I am 60 years old Plus and I run the HOLZFORMA G660 daily...it is one badass saw!!! I run a 20" bar & I haven't seen a tree YET that it cant handle...the biggest I've cut goes 36 "& sometimes a tad more...it is a beast 😠👍
If you really wanna make a difference in those saws take the decompression valve out and put a pipe plug in its place it's a cheap upgrade that works. Over time the seal around the decompression button will go bad and ull loose compression. If you include the treades and the seal around the button that's 2 places for it to loose compression. If you eliminate the button the only place you take a chance on loosing compression is around the threads. Great video
My first Stihl was a used 044 was an absolute weapon. Even a 28 inch bar couldn't tame it. On my 2nd 660 now, used x bushmans saw. I use mine to cut firewood and I would rather buy a used stihl rather than buy a brand new cheap saw.
Wow! The value of that review and introduction of the saw is perfect. I am a retired National Park Ranger, and Wildland Firefighter. First, I I would like to thank you for wearing your safety gear, I've seen a lot of accident in my career, and also have seen a lot of them prevented from safety gear. I also appreciate you mentioning your size and the "manly" or womanliness needed. I'm 5"9", 185 Lbs, and humbly suggest a couple of techniques for sawing without fatigue using large saws. First, whenever you move, throw your bar brake on, never walk backwards, don't let the blade swing behind you when you move (one branch or ground bump and that bar will climb up the back of your leg). Don't be afraid to make a larger facecut on the tree. Most importantly, and counter-intuitive, keep your saw close to your body when cutting, open your leg stance and stretch your arms downward and let them hang down for lower cuts. It's easier on your back, biceps and your stamina. Finally, relax your body. Your reactionary time is just as fast if your muscles aren't stressed. If you work with a saw of this size everyday for three weeks straight in CA,CO,MT, mountains, you'll appreciate these tips. I really want one of these saw, just to compare to our good ole Sthil! Thank you, be safe, have fun!
wow,someone posting on a chainsaw video and talking about safety.It is small dick people like yourself that have never ran a saw that make these comments.You have no experience ,yet feel the need to write something.So you have some safety remark.Go fuck yourself.
I’ve been running my 066 for years. This particular saw I’ve been running for over 15 years, and I bought it used. I run a 34:1 mix. Best saw ever and I make my living with it. I would love to see AVE take one of these apart
I can confirm that these saws last, I've had one for two years. Cut about 60 cord of wood with it. Only issue was the bar, the roller at the end blew apart. I just replaced it with a sthil bar and chain! I was sceptical at first, but it really impressed me.
I have one of these (in red) and I use it as a permanant Alaskan mill setup with a granberg 36" unit and 36" chain. Runs through most stuff pretty good and hasn't given me any problems. I've cut through at least 150 ft of oak, 15-30" wide, and its been awesome.
That's how you know a man has been married a few years. He hears the smoke detector from the garage, and instead of jumping up & running to make sure his wife isn't on fire, he looks at the camera and says "Meh. The garlic bread won't be so good tonight." Then he goes back to work. I love you, Josh.
Roderick, Oh have no.idea how often I cafch myself singing that. Even if it's only in my head. Laundry day, weeding.tbe garden, trash to the curb, walking the dog... "Come on down to the Stony Ridge"
@@ZENO357 LMAO He can see what the rippems are on them. Tell you the plastic type, alloy and steels etc etc. All unbiased, if it's chit, he'll say so, with a very..... ummm colorful grasp of grammar.
Not sure if someone already made the suggestion about installing the bar and chain. It is much easier if you leave the saw sitting flat on the work area in the upright position, not on it's side. Then lift the rear of the saw upward to raise the nose of the bar and make final tension of the chain. That way you are not having to balance everything. Good video and review. Looking forward to see how long the saw will last.
Just picked up a G660 Blue Thunder, very happy with it. I use a big saw 1-2 times a year so the Chinesium saw will be good enough and it was way less than a Stihl.
Josh you have the most well rounded channel on you tube. Between the tractors, jeeps, cars, tools, saws and animals it is a one-stop shop. Keep up the good work. Btw, the chickens like the alfalfa hay we talked about.
I love Farmertec (Huztl or Holzfforma) for engines and replacement parts but get the chain adjuster, intake boot, and carb OEM and they’re bulletproof.
@William Stetar. Thank you for clearing that up! Most homeowner engines were taken over by Poulan International Inc.Which includes johnsared husquavarna,homelite mcallaogh craftsman weed eater ! Even briggs and stratton engines (under the American flag) logo say Proudly made in america----With parts sourced from other countries! I am glad I can buy tools from harbor frieght, Othewise I sure cant fix your ford,chevy dodge or HONDA car.All the better saws came toU.S. from germany, sweden, Etc. so run what ya brung, and upgrade at Your will.
I have a loggers Italian made Olympic and a Stihl. Been cutting trees since 1975, lots of hours on both saws, and I love them. Both have never let me down.
When adjusting the chain, always lift the bar up when you tighten the bar nuts. You should be able to pull down the chain at the bottom and see between 6 and 8 drive links. If it's too tight it'll kill the sprocket in the bar tip real quick. Great video mate. Have subscribed 👍
I paid $270 delivered for a Hutzl Farmertec 660 kit years ago. Built it right and have been using it with a 42" PowerMatch bar for slab milling and felling 48" Red Oaks. No hiccups so far and way over $1000 less than OEM.
I would take the Stihl 100% but the cheaper saw would be great for a bargain shopper, I've just been burnt too many times by cheap equipment so I only buy top quality stuff.
@@sundial6919 I just picked up a shindaiwa 600sx bc I couldn't find an echo 620p anywhere with in a few hours drive from me and the saw is fuckin solid definitely old school but great!!!
@@holdonrussell1753 Even right now there is not an echo nowhere. I was looking for one 2 days ago. My buddy is a dealer and he called a sales rep from the main office and none for about a month to a month 1/2. So I did end up buying the g888,= the copy of the Stihl ms880
066 / 660 is a big moder, I like my 440 and 460 better most of the time, the 660 is unstoppable, I believe the only larger saw family is the 084 / 880. 24" is tiny bar for that guy.
I bought a 20" chinese saw for $150AU and it runs great with heaps of grunt. Only got it as my other saw was 14" and needed a bigger saw. I'll use it till it dies before getting a name brand but so far I haven't been able to kill it. Like all equipment, keep it clean, keep it adjusted and use it correctly and it will last.
I own the holzfforma 366 (stihl ms361 clone) and love it. I installed a 25 inch bar on it and this thing is a beast. It can hang on the wall for months and when I'm ready to cut, it takes just a couple of pulls and its ready to cut. If I were a logger, then may I'd go for the real deal but for my needs this saw is perfect and worth every penny. Im also told that genuine Stihl parts and components will interchange with these saws although I haven't had anything break to need to test that claim.
Hey there. You've had a few requests for a review of this saw about a year and a half after the 6 month anticipated review. Can you now give your wonderful audience a review?
I'm a wildland firefighter, and part time timber faller. I run three Stihls: MS261, MS361 and an old 66 with a 36"bar and Oregon skip chain. I like all three when they're running, but sometimes hard to start. I'm almost 72, 6"160 lbs, wirery with lots of stamina and have run saw since 1966. I cannot start the 66 on my own. Literally not strong enough in upper body or arms. Plus it's too big to drop start like my other saws. No compression release either. I have a strong swamper pull on it, while I hold it down on the ground. However, once it starts, it's freakin awesome. I'm gonna try to find the Chinese saw. Great video. Thanks.
I had a Sthil MS 660 saw and it was a beast. I sold it a year and a half ago when I moved to Cleveland. I think I paid 300 for it and I rebuilt with a new Jug kit that cost me about 45 dollars. I think I sold it for like 550 dollars after using it for 15 years. I just don't have a need to cut firewood, especially since I'm living in the city now and I have gas heat and no longer have oil heat. I used to heat my house with my wood assist furnace in CT. I think the kid who bought it told me he was going to use it for some chainsaw competition.
Interesting. I bought a Chinese 50cc saw for well under $100. Works fine and I leave it in the shed at camp. If it's stolen I'm not out much. I wouldn't replace my Jonsered for heavy use but it works.
I know I'm late to the party, but want to thank you for the video. 👍 Not a landowner, just a senior prepper living in a forest of huge PNW cedars that wants a saw for clearing roads (or my house!) in an emergency. Looking at Stihl, Husky, and even Echo had me stressed over the $ for something probably rarely needed. All 4 of my generators are Honda clones...why not my next saw? I'll use your link to make you a few pennies.
Was about to but a stihl or poulan pro but this saw is a BEAST. took 4 weeks to get it but easy to assemble. It took me about 12-15 minutes to cut down and cut up a 50ft long tree. It did bog down once with stock carb adjustment. The chain it actually a bit thicker than the chain from tractor supply. So far I give it a 10/10.
Hey. •Stihl says they are pronounced like the metal: STEEL. •Stihl makes some saws in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Some other Stihl saws are still made in the fatherland. Don't know why, but that's how it is. •I have been to their factory in Virginia. They were neither impressed nor appreciative of our excitement to be there, nor our enthusiasm. •Don't forget to grease the tip of the bar on the Chinese saw. Those are bearings in there and they need that.
We have been burning wood in our house (and shop) since we moved here in 1974. Been sawing nuisance trees and trees for firewood most of my life. Have had at least one of every major brand sold in US. 14 inch Poulan was great, as was a Homelite 360 but have been running Stihl for 40 years. Now have a 180C, a 251 and an old 310. The 251 with 18 inch bar is a great saw that will cut most everything I come across. The 310 with 20 inch bar is a rip snorter but found the Farmac F660VW for a great price for knocking down some bigger trees. Have a burr oak fall over that is 11 feet in diameter so decided to get a bigger saw with a 36 inch bar. Most of the time, the 310 will do the job but better to have a bigger saw at times. Hopefully will have good luck with the new saw. Cutting Osage Orange (hedge) that has been dry for years is about as tough as it gets. Red oak that has been under water for years but dried out is really tough also. Green trees, no problem, the two smaller saws work just fine. Thanks for your video.
You are right about the 660 being a beast. I have the same bar on mine that you do. I built it last fall. My guess is you will need to replace the deco valve at some point, unless you like to constantly push the button after each pull. Mine has a Husqvarna deco valve unit. My 361 has a similar deco valve in it - blue button. It works fine.
I had an 038 Magnum until my son excavatored it after he pinched it on a log...Kids...They wreck a saw rather than take the engine off before moving the log..
I had an 036 new ( lost it in my shop fire ). I loved it so much that I bought a well used 036 ten years later from an Amish logger friend. Even though it had a ton of hard Amish use it still runs well . The 036 might be the best saw Stihl ever made !
It's a chain catch help to stop a thrown chain from hitting the fuel tank.pull starter handle out until the dogs engage, then pull start the saw,puts less stress on dogs, and then go buy 2 new stihl dogs, there called bucking dogs. See ya.
@SnJnPreps I just buck up and buy Stihl. The other saws don't have the nicosil cylinder. I also won't support the Chinese intellectual thieves. Still run a 038 Super, a mag II, and two 440 Magnums, two 260 pro's
That china saw needs a good tune on the carb. Any saw should only smooth out and pick up some extra rpm when loaded by being in the wood. When not cutting and free revving they should be a little stumbly. Shouldn't be as smooth when free revving. The stihl needs a little work as well. But it's extremely close to how it should be. Never seen a stihl take so long to start unless it's had ethanol gas ran it it and been stored with it that way.
