100+ CC Saw Options

[..X..]

I have an itch for a 100+ CC saw to play with once in a while. I'm not looking to spend a fortune. Looking for something with a chain brake and somewhat easier to locate new or used parts for when in need.

Which models should I look for? I did locate a 2100 local to me, but that sold pretty quick.

Thank you

 

[Woodslasher]

Chain brake makes it a lot harder to find, but for a fun and semi-practical big saw 2100 is my preference. It does great on a mill, it'll pull a 4-5' bar, and parts aren't too hard to find. An 090 or Mac 125 is more fun, but a lot more work and at least 99% of them don't have chainbrakes.

 

[trooney]

How much you're willing to spend probably dictates what saws would fit in your budget range..

 

[jacob j.]

Stihl 075/076 (111cc) fall into the "cheap and big" category. They're one of the 100+cc saws that haven't quintupled in valued due to eBay seller shenanigans. Like Daniel mentioned - the Husky 2100 is another good one.

 

[Ketchup]

G888
2100
3120
880
The rest are pretty darn expensive, are a pain to work on, or both.

 

[farminkarman]

I don't know what you consider a fortune, but perhaps a Farmertec G888 would fit the bill.

 

[PA Dan]

When I go over 100cc it will be a 3120 unless a 088/880 falls in my lap.

 

[Shane¹]

@Jay Hansen has a couple 100cc saws he is thinking about selling you should hit him up

 

[..X..]

I don't know what you consider a fortune, but perhaps a Farmertec G888 would fit the bill.

$1600 + for a new 3120 or $2000 + for a MS881..

 

[Ketchup]

$1600 + for a new 3120 or $2000 + for a MS881..

Keeping it stock or planning on porting?

 

[redline4]

Stihl 075/076 (111cc) fall into the "cheap and big" category. They're one of the 100+cc saws that haven't quintupled in valued due to eBay seller shenanigans. Like Daniel mentioned - the Husky 2100 is another good one.

They are pretty slow though. They'll pull through anything, just not fast.
@Stihlalltheway and I were messing around at Steves GTG and I couldnt quite get around the log to finish the cut with a 16" bar, but a stock 346xp was faster through.
I think @davidwyby might have video of it.
Jack might even have one or 5 of them he'd sell..

 

[..X..]

Keeping it stock or planning on porting?

Stock for now.

 

[Stihlalltheway]

They are pretty slow though. They'll pull through anything, just not fast.
@Stihlalltheway and I were messing around at Steves GTG and I couldnt quite get around the log to finish the cut with a 16" bar, but a stock 346xp was faster through.
I think @davidwyby might have video of it.
Jack might even have one or 5 of them he'd sell..

I’m calling operator error on the 346, and all my saws that are able to be sold are completely f’ed and/or less than 100cc’s

 

[Jay Hansen]

The requisite brake is going to limit your choices. At the time most of the big saws were in use, most of the big ones were either purchased without a brake, or it was removed and thrown before it's first day in the woods. Fortunately, the two best performing 100cc saws of the era were the 2100 and the Poulan 655 and they seem to be the most likely to still have the brake. Not really likely, just the most likely.
a good option might be to find a 394 or a 395 with a toasted top end and put a Hiway big bore cylinder and piston on it. That'll give you 100ccs and it's easy to get brake parts for them.
I do have a PM 1000 available that has a brake on it, but it isn't the performer that the 2100 or 655 are.

 

[Maintenance Chief]

If you are restricted in price you got to get out there and start talking to shop owners and saw guys, someone's likely to have a big saw sitting that isn't going to be internets priced.
I paid 1000.00$ for my 088 with a 41" bar and 5 chains, I didnt haggle the price, because I knew it was fair and the guy sent me out the door with 4 other saws for free!

 

[Maintenance Chief]

I will say ,as others have the 395xp is a very good 6 cube substitute, it punches above its weight class. It also has a brake flag.
394xp isn't bad either.

 

[Squareground3691]

The requisite brake is going to limit your choices. At the time most of the big saws were in use, most of the big ones were either purchased without a brake, or it was removed and thrown before it's first day in the woods. Fortunately, the two best performing 100cc saws of the era were the 2100 and the Poulan 655 and they seem to be the most likely to still have the brake. Not really likely, just the most likely.
a good option might be to find a 394 or a 395 with a toasted top end and put a Hiway big bore cylinder and piston on it. That'll give you 100ccs and it's easy to get brake parts for them.
I do have a PM 1000 available that has a brake on it, but it isn't the performer that the 2100 or 655 are.

+1

 

[Ketchup]

661 and 394/5 are excellent saws. Much more enjoyable to run than the 100+ offerings. In general they are far more practical than the cinder blocks above them. But they aren’t the same.

Going by your earlier post and the budget indicated I add 084 in my original list. And Echo 1201. And Dolmar 166 (but good luck with parts). And just because, Solo Rex.

I gotta say though, stock 100+cc saws feel very restricted. 2100 feeling the least choked of the bunch. They’re great at pulling long bars, but they aren’t very exciting to run. Ported is where you really feel the horses jump.

 

[wcorey]

If I were to run brakeless if anything I'd prefer a big saw with a big bar. It's the little snappy ones that're most likely to get you...

 

[davidwyby]

$1600 + for a new 3120 or $2000 + for a MS881..

I got my used ported 3120 for less with a bunch of bars and chains.

I got a stock one that ran but needed some love here for a few hundo I think.