Low RPM torque/throttle response felling saw

[davidwyby]

I want a tractor saw for felling. Lots of grunt off the line for setting the dogs and cleaning out faces, doesn’t need much zip. I sometimes tend to over cut with my rippum saws. I have a 288 to build…I’m thinking it might be the one. Maybe drop the cylinder for compression and just a little porting? What do y’all recommend? Thanks

 

[huskyboy]

Cc for cc I can’t think of one that has more low end grunt than a 288… unless you want to carry around a even older dinosaur. I’ve had my mildly ported 288 physically knock me over from the kickback when the kerf closed up. They are no joke. Closest saw to the 288 comparison wise would probably be a 064 or 385/390xp. I think the other two might be slightly quicker, but the 288 definitely has more grunt. As far as mods? I think Rattler builds a pretty mean 288. But I’m sure other people could too.

 

[Squareground3691]

Cc for cc I can’t think of one that has more low end grunt than a 288… unless you want to carry around a even older dinosaur. I’ve had my mildly ported 288 physically knock me over from the kickback when the kerf closed up. They are no joke. Closest saw to the 288 comparison wise would probably be a 064 or 385/390xp. I think the other two might be slightly quicker, but the 288 definitely has more grunt. As far as mods? I think Rattler builds a pretty mean 288. But I’m sure other guys could too.

Yes sir !

 

[Stump Shot]

Drop the cylinder about thirty thou and set squish to .024" +/- .001".
Get rid of any casting defects and match intake block otherwise leave intake pretty much alone.
Same with exhaust side match gasket and can with port, sand and give a light polish.(Do not raise!)
Ample muffler mod of your choosing with six degrees of timing advance
That should make it pull like you're looking for.

 

[Maintenance Chief]

Super Pro 81 or PM800 McCulloch. I have used 82cc McCullochs to drop trees and its fantastic to set a full face 28"-32" bar across any dutchmen and just blip the throttle to rip them out. You can really get a great face with them because your expectations are well met with torque and your not gonna blast through and bypass your hinge .
I am extremely picky about my notches and it can be difficult to get them perfect for a precise shot if you have the worlds fastest saw!
Even my plunge/bore cuts improved by using either my old Promac700 or 038 stihl , after your technique is spot on then its muscle memory.
I don't own a 288 (yet) but it might be good for this ? 9,000 to 10,000 rippums or less helps.

 

[davidwyby]

Thanks dudes. Not sure if I will fiddle around machining the cylinder or just send it off. Prolly try it stock first.

 

[Funky sawman]

Base gasket delete helps, along with using the newer style 395 clutch, it seems to be heavier and has more friction surface

 

[Funky sawman]

Only other saw I can think of with good felling torque is the ole 285 and 2100 huskys. But they are a bit slower on response due to the super heavy crank throws and general rotating mass

 

[Woodslasher]

Only other saw I can think of with good felling torque is the ole 285 and 2100 huskys. But they are a bit slower on response due to the super heavy crank throws and general rotating mass

The old 045/056 saws had a pretty good amount of torque as well, but a 2100 is the cream of the crop in my book.

 

[Squareground3691]

The old 045/056 saws had a pretty good amount of torque as well, but a 2100 is the cream of the crop in my book.

Beastly lol

 

[davidwyby]

I failed to mention in my original post, kinda moot now, I’m thinking lighter than my 395…

 

[Funky sawman]

It's going to be hard to beat that XS 7900 there David. If you do build a 288, I recommend using spring mounts to lessen the vibs.

 

[TreeLife]

281, 288...great torque, great manners.

 

[srcarr52]

One thing that helps the 288 with throttle response is switching to the later model carb (probably EPA) that has the nozzle fuel inlet. I’ve swapped a lot of 394 carbs on these but that takes a bit of work and it’s not worth much more than finding the late model 288 carb.

 

[davidwyby]

One thing that helps the 288 with throttle response is switching to the later model carb (probably EPA) that has the nozzle fuel inlet. I’ve swapped a lot of 394 carbs on these but that takes a bit of work and it’s not worth much more than finding the late model 288 carb.

thanks.
I have a couple different carbs IIRC…I’ll have to see if one is nozzle.

@Funky sawman the 7900 is one bad son of Gun! It is my favorite and most used/go to - but it is more of a rippum/bucking saw. It will bury you in chips in a hurry. Once wound up and dropped in a log it will pull you off your feet, but I’m looking for slower and gruntier for more response, and more accurate felling cuts.

 

[huskyhank]

A 2100 will do what you want.

 

[sawfun]

Cc for cc I can’t think of one that has more low end grunt than a 288… unless you want to carry around a even older dinosaur. I’ve had my mildly ported 288 physically knock me over from the kickback when the kerf closed up. They are no joke. Closest saw to the 288 comparison wise would probably be a 064 or 385/390xp. I think the other two might be slightly quicker, but the 288 definitely has more grunt. As far as mods? I think Rattler builds a pretty mean 288. But I’m sure other people could too.

A 930 Jonny super will give that 288 and the 064, a good run for their money.

 

[Moparmyway]

Ported MS500i with a 7 tooth and 3/8 chain

 

[Stump Shot]

A 930 Jonny super will give that 288 and the 064, a good run for their money.

I'd concur, right up until service parts are needed. The 288xp rises to the occasion in this regard, in every way and to my way of thinking puts it on top of the outdated 80-90cc heap for this reason alone.

 

[huskyboy]

A 930 Jonny super will give that 288 and the 064, a good run for their money.

Those are a good running saw too. I enjoyed the one I had. Power really not that much different between all of them.