I bought a g660 from Mr. Lucas from justsenditsaws. Omg I absolutely love it. I named the saw after my daughter beautiful it reminds me of her. Lol. But anyway’s. The saw is a frikken beast. Went through beech and hard maple like a hot knife through butter.
I have had 066 and 066 , I have worked with the clone parts and they are pretty good! I was Thinking of getting one of the clone saws, I have a Dealer account at a few places and it seems to be worth trying!
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer The clones are definitely good for the money, but to be reliable they need a few OEM parts, one of the first being the decompression release, which can break and fall inside the cylinder on non-oem.. Ouch.
My dad always used stihl saws. I got his stihl 024av series saw it still runs strong like a champ. Here on the east coast don’t really know to many people using husky or echo saws maybe a handful. Not really into buying the China stuff. I’ve watched a few test of those Chinese saws but I do know in saws your really get what you pay for
Chain catcher is the name for the small tooth under chain. It stops the chain from being fired out of the saw if it snaps. The wide base under the handle is also part of the same safety system , as when it's caught the chain will quite often whip back underneath and the wide part stops it hitting your hand. Love your videos 👍.
I completely agree with you man husky and stihl for professional/allday every day use, but for a once in awhile use you would be stupid not to try the blue copy. Sounded nice and seemd to have nice grunt 👍
Josh, I just purchased the Holzfforma® 36inch 3/8 .063 113DL Hard NoC0317 bar + chain for $39 from the manufacturers website. Where they really soak you is for postage from China which was an additional $49.00. I just put the saw together I'm putting anti seize on the bolts to make sure they don't vibrate loose and fall out. One of the bolts for the one dog did not have a threaded piece built into the saw so I put a nut on the back of the bolt to keep it in place on the saw.
I have a 038 and a 076 stihl at home and the 038 works like a charm my grandfather bought it in thr 80s or 90s and 30 years later it still works all original parts
Like watching the video-surprised on the results. You are funny and enthusiastic to watch. I fish in Alaska on a boat you ever need additional adventure let me know.
I bet. There’s no doubt you put a lot of blood sweat and tears into that farm I love it man . I love to see all these people on here starting this TH-cam channels and starting a farm from scratch And to watch everybody mold ther property into something that’s beautiful self sustainable that is so awesome me and my wife are selling our house in spring and looking to buy our little piece of land very soon can’t wait for my journey I’ll continue to watch your progress you’re an awesome guy don’t change who you are Josh 👍happy early Veterans Day and God bless you
That handle is like the Stihl North West Style (I think its called) it has a wraparound handle that is actually nice feature makes it easy for cutting at various angles.
The Kit saw is fun project. I have Had good luck with mine so far. I even chainsaw mill with mine. They are great for testing your hand at porting and no base gasket builds.
Blue one sounds very peppy but not as strong. In the long run I think you'll get what you pay for. But then again...who knows. 😁 How'd that garlic bread turn out hehehe 🥖 ✌🏻💛 Love the thumbnail photo!!!! Yeaah 👍🏼
I think for a land owner the holzforma will work fine we can put the $ saved into a wood splitter or something, if you run saw daily get a real stihl or husky
When starting anything with a pull starter / rope starter, or whatever it is called, pull slowly first, to make sure the system engaged. Anyway, the video was great
Putting a bar on put a 2x4 under the end of the bar so that it is tipped up all the way then adjust the bar until you get about 1/16 inch top and bottom at the center of the bar. If not the chain will make that racing noise and the bottom of the chain will clear the bar while the top will not.
Always remember that the new saw is set to run rich. Leave it that way for 5L before tuning it for performance. It's good that he did mention that the STIHL is already broken in because it was the same deal for me with my 372 clone once it was run in and dialled it became a nutcase saw. A genuine enthusiast who hates clones could tune one saw to perform better than the other as well keep in mind when watching TH-cam videos on comparisons.
Great video, you're a natural at this! I'm waiting for my G660 to arrive. Also coming is an Alaskan Chainsaw Mill and a ripping chain; I have logs screaming to become lumber!
Baumr sx92cc like Hoffman saw big and powerful I got the baumr ag sx52 chain saw 20 ,, saw and a 62cc husky knock of saw made in CHINA and it is good saw I am happy with it
I've bought some parts from farmertec and some seem ok, others not so much. I've read a lot of folks on arboristsite saying they thought the bar/chain was poop. What do you think about the bar & chain after running it for a while compared to a stihl bar & chain?
mine must be a 95, can't remember, how some ever it has a decompression...every big saw since the 051 has it here or else I keep lookin...My shoulders are too old for anything less..
As a general rule, For a new saw I start it and allow it to run through 2-3 tanks of fuel before I use it for cutting. Also on a bar fitted with a nose grease hole for the sprocket needle bearings before I start it. After the saw has had a chance to loosen up a bit from the break-in tanks of fuel I use it for a couple of light cuts then check the chain for slack, recheck carb adjustments allowing a slightly richer than normal burbling until the saw is well broken Eventually it will be ready for competition with my older saws.
why? my brotha we are talking about modern saws with modern engine tolerances not the 1970s where that sort of break in is required....I very seriously doubt you are doing any good for the saw by running it for 1-2 hours prior to using it....tell me what your rationale is for running 2 tanks of fuel...maybe I'll learn something
The crankshaft bearings, piston rings, piston retainer clips, gaskets and rubber parts are likely to fail much sooner than the OEM parts. It's worth it to order these OEM parts for the kit saw.
That’s all you need. The big ones are overkill for homeowners. I have an MS 260, the older version of the same saw, still going strong, and it gets used on most summer weekends. Great saws, and much easer to handle for non-pros.
