw that only costs a little more than the "fixed" close is that with the new saw, I'm getting new rubber seals, new rubber intake boots, new anti-vibe bushings, ect. These are things that go bad due to age, and can result in some time consuming repairs on the older saws. I don't mind wrenching on a saw (new clone OR used OEM) that I didn't pay $1,500 for, but I feel like the failure modes on the new clones are more well defined meaning that I can replace a few parts up front with either OEM or quality aftermarket, and then I'll be trouble free for several years to come. By contrast, if I buy a used 660, there's a good chance that I'll be having to rebuild the carb or replace some rubber after a year or two.
I just bought the mid size granberg to start getting into milling and I love it! I need a bigger saw tho I’m running a 60cc husky and it’s struggling so I’m deciding on a used ms660 or a new Holzfforma.
I can’t say what would be best for anybody else but I would have been better off starting out with the ms660. I spent about $350 on the g660, and probably another $250 on repair parts.
It lasted less than a year, and left me stranded and frustrated quite a few times. Plus the hours diagnosing and fixing it. That $600 would have gone a long ways toward a new or used ms660.
The scrench complaint on the saw I have a solution for Oregon makes a real skinny scrench I know sappy supplies sells them under chainsaw maintenance
Very good review of both the saw and mill. I agree totally with your assessment of the saw.
Found your video because I need a longer bar for my G660 and was comparing the Granberg n Holtzfforma bars n chains.
Going with the Granberg because there’s not enough price difference not to
Thanks for the comment! Absolutely agree about comparing Granberg v Holzz for that. Their mills are just flat out awful. I really like their solid nose bars though, especially for milling. You don’t need to choke up so much on the nose so gives you prob 2-3 extra inches! Awesome
Do you think sleeving or putting some type of bushing would help with the thinner material on the bar stabilizers (for lack of a better term) of the Holzfforma mill?
That could help. I put a large washer on it and a longer coupling nut. At least it’s functional that way.
I ended up using it for parts on my granberg mark iv. The rails are interchangeable
awesome video!!!
Thanks for watching!
I was diagnosed with moderate to severe bucking years ago. I've been living with the symptoms since.
My sympathies. I have been afflicted with the same condition for sometime now. Dude that is an awesome fish!
Just found you and subbed from Nebraska. Started my channel this year and look forward to following yours. I also have a clone and has treated me well for about a year. Take care
I grew up just north of you in SD! Still have family in the Lincoln area. Thanks for watching I’ll check out your channel.
I'm going the wrong way lol. My life are to nic for my band saw so I just ordered a g660 to do the big logs
I’m going to put another video out on this saw. I think it’s better to buy a used stihl/husqy, or save for a new saw.
I’ve had so many problems with the saw and replaced so many parts, that I could have purchased a used 660 or 395xp for the same price or a little bit more. Ignition coil went out this week, a new one is $150. Chain tensioner ran $50. Spark plugs go back because saw runs real dirty, and the pull cord mechanism is giving me problems so there’s that too.
I think these saws are extremely homeowner grade, and basically last long enough to expire the warranty and then leave the customer needing to spend a whole lot on parts.
I’m hoping this can last long enough to get a bandsaw as well!
I work in mechanical design and the truth is everyone copies everyone. The IP stuff is mostly about creating economic rent and a monopoly market for your self. From a consumer point of view don't worry about lol, if its cheaper and a better fit for you buy it, they are not paying you to defend their patents, brand loyalty is for suckers imho.
These Chinese saws started as parts saws for the AM parts market since the OEM doesn't provide good support for their legacy products and then evolved into completely saws. They are a option in the market and are not as good as OEM but are better from a price perspective, for 300 dollars you can probably get a used MS660/066 on its last legs.
Totally agree about the aftermarket and the size. Mine actually just crapped out, gave me about a year. I was running it on 40 to 1 fuel oil, but a lot of the guys that use these for Mehling like I did that I need to be down to 30.
I’ve been pretty “meh” on the quality of these saws, they’re a little bit short of minimum viable, but also agree that they have their place. Brand loyalty is absolutely for the birds
Hey buddy thank you for your honest assessment.You sound like me if l were to evaluate a product that l have purchased.llove the honest evaluation because you have a care for others who may be in a similar circumstance.Thank you for that .I will talk with you again later there are a lot of bench talk l would like to run by you.Keep up the good work TTYLCLIFF
It is a bit of a gamble, but hell you could buy three for the price of one. And it sounds like these Chinese companies are trying to work out some of the bugs in these saws. We’ll see how they last.
Hey man! Your video on the neotech got me motivated to finally do this one. If the G660 broke tomorrow I would buy another happily. The saw doesn’t owe me anything at this point, it’s paid for itself.
They came out with a 122cc 088 that I am very tempted to get for milling.
Second...
Good to hear from you! I took your advice to get stihl parts. They are much improved over what the saw came with.
First