660 Stihl Chainsaw Price Guide (5 Expert Tips for Steep Timber)

Understanding the 660 Stihl Chainsaw Price Landscape

The price of a 660 Stihl chainsaw can vary significantly depending on several factors. New models are generally acquired through authorized Stihl dealers. Used models are available through online marketplaces, auctions, and local classifieds.

• New vs. Used: A brand-new MS 660 (if you can still find one, as it’s been superseded by newer models like the MS 661 C-M) would likely cost between $1,200 and $1,600 USD, depending on the bar length and any included accessories. Used models can range from $600 to $1,000 USD, depending on their condition.
• Dealer vs. Private Seller: Authorized Stihl dealers will typically offer a higher price but will also provide a warranty and service support. Private sellers may offer lower prices, but you’ll need to carefully inspect the saw’s condition.
• Location, Location, Location: Prices can fluctuate based on your geographical location. Areas with a high demand for logging equipment may see higher prices.
• Bar Length and Accessories: The length of the chainsaw bar significantly impacts the price. Longer bars are more expensive. Additional accessories like carrying cases, extra chains, and maintenance tools will also increase the overall cost.

Takeaway: Research current market prices by checking online marketplaces, contacting local Stihl dealers, and browsing classified ads. Factor in condition, warranty, and included accessories when comparing prices.

Condition Assessment: What to Look for in a Used 660 Stihl

Buying a used chainsaw can be a great way to save money, but it’s crucial to conduct a thorough inspection before making a purchase. I’ve learned this the hard way, buying saws that looked good but turned out to be lemons.

• Engine Compression: Check the engine compression by pulling the starter cord. It should feel firm and resist pulling. Low compression indicates potential engine problems.
• Chain and Bar: Inspect the chain for sharpness, damage, and proper tension. Examine the bar for wear, damage, and straightness. A worn or damaged chain or bar will need to be replaced.
• Fuel and Oil Leaks: Check for any fuel or oil leaks around the engine, fuel tank, and oil tank. Leaks can indicate damaged seals or hoses.
• Starting and Idling: Start the chainsaw and let it idle. It should start easily and idle smoothly without stalling.
• Throttle Response: Test the throttle response by quickly pressing and releasing the throttle trigger. The engine should respond quickly and smoothly.
• Safety Features: Verify that all safety features, such as the chain brake and throttle lock, are functioning correctly.
• Overall Condition: Assess the overall condition of the chainsaw. Look for signs of excessive wear, damage, or neglect.

Takeaway: A meticulous inspection is key. If possible, have a knowledgeable mechanic inspect the saw before buying.

5 Expert Tips for Steep Timber Felling with a 660 Stihl

Felling timber on steep slopes presents unique challenges. Safety is paramount. The Stihl 660, with its power and robust design, can be a valuable tool, but it requires skill and careful planning. I’ve spent years felling timber on challenging terrain, and here are five essential tips I’ve learned:

1. Plan Your Escape Route Meticulously

Before making a single cut, plan your escape route. This is not an exaggeration. I once saw a logger seriously injured because he didn’t have a clear escape path.

• Identify a Clear Path: Choose a path that is clear of obstacles such as rocks, logs, and brush.
• Angle Away from the Fall Line: Your escape route should be angled away from the direction the tree is expected to fall.
• Maintain Solid Footing: Ensure that your escape route provides solid footing to prevent slips and falls.
• Practice the Route: Walk the escape route several times to familiarize yourself with the terrain and identify any potential hazards.

Takeaway: A well-planned and practiced escape route is your lifeline. Always prioritize safety.

2. Master the Art of Wedging

Wedges are your best friends when felling on steep slopes. They help control the direction of the fall and prevent the tree from barber-chairing (splitting upwards). I always carry multiple wedges of different sizes.

• Plastic or Aluminum Wedges: Use plastic or aluminum wedges to avoid damaging your chainsaw chain.
• Multiple Wedges: Use two or three wedges to provide adequate lift and control.
• Hammer Firmly: Drive the wedges firmly into the back cut to lift the tree and direct its fall.
• Observe the Tree’s Movement: Pay close attention to the tree’s movement as you drive the wedges. Adjust the wedges as needed to maintain control.

Takeaway: Wedges are essential for controlling the fall of the tree, especially on steep slopes. Learn to use them effectively.

3. The Importance of Bore Cutting

Bore cutting is a technique where you plunge the tip of the chainsaw bar into the tree to create a hinge and control the direction of the fall. This is a more advanced technique, and I recommend practicing it on smaller trees before attempting it on larger timber.

• Precise Entry Point: Carefully select the entry point for the bore cut. It should be slightly above the desired hinge point.
• Controlled Plunge: Slowly and carefully plunge the tip of the chainsaw bar into the tree.
• Maintain a Hinge: Leave a hinge of sufficient width to guide the tree’s fall.
• Avoid Pinching: Be mindful of the potential for the bar to get pinched. Use wedges to keep the cut open.

Takeaway: Bore cutting allows for precise control over the direction of the fall. Practice and caution are essential.

4. Leverage Techniques for Large Timber

When dealing with large timber on steep slopes, leverage techniques can significantly reduce the physical strain.

• Felling Levers: Use a felling lever to help push the tree over. This reduces the amount of force you need to apply manually.
• Pulley Systems: For extremely large trees, consider using a pulley system to provide additional leverage.
• Strategic Wedging: Use wedges strategically to create leverage and help initiate the fall.
• Controlled Cuts: Make controlled cuts to gradually weaken the tree and allow it to fall in the desired direction.

Takeaway: Leverage techniques can make felling large timber on steep slopes safer and more efficient.

5. Prioritize Chainsaw Maintenance for Peak Performance

A well-maintained chainsaw is a safe and efficient chainsaw. I cannot stress this enough. Regular maintenance is especially crucial when working on steep slopes, where the demands on the equipment are higher.

• Sharpen the Chain Regularly: A sharp chain cuts more efficiently and reduces the risk of kickback.
• Clean the Air Filter: A clean air filter ensures proper airflow to the engine, improving performance.
• Check the Fuel and Oil Levels: Maintain proper fuel and oil levels to prevent engine damage.
• Inspect the Bar and Chain: Regularly inspect the bar and chain for wear and damage.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction and wear.

Takeaway: Regular chainsaw maintenance is essential for safety, performance, and longevity.

Choosing the Right Bar Length for Your 660 Stihl

The bar length you choose for your 660 Stihl chainsaw will depend on the size of the timber you’re felling.

• Consider the Diameter of Trees You’ll Be Felling: A good rule of thumb is to choose a bar length that is at least two inches longer than the diameter of the largest trees you expect to fell.
• Maneuverability: Longer bars provide more reach but can be more difficult to maneuver, especially on steep slopes.
• Power: Longer bars require more power from the chainsaw. Ensure that your 660 Stihl has sufficient power to handle the bar length you choose.
• Common Bar Lengths: Common bar lengths for the 660 Stihl range from 20 inches to 36 inches.

Takeaway: Select a bar length that is appropriate for the size of the timber you’ll be felling and the terrain you’ll be working on.

Chainsaw Safety Gear: Non-Negotiable

Safety gear is not optional. It’s essential for protecting yourself from injury. I always wear the following safety gear when operating a chainsaw:

• Chainsaw Chaps: Chainsaw chaps protect your legs from cuts.
• Helmet with Face Shield and Ear Protection: A helmet protects your head from falling debris, while a face shield protects your eyes and face from flying chips. Ear protection prevents hearing damage.
• Gloves: Gloves provide a better grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Steel-Toed Boots: Steel-toed boots protect your feet from falling logs and other hazards.

Takeaway: Always wear appropriate safety gear when operating a chainsaw. It could save your life.

Understanding Timber Grading and its Impact on Value

Timber grading is the process of evaluating the quality of harvested logs based on factors like size, species, and defects. Understanding timber grading is crucial for maximizing the value of your harvested timber.

• Species: Different tree species have different values. Hardwoods like oak and maple typically fetch higher prices than softwoods like pine and fir.
• Size: Larger logs generally have higher values than smaller logs.
• Defects: Defects such as knots, rot, and cracks can significantly reduce the value of a log.
• Grading Rules: Timber grading is typically governed by specific grading rules established by industry organizations.

Takeaway: Familiarize yourself with timber grading rules to maximize the value of your harvested timber.

Sawmill Operations: Turning Logs into Lumber

Sawmills are facilities that process logs into lumber. Understanding sawmill operations can help you prepare your logs for processing and maximize your yield.

• Log Handling: Sawmills typically use heavy equipment to handle logs.
• Debarking: The bark is removed from the logs before they are sawn.
• Sawing: Logs are sawn into lumber using various types of saws.
• Edging and Trimming: The edges of the lumber are trimmed to create uniform widths and lengths.
• Drying: The lumber is dried to reduce its moisture content and prevent warping.
• Grading: The lumber is graded based on its quality and appearance.

Takeaway: Understanding sawmill operations can help you prepare your logs for processing and maximize your lumber yield.

Wood Drying Techniques: Achieving Optimal Moisture Content

Properly drying wood is essential for preventing warping, cracking, and decay.

• Air Drying: Air drying is the most common method of drying wood. It involves stacking the wood outdoors and allowing it to dry naturally.
• Kiln Drying: Kiln drying is a faster and more controlled method of drying wood. It involves placing the wood in a kiln and using heat and ventilation to remove moisture.

Target Moisture Content: The target moisture content for wood depends on its intended use. For furniture and interior trim, a moisture content of 6-8% is typically desired. For exterior applications, a moisture content of 12-15% is acceptable.

Takeaway: Proper wood drying is essential for preventing warping, cracking, and decay.

Splitting Techniques: Preparing Firewood Efficiently

Splitting firewood can be a physically demanding task. However, using the right techniques and tools can make the job easier and safer.

• Manual Splitting: Manual splitting involves using an axe or maul to split logs.
• Hydraulic Log Splitters: Hydraulic log splitters use hydraulic power to split logs. They are much faster and easier to use than manual splitting tools.

Splitting Techniques:

• Choose the Right Tool: Select an axe or maul that is appropriate for the size of the logs you’ll be splitting.
• Position the Log Properly: Place the log on a solid surface, such as a chopping block.
• Swing with Control: Swing the axe or maul with control and aim for the center of the log.
• Use Wedges: Use wedges to split logs that are difficult to split with a single blow.

Takeaway: Use the right splitting techniques and tools to make firewood preparation safer and more efficient.

Firewood Storage: Preventing Rot and Decay

Proper firewood storage is essential for preventing rot and decay.

• Stack Firewood Off the Ground: Stack firewood on pallets or other supports to keep it off the ground.
• Cover Firewood: Cover firewood with a tarp or other waterproof material to protect it from rain and snow.
• Allow for Air Circulation: Stack firewood in a way that allows for air circulation to promote drying.
• Store Firewood Away from Buildings: Store firewood away from buildings to prevent insect infestations.

Takeaway: Proper firewood storage is essential for preventing rot and decay.

Actionable Metrics: Measuring Success in Wood Processing

To measure your success in wood processing and firewood preparation, track the following metrics:

• Processing Time: Track the time it takes you to fell, limb, and buck trees.
• Lumber Yield: Track the amount of lumber you obtain from each log.
• Moisture Content: Monitor the moisture content of your wood to ensure it is properly dried.
• Firewood Production: Track the amount of firewood you produce.
• Equipment Maintenance: Keep a schedule for maintaining your logging tools and machinery.

Takeaway: Tracking these metrics will help you identify areas for improvement and optimize your wood processing and firewood preparation processes.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Small-Scale Loggers Globally

Small-scale loggers around the world face a variety of challenges, including:

• Limited Access to Equipment: Small-scale loggers often have limited access to modern logging equipment.
• Lack of Training: Many small-scale loggers lack formal training in safe and efficient logging practices.
• Market Access: Small-scale loggers often struggle to access markets for their timber.
• Environmental Regulations: Small-scale loggers must comply with environmental regulations, which can be challenging.

Solutions:

• Government Support: Governments can provide financial assistance and training programs to support small-scale loggers.
• Cooperative Organizations: Small-scale loggers can form cooperative organizations to share resources and access markets.
• Sustainable Logging Practices: Small-scale loggers can adopt sustainable logging practices to protect the environment.

Takeaway: Addressing the challenges faced by small-scale loggers is essential for promoting sustainable forestry and economic development.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Timber Felling and Wood Processing

The Stihl MS 660 chainsaw is a powerful tool for tackling steep timber and demanding wood processing tasks. By understanding its price, condition, and maintenance, and by mastering essential felling techniques, you can unlock its full potential. Remember to prioritize safety, plan your work carefully, and continuously improve your skills. Whether you’re a seasoned logger or a weekend warrior, the knowledge and techniques shared in this guide will help you work more efficiently, safely, and sustainably. Now, get out there and put these tips into practice!

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