I’ve been searching for days for a cheap saw to run in my mill. This video introduced me to the land of Farmertec. Thanks buddy. Great video. I was looking at the xbull but not big enough for milling oak imho. These are perfect👍
Rural Rules these may look the same but there's a reason it's cheap the important things like the bearings are cheap. IMO just find yourself a good used husky or stihl saw. That's what I do this weekend I even picked up a old Stihl that's way better than new saws they sell for 350 I paid 40 bucks. Usually for a running saw I pay 40 to 100 and if they shit out I don't lose any money then I have extra ones for parts.
Nice video! I've had a G660 for almost 6 months and it's turned out to be a great saw. It always starts right up and has tons of power. A slight correction....it's not a "knock off", that would imply they are being sold as a Stihl factory saw. (Just like a knock off Rolex). This is a "clone" saw. Farmertec is using expired Stihl patents to build these saws, perfectly legal. The reason they are blue is to prevent them being sold by scammers as the real thing. I use mine for chainsaw milling and it works great.
We use husky 372 xp for years for cutting ice for our bait traps and bait nets, we need something tough that can run a 24” bar, we only normally get 2 winters out of them sometimes not even, I order a 372xp clone and love the saw, been flawlessly over a year and when it blows up in a year or two I’ll only be out 350$ instead of $999
I'm a Stihl parts dealer. Good luck finding a Carburator or any parts for that matter to fix the damage of ethanol fuel. Or any parts because they don't fit...You get what you pay for. They have a plant in VA and Germany. I think they are in CA and New Hampshire
I purchased a CMT 52cc Chinese saw with a 20" bar. In 1 year the pull cord had to be shortened a few times, the ignition coil went south and chain stretch was a PITA. Amazon sells new chains for $12 shipped. But for $89 I could/should have bought a spare.
I am 60 years old Plus and I run the HOLZFORMA G660 daily...it is one badass saw!!! I run a 20" bar & I haven't seen a tree YET that it cant handle...the biggest I've cut goes 36 "& sometimes a tad more...it is a beast 😠👍
If you really wanna make a difference in those saws take the decompression valve out and put a pipe plug in its place it's a cheap upgrade that works. Over time the seal around the decompression button will go bad and ull loose compression. If you include the treades and the seal around the button that's 2 places for it to loose compression. If you eliminate the button the only place you take a chance on loosing compression is around the threads. Great video
Dont rev your saw with chain lock on you will smoke your clutch
Theres something to be said for that stihl though, that 25 year old saw is still running like a wolverine on meth ...
@@ozzy541 Haha! So am I!
I can hear me saying this on the job site real soon. Ironworker, go figure....
And you can still get parts for the stihl !!
My first Stihl was a used 044 was an absolute weapon. Even a 28 inch bar couldn't tame it. On my 2nd 660 now, used x bushmans saw. I use mine to cut firewood and I would rather buy a used stihl rather than buy a brand new cheap saw.
Ran a stihl today that’s as old as me, made quick work of an oak tree.
Wow! The value of that review and introduction of the saw is perfect. I am a retired National Park Ranger, and Wildland Firefighter. First, I I would like to thank you for wearing your safety gear, I've seen a lot of accident in my career, and also have seen a lot of them prevented from safety gear. I also appreciate you mentioning your size and the "manly" or womanliness needed. I'm 5"9", 185 Lbs, and humbly suggest a couple of techniques for sawing without fatigue using large saws. First, whenever you move, throw your bar brake on, never walk backwards, don't let the blade swing behind you when you move (one branch or ground bump and that bar will climb up the back of your leg). Don't be afraid to make a larger facecut on the tree. Most importantly, and counter-intuitive, keep your saw close to your body when cutting, open your leg stance and stretch your arms downward and let them hang down for lower cuts. It's easier on your back, biceps and your stamina. Finally, relax your body. Your reactionary time is just as fast if your muscles aren't stressed. If you work with a saw of this size everyday for three weeks straight in CA,CO,MT, mountains, you'll appreciate these tips. I really want one of these saw, just to compare to our good ole Sthil! Thank you, be safe, have fun!
I got a little nervous when he was moving without engaging the chain brake. Thinking, if he falls, he better throw that saw away from him.
wow,someone posting on a chainsaw video and talking about safety.It is small dick people like yourself that have never ran a saw that make these comments.You have no experience ,yet feel the need to write something.So you have some safety remark.Go fuck yourself.
@@pallmall5495 Who are you taking to?? Little cranky don't you think.
@@matttanglewood2522 damn dude,that was 3 months ago when I thought the virus was going to kill me.I have mellowed out now.
@@pallmall5495 Calm down you silly little goose
I’ve been running my 066 for years. This particular saw I’ve been running for over 15 years, and I bought it used. I run a 34:1 mix. Best saw ever and I make my living with it. I would love to see AVE take one of these apart
I can confirm that these saws last, I've had one for two years. Cut about 60 cord of wood with it. Only issue was the bar, the roller at the end blew apart. I just replaced it with a sthil bar and chain! I was sceptical at first, but it really impressed me.
I have one of these (in red) and I use it as a permanant Alaskan mill setup with a granberg 36" unit and 36" chain. Runs through most stuff pretty good and hasn't given me any problems. I've cut through at least 150 ft of oak, 15-30" wide, and its been awesome.
Mate, how big is the engine on that Stihl?? 50 ccm3? I am planning on using an alaskan mill on an OAk tree just above 30 " wide at the bottom.
@@thelovaclukaI mill with a Husqvarna 288; 88ccs and for milling, bigger is better.
That's how you know a man has been married a few years.
He hears the smoke detector from the garage, and instead of jumping up & running to make sure his wife isn't on fire, he looks at the camera and says "Meh. The garlic bread won't be so good tonight." Then he goes back to work.
I love you, Josh.
