How to distinguish a Chinese Stihl MS 660 chainsaw from the original

Most lovers of gas-powered tools have long learned to identify high-quality saws from famous manufacturers by appearance and not only, but it will be interesting for them to read this article and learn something new for themselves.

This time we will try to describe the original Stihl MS 660 in as much detail and clearly as possible and compare it with the Chinese-made Stihl MS 660 saw.

Purpose

Shtil MC 660 is a chainsaw for professionals. Its price immediately makes it clear that the saw is intended for those who make money with it, because... it is indecently high compared to the price of household chainsaws. But don’t think that Shtil 660 is not worth the money that sellers are asking for it. Buyers pay for quality, high power, huge resource, reliability and unpretentiousness.

As of today, Stihl 660 has already been discontinued because... instead, a more modern model is produced - Shtil 661, but the chainsaw can still be purchased from an official dealer.

The purpose of this chainsaw is specific, because its power allows you to buck the trunks of large trees and work on mobile sawmills such as “Logosol” or “Murka”.

Below is a video about the use of the 660 model calm in a mobile sawmill.

The saw has a power of 7.1 hp and weighs more than seven kilograms. Due to its large weight and power, this model is not advisable to use for trimming branches or during construction work; it is needed specifically for felling and bucking.

As standard, the chainsaw was supplied without a saw set, which means the buyer has the opportunity to choose the required bar length and chain design. Before purchasing, we recommend reading a review article about Stihl chains.

Owner reviews

Vladimir, 55 years old, Novosibirsk.

Last year I bought 3 Shtil 660 chainsaws for my company. The equipment showed itself well - safe, with a large reserve of power, although it is heavy, it is easy to operate. Only professionals should be given such tools. A novice logger forgot to add oil to the gasoline, causing the engine to seize. Spare parts are expensive and take a long time, which means downtime and additional costs.

If you adhere to all points of the operating rules, the saw produces excellent performance with low fuel consumption. I recommend this technique for carrying out industrial work on a large scale. In skillful hands, it brings good profits.

Vasily, 35 years old, Vologda.

I live outside the city in a private house with a large plot of land. In winter we heat with wood, as there are plenty of dry trees around. The tool, although heavy, is convenient and economical. Easily fells trunks up to 80 cm thick, without even reaching maximum speed. Having installed a 40 cm tire, I cut off the branches, which is quick and convenient. In order not to waste time chopping wood, I immediately cut the logs along the grain.

Recently I helped a relative in construction. For a week, the chainsaw worked almost continuously from morning to evening. First, they dismantled the old buildings, then sawed timber for a new house. The tool performed excellently, not a single breakdown, only the gasket burned out.

Nikolay, 42 years old, Tyumen.

I work in a team of lumberjacks. Last week I received a new Shtil 660 for use. At first there were doubts and concerns - the device is heavy and expensive. But while felling the forest, I realized that this is an excellent, powerful and well-balanced machine. After running in, it easily cut through hardwood trees without stopping, jamming or breaking. Tires are easy and quick to change. It takes several minutes to cut down and clear the branches of 1 trunk. The handles are comfortable and non-slip. There is no fatigue even at the end of a busy shift.

Specifications

Modifications

You can buy an original STIHL chainsaw here

The table can help you decide which chainsaw is most suitable for solving the tasks.

Maintenance

Before starting work, carry out the following checks and adjustments as required:

• Condition of the chain, its sharpening. degree of tension.
• Density of fasteners.
• Refilling tanks with fuel and oil.
• Chain lubrication.
• Idling.

To sharpen chains, you should use proprietary tools and a machine. The original sharpening devices perform their function accurately and without damaging the saw chains.

• Clean the chainsaw.
• Release chain tension.
• If necessary, sharpen the chain.
• Check the condition of the tire and filters.

The saw must be stored in a dry place inaccessible to strangers and children.

Technical features

The professional Shtil MS 660 has good equipment, which is designed to make everyday work easier in the harsh conditions of the forestry industry. The saw is equipped with:

• HD2 filter - for maximum filtration and increased time between cleanings;

• decompression valve, which reduces loads when starting the engine;
• heated carburetor, for operation in cold seasons;
• additional gear stop;
• Saw chain brake cover nuts that cannot be lost.

Stihl also has other professional-grade chainsaws, for example these include: MS 270, MS 360, MS 661, MS 880.

Chinese chain saw STIHL MS 660

So far the new one is working great.
A Husqvarna 365 chainsaw, a Chinese analogue of the Swedish brand, was ordered on Aliexpress, the order was received

The Stihl ms-660 chainsaw is a professional tool that allows you not only to cut down trees, saw trees, saw boards, but also to cross-cut very large trunks, as well as use the saw to work on mobile sawmills such as “Murki” or “Logosol”. The basic package of the device does not include a saw set. This allows the new chainsaw owner to choose a tire and chain variation to suit himself and his needs.

