New member with question regarding an MS661

[Marc the Architect]

Hello from New Jersey. I have been following the site for some time now and I am new to the milling.. I currently have a Stihl ms180, a ms361, and a 011t (that is a basket case), all of which are great saws but obviously not a mill saw. I also have a Granberg Alaskan mill that I plan on trying out soon. I am looking at a Stihl Ms661 for milling some 28-30" white oak with a 32 or 36" bar. I will probably add an auxilary oiler to the bar as well.
Now regarding the 661... I had a new NON M tronic MS 661 lined up but the shop got robbed the night before I was supposed to pick it up.. So, now I am in search of the same saw but as you know it is impossible to find.. However, a few shops have the 661 CM (mtronic) and I am considering buying one.. Should I be concerned about the Mtronic when milling? I know that it is customary to richen up the carb when milling, however, the Mtronic does not allow this.. I did some research on the site regarding this issue but could not find that much specifically addressing this concern.. Maybe because it is not a concern? I do not know? Should I wait for a non Mtronic unit to show up or go for the Mtronic? As you know, Stihl has a back order on the large saws like the 661.. Am I lucky to even find a 661 in any configuration. Also, I am not in a hurry and could wait a couple of months if needed.
Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[r3dpuma]

non mtronic ms 661

 

[Lee192233]

Post in thread 'New in the box ms660' https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/new-in-the-box-ms660.351351/post-7512039

 

[Lee192233]

There's a NIB MS660 for sale on here. I believe he's from the east coast.

 

[unclemoustache]

I have the 661 with the Mtronics.
used it for milling and noticed no issues.
got a Woodmizer mill now.
But you definitely need the aux oiler.

 

[J D]

I'd be hesitant to go m-tronic.
Also of note, you loose about 6" of bar length to the mill so would need the 36" bar for a 30" log.
Check out the csmilling101 thread if you haven't already seen it.
Happy milling

 

[JPCalifornia]

I would definitely go with the non M-tonic version, or pass on the 661cm. The M-tonic version runs on the lean side, which is obviously a bad combination with the saw stress of a milling application. If you can’t find a non M-tonic 661, consider a Husqvarna 395. I know where a dealer has a brand new Husqvarna 395 just waiting to be purchased... Buck’s Saw Service in Novato, CA