Chinese knockoff saws?

[xyz123]

Do I see scoring or gouges in the sleeve?

Not scoring or gouges.

Have you ever pulled OEM cylinder. You will see the same crap now days. Just where folks pull dry piston through is what I think.

 

[xyz123]

G395. Didnt think to take close pics like the dealer did of G372pro cylinder.

Ran mine for a few tanks before pulling.

 

[xyz123]

@whit61 preflight Jes offers. Services

This service is an add-on to your new powerhead purchase. This includes partial disassembly of the saw, lock tight on important fasteners, and test running your new saw. Please note: This option does not have any impact on your parts warranty, that comes with every new powerhead purchase.

 

[xyz123]

G888 I didnt pull cylinder off. Just changed to unlimited coil and did a muffler mod.

Also since OEM and clone dont use gasket on cover. I did the high heat on cover.

With just a 36" cannon bar and 3/8 chain and filled tanks was over 32lbs. Then dry PHO weight like oem weighs.

 

[whit61]

@xyz123 I appreciate all the great information. You’re providing exactly the kind of real world advice I’m looking for. Thinking that most of the negative reviews are from guys that can’t fix their own stuff and it seems like these saws can be solid performers, perhaps with some tweaks. Pre-flight seems wise for an out of the box solution.

 

[arto98607]

I’m certain this is blasphemous on this site, but I’m curious if anyone has any real world experience with Stihl or Husky Chinese clone saws. I have a specific need for a big saw, short term. I know they are not as good as the original, but if it gets me through my immediate need and sticks around for occasional use for a few years after for 1/3 the cost, I might consider it. Reviews all seem to be 5 or 1…no in between. Total crap shoot. Honest opinions and actual experience welcome. Also, are they really compatible with Stihl or Husky parts? Thanks.

I have built Farmertec MS361 and MS660 clone kits couple of years ago and am satisfied with both of them as occasional homeowner use saws.

The 660 is a beast and I will put it thru real testing this winter since we had loggers cut down bunch of up to 44 inch diameter Douglas Fir trees, which most of have been hauled to sawmills, but I have been left with many shorter large diameter pieces on the ground and will have to cut them for future firewood little later during this coming winter.

I have used both of these saws enough to know they were well worth assembling for my intended use.


660 with a little 16" pro saw in the back:


361:

 

[5030]

On a lark I bought a Neo-Tech some months ago and gave it away to a buddy. I didn't like it at all. In fact, I'll stick with my Echo's.

 

[whit61]

I have built Farmertec MS361 and MS660 clone kits couple of years ago and am satisfied with both of them as occasional homeowner use saws.

The 660 is a beast and I will put it thru real testing this winter since we had loggers cut down bunch of up to 44 inch diameter Douglas Fir trees, which most of have been hauled to sawmills, but I have been left with many shorter large diameter pieces on the ground and will have to cut them for future firewood little later during this coming winter.

I have used both of these saws enough to know they were well worth assembling for my intended use.


660 with a little 16" pro saw in the back:
View attachment 824185

361:
View attachment 824186

Appreciate the feedback…sounds very similar to what I’m looking at/for.

 

[Skeans1]

G395. Didnt think to take close pics like the dealer did of G372pro cylinder.

Ran mine for a few tanks before pulling.

View attachment 824120View attachment 824121

It’d be interesting to throw them up against the real ones in an application like production falling running long bars to see how they hold up.

 

[Eagle1]

I would hope the real pro saws would outlast them. For me with just a few cords and cleanup a year it is worth the risk. Even the pro saws need fixing, and if a part is is weal I can put the Husky/Stihl parts in it's place.

 

[ericm979]

I bought an assembled Farmertec 440 clone a couple years ago. It leaked both oil and fuel from assembly errors. Not too hard to fix but frustrating. It runs ok but it's not as nice to run as my Stihl 362 or even my MS460. The 362 has better spring based anti vibe. The 460 is rubber the same as the 440 but the 440 vibrates more. The Chinese make their pistons thicker walled. The heavy piston changes the balance factor which makes the vibration more noticeable. The controls aren't as smooth as the 460s.

The clone saws don't come with spark arrestor screens so if they're required or a good idea you'll need an alternate muffler outer half with a screen.

 

[5030]

Last time I checked, ALL my saws peed some bar oil when sitting. Why I store them on a shop towel.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Last time I checked, ALL my saws peed some bar oil when sitting. Why I store them on a shop towel.

Have they ever made a chainsaw that doesn't? If they have I would like to buy one.

 

[xyz123]

My oem 066 was my worst bar oil leaker I ever owned. But then 4-5 other 066-660 didnt leak. So luck of draw to figure out why some leak. Usually just a connection somewhere or normal on some.

Clone copy G660 didnt, G395 didnt. Rest didnt expect for for G288xp, G111T, that I can think of.

I get oem saws in all the time for leaking oil. Some just connections at oil pump some just normal.

My G440 ran and cut just like MS440 here. My G660 just like the MS660 here. The G395xp just like a oem 395.
The pro 372 was close but hair behind the oem OE 372 with both only on 2nd tanks. The G466 stock porting was lacking IMO. But if didnt didnt have others to compare you would never know. I also thought the last run of the MS460 was a turd too and that was the cylinders they copied.
G888 was out cutting 088. G888 is the 2nd gen of the last MS880 that was offered.

But think it is more for $ with the bigger saws and guys wanting more cc for their $. They are getting 90cc plus saws for 200-300 bucks and milling etc. Other wise cost them 1200-1500 for a oem to do same with. Can buy 4 of these things for same cost.

G888 122cc saw 500-600 instead of spending 1800-2100 for new one.

Thats is why they sale so many of these darn things. You folks wouldnt believe the amount of them that are being sold in US and rest of the world.

 

[xyz123]

Here is a dealers list I try to keep track of. Like any dealer some are way better then others.
For US I always try to use Jes in MT first.

 

[goeduck]

Last time I checked, ALL my saws peed some bar oil when sitting. Why I store them on a shop towel.

I go one step further and store a shop towel down in an extra-long commercial baking tray (similar but longer than this):

 

[caver]

Timely video.

 

[Eagle1]

Never tried Noetoc but looks like they are in Holtzforma neighborhood. 25% of price with 80% of performance is not too bad.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a dealers list I try to keep track of. Like any dealer some are way better then others.
For US I always try to use Jes in MT first.


View attachment 824360

I'd never heard of Paul Wisconsin and googled it and it does not exist. You show it as a dealer Or is it the names of people?

 

[Eagle1]

I'd never heard of Paul Wisconsin and googled it and it does not exist. You show it as a dealer Or is it the names of people?

C. Paul IN Wisconsin..... I believe this is list of people selling Holtzforma saws and parts.