Stihl MS880

Doug576

Just curious as to what you guys think out there using this saw? I currently use a husky 576xp with a 20inch and 28inch bars and was thinking of getting an MS880. If i got it i would stick with the standard 25inch bar that comes with it because i won't be needing a 36+ bar on it. I kind of have the feeling i just want it because of the grunt and not practicality. But its such a sweet looking saw. By the way im one of those weekend warriors

MrDiesel

I would go a 660, better antivibe, lighter, and they dont have those silly stihl quick release fuel and oil caps.

Ill pick up a 660 before an 880 or 3120 anyday. Im not even sure my 3120 even starts anymore.

Doug576

The reason why i want an 880 is that a 660 is only 1kw more power than my 576xp. I have used both the 576xp and 660, and the 660 sure does have that little bit more power. I won't be using it for 1hour straight so weight is not an issue. Does the fun factor of owning a big saw go out the door real fast after using the 880 for long periods of time?

ScottyAFoster

Stop flapin the fingers and get the saw already mate Get it with a 32" for fun and safety tho. A 24" bar can be a wee bit jumpy being so short.

Doug576

If the price is right i may just get one If its a safety thing then why does stihl sell it with a 25inch bar? You would think with a saw this big that it would come standard with a 36inch bar. I think it would rip hard through anything with a 25inch bar on it.

Rob Chace

untill you're cutting lots of stuff bigger than 40in across stick with a "66" with a 25/30in bar and just cut from both sides when needed.

So, unless its really big stuff, that you are doing the hours to warrant an expensive big saw why waste time/money on it?

I can do just about any thing with my 200T/044/660 so if you have smaller saws (obviously) than all u need is the 660. And its probably one of the sweetest sounding saw engines around. ('part from my ol' 044 ;p )

Tony Knight

What are you doing with the saw, ie felling, crosscut (firewood)slabbing/ripping or calving (880, 12" bar calving)?
What DBH, softwood/hardwood. What experience with a saw do you have blah blah blah. An 880 is a nice saw for specific tasks, I
recently attained one and have used it twice. As others have stated a 660 has the best power to weight, anti vib and general user friendly features. If your dont have big timber that requires long bars then the only reason you need a 880 is for crank factor and to shed some hard earned (or maybe not) cash. Go the 660



Tony

MrDiesel

If you go a 660 make sure you get a dual port muff, Sounds sweet as and really good pick up.

I regularly use mine in yellow box and iron bark and it keeps going.

Also change out the dogs on the 660 with the dogs from a 460 and you have a real weapon for ripping.

rogue60

if you have the cash and are not old and have a bad back,and not constantly putting food in your cake hole..go the 880 leave the 25in bar on it and use it as you would a 660,it will pretty much cut everything quicker than an 660 its only its weight that keep most away...when fitness improves you can move it around like a 660 as long as you dont put some silly ass long bar on it you can comfortably do a 48in cut with it anyways...so yeah keep the 25in bar and use it like you would a 660..if you find a log out there that the 25in bar will not cut get a longer bar to easy, just remeber you dont have to do the cut in one go!..

ScottyAFoster

Forget a 660 if you want grunt,I would look for a good clean 090,can be had for nearly the same $

Doug576

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I know alot of you are right in saying an 880 is too much saw if your not cutting up huge trees but as (rogue60) was saying "if you have the cash go an 880". I have the cash so its just a matter of going to the dealer and negotiating a price but only if its a good one.

KevinE

A family member of ours picked up a "used" 880 from his local dealer. It had only been used on one tree felling training course run by the local TAFE, it hardly had a mark on it & runs real well! He paid $1,800 & got the full factory warranty.

KevinE

Unfortunately they're very rarely available here though!

Doug576

Well everyone i went to the dealer today and bought myself a Brand new 660 because i got a really good price on it. And it comes standard with dual port muffler I was really pleased with that because it has more power than i thought, which is awesome considering the weight of it. I did look at the 880 again but i knew it was going to be to big for what i need it for and a fair bit more money. Im really happy with it and can't wait to sink it in some big log.

ScottyAFoster

It did not happen with out a picture to prove it really happened

KevinE

Wooooo hooooo! lucky you, you're already having a happy new year!

I think you're right about the 880, they're very nice, but they're way too much saw for what most of us need, I reckon.

Enjoy your new saw!

Robert Dyer

Good idea - the 880 is a bit of a brutish thing to lug about and I find you don't end up using it unless you have to - also is tiring to start compared to the 90cc saws.

Tony Knight

Yep agree with the above post/s, you won't be disappointed and you may even have some energy left at the day's end, work smart, work long.

Cheers

Tony

ScottyAFoster

With a 660 a well sharpened chain can make one drool