Well come on down to the smokey ridge, bring your wife, bring the kids
Roderick,
Oh have no.idea how often I cafch myself singing that. Even if it's only in my head.
Laundry day, weeding.tbe garden, trash to the curb, walking the dog...
"Come on down to the Stony Ridge"
@@shreddedchi6926 It's a catchy tune. I think you can download it from Napster.
That’s funny
To most women that is not a smoke detector it is a timer.
Send it over to AvE and let him decide what's different. Of course, it might not work quite the same after that.
He takes engines apart?
@@nvg1526 He takes motors apart for all kinds of tools. Check him out - BOLTR.
@@ZENO357 LMAO He can see what the rippems are on them. Tell you the plastic type, alloy and steels etc etc. All unbiased, if it's chit, he'll say so, with a very..... ummm colorful grasp of grammar.
FOCUS you F*CK!
AvE will point out that there ain't enough pixies pushing the ferry go round if it's a one ring pistonae.
Not sure if someone already made the suggestion about installing the bar and chain. It is much easier if you leave the saw sitting flat on the work area in the upright position, not on it's side. Then lift the rear of the saw upward to raise the nose of the bar and make final tension of the chain. That way you are not having to balance everything. Good video and review. Looking forward to see how long the saw will last.
yep....I'm with ya...and I understand....always pull the nose of the bar up before tightening...its a good idea for sure
Just picked up a G660 Blue Thunder, very happy with it. I use a big saw 1-2 times a year so the Chinesium saw will be good enough and it was way less than a Stihl.
Josh you have the most well rounded channel on you tube. Between the tractors, jeeps, cars, tools, saws and animals it is a one-stop shop. Keep up the good work. Btw, the chickens like the alfalfa hay we talked about.
Thanks Dave
I love Farmertec (Huztl or Holzfforma) for engines and replacement parts but get the chain adjuster, intake boot, and carb OEM and they’re bulletproof.
So, what is your thoughts on this saw now after a year.
I agree... what's the condition?
Hey Josh... How a bout a year one update on the Farmertec Holzfforma??
Commercial stihl saw are made in Germany. The homeowner/ ranch saws are all made in Virginia beach.
Yep....that's what I hear
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer all parts made in china.
@William Stetar. Thank you for clearing that up! Most homeowner engines were taken over by Poulan International Inc.Which includes johnsared husquavarna,homelite mcallaogh craftsman weed eater ! Even briggs and stratton engines (under the American flag) logo say Proudly made in america----With parts sourced from other countries! I am glad I can buy tools from harbor frieght, Othewise I sure cant fix your ford,chevy dodge or HONDA car.All the better saws came toU.S. from germany, sweden, Etc. so run what ya brung, and upgrade at Your will.
Not all parts are made in China, and if they are, there is a quality standard set by Stihl brand.
@@charlesfriend9557 maybe so, but its JONSRED, FREIGHT, and OTHERWISE...We need to read before we post...
I have a loggers Italian made Olympic and a Stihl. Been cutting trees since 1975, lots of hours on both saws, and I love them. Both have never let me down.
Oh my gosh you're just the silliest little goose Ive ever seen
When adjusting the chain, always lift the bar up when you tighten the bar nuts. You should be able to pull down the chain at the bottom and see between 6 and 8 drive links. If it's too tight it'll kill the sprocket in the bar tip real quick. Great video mate. Have subscribed 👍
Thank you Im still new but have cut and did not know that I'm self taught on cutting and saws
Thanks for your sharing the knowledge. I am a freshman about the chainsaw.
I paid $270 delivered for a Hutzl Farmertec 660 kit years ago. Built it right and have been using it with a 42" PowerMatch bar for slab milling and felling 48" Red Oaks. No hiccups so far and way over $1000 less than OEM.
I would take the Stihl 100% but the cheaper saw would be great for a bargain shopper, I've just been burnt too many times by cheap equipment so I only buy top quality stuff.
New mod Echo 7310 for me . May cut a little slower but trusty reliability yr after yr
@@sundial6919 I just picked up a shindaiwa 600sx bc I couldn't find an echo 620p anywhere with in a few hours drive from me and the saw is fuckin solid definitely old school but great!!!
@@holdonrussell1753 Even right now there is not an echo nowhere. I was looking for one 2 days ago. My buddy is a dealer and he called a sales rep from the main office and none for about a month to a month 1/2. So I did end up buying the g888,= the copy of the Stihl ms880
Stihl is just a brand name. And they price gouge the fuck out of ya for it. Echos are far better.
Ever since I was a kid. My dad only had stihl. The saws he had from my childhood, all of them are still functioning
yep...and my dad was a husky guy.....I'm loyal to the brands that are loyal to me for sure...but it's good to see what else is out there
066 / 660 is a big moder, I like my 440 and 460 better most of the time, the 660 is unstoppable, I believe the only larger saw family is the 084 / 880. 24" is tiny bar for that guy.
I bought a 20" chinese saw for $150AU and it runs great with heaps of grunt. Only got it as my other saw was 14" and needed a bigger saw. I'll use it till it dies before getting a name brand but so far I haven't been able to kill it. Like all equipment, keep it clean, keep it adjusted and use it correctly and it will last.
Just moved to NC. And had 3 tree's fall in the storm the other day . Wish I would have watched this before heading to tractor supply
I own the holzfforma 366 (stihl ms361 clone) and love it. I installed a 25 inch bar on it and this thing is a beast. It can hang on the wall for months and when I'm ready to cut, it takes just a couple of pulls and its ready to cut. If I were a logger, then may I'd go for the real deal but for my needs this saw is perfect and worth every penny. Im also told that genuine Stihl parts and components will interchange with these saws although I haven't had anything break to need to test that claim.
Hey there. You've had a few requests for a review of this saw about a year and a half after the 6 month anticipated review. Can you now give your wonderful audience a review?
I'm a wildland firefighter, and part time timber faller. I run three Stihls: MS261, MS361 and an old 66 with a 36"bar and Oregon skip chain. I like all three when they're running, but sometimes hard to start. I'm almost 72, 6"160 lbs, wirery with lots of stamina and have run saw since 1966. I cannot start the 66 on my own. Literally not strong enough in upper body or arms. Plus it's too big to drop start like my other saws. No compression release either. I have a strong swamper pull on it, while I hold it down on the ground. However, once it starts, it's freakin awesome. I'm gonna try to find the Chinese saw. Great video. Thanks.
Its a beast for sure
John Mullowney Hang In there John don’t over do it-slow but steady lol.
I had a Sthil MS 660 saw and it was a beast. I sold it a year and a half ago when I moved to Cleveland. I think I paid 300 for it and I rebuilt with a new Jug kit that cost me about 45 dollars. I think I sold it for like 550 dollars after using it for 15 years. I just don't have a need to cut firewood, especially since I'm living in the city now and I have gas heat and no longer have oil heat. I used to heat my house with my wood assist furnace in CT. I think the kid who bought it told me he was going to use it for some chainsaw competition.
Interesting. I bought a Chinese 50cc saw for well under $100. Works fine and I leave it in the shed at camp. If it's stolen I'm not out much. I wouldn't replace my Jonsered for heavy use but it works.
066 make a good boat anchor.
Better off with the husqvarna 385 or 395. Stihl didn't even compare to husqvarna back then for bigger saws.
Compliments from Chapel Hill! I love your video productions . Enthusiastic. Fast paced. It is REALLY fun to watch your videos.
I know I'm late to the party, but want to thank you for the video. 👍 Not a landowner, just a senior prepper living in a forest of huge PNW cedars that wants a saw for clearing roads (or my house!) in an emergency. Looking at Stihl, Husky, and even Echo had me stressed over the $ for something probably rarely needed. All 4 of my generators are Honda clones...why not my next saw? I'll use your link to make you a few pennies.
Was about to but a stihl or poulan pro but this saw is a BEAST. took 4 weeks to get it but easy to assemble. It took me about 12-15 minutes to cut down and cut up a 50ft long tree. It did bog down once with stock carb adjustment. The chain it actually a bit thicker than the chain from tractor supply. So far I give it a 10/10.
Hey.
•Stihl says they are pronounced like the metal: STEEL.
•Stihl makes some saws in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. Some other Stihl saws are still made in the fatherland. Don't know why, but that's how it is.
•I have been to their factory in Virginia. They were neither impressed nor appreciative of our excitement to be there, nor our enthusiasm.
•Don't forget to grease the tip of the bar on the Chinese saw. Those are bearings in there and they need that.
Yeah....we shall see about the longevity of the China saw....thanks for your comment Michael
Michael Dougfir it's the commercial vs the homeowner line, all the commercial are made in Germany
@@chazlewis900 actually they still make the 461 in VA. Not sure about the 661 or 462's though.
We have been burning wood in our house (and shop) since we moved here in 1974. Been sawing nuisance trees and trees for firewood most of my life. Have had at least one of every major brand sold in US. 14 inch Poulan was great, as was a Homelite 360 but have been running Stihl for 40 years. Now have a 180C, a 251 and an old 310. The 251 with 18 inch bar is a great saw that will cut most everything I come across. The 310 with 20 inch bar is a rip snorter but found the Farmac F660VW for a great price for knocking down some bigger trees. Have a burr oak fall over that is 11 feet in diameter so decided to get a bigger saw with a 36 inch bar. Most of the time, the 310 will do the job but better to have a bigger saw at times. Hopefully will have good luck with the new saw. Cutting Osage Orange (hedge) that has been dry for years is about as tough as it gets. Red oak that has been under water for years but dried out is really tough also. Green trees, no problem, the two smaller saws work just fine. Thanks for your video.
You have some great experience there and I'm sure you'll be able to put this cheap chainsaw to the test!
Thank you for this review video! I'm looking to buy another chain saw & your advice was very helpful! Please keep it up!
You are right about the 660 being a beast. I have the same bar on mine that you do. I built it last fall. My guess is you will need to replace the deco valve at some point, unless you like to constantly push the button after each pull. Mine has a Husqvarna deco valve unit. My 361 has a similar deco valve in it - blue button. It works fine.
Josh using an impact drill to assembling a plastic equitment may not be recomended. Regards from Caracas.
I have a 036 stihl with a 18" bar and that saw is insane especially when I'm cutting a 16" oak it rips right through
I had an 038 Magnum until my son excavatored it after he pinched it on a log...Kids...They wreck a saw rather than take the engine off before moving the log..
I had an 036 new ( lost it in my shop fire ). I loved it so much that I bought a well used 036 ten years later from an Amish logger friend. Even though it had a ton of hard Amish use it still runs well . The 036 might be the best saw Stihl ever made !
It's a chain catch help to stop a thrown chain from hitting the fuel tank.pull starter handle out until the dogs engage, then pull start the saw,puts less stress on dogs, and then go buy 2 new stihl dogs, there called bucking dogs. See ya.
15:12 I see that grand national you got tucked away in there. Real car right there, I used to own an 87 GN, 86 GN and 87 turbo T.
Big Texas biggest tree falling
Hi from Greece, Europe. Get impressed by your work/ Hobby. Stay healthy!
Yes, My husband has been to the school in Virginia Beach. That is where they make the saws.
Deborah they assemble the saws there not make them.
SnJnPreps 2008 they opened a plant in qingdao China and started using Zama carbs (German owned Chinese based) 😂😭🙄🤦🏼♂️
@SnJnPreps Bing carbs on some saws too.
@SnJnPreps I just buck up and buy Stihl. The other saws don't have the nicosil cylinder. I also won't support the Chinese intellectual thieves. Still run a 038 Super, a mag II, and two 440 Magnums, two 260 pro's
@SnJnPreps you say people are wrong then in sane breath yoy say but... LOL
Great video. Thankyou!
Answer on Your question - Chain catcher .
... and sounds like LOW RPM must be adjusted to MS 066.
STIHL has a huge plant right here in the USA in Virginia Beach VA.
Pretty sure Stihls biggest factory is in USA
Byron Morrison it is. Check they’re ( STIHL) TH-cam channel
German based company, made in USA.
yeah stihl got a plant in china too.
You silly little goose
Stihl Makes a ton of their saws here. Echo also has manufacturing plants in the US
lol
That stihl is duel ported (2 exhaust ports). Makes a huge difference in power and sound.
I just love this guy's attitude. He seems so excited to get his new saw😅
Every time a box shows up here from eBay with an old saw that needs fixin', I feel like it's my birthday! I must be aging in dog years...
I buy old McCulloch saws. I love em. Run great, lots of power, and easy to work on.
How old are you, 122?
That china saw needs a good tune on the carb. Any saw should only smooth out and pick up some extra rpm when loaded by being in the wood. When not cutting and free revving they should be a little stumbly. Shouldn't be as smooth when free revving. The stihl needs a little work as well. But it's extremely close to how it should be. Never seen a stihl take so long to start unless it's had ethanol gas ran it it and been stored with it that way.
Thanks for the glimpse of that G660 Totally cool tool for the farm .
So far he's doing a good job I really like how he's talking and explaining everything let's see how it cuts
Wow, calm down you silly little goose
I bought a g660 from Mr. Lucas from justsenditsaws. Omg I absolutely love it. I named the saw after my daughter beautiful it reminds me of her. Lol. But anyway’s. The saw is a frikken beast. Went through beech and hard maple like a hot knife through butter.
I have had 066 and 066 , I have worked with the clone parts and they are pretty good!
I was Thinking of getting one of the clone saws, I have a Dealer account at a few places and it seems to be worth trying!
I'll keep ya posted about the quality and longevity for sure
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer The clones are definitely good for the money, but to be reliable they need a few OEM parts, one of the first being the decompression release, which can break and fall inside the cylinder on non-oem.. Ouch.
My dad always used stihl saws. I got his stihl 024av series saw it still runs strong like a champ. Here on the east coast don’t really know to many people using husky or echo saws maybe a handful. Not really into buying the China stuff. I’ve watched a few test of those Chinese saws but I do know in saws your really get what you pay for
Chain catcher is the name for the small tooth under chain.
It stops the chain from being fired out of the saw if it snaps.
The wide base under the handle is also part of the same safety system , as when it's caught the chain will quite often whip back underneath and the wide part stops it hitting your hand.
Love your videos 👍.
I completely agree with you man husky and stihl for professional/allday every day use, but for a once in awhile use you would be stupid not to try the blue copy. Sounded nice and seemd to have nice grunt 👍
It's going down, I'm yelling timber!!!
Josh, I just purchased the Holzfforma® 36inch 3/8 .063 113DL Hard NoC0317 bar + chain for $39 from the manufacturers website. Where they really soak you is for postage from China which was an additional $49.00. I just put the saw together I'm putting anti seize on the bolts to make sure they don't vibrate loose and fall out. One of the bolts for the one dog did not have a threaded piece built into the saw so I put a nut on the back of the bolt to keep it in place on the saw.
Great videos Josh, I hope you never stop making videos 👍👍
Thanks ...Im headed out now to build a welding table
I have a 038 and a 076 stihl at home and the 038 works like a charm my grandfather bought it in thr 80s or 90s and 30 years later it still works all original parts
great....crazy how saws last a long time when ya don't use them bhhahahha...just pulling your leg buddy
Like watching the video-surprised on the results. You are funny and enthusiastic to watch. I fish in Alaska on a boat you ever need additional adventure let me know.
I bet. There’s no doubt you put a lot of blood sweat and tears into that farm I love it man . I love to see all these people on here starting this TH-cam channels and starting a farm from scratch And to watch everybody mold ther property into something that’s beautiful self sustainable that is so awesome me and my wife are selling our house in spring and looking to buy our little piece of land very soon can’t wait for my journey I’ll continue to watch your progress you’re an awesome guy don’t change who you are Josh 👍happy early Veterans Day and God bless you
That handle is like the Stihl North West Style (I think its called) it has a wraparound handle that is actually nice feature makes it easy for cutting at various angles.
All of the larger saws have a wrap around handlebar.
The Kit saw is fun project. I have Had good luck with mine so far. I even chainsaw mill with mine. They are great for testing your hand at porting and no base gasket builds.
Blue one sounds very peppy but not as strong. In the long run I think you'll get what you pay for. But then again...who knows. 😁
How'd that garlic bread turn out hehehe 🥖
✌🏻💛
Love the thumbnail photo!!!! Yeaah 👍🏼
Agree with your comment. I'd rather get an ms880 magnum than a 660 or 066 anyways.
I think for a land owner the holzforma will work fine we can put the $ saved into a wood splitter or something, if you run saw daily get a real stihl or husky
So we are almost 2 years in now! How is the longevity of the saw?
It’s a crap saw 😂
@@mattcobern1198 have you ran one ?
@matt cobern there is now way that you’ve ran one, or else you’d have a much different opinion.
Agreed. They are great saws. Don’t be ignorant
Too early to tell how good the Chinese knockoff is without long term testing. My stihl is almost 40 years old and still runs great.
When starting anything with a pull starter / rope starter, or whatever it is called, pull slowly first, to make sure the system engaged. Anyway, the video was great
Putting a bar on put a 2x4 under the end of the bar so that it is tipped up all the way then adjust the bar until you get about 1/16 inch top and bottom at the center of the bar. If not the chain will make that racing noise and the bottom of the chain will clear the bar while the top will not.
