Thinking About Buying a Husqvarna 3120

[IH1972]

I'm sure that the Echo CS-1201 is a fine saw, but I'm interested in a 3120.

 

[NightRogue]

@NightRogue

What big saws can u still offer?
Stihl 070

070/720, nos ms880, 3120xp, cs1201, ms881

 

[lineworker81]

Did any year model 3120 have a fully adjustable carb? Are they prone to bottom end issues?

 

[huskihl]

Did any year model 3120 have a fully adjustable carb? Are they prone to bottom end issues?

First couple years did. There aren’t any carbs or parts for them that ever pop up for sale though.

I’ve never heard of any bottom end issues

 

[John Deere 318]

I am currently putting in a new coil on my 3120....again, this is the 2nd one in a year.
All I can say about this beast is HOLD ON

 

[Ketchup]

I am currently putting in a new coil on my 3120....again, this is the 2nd one in a year.
All I can say about this beast is HOLD ON

I think a 272 coil can be fitted. Those are cheaper and abundant. The only thing is they’re unlimited. I doubt that’s an issue if you don’t have a High jet.

 

[John Deere 318]

I just chatted with someone in a forum, he has them available.
Gotta do something, this ain't no wall hanger.LOL thank you for the info.

 

[Normzilla]

I've been thinking about buying a 3120 to use with my Granberg mill as a dedicated power source. I'm currently using a 395, and I like it for regular cutting but I can't when it's tied up on the mill. Also, the 395 chain tensioner is a real pain in the neck. It's bad enough when not in the mill, but when in the mill, it's just about impossible to get to. I understand that the 3120 has a tensioner on the outside of the bar making for easier access. I have other saws that are better suited for firewood, etc. and this would be more in the realm of toy/hobby than something I'm going to try to make money with.
I also like that the 3120 has an adjunct oiler.

I'm curious how the current production saws compare with the ones from years past. I've done quite a lot of reading and understand some of the changes that were made such as a limited coil, non-adjustable high jetting in the carb, etc., all of which can be remedied. I've seen a few older saws offered for sale here and there, but I'm somewhat nervous about getting such an expensive saw used. I'll roll the dice on the smaller saws I like, but even a cheap used 3120 is going to be $6-700 and I don't want to buy someone else's problems.

The other thing that's making me think now is a good time to get one is the fact that I keep hearing that they are going to discontinue this model, probably sooner than later, and if I ever want a new one, this is the time.

Before someone says it, I'm not interested in a Stihl 881.

I would be interested in other's opinions and experience with the 3120 new vs past models.

Thanks!

Here's a random photo I found on the internet:

View attachment 394000

I had a 3120 sold it. I should have taken my Timber falling friends advice, and bought another 395. I wanted a saw to dedicate to a 50 inch bar. The 3120 is not very maneuverable. I know u said milling, but if I were you I'd buy another 395 keep the one on the mill. And have the other for a daily user. Cheaper cost and as u know mills just fine.

 

[MemphisMechanic]

I had a 3120 sold it. I should have taken my Timber falling friends advice, and bought another 395. I wanted a saw to dedicate to a 50 inch bar. The 3120 is not very maneuverable. I know u said milling, but if I were you I'd buy another 395 keep the one on the mill. And have the other for a daily user. Cheaper cost and as u know mills just fine.

If you consider a 395 the highly portable option, that says all I need to know about what a brick the 3120 is.

 

[Normzilla]

If you consider a 395 the highly portable option, that says all I need to know about what a brick the 3120 is.

Absolutely agreed.

 

[Ketchup]

If you consider a 395 the highly portable option, that says all I need to know about what a brick the 3120 is.

It’s more like a 320mm mortar. Heavy, awkward, difficult to position, special use, absolute destruction.

 

[MemphisMechanic]

It’s more like a 320mm mortar. Heavy, awkward, difficult to position, special use, absolute destruction.

And almost as ferocious as an MS881, right?

 

[Ketchup]

I have no idea, never touched an 881. The specs look pretty good but it’s probably like most of the new stuff. Something like an ms700i would be cool.

 

[mainer_in_ak]

I've done years of milling with a 90 cc saw. They work ok in softwood, but fall flat on their face in hardwood using 3/8 ripping chain.

stihl 3/8 low profile pmx ripping chain, a gb 3/8 lp rim sprocket and a gb 3/8 low profile milling bar really helps the smaller powerheads chug through hardwood.

For a very versatile but easy to handle 90 cc set-up, the 27 inch alaskan mill frame will fit a 36" ripping bar. Then you wont have a bunch of rail hanging off the end of the mill.

Less kerf, more teeth using the pmx low-profile chain; rather than resorting to standard 3/8 skip. Your ripping chain will stay sharp.

 

[qurotro]

3120 is big. I mean it. The 394 on the right looks way smaller in comparison. A 3120 would make a 346 looks like a toy side by side.

 

[mrxlh]

3120 is big. I mean it. The 394 on the right looks way smaller in comparison. A 3120 would make a 346 looks like a toy side by side.View attachment 398933

And heavy, I ran mine with a 36” .404 at Walt’s GTG, didn’t make it a tank full before I put it down to grab the 395.

L-R 390XP, 395XP, 3120XP.

 

[mainer_in_ak]

I'm currently using a 395, and I like it for regular cutting but I can't when it's tied up on the mill. Also, the 395 chain tensioner is a real pain in the neck. It's bad enough when not in the mill, but when in the mill, it's just about impossible to get to.

Front tensioners aren't a problem. Think outside the scrench........

 

[Moparmyway]

I had a 3120 sold it. I should have taken my Timber falling friends advice, and bought another 395. I wanted a saw to dedicate to a 50 inch bar. The 3120 is not very maneuverable. I know u said milling, but if I were you I'd buy another 395 keep the one on the mill. And have the other for a daily user. Cheaper cost and as u know mills just fine.

I run a 50” on the 3120.
8 tooth 404 full comp, square chisel chain mostly, it’s an amazing machine !

 

[Moparmyway]

Front tensioners aren't a problem. Think outside the scrench........

 

[ferris]

I run a 50” on the 3120.
8 tooth 404 full comp, square chisel chain mostly, it’s an amazing machine !View attachment 399053

Video or it doesn’t happen