Jonsered 2171 vs. 2166

[SnoJetter]

These two saws popped up for sale; both look very clