Chainsaw STIHLMS-660: the difference between the original and the fake

Hi all! The Russian market sells goods of different price categories. There are frankly budget solutions from which you should not expect outstanding performance or long service life. But it's good if the buyer knows what he's getting. And he consciously buys a cheap instrument. It’s completely different when the purchased Stihl MS 660 saw is a fake.

The main flow of counterfeit products comes from China. A non-original chainsaw from a leading manufacturer, Stihl, is also produced there. Fraudsters are especially fond of the Shtil 660 model. Its simple and easily repeatable design, as well as the high level of demand, have led to an unpleasant situation.

Stihl ms 660 how to spot a fake

Fake Stihl MS660 chainsaw

Stihl chainsaws are very easy to counterfeit - they have a distinctive color scheme.
Stihl chainsaws are very profitable for counterfeiting - they are expensive and have authority among consumers. Motopila.Ru presents to you a fake that has firmly taken its place on the Russian market - a fake Stihl MS660 chainsaw.

In this case, the standard scheme worked: take a ChainSaw 5200 chainsaw and stick a suitable label on it.

Fake Stihl MS660 chainsaw Noticed: spring 2010 Price: asking from 5 to 15 thousand rubles, depending on the credibility of the story and the arrogance of the seller

This Stihl MS660 chainsaw is a heavy saw in every sense. Weight more than 7 kilograms. Power over 7 horsepower. Can be used in sawmills, which means continuous operation for a long time. As of February 2011, this saw costs about 35 thousand rubles at retail.

The fake has the same dimensions, weighs the same, but the estimated power is half as much and you don’t even have to think about hard, long-term work.

The official representative of Stihl made pictures in which you can compare the appearance of the fake and the original.

As you can see, the traditional “5200” model and self-adhesive pieces of paper were used as the basis.

And here are the illustrations that the editors of Motopila.Ru collected from ad sites.

Standard label - the first line can be anything, and it is this that determines the “model” and price of the chainsaw.

We can say that this is a very high-quality fake - the attached instructions are designed in the style traditional for Stihl chainsaws. Most likely this is a printout of the actual instructions for the Stihl chainsaw, and it is not suitable for counterfeiting.

It is very unwise to attach real instructions to a fake chainsaw, because the saw in the picture does not look like the one they sell.

This kit is of lower quality, but more honest - the fake Stihl chainsaw comes with a fake Stihl manual. It even shows the same saw that the buyer receives.

For greater persuasiveness, a piece of paper called a “sales receipt” is attached, from which it follows that a saw worth 35 thousand rubles was bought in a store for 19 thousand 500 rubles.

If you think that this seller honestly bought a saw in a store and is sincerely mistaken about its origin, then this is in vain.

Here are exactly the same instructions, but without the attached “sales receipt”.

The “receipt” covered the inscription “MADE IN RUSSIA.” Do you really think that a person selling a chainsaw that says “Made in Germany” and attaching instructions to it with the inscription “Made in Russia” does not know what exactly he is selling?

• I bought myself a second one on sale.
• At work they gave me money instead
• Gave it for my birthday, but I already have it.

These simple stories work very well for those who want to get a “real Stihl chainsaw” for free.

But let's be honest, the sellers of this garbage, unlike their buyers, are not always “stupid assholes who only think about profit.”

The author of this photograph demonstrated both creativity and love for his work.

Conning a Stihl ms 660 saw or having fun in a modern village

There is such a wonderful story by O’Henry “Entertainment of a Modern Village”, many should remember it from the episode of the film “The Trust That Broke” about the adventures of two swindlers, about how even an intelligent and educated (at first glance) person can be caught in his weaknesses . In the story with the farmer, it was an analogue of playing thimbles, but in the situation with me, buying a Shtil saw.

Don’t rush to scold, but there are now a lot of posts on the Internet about how certain elderly people were deceived. They, like me, were blinded by their desires, despite the fact that the swindlers, in turn, were well prepared.

What motivated me? Oddly enough, it was at this moment that I was looking for a saw to replace the one that had broken down for small and unimportant work at the dacha (well, sawing a branch, etc.). Therefore, I didn’t need a serious saw, i.e. Expensive. I don’t understand saws, but I know, I’ve seen that the Shtil technique itself is not bad, they praise it.

STIHL MS-660 chainsaw: how to spot a fake

Gasoline saws of dubious quality from China are supplied en masse to Russia and other CIS countries. Moreover, counterfeits disguised as well-known brands are used. Accordingly, the price of an instrument that is actually cheap increases several times. How to determine the original STIHL MS-660 saw? How to distinguish a fake? Here you should focus on certain positions, thanks to which it is quite possible to determine whether it is a copy or a real German saw.

Chainsaw Shtil 660: Chinese version

The Stihl brand, popular in Russia, sells high-quality chainsaws; original products are imported from Germany, where advanced technologies are used.
But recently, counterfeits of the Stihl 660 chainsaw, one of the most powerful and popular models, have also begun to be sold. Chinese Shtil 660 chainsaws are already sold at affordable prices and inexperienced buyers are unlikely to find any difference from the original. In any case, the Chinese version deserves attention, because the low price attracts any buyer. On average, a Stihl MS 600 chainsaw differs from the original in price category; a fake will cost $100, while an original German chainsaw will cost several times more. It is difficult to name the exact price, because the original chainsaws are no longer produced; instead, they created the Stihl 661 model.

Nuances

If you need a chainsaw that will not be used frequently and is not purchased for an industrial scale, the copied STIHL MS-660 chainsaw is quite suitable. The Chinese copy, although inferior in quality to the original, is quite capable of processing household wood.

You don’t mind using the tool for wear and tear, sawing problem areas, etc. You can use different types of gasoline as fuel, and after the unit breaks down, you can throw it in the pantry without pity and buy a similar cheap model.

What is upsetting in this situation is the fact that a fake of the Shtil MS-660 is often passed off as an original at an inflated price. The saw in question is very convenient for copying, since it has a characteristic color scheme and authority among users.

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. Prices start at $100 and depending on your bargaining ability, can drop to $50.

As a rule, scammers use the same story:

1. They used chainsaws to pay wages at a construction site or factory.
2. We bought a stolen shipment cheaply.
3. It was already purchased, but friends or mother-in-law gave me five more pieces.
4. You need to drink or urgently need money.
5. 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 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.

Characteristics of the original modification

Chainsaw STIHL MS660: how to distinguish a fake? Many consumers ask this question. In fact, the tool in question is a powerful unit that is extremely resistant to significant loads.

You can fully check the saw during harvesting manipulations with thick and durable wood. The tool is designed for professional use under extreme loads. Ideal for working in dense forests for efficient processing and harvesting of thick-barked and hard wood.

Technical characteristics of a licensed chainsaw:

• There is an anti-vibration unit.
• The chain tension is of the side type.
• There is a compensator and a check valve for decompression.
• The controller is a one-handed option.
• Pre-heating of the carburetor is provided.
• The oil pump is of an adjustable type.
• Ematic chain lubrication system, unique fuel tank cap.
• Special rubberized ElastoStart handle.

Main characteristics of the original Shtil model

The technical characteristics of the STIHL MS 660 can be assessed using the following data:

Technical characteristics of Stihl MS-660

Other characteristics of the Stihl chainsaw

This model of Stihl chainsaw has a number of advantages that ensure simplicity and ease of use.

Gas engine . The chainsaw runs on liquid fuel, ensuring independence from the power source.

Decompression valve. The decompression valve ensures the free release of part of the compressed mixture from the cylinder when the engine starts. This feature helps reduce the force on the starting cable when starting the engine, prolonging the performance of the starting system.

Device Stihl MS-660

Compensator. This element was developed by Shtil and is designed to adjust the carburetor. With its help, it is possible to ensure stable engine power, reduce fuel consumption and extend the service life of the air filter.

Possibility of regulating the supply of saw chain lubrication . The Stihl 660 chainsaw can be equipped with tires of different lengths and equipped with various variations of saw chains. Therefore, during operation it is necessary to regulate the supply of lubricant, which will reduce its consumption.

One lever control . All functions, including turning the engine on and off, as well as warm and cold starts, are provided by pressing one lever.

Starting handle with shock-absorbing element . This feature allows you to reduce kickback that occurs during engine starting.

Security

Operator safety is ensured by certain design features of the chainsaw.

Appearance of Stihl MS-660

Anti-vibration system. It is no secret that during the process of sawing wood, most models of chainsaws emit strong vibration. It causes hand fatigue, and subsequently circulatory problems. This model is professional, and therefore the manufacturer has equipped it with an anti-vibration system, which significantly reduces the intensity of vibration.

Inertial chain brake. This structural element ensures safety during work. The brake is activated when there is heavy kickback or when the front hand guard is pressed.

Lateral chain tension . This is another design feature that increases the safety of the equipment. The chain tension is adjusted through a screw located on the side and protected by the chain sprocket cover. This arrangement eliminates the possibility of the worker’s hands coming into contact with the sharp chain and gear stop.

Other characteristics

If you want to know how to distinguish a fake STIHL chainsaw, you should familiarize yourself with the typical characteristics of the MC-660 model. The following are the features of a German-made tool:

• Classification group – high-power chainsaw for professional activities.
• The effective volume of the power plant (cubic cm) is 91.6.
• Power indicator (kW) – 5.2.
• Motor power (hp) – 7.1.
• Weight (kg) – 7.3.
• The ratio of mass and power of the unit (kg/kW) is 1.4.
• Operating chain type: Oilomatic Rapid Micro at 3/8 pitch.
• Tire size (mm) – 500.

If you decide to purchase a STIHL MS 660, how to distinguish a fake, the price of which is sometimes comparable to the original? Firstly, this is a heavy instrument in every sense, weighing more than 7 kilograms and with a power of over seven horsepower. The saw can be used in industrial workshops, with continuous operation over a long period.

This unit costs at least 45 thousand rubles in retail sales. The fake copy has similar dimensions and weight, but the power rating is half as much, and the duration of continuous operation is significantly lower, plus the insufficient strength of the body and working parts.

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.

STIHL MS-660: how to distinguish a fake from the original?

On the territory of the Russian Federation, the right to sell official Shtil products is granted exclusively to legitimate dealers. It follows from this that it is impossible to buy an original saw in spontaneous markets and from dubious private traders. Official representatives have a certificate made in gray color, which must be provided upon the first request of the buyer.

The instrument has a sticker with a serial number, which is duplicated on the plastic case under the muffler. In addition, this index is indicated on the packaging box. All three numbers must match.

The tire has one large hole. Fakes often have an additional small socket, supposedly intended for lubrication. However, this is a deception - the manufacturers of the original modification provided a lubrication unit with a reserve of oil, which is quite enough for the entire period of use.

In addition, the standard chain has the letter S on each link, unlike counterfeit copies. The original model uses a minimum of stickers (there are ones on the handle where safety rules are written). The main STIHL logo cannot be glued on.

Interesting Facts

The distinctive features of a fake and an original “Shtil” saw mentioned above will allow you to choose the right tool without overpaying for a “left” copy. However, there is one more subjective aspect by which you can additionally make sure that you are purchasing an original made in Germany.

This factor is connected with the fact that German manufacturers use a unique marketing policy. For example, if a product is sold at a fixed price in a city or country, its price should be identical in other places where the original products of this brand are sold. The same applies to promotional offers and discounts that apply to a specific model, regardless of where it is sold (at official dealers).

The original STIHL MS chainsaw, and how to distinguish it - a couple more replicas

There is a wide selection of tools on the market to help the owner. Among the offers, the popular brand of chainsaw is STIHL MS 660. How to distinguish a fake is discussed above, but whether it is worth buying should be discussed separately.

The only advantage of a counterfeit chainsaw with a sticker from a well-known brand is the lower price compared to the original. Otherwise, the fake is inferior in strength, power and other technical characteristics.

On the other hand, a low-quality budget instrument, emblazoned with the logo of a popular brand, will cost an order of magnitude more than similar models from little-known manufacturers. At the same time, their service life and characteristics will be almost the same, so when choosing, you should take into account the specific needs and expected volume of use of the tool.

Which chainsaw is better: STIHL or Husqvarna

Popular models of chainsaws STIHL or Husqvarna are often compared. The STIHL 180's competitor is the Husqvarna 135.

• Both saws are the same in power (1.5 kW).
• The Husqvarna has a cylinder volume of 40.9 cm3. The STIHL has a cylinder volume of 31.8 cm3. This difference indicates the higher fuel consumption of the Husqvarna.
• The STIHL 180 is half a kilogram lighter.
• The Husqvarna filter can be quickly removed for cleaning and reused, which is not the case with STIHL.

Consumer demand in Russia confirms that STIHL models have proven themselves better, despite their slightly higher cost.

Sources:

https://tsm-co.ru/raznoe-2/STIHL-ms-660-benzopila-STIHL-ms-660-kak-otlichit-poddelku-xarakteristiki.html https://xnjtbhmmsif7ap1c.xnp1ai/news/kak-otlichit -original-tekhniki-shtil-ot-poddelki/ https://originalpoddelka.ru/tehnika/benzopila-STIHL/

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 660 ms saw.

Areas of application for Shtil chainsaws

Chainsaw Shtil model MC 660 is a very heavy and expensive tool. Already these two parameters make it clear that it is not intended to satisfy household needs (trimming trees, collecting firewood, etc.).

Chainsaw Stihl MS-660 in action

This technique has a very specific purpose associated with bucking the trunks of large trees, felling timber, and working on mobile sawmills.

The STIHL MS 660 chainsaw has a significant weight, exceeding 7 kg, and a power of 7.1 hp. pp., make it almost impossible to use it for pruning branches in the garden or on construction sites.

In addition, this model comes without a cutting set. This feature provides the consumer with the opportunity to independently select the length of the bar and chain for specific needs.

Purpose and technical characteristics

Shtil MC 660 is a chainsaw for professionals. Its price immediately makes it clear that it 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 Calm 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 Shtil 661 is produced, but the chainsaw can still be purchased from an authorized dealer.

Comparison of German and Chinese Stihl chainsaws

First, consumers should know that Stihl has a factory in China. The company in Qingdao has been assembling branded Shtil chainsaws since 2006. The quality of these products is at a high level, since German specialists strictly ensure that their Chinese partners strictly adhere to technology at all stages of production.

However, an identical assembly is still not a complete guarantee that German and Chinese Shtil chainsaws do not differ in quality. The fact is that Chinese manufacturers use lower-quality components during assembly (this mainly concerns plastic parts), which is ultimately insignificant, but affects the durability and scope of equipment assembled in China.

At least, experts are confident that during operation, equipment from China can “please” its owner with problems in the form of:

• frequent failures of the sawing headset;
• regularly falling power;
• rapid loss of elasticity of the return spring in the starter;
• the formation of scoring in the cylinder;
• significant reduction in the service life of the bar and chain.

However, the buyer can easily figure out the Chinese version using several “signs”:

• the serial number on an instrument assembled in China starts with the number 8;
• the price of a chainsaw from China in Shtil brand stores is slightly lower than the original model with the same warranty period;
• Chinese manufacturers continue to produce models that have already been discontinued in Germany;
• individual parts on Chinese technology are made of cheap plastic, which can easily be deformed.

Technical features of Stil 660

The professional calm 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.

Chinese version

Chinese Calm 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.

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

Fake chainsaw

Why is it so appropriate to counterfeit the Stihl brand? The fact is that the color scheme of the saw and its completely standard dimensions and characteristics make it possible for Chinese “masters” to replace their cheap chainsaws with well-known brands. Very often, the Chinese saw “Shain Saw 5200” could become an inexpensive Stihl MS 660 with simple visual changes.

First of all, the original can be identified by its characteristics, because a heavy saw is really “heavy” and powerful, its weight is 7 kg and its power is 7 hp. If the weight and dimensions can be faked in simple ways, then the power, unfortunately, will be half as much. Therefore, the two versions of Shtil 660 will have different purposes:

• Original - used on sawmills, works with various woods and can be used continuously for several hours;
• Fake - low power and average quality makes it possible to use the saw for domestic purposes, equating it to amateur models.

Due to the low cost of the fake, this is an excellent choice for those who want to work with a chainsaw in domestic conditions; it can easily cope with branches, preparing firewood and other household tasks. If handled correctly, Shtil 660 will serve for a long time without breakdowns. The low price will allow you to use the fake for various purposes; use standard fuel for chainsaws as fuel. But be extremely careful, especially greedy sellers can make a strong markup on a cheap saw, equating it to a real original.

Original China

Also on sale are the Shtil MS 660 models, which are considered original, but are manufactured in China using Chinese spare parts. Residents of the Middle Kingdom have been using this technology for a long time; in some cases, it happens that the Stihl brand assembles its saws in Germany, but from Chinese spare parts. Chinese parts and cheap labor are forcing more and more companies to relocate their production.

Main differences

Chinese chainsaws Shtil 660 are easy to distinguish; to do this, be guided by the following differences:

1. The original always provides a complete set of original instructions with all the information, including the manufacturer;
2. The fake has a less attractive body color, not so bright and rich;
3. The Shtil 660 chainsaw has a starter, or rather its housing, that is significantly different;
4. There are differences in the tank caps (for oil and fuel), on the German version the caps are designed to fit a combination screwdriver (included), the copy has convex, ugly caps;
5. The original always has a serial number located in the housing area immediately below the muffler.

Any original Stihl chainsaw is confident in its quality, therefore it is sold with a warranty card.

The main disadvantages of the Chinese chainsaw

Unfortunately, low cost plays a role; the saw can work for several months, or it can completely fail in the first days. It all depends on the integrity and hands of the Chinese who make the fakes. But we have highlighted the main disadvantages of the Chinese chainsaw Stihl 660:

• weak unreliable clutch mechanism;
• poor quality return spring on the starter;
• cheap air filter housing, made of cheap plastic; very bad tire, it is recommended to change it immediately after purchase.

Exploitation of a fake

If for some reason you become the owner of a Chinese Calm 660, then you should not throw it away right 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.

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.

Conclusion

Shtil 660 is a very powerful saw that is designed to work in difficult conditions. The original chainsaw is quite expensive. The Chinese analogue is much cheaper, but its characteristics and quality are much lower. If you do become the owner of a fake, then you shouldn’t throw it away right away, because it can also be useful, for example, for preparing firewood for a barbecue or cleaning the perimeter of a dacha.

We invite you to watch a video about a Chinese counterfeit purchased for several thousand rubles. This is a real example of the lengths to which sellers of illegal products go to ensure that you become the owner of a low-quality chainsaw.

Carburetor adjustment

The power of the power unit and its efficiency directly depend on the correct settings of the fuel system.

• The carburetor adjustment performed by factory specialists needs correction only when the octane number of gasoline changes, the transition to winter or summer operating modes, or a significant deviation of the engine from standard power characteristics.
• The work is carried out after cleaning the air cleaner with the engine running. By rotating the quantity and quality screws, the engine is brought to a mode of fast acceleration and stable idle speed.
• If the adjustment does not give positive results, the problem is solved by flushing the carburetor and purging the jets, refueling the system with fresh, high-quality fuel.

The reason for the decrease in real power and performance may be wear of the piston group, which manifests itself in the second half of the overhaul life.

The list of replacement equipment includes a 20-inch steel tire and a chain with a tensioner. The design of the catcher prevents the sawyer from getting injured when the chain breaks or comes off the tire.

The safety of highly complex sawing operations is ensured by the effective operation of the emergency brake, which stops the chain in the event of unusual torques.

During operation, the chain is subjected to heavy loads, which, combined with overheating, negatively affect its durability. To lubricate the chain, we take advantage of the automatic supply of oil supplied to the pump from the internal oil tank.

Feed capacity in the range from 4 to 8 cm3 is set by engine speed. In idle mode, the lubricant supply is blocked.