The Shtil MS-660 chainsaw weighs 7.3 kg. and has the following characteristics: equipped with a high-performance carburetor two-stroke engine of Stihl’s own production, the power of the power plant is 7.1 liters. With. Overheating protection is air, manual starting from an inertia starter, ignition system is contactless.

The carburetor is a diaphragm carburetor with a built-in compensator, which allows you to level out the power of the power plant and ensure almost complete combustion of the fuel-air mixture, resulting in cleaner exhaust. The structure of the carburetor does not allow the chainsaw operator to independently adjust the engine speed, but it does allow the idle speed to be adjusted, at which the chain should not move. There is a heated carburetor, which is effective during cold weather.

The chain tension is lateral, simplified, with maximum protection for the operator’s hands. To protect the engine from contamination, a reusable air filter is provided. Lubrication of the cutting element at specific points saves up to 50% of lubricants. Anti-vibration protection of the handles takes care of the operator’s health.

Chainsaw Stihl ms-660 at work

According to the instructions, the chainsaw operator can install a tire of either 40-50 cm or 90 cm (maximum length) on the unit. The Oilomatic cutting chain is selected accordingly with ⅜-inch pitches. The cutting body with pobedite tips dulls 4 times less, the quality of the cut is improved.

There are three modifications of the Shtil MS-660 chainsaw:

1. Standard modification MS-660.
2. Chainsaw Stihl Magnum 660 - engine power increased to 7.61 hp. With.
3. Chainsaw “Shtil” MS-660, equipped with a heated handle system.

Currently reading: Adjusting the carburetor of a chainsaw: how to adjust and configure

There are many reviews about these chainsaws on the Internet. Basically, owners note their good technical characteristics, build quality and high functionality.

Anatoly, 38 years old

"Hello. I have been working for a logging company for 12 years. I received a Stihl MS-660 chainsaw at my disposal. There is nothing bad to say - good characteristics, works great, starts in both winter and summer, the engine does not overheat too much, in winter I turn on the heated handles and carburetor. Excellent saw, 8-10 hours of work daily - normal operation! I wanted to find the same one in stores - it’s no longer produced, they write in reviews that there is an improved version 661.”

Sergey, 43 years old

“The saw is excellent, I’ve been using it for 9 years now, I use it to prepare firewood for myself and my family, and sometimes I use it on a homemade sawmill. I built a house about 4 years ago, I couldn’t do it without her! Yes, it is professional, with good characteristics and very expensive, but with its help I ensured a comfortable existence for my family. I leave positive feedback."

Alexander, 41 years old

“I bought a chainsaw 3 years ago, according to reviews, I liked the characteristics, I work in logging, it cut perfectly, the Pobedit spray on wood went like clockwork. But this year there was a problem - the starting cable pulled out, but did not retract back, the work stopped... I found a service center according to the instructions, but I’ve been waiting for the result for 1.5 months. Work is idle."

Chinese version

Chinese Shtil 660 is very different from the original in technical characteristics and appearance.

An experienced craftsman will determine at first glance that it is a fake. For those who do not understand gas tools, we recommend immediately paying attention to such details as:

1. The starter housing is clearly different from the original;
2. The oil and fuel tank caps, in the original saw, are made to fit a combination screwdriver, which should be supplied with the saw. In the Chinese version, the lids are convex and unsightly;
3. An air filter cover, the screw of which is located on the top, and not on the back, like the real Shtil 660;
4. The original saw always comes with a proprietary instruction manual.
5. Although the colors of the fakes imitate the real ones, they are still not so bright and beautiful.

The original Stihl chainsaw always has a serial number. It is located on the body, immediately below the muffler. The number is also duplicated with a small sticker; it is also indicated in the company warranty card.

Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the Chinese version has a smaller volume and, accordingly, power, and the parts are made of poor quality and poorly fitted.

In fact, a counterfeit can be sold under any brand. In order for a Chinese saw to turn from Shtil to Husqvarna, careless manufacturers only need to change the sticker on the starter, and the color of the chainsaw may remain the same.

Do not confuse a Chinese counterfeit with a chainsaw produced using German technology in China. Read more about the latter in the article at the link.

Now you know how to distinguish a fake, let's figure out what to do if you bought it.

STIHL ms 660 – Chainsaw STIHL MS 660 – how to distinguish a fake, characteristics

Chainsaw device "STIHL" MS 660

It belongs to the category of professional tools that cope with any logging work, regardless of the profile. It cuts even strong and wide trunks of old trees, not to mention young trees and branches. That is why it is chosen by those who know what real work is and appreciate the possibility of making it easier.

READ How to spot a fake Metabo screwdriver

The design of such a gasoline unit is no different from other gasoline modifications.

After failure, do not repair the counterfeit STIHL chainsaw.

It might be a stupider waste of money than purchasing a fake if you take it for repairs.

The reason for constant breakdowns is the very low quality of the steel. Seizures in the cylinders come as an option from the factory; there is no point in listing other problems, especially if they make up 100% of the total volume of the product. The minimum that awaits you is replacing the pistons, which is very expensive and will only prolong the agony of this parody of a saw, which was damaged at the factory.

Features of the STIHL MC 660 chainsaw

• reliability of an integral mechanism that allows it to overcome any load;
• autonomy and mobility, which allows the device to be used in hard-to-reach places and areas without power supply;
• the use of anti-vibration technology, which relieves the operator of the unpleasant trembling of the tool handles, which leads not only to fatigue and decreased concentration, but also to the occurrence of vibration disease;
• an additional cutting blade brake provided by the design, which has an inertial operating principle. Designed to protect the worker from injury in the event of a rebound of the saw, therefore it triggers instantly even with a light touch of the hand to the protective shield;
• side configuration of the chain tensioner - the tension screw lies on the side under the chain sprocket so that the operator’s hands do not fall into the plane of action of the chain itself and the stop teeth;
• decompression equipment - after starting the engine, the compressed flow from the cylinder moves outward and exits through a specially equipped valve. This allows you to remove additional load on the starting cable, make it easier to start work and significantly extend the service life of the starting system;
• the carburetor is equipped with a compensating device that guarantees not only uninterrupted engine operation, but also stable fuel consumption even when the air filter is heavily contaminated, which does not require constant cleaning;
• “Ematic” technologies - an innovative automatic lubrication system, precisely adapted to the degree of load, which allows reducing oil consumption by up to half compared to other tools of the same class;
• control is carried out using one lever;

Where do they sell fake STIHL chainsaws?

They can sell you a copy of the STIHL MS 660 chainsaw at shopping centers, in country houses and even in the courtyards of your home. The price starts at 100 and depending on your bargaining ability, it can drop to 50.

As a rule, scammers use the same story:

• They used chainsaws to pay wages at a construction site or factory.
• We bought a stolen shipment cheaply.
• It was already purchased, but friends or mother-in-law gave me five more pieces.
• You need to drink or urgently need money.
• Lots of fakes on message boards.

If you need a chainsaw for a couple of days, and you are not going to cut down wood on an industrial scale, then a fake STIHL MS 660 chainsaw will be very useful to you. The Chinese fake, although of worse quality than the original, is quite capable of “cutting” wood; in ancient times, people coped with more meager tools. You don’t mind dropping it, throwing it, catching nails, etc. You can pour anything into the tank as long as it burns, and after it breaks, throw this chainsaw into the attic and forget it like a bad dream.

When demonstrating the operation of the product, it seems to you that the saw is good. This illusion is due to the fact that sellers fill the tank with pure gasoline. After the performance, the resource of the “unfinished business” is reduced by 50%. If you bought into the trick and purchased it, then use the saw as is, with the fuel that the seller filled in.

Exploitation of a fake

If for some reason you become the owner of a Chinese Shtil 660, then you should not immediately throw it away. In fact, a chainsaw can be used to perform simple tasks on your property. The original is, of course, stronger, more powerful and can last for many years, but “China” will also earn back the amount you paid for it, if you did not pay more than 5,000 rubles for it.

You can repair a saw made in China yourself; consumables and spare parts for a Chinese chainsaw can be bought in specialized stores or on the market.

To sum it up...

Undoubtedly, every owner will be happy with this kind of purchase, since this technical “giant” will not only help you cope with construction or agricultural concerns, but will also cost you at an affordable price.

Do not doubt that if you choose a chainsaw from this particular manufacturer, you will not regret your choice for a second, since this tool will pay for all its costs over the years of its operation. Today, the price of a stihl 660 chainsaw (China) starts from 3,000 rubles or more. If you are interested in Russian-made chainsaws, go here.

Currently reading: How to dilute gasoline for a chainsaw

Weaknesses of counterfeiting

With active use, the Chinese calm will begin to crumble over time. In order to maximize its service life, you need to know and promptly change the parts that fail first. For example this:

• clutch mechanism;
• air filter housing (can be made of plastic or aluminum alloy);
• drive sprocket;
• starter return spring.

It is better to replace the tire of a Chinese chainsaw immediately after purchase, since it is made of low-quality metal and breaks almost immediately after the saw starts to be used.

Adjusting a fake carburetor

Even inexperienced users can adjust the carburetor of a Chinese saw. Just like the original, the fake has three adjustment screws, the designation of which is completely identical to the original. In most cases, adjustments will only require a screwdriver; for more precise adjustments, you will need an electronic tachometer.

We recommend reading an interesting article that tells in detail about adjusting the carburetor with your own hands.