56" mill, single 880 vs dual 661's?

[Timberwerks]

Hi Everyone

I believe this is my first post here. I'm looking for feedback on a new 56" setup. A number of years ago I was running a 56" mill with an 880, and it worked out pretty well. That set up was sold about 5 years ago and I stopped milling. Anyway, I'm looking to get back into milling again and thinking about going with a dual 661 rig this time. Reason being I already have a new 661. I know it doesn't have the power alone for a 56" mill so my thought is to get another 661 vs an 880 and run two power heads.

Does this sound like a good idea? I know this rig wouldn't cut faster but I think it would offer more power vs the single 880. Am I wrong? Also, I like the idea of having two oil pumps vs a gravity drip oiler.

Thanks

 

[Redfin]

We strapped two built 661s on a mill a couple years back. They put the smack down on 2 090 powerheads same mill and chain.

@Definitive Dave may have some vid of that setup.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Was you running a 3/8 skip chain or std 404... just thinking out loud as a skip 3/8 may be ok on a 56”.. but not in 404

 

[Timberwerks]

Was you running a 3/8 skip chain or std 404... just thinking out loud as a skip 3/8 may be ok on a 56”.. but not in 404

The old set up with the 880 was 404. This time if I go with dual 661's I'll be using the 3/8" skip on a Cannon bar.

 

[Timberwerks]

Saw number one is setup with a Max Flo & Bark Box. I'd setup saw number two the same way.

 

[Timberwerks]

The old rig performed pretty well but still seemed to lack power at times.

 

[Wonkydonkey]

Ahh, but did the 880 have grunt and keep going.. but I do think your looking at Apple and bananas.. thou

3/8 skip is a lot faster than 404, But it dulls faster.
I think the 661 is a better choice in 3/8 and it has more other uses,, and a bit easier to get hold of.. as the 880 is not in production

Others may arrive with better options thou

 

[Timberwerks]

On another note, what do you guys recommend for 3/8 milling chain? I'm not concerned about smooth finish but would like a faster cut than the Granberg chain I was using.

 

[mdavlee]

On another note, what do you guys recommend for 3/8 milling chain? I'm not concerned about smooth finish but would like a faster cut than the Granberg chain I was using.

Square ground semi skip for your setup. I’ve run skip in 50” with a single 395 power head and 088. 2 661 should pull it faster and the more teeth the smoother it will be.

 

[Timberwerks]

What do you guys think about Oregon .404 27 Rx for this set up with dual 661's? Everything I mill will be harwood, Walnut, Maple, Cherry etc. The 880 set up I had before was a real dog milling Walnut even with a sharp Granberg .404 ripping chain. Waiting to be milled is 36" + Walnut at the butts, 48 + at the crotch.

 

[mdavlee]

I tried about every chain you could get from chipper to chisel. Square chisel is 35-40% faster than semi chisel ripping chain.

 

[Moparmyway]

Was you running a 3/8 skip chain or std 404... just thinking out loud as a skip 3/8 may be ok on a 56”.. but not in 404

For milling:
- I run 404 square RS on a 50” with a 3120 ........ also have a couple of 60” setups.

- Dual 661’s will spank any 088/880 setup, no matter what chain is used.

 

[blackbruin]

Dual 2095's even better......yeah 2 power heads better than one.....

 

[Lightning Performance]

I'm sticking to single for now on a 60" 084
084 ported, soon. Test first
Or maybe a 3120 because Kev says I needs one.

This 084 will stomp the the newer stock 880 for sure
404 only on my longer bars so far.
3/8 up to 40ish bars
One 28" running 404 in dirty wood or post/beam cuts.
Setting up a new ES 36" to run lp on the 660.
Sill use the 660's a good bit with up to 42" 3/8 and 404

If it comes down to needing a 72" twin head... I'm buying that or more and be running twin ported 660's or 661's
Those 661's were strong that day on that mill. They stretched out two loops slabbing long sticks.

 

[mdavlee]

3120 makes you throw rocks at a 880LOL

 

[Deets066]

How bout you get an 880 or 3120, for your regular milling. Then run the 880 and 661 together for the big stuff

 

[drf256]

How bout you get an 880 or 3120, for your regular milling. Then run the 880 and 661 together for the big stuff

Great point. No reason the 2 sides need to be equal to help.

 

[rogue60]

3120 makes you throw rocks at a 880LOL

Yeah the latest gen steel muffler 880 is a dog stock can't argue with that but even 3120 stock has issues no H tuning at all is just one.
I read on the internet's ms881 soon to put the last nail in the coffin of the ageing 3120..

 

[Lightning Performance]

I'm all for an 881 but until then the modded 3120 will be as good as it gets, I'm told. Twin 661's was impressive. Not much else is going to work in so many roles like they do. I can try twins in Husky or Stihl this summer if a twin bar and big log is available at a gtg or a twin powerhead bar just shows up here by chance ;-)

 

[CR888]

A slick setup I once saw was dual 7910's with remote throttle on a 50" Cannon. I've always wanted to build one muh self. I think matching the power heads IS somewhat important. Same power band curve working together in harmony at the same rpm, perhaps not essential to a dual setup but preferable for valid reason IMO.