Is this 281XP saw worth putting the 288 cylinder on or should I just upgrade to a newer saw? What kind of power difference is there between the 288XP with a mod muffler and a newer 395XP with a mod muffler? (saw currently runs well just want to shave some cutting time in big timber)
Husqvarna 281XP
- Thread starter SAWIT
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romeo
Addicted to ArboristSite
Go for it. I don't know how it will run against a 395 but I do know a 288 can cut.
SawTroll
Information Collector
If they weigh the same...... Stihl designers should go to ergonomic hell because the 288 feels about the same as a 460 in my hands and it will wail all over a 460 FWIW.
Fred
motosierra
ArboristSite Guru
The 288 is a kick-ass saw. And you wouldn't have $7-800 invested in it..
And you can rebuild it again...and again
And you can rebuild it again...and again
andrethegiant70
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 288 is a powerhouse..it is a bit heavy, but not really for a nearly 90cc saw. I use mine for milling.. boatloads of torque. In my mind, THE big benefit of having a 281 is that when the top end is shot, you can make it into a 288.
stihl 440
Addicted to ArboristSite
288xp
I've run 288's and 281's they do good. We have one at the mill an I was runnin' it in the log yard the other day, and it was throwing chips so hard they hurt(my file job of course), but it run pretty good. Bout like my modded 460.....my modded 385 will run rings around it...let alone..a 395 would blow it in the weeds. But they do good for their weight and size..... BTW....the 288xp at work aready has a DP muffler on it one port right behind each other....jungle muffler??:greenchainsaw:
I've run 288's and 281's they do good. We have one at the mill an I was runnin' it in the log yard the other day, and it was throwing chips so hard they hurt(my file job of course), but it run pretty good. Bout like my modded 460.....my modded 385 will run rings around it...let alone..a 395 would blow it in the weeds. But they do good for their weight and size..... BTW....the 288xp at work aready has a DP muffler on it one port right behind each other....jungle muffler??:greenchainsaw:
Just bought a 394, no replacement for displacement right!
I will be putting the 281 on ebay tommorrow.
I agree the 281 - 288 are great saws but time is money, cutting big timber in BC the faster the cut the better!
Oh and according to the manuals the 394 is only one pound heavier than the 281
I will be putting the 281 on ebay tommorrow.
I agree the 281 - 288 are great saws but time is money, cutting big timber in BC the faster the cut the better!
Oh and according to the manuals the 394 is only one pound heavier than the 281
SawTroll
Information Collector
I know that a lot of people hold the 288xp in high regard - even some Stihlheads do - like 04Ultra.......
I know that a lot of people hold the 288xp in high regard - even some Stihlheads do - like 04Ultra.......
I have three 288's and like them alot.......One doesnt count ...It has 2 piece head with pipe......
Troll the Troll 288XP is doing great yet........
SawTroll
Information Collector
I have three 288's and like them alot.......One doesnt count ...It has 2 piece head with pipe......
Troll the Troll 288XP is doing great yet........
That's cool, take good care of it!!! :rockn: :rockn:
