Thanks for the video. I completed one last month. In spite of our problems, I'll stick with the US. Kit cost me $245. Dummy here, however, added almost that much again in OEM parts, though mostly cosmetic. The side handle was a must change. I heated the original to almost 300F and was just starting to be flexible, but too hot to handle. Got replacement from rep and no difference. One nice thing about the magnesium crankcase is that any mechanical stuff (OEM) that mounts to it is spot on dimensionally. The Farmertec casting people did a great job. The plastic suppliers are stuck with old milk bottles and other scrap to work with ;-) You've convinced me to avoid mods and porting. I may modify the muffler though. Another nice thing is that another Farmertec upper and piston kit was around $16 so I ordered one just to have. So technically, I could play more and toss it if not happy. Eventually, I will probably put in an OEM fuel/oil line when it needs one. I had to cut off the molded fan shape that attaches to the fuel vent (also OEM) in order to prevent kinking from excessive length. Both lines sit nicely now without kinks. Swapped the rope for OEM before it had a chance to break on me :) Overall, the parts kit was only missing a few screws and the lower heat shield which Farmertec doesn't have. I'm using either foil tape or very thin copper clad PCB. Please do some wood cutting if you have a chance. What would also be interesting is how intentional attempts to cause and control kickback vary with chain types (Stihl yellow vs green cutters) on this baby. Good luck with your kit adventure !
Thanks for the video. I completed one last month. In spite of our problems, I'll stick with the US. Kit cost me $245. Dummy here, however, added almost that much again in OEM parts, though mostly cosmetic. The side handle was a must change. I heated the original to almost 300F and was just starting to be flexible, but too hot to handle. Got replacement from rep and no difference.
One nice thing about the magnesium crankcase is that any mechanical stuff (OEM) that mounts to it is spot on dimensionally. The Farmertec casting people did a great job. The plastic suppliers are stuck with old milk bottles and other scrap to work with ;-)
You've convinced me to avoid mods and porting. I may modify the muffler though. Another nice thing is that another Farmertec upper and piston kit was around $16 so I ordered one just to have. So technically, I could play more and toss it if not happy.
Eventually, I will probably put in an OEM fuel/oil line when it needs one. I had to cut off the molded fan shape that attaches to the fuel vent (also OEM) in order to prevent kinking from excessive length. Both lines sit nicely now without kinks.
Swapped the rope for OEM before it had a chance to break on me :)
Overall, the parts kit was only missing a few screws and the lower heat shield which Farmertec doesn't have. I'm using either foil tape or very thin copper clad PCB.
Please do some wood cutting if you have a chance. What would also be interesting is how intentional attempts to cause and control kickback vary with chain types (Stihl yellow vs green cutters) on this baby.
Good luck with your kit adventure !
Waiting on the missing parts from the vendor, and oem parts. I wouldn't run this saw in tree until all parts installed.