At first glance, the title “FARMERTEC 660 vs. FARMERTEC 660” might seem like a contradiction. After all, how can you compare a chainsaw with itself? But dig a little deeper into the world of aftermarket chainsaws and you’ll quickly discover that not all FARMERTEC 660 models are created equal. The Farmertec brand, known for manufacturing aftermarket versions of popular chainsaws (especially models similar to the Stihl MS660), has released various configurations and component bundles of its 660 model over the years. This article explores these variations, their build quality differences, common assembly methods, and how different users have experienced the same model in different ways.
What is the FARMERTEC 660?
The FARMERTEC 660 is an aftermarket chainsaw produced by Farmertec Machinery, a Chinese manufacturer best known for the Holzfforma Blue Thunder series. The 660 is essentially a clone of the legendary Stihl MS660, a high-powered chainsaw often used for felling large trees and heavy-duty logging work. Farmertec offers these saws at a significantly lower price point, which makes them popular among DIY enthusiasts, small-scale forestry workers, and hobbyist chainsaw builders.
FARMERTEC’s 660 is available in multiple configurations: as a complete assembled chainsaw, a DIY kit, or as individual replacement parts.
DIY Kit vs. Assembled Model
One major comparison lies in how the FARMERTEC 660 is purchased.
1. FARMERTEC 660 DIY Kit
This version is favored by chainsaw hobbyists and mechanically inclined users. It comes as a box full of parts: crankcase, cylinder, carburetor, clutch assembly, bar studs, fuel lines, and more. Buyers must assemble the saw themselves — including tasks like pressing in crank bearings, aligning seals, and adjusting carburetor linkages.
Pros of the DIY Kit:
- Lower price.
- Complete control over the assembly process (you can choose to upgrade weak components).
- A fun and educational experience for those interested in small engine mechanics.
Cons:
- Requires mechanical knowledge.
- Assembly errors can lead to premature failure.
- Voids any possibility of warranty if issues arise from improper assembly.
2. FARMERTEC 660 Fully Assembled
This version is ready to run straight out of the box (after adding fuel and oil). It’s targeted at those who want a budget alternative to a Stihl MS660 without the hassle of building it from parts.
Pros:
- Saves time and effort.
- Tested and tuned at the factory (to some degree).
- Easier for general users.
Cons:
- Quality control can vary.
- Some units may arrive with loose bolts, misaligned parts, or poor carburetor tuning.
So in the “FARMERTEC 660 vs. FARMERTEC 660” debate, the first layer of the discussion lies in DIY vs. Pre-assembled.
Build Quality Differences Over Time
Farmertec has made several generational improvements to the 660. Older kits may have used lower-grade metals, weaker piston rings, and had issues with premature bearing failure. Recent versions often show better machining, stronger magnesium alloys, and improved gaskets and seals.
There are also differences in carburetor brands. Some 660 kits include Walbro-style carbs, while others may come with unbranded or lower-tier components. Depending on which FARMERTEC 660 you receive, your performance may vary — even though it’s technically the same model number.
Key Parts That Vary:
- Cylinder & piston kit: Some users report better performance from aftermarket Meteor or NWP kits compared to the stock FARMERTEC 660 top end.
- Carburetor: Models with genuine Walbro clones tend to idle and throttle more smoothly.
- Chain tensioner & clutch drum: Tolerances can vary between batches.
User Experience: One Model, Many Outcomes
On chainsaw forums and YouTube, users report wildly different experiences with the FARMERTEC 660. For some, it’s a budget beast that rivals pro-tier saws. For others, it’s a finicky machine that needed major tinkering before it would run properly.
Here are a few examples:
Example 1: Positive Experience
John from Michigan assembled his FARMERTEC 660 DIY kit over a weekend. He upgraded to a Meteor piston and used Loctite on all fasteners. Two years later, it’s still going strong, cutting firewood and felling large maples without issue.
Example 2: Frustrating Experience
Dan from Oregon bought the pre-assembled version. On the third use, the saw died mid-cut. A teardown revealed a failed main bearing and an air leak from a misaligned crank seal. He rebuilt it himself using higher-quality parts, but felt disappointed.
Example 3: Neutral Experience
Lena from Canada assembled her FARMERTEC 660 but struggled with tuning the carburetor. Once she upgraded to a genuine Walbro carb, the performance stabilized. She uses it occasionally on her farm and appreciates the learning process.
So while the label on the box may read “FARMERTEC 660” in all cases, the real-world experience can be vastly different depending on batch quality, component upgrades, and user expectations.
Performance Benchmarks
When properly assembled and tuned, the FARMERTEC 660 can deliver around 7 horsepower with a displacement of 91.6cc. With a 25” or 28” bar and a full chisel chain, it performs admirably in hardwoods.
Strengths:
- Excellent torque for big cuts.
- Affordable for its size class.
- Wide availability of replacement parts.
Weaknesses:
- Heavier than modern pro saws.
- Vibration control is not on par with Stihl/MS models.
- Reliability depends heavily on assembly quality and tuning.
Who Should Buy Which Version?
If you’re a beginner or casual user, it’s best to buy the fully assembled FARMERTEC 660 — but expect to inspect it before use and potentially fine-tune or upgrade a few parts.
If you enjoy hands-on projects and have mechanical know-how, the DIY kit allows you to build a better-than-stock version by selecting premium parts where it matters (e.g., piston, crank bearings, carb).
Final Thoughts
The “FARMERTEC 660 vs. FARMERTEC 660” debate is less about comparing two different chainsaws and more about understanding the variability and flexibility of one model. It reminds us that the same tool can have many faces, depending on how it’s built, who uses it, and what expectations they bring.
So whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a powerful firewood saw or a gearhead chasing the perfect build, the FARMERTEC 660 has something to offer. Just know that not every “660” is truly the same — even when it says so on the box.