You sir are a GOD DAMN GENIUS. Ive been fuckin with saws for a long time and can say I never thought of this lmao. Thanks boss
You 're a nice positive guy. Thanks for very intresting video
Always remember that the new saw is set to run rich. Leave it that way for 5L before tuning it for performance.
It's good that he did mention that the STIHL is already broken in because it was the same deal for me with my 372 clone once it was run in and dialled it became a nutcase saw.
A genuine enthusiast who hates clones could tune one saw to perform better than the other as well keep in mind when watching TH-cam videos on comparisons.
Great video, you're a natural at this! I'm waiting for my G660 to arrive. Also coming is an Alaskan Chainsaw Mill and a ripping chain; I have logs screaming to become lumber!
I’d say go with 400 dollar echo Timberwolf, best saw for that price that thing is a pure fucking beast!
No.
@@jaredmccormick yes
I guess it's what you're using it for. If it's professional work then... no. If it's 'round the house, small firewood stuff then... sure.
Baumr sx92cc like Hoffman saw big and powerful I got the baumr ag sx52 chain saw 20 ,, saw and a 62cc husky knock of saw made in CHINA and it is good saw I am happy with it
I'm down with the Noveske sticker n the Gator
I caught that too! I knew John Noveske before he grew his business. great guy. Built my match upper that still cleans slow prone targets.
Hi..... Thank you 🎥👍👍👍
I have had the farmertec 365 husqy clone for 5 years now still runs great I cut 8 to 10 cords every year just bought their g372 havnt fired it up yet
Excellent video. You made it very, very interesting and informative.
Glad ya enjoyed it!
I have an older Stihl ms361 and I love it! It always fires right up.
I've bought some parts from farmertec and some seem ok, others not so much. I've read a lot of folks on arboristsite saying they thought the bar/chain was poop. What do you think about the bar & chain after running it for a while compared to a stihl bar & chain?
Im still running an 066 from 1994 - runs sweet. I just wish it had a decomp button!
mine must be a 95, can't remember, how some ever it has a decompression...every big saw since the 051 has it here or else I keep lookin...My shoulders are too old for anything less..
Love the old Jeep I have a 1948 for hauling wood
Wow! Just was telling the little lady I needed a bigger saw. This just saved me around $1500!
John
Its 30.00 cheaper from manufacturer then amazon.
but no warranty
As a general rule, For a new saw I start it and allow it to run through 2-3 tanks of fuel before I use it for cutting. Also on a bar fitted with a nose grease hole for the sprocket needle bearings before I start it. After the saw has had a chance to loosen up a bit from the break-in tanks of fuel I use it for a couple of light cuts then check the chain for slack, recheck carb adjustments allowing a slightly richer than normal burbling until the saw is well broken Eventually it will be ready for competition with my older saws.
why? my brotha we are talking about modern saws with modern engine tolerances not the 1970s where that sort of break in is required....I very seriously doubt you are doing any good for the saw by running it for 1-2 hours prior to using it....tell me what your rationale is for running 2 tanks of fuel...maybe I'll learn something
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I doubt it!
like this guy, down to earth.
The crankshaft bearings, piston rings, piston retainer clips, gaskets and rubber parts are likely to fail much sooner than the OEM parts. It's worth it to order these OEM parts for the kit saw.
This is my first video I watched I subscribed and I like this video it was good entertainment
Welcome to the channel!
I recently got an MS261 and I'm blown away at the power. I with i'd done it years ago.
That’s all you need. The big ones are overkill for homeowners. I have an MS 260, the older version of the same saw, still going strong, and it gets used on most summer weekends. Great saws, and much easer to handle for non-pros.
They both might be tuned differently and the china one has not been broken in yet ?
I’ve been searching for days for a cheap saw to run in my mill. This video introduced me to the land of Farmertec. Thanks buddy. Great video. I was looking at the xbull but not big enough for milling oak imho. These are perfect👍
Rural Rules these may look the same but there's a reason it's cheap the important things like the bearings are cheap. IMO just find yourself a good used husky or stihl saw. That's what I do this weekend I even picked up a old Stihl that's way better than new saws they sell for 350 I paid 40 bucks. Usually for a running saw I pay 40 to 100 and if they shit out I don't lose any money then I have extra ones for parts.
Nice video! I've had a G660 for almost 6 months and it's turned out to be a great saw. It always starts right up and has tons of power. A slight correction....it's not a "knock off", that would imply they are being sold as a Stihl factory saw. (Just like a knock off Rolex). This is a "clone" saw. Farmertec is using expired Stihl patents to build these saws, perfectly legal. The reason they are blue is to prevent them being sold by scammers as the real thing. I use mine for chainsaw milling and it works great.
Where can I get a 660 and how
much is it .does it come with
bar and chain.
We use husky 372 xp for years for cutting ice for our bait traps and bait nets, we need something tough that can run a 24” bar, we only normally get 2 winters out of them sometimes not even, I order a 372xp clone and love the saw, been flawlessly over a year and when it blows up in a year or two I’ll only be out 350$ instead of $999
Seemed like you're really enjoy both saws is nice to see a fellow North Carolina James T North East North Carolina neighbor
I'm a Stihl parts dealer. Good luck finding a Carburator or any parts for that matter to fix the damage of ethanol fuel. Or any parts because they don't fit...You get what you pay for. They have a plant in VA and Germany. I think they are in CA and New Hampshire
Sounds like KTM and Yamaha and the colors seem relevant
I purchased a CMT 52cc Chinese saw with a 20" bar. In 1 year the pull cord had to be shortened a few times, the ignition coil went south and chain stretch was a PITA. Amazon sells new chains for $12 shipped. But for $89 I could/should have bought a spare.