Considering new 90cc class saw: stihl 661mtronic or non mtronic vs husqvarna 390xp

[hseII]

Let me ask you a question. As I said earlier, for a saw that you need to throw around and in your case fell timber with, the 661 would likely be a better choice. But if you were just doing tree removals or blocking logs for firewood, would you still choose the 661 over the 395?

661 is a better all around saw.

395 is better suited for bars above 36”- like 41”-50”.


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[andyshine77]

661 is a better all around saw.

395 is better suited for bars above 36”- like 41”-50”.


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Probably so, I just like the old school built like a tank qualities of the 395, plus I have other more well rounded saw. Will be picking up another 661 at some point to play with.

 

[thinair]

Probably so, I just like the old school built like a tank qualities of the 395, plus I have other more well rounded saw. Will be picking up another 661 at some point to play with.

Going to get a Redfin 661 Andy?

 

[andyshine77]

Going to get a Redfin 661 Andy?

Do most of my own work, I'm sure he does a fine work.

 

[Nutball]

I’ve ran both and prefer the 661. It is probably because of the Mtronic and bars that are the same mount as everything else I have. The 390 is a good saw, but I prefer the 661. The only Husky I own is a 395. I use it for big stuff and milling. Also, with the 661, you don’t have to worry about Loctite as much, lol

Except for the bar studs

I vote 390 with a muffler mod.

 

[CLEARCUT]

Do what this guy says.


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Only if you want to get into trouble, lol.

 

[Skeans1]

661 is a better all around saw.

395 is better suited for bars above 36”- like 41”-50”.


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Oh come on they’ll pull a little longer then a 50.


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[huskihl]

Oh come on they’ll pull a little longer then a 50.


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At least a 60

 

[Skeans1]

At least a 60

View attachment 284330

A back killer combo but it’s still amazing they’ll do it.


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[Hinerman]

At least a 60

View attachment 284330

Did you do that? That tree trunk is massive!!!

 

[huskihl]

Did you do that? That tree trunk is massive!!!

Nope. A local tree-guy who’s a friend of mine

 

[Lightning Performance]

Some would say in this application Mtronic could be a negative, especially if you throw the saw on a mill, I'd never run any auto adjusting saw on a mill.

My 362CM is going on a beam tool with a new fuel filter. Heavy mods not ported.
Maybe a cheap way to find out if Mtron has any issues on a smaller saw. Plenty of guys have years on 661's milling with up to 60" bars and surprisingly none had any real issues with those saws. One ate a piston but got a fuel system update and saved the jug. He says it runs just like it did before the lean damage.

Thanks for all the replies guys, all of the problems ive heard about with the 661 like m tronics, coils, seizing, intake boots etc... is that only the early versions? And in stock form between the 661, 390, and 395, which of the 3 is going to have the most wow factor as in pure power, ability to cut thru a big log like nothing

Port the 661 for a work saw. You wouldn't like carrying an adjustable block. I mill so the 462 will fill my needs for felling.

Having 1124 saws negates the need to keep a mean 661 on hand. The 394 with 395 elbow and filter has big dogs waiting if need for a day of stump cutting. I don't like using those big saws for felling just flush cuts or the last of my back cut to finish off the fat sticks.

Well thanks for that that sound reassuring, i know mill work is the toughest cutting a saw can do

A back killer combo but it’s still amazing they’ll do it.


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Pick up your nuts and put them back in your pocket. They might have fallen off doing that.

 

[Bigmac]

For the op’s stated use and current lineup, I would say 661. Have ran lightly modified versions of both the 661 and 390 and they are both similar, I like them both. There are lots of Stihl’s in my area so that’s what I find around here, I got a used one with 3 bars for $500, and it’s been a good saw. A base gasket delete, muff mod, maxflow and widening of the ports and it really ran well. I have been playing with the timing, and to find the sweet spot, but mine doesn’t like too much timing, so far it runs best with stock timing. At .020 off the key has it popping, not a fan. The 395 is heavy for 28” bar work, big saw for big bars, the 661 and 390 are plenty for 28-32” work, and with mods will be even better

 

[kneedeepinsaws]

I honestly think most the new modernized saws are fairly ugly from both Stihl and Husky. I grew up around men running 064 and 066’s and 371 and 2100’s. They are big muscular looking saws with raw exhaust notes, stiff AV, big air filter covers, etc. These new ones, especially the 462, 500i and basically the entire Husky 5 series line seems like going from a 70 Chevelle big block to a Subaru STI. Both fast but one screams class and timeless looks.

I agree, something about this photo, i dunno if its the bar or the angle of the shot or what. But it sure looks like a monolith of power compared to the look of the newer ones..