Anyone compare a CS1201 vs MS881?

[MR_T]

Just like the title says. Anyone compare a CS1201 to a MS881? I have the itch for a bigger 100cc+ saw. Did the 881 feel lighter in your hands? Does the 1201 have more torque?

Thanks.

 

[Bill G]

@Lee H

 

[qurotro]

Echo 1201 is more like a Stihl 070.. They are not the same animal in my opinion.

 

[mainer_in_ak]

I've owned both. MANY gallons of mix in both:

One is a gorgeous, steaming pile of creamsicle sht with no low end torque and a stingy oiler.

The other, is an ugly muscle/milling saw that is perfection.

 

[Lee H]

I have both saws. I have never run them side by side as i don't have wood large enough to give them a good run. In my opinion the 1201 is more torquey than the 881 but the 881 has a bit more rev's. I personally love the 1201 as is with no chain brake, no emissions, no noise requirements. No plug into a computer. They are a very well built saw.

 

[rburg]

The last gtg I was at, one of the participants had a new cs1201 there. I think it was the most run saw that day.

 

[Mastermind]

I've built both. The 1201 is a better built saw. Both need mods to increase the RPM limit.....but the 881 has a terrible oil pump drive system. Stihl ruined their oil pump drive system after the 084 by using the same nylon worm gear driven by a wire that the smaller saws use. I usually recommend Stihl because of their durability and build quality, but not on 120cc saws. The Husqvarna 3120 is the one I build most often for milling and stumping.

 

[MR_T]

I've built both. The 1201 is a better built saw. Both need mods to increase the RPM limit.....but the 881 has a terrible oil pump drive system. Stihl ruined their oil pump drive system after the 084 by using the same nylon worm gear driven by a wire that the smaller saws use. I usually recommend Stihl because of their durability and build quality, but not on 120cc saws. The Husqvarna 3120 is the one I build most often for milling and stumping.

My main use would be stumping as of right now. I might give milling a try someday.

Thanks

 

[Mastermind]

My main use would be stumping as of right now. I might give milling a try someday.

Thanks

I'd recommend a 3120XP

 

[Bill G]

One of the notable considerations is parts availability. There is no doubt that the 1201 is a nice saw but you will play hell getting parts for it in the USA and I bet in short time they will not be easy to get in Malaysia either. Barring something catastrophic there should be Stihl and Husky dealers in the USA for quite some time. Now that does not mean they will always get the parts you need but they should be able to.

 

[MR_T]

One of the notable considerations is parts availability. There is no doubt that the 1201 is a nice saw but you will play hell getting parts for it in the USA and I bet in short time they will not be easy to get in Malaysia either. Barring something catastrophic there should be Stihl and Husky dealers in the USA for quite some time. Now that does not mean they will always get the parts you need but they should be able to.

Thought about that a lot

 

[Lee H]

One of the notable considerations is parts availability. There is no doubt that the 1201 is a nice saw but you will play hell getting parts for it in the USA and I bet in short time they will not be easy to get in Malaysia either. Barring something catastrophic there should be Stihl and Husky dealers in the USA for quite some time. Now that does not mean they will always get the parts you need but they should be able to.

Actually Bill, Parts are not hard to get at all here in the states. Parts can be bought through Parts Tree or any Echo dealer but you need to supply the part numbers as the dealers don't have any IPLs for the 1201.

 

[EchoShindaiwaMakitaDolmar]

One of the notable considerations is parts availability. There is no doubt that the 1201 is a nice saw but you will play hell getting parts for it in the USA and I bet in short time they will not be easy to get in Malaysia either. Barring something catastrophic there should be Stihl and Husky dealers in the USA for quite some time. Now that does not mean they will always get the parts you need but they should be able to.

In another thread discussing the Echo 1201, it was stated that parts are readily ordered for it thru any Echo authorized dealer- the posters said they've done it without any problems.

 

[mainer_in_ak]

I would not be cutting down stumps with a 100+ cc saw that has no chain break. It's not worth the risk.

 

[MR_T]

I would not be cutting down stumps with a 100+ cc saw that has no chain break. It's not worth the risk.

That crossed my mind too.

 

[Mastermind]

Actually Bill, Parts are not hard to get at all here in the states. Parts can be bought through Parts Tree or any Echo dealer but you need to supply the part numbers as the dealers don't have any IPLs for the 1201.

Good information Lee.

 

[Lee H]

Good information Lee.

Good afternoon buddy

 

[Bill G]

Actually Bill, Parts are not hard to get at all here in the states. Parts can be bought through Parts Tree or any Echo dealer but you need to supply the part numbers as the dealers don't have any IPLs for the 1201.

Lee,
I fully trust your knowledge on that as I have never tried to order any nor have I used parts tree. I know it is just a matter of time before the dozer and excavator hits our Echo dealer here. He has been there over 55 years but the excavator is coming. The entire block of mid-late 1800s building are coming down. In the pics his is the last one there. It is 3 stories and the shop is upstairs. He has to come down the stairs when he hears someone come in the showroom door. The buildings are being brought out to a gulley on my brother's place.

 

[Lee H]

Lee,
I fully trust your knowledge on that as I have never tried to order any nor have I used parts tree. I know it is just a matter of time before the dozer and excavator hits our Echo dealer here. He has been there over 55 years but the excavator is coming. The entire block of mid-late 1800s building are coming down. In the pics his is the last one there. It is 3 stories and the shop is upstairs. He has to come down the stairs when he hears someone come in the showroom door. The buildings are being brought out to a gulley on my brother's place.

View attachment 454443View attachment 454444View attachment 454445View attachment 454446View attachment 454447

That to bad Bill. I hate seeing change. Those buildings are history and should stay there.

 

[Lee H]

Here is mine