Yikes. My first post on this thread, I was dubious that could happen, in that the saw would still turn the chain over. I was wrong. My 394 and 3120 won't move the chain at all when the brake is on.
Same goes for my Sachs-Dolmar 105 & 108, and my Dolmar PS-6400 & PS-7900!
Chain brake engages, chain stops moving almost instantly, engine bogs down terribly impossible not to notice!
It seems as if Stihl didn't do proper testing and ended up manufacturing saws that will:
- allow the chain to move even when the chain brake is engaged (insufficient chain brake pressure)
- allow too much clutch slip (weak clutch, too lightly designed clutch weights, too much gap between clutch drum and clutch weights)
- allow the plastic case to melt when exposed to excessive heat (it's an internal combustion engine driven tool featuring a friction clutch, it must be able to withstand a fair amount of heat and then some)
I generally have nothing against Stihl nor any other saw brands, it is just disappointing to read things like this considering that a generic Chinese supermarket saw will do as well or better at a fraction of the price tag, while one still gets a 3 Year warranty.
FYI:
I stopped reading through this thread after the third page (couldn't read any further).
I don't mean to stir the pot nor step on anybody's toes.