881 vs 661

[Bill G]

I paid $1025 for my 660 in 2007. I don't remember how much the 880s were, but it seemed like a lot.

In retrospect, the 660 is a great felling saw, so it worked out for me. I'm thinking about sending it down the road before long, because my back prefers those cute little 50cc saws.

I still have (1) new 661 to sell at $1475.
I remember John Lambert selling new 088's for $999 and 090AV 's for $1299. That was with a 36 inch bar/chain and the shipping was $50. At the same time the local price of a new 044 was $575. I did not buy any of them

 

[emanuel]

661 with 36” or ported with a 42”. You won’t use the 881 nearly as much.

Edit: Why not both?

You’re not gonna mill for long with a ported 661 before it blows and it costs the same as a stock 881 after you pay for a good porting job. If you want to mill the stock 881 will always cut faster in wood in the 36”- 84” bar range, and do it reliably as it can handle the heat soak and load substantially better. It is slightly larger, but only in length and weight.
As @mainer_in_ak said, there are other options for milling like the echo1200/1201, but with this part availability isnt an issue, oil pump can be upgraded etc. Overall I’m satisfied with mine and its seen alot of work with no issues.

Here’s a pic of it next to 661 from a few years back when I got it. From what I remember the 881 is 4 inches longer. 3rd pic is a new old stock 070 a friend snagged from fb marketplace for $500

 

[Ketchup]

You’re not gonna mill for long with a ported 661 before it blows and it costs the same as a stock 881 after you pay for a good porting job. If you want to mill the stock 881 will always cut faster in wood in the 36”- 84” bar range, and do it reliably as it can handle the heat soak and load substantially better. It is slightly larger, but only in length and weight.
As @mainer_in_ak said, there are other options for milling like the echo1200/1201, but with this part availability isnt an issue, oil pump can be upgraded etc. Overall I’m satisfied with mine and its seen alot of work with no issues.

Here’s a pic of it next to 661 from a few years back when I got it. From what I remember the 881 is 4 inches longer. 3rd pic is a new old stock 070 a friend snagged from fb marketplace for $500

If milling is the main purpose and you’re really going to mill a lot, bigger is better. But most people do less chainsaw milling than they think they’re going to do. It’s hard work.

The 661 is a very useful and capable saw. Far more versatile and more pleasant to run.

 

[SawAddictedFarmer]

I hate to say it but if I had the money for a 881 I'd get a 3120. Much better saw overall.

 

[Ketchup]

I hate to say it but if I had the money for a 881 I'd get a 3120. Much better saw overall.

100% agree. And it’s hundreds less expensive.