288 compared to...

[computeruser]

So I keep eyeballing those shipped-in 288s and am intrigued, but I am wondering what that saw would get me versus a 661 or an 066? I've never run a 288 and don't have a basis for comparison. I previously had an ex-redlight 066 which was a beast with 28"/8t, which is how I used it most of the time.

Thoughts?

 

[huskihl]

So I keep eyeballing those shipped-in 288s and am intrigued, but I am wondering what that saw would get me versus a 661 or an 066? I've never run a 288 and don't have a basis for comparison. I previously had an ex-redlight 066 which was a beast with 28"/8t, which is how I used it most of the time.

Thoughts?

I think they’re similar to a 660 power band wise, but with a little bit less

 

[TreeLife]

I think they’re similar to a 660 power band wise, but with a little bit less

I agree with this. The ms660 is one of the toughest saws ever built in my opinion. I'm half looking for another for my own collection.

 

[jacob j.]

I rebuilt an MS-660 and a 288 side-by-side last year - both completely stock, as they would be from the factory. With a 32" bar on each and brand new 36RSLK
chain in a 30" fresh Doug Fir log, I couldn't really tell much difference in cutting speed between the two.
What you get with the 288: Better anti-vibe, usually a freer-flowing muffler, better carburetor, stronger crank, better oiler, and a few ounces lighter.

What you get with the 660: Bullet-proof ignition, takes more abuse, crankcase is a better heat-sink, better air filtration (unless you get a 288 with the HD system),
inboard clutch, a little more long bar torque. I prefer the handling of the 660 as well, but I ran both in the woods for years professionally.

Both take mods well - the single-ring piston in the 288 can be detriment for long-term heavy use like stumping or milling. Both have a consistent history in hotsaw racing.

 

[huskyboy]

I’ve had a bit of time on a 064 and a 288 comparing them. A 064 and a 288 are very similar power wise in my experiences... the 064 having more rpms and the 288 more torque.

 

[Mattyo]

upside on the 288... no proprietary bearings

 

[huskyboy]

I’ve had a bit of time on a 064 and a 288 comparing them. A 064 and a 288 are very similar power wise in my experiences... the 064 having more rpms and the 288 more torque.

Splitting hairs really.

 

[TreeLife]

Id be willing to bet the AV on the 288 was slightly better, but I have a soft spot for 0 series stihls.

 

[Mattyo]

Also.... 288 av is adjustable....you can have all spring....or all rubber. Or a combo

 

[angelo c]

Back to the 661 vs 288....
I've got both... run both often when big oaks show up off the dump trailer...if I have to keep only one ( there'd be a gun to my head) it'd be the 661... I really like my 288 too. Love the sound and feel of it... but the 661 is just smoother. 661 vs 395 is a little tougher of a choice...

 

[huskyboy]

The 661 is kind of like a slightly floppier, slightly larger and slightly more powerful 390xp. The 288 is from a different era. I prefer the handling/balance of the 390 over the 661 personally. I also find the 390 to be easier and cheaper to work on. The filter is better. No mtronic electronics to fail on the 390. The mtronic is nice when it works properly though. I do like the power and smoothness of the 661, they are a force to be reckoned with. It comes down to personal preference really, there’s more to it than just how fast the saw cuts a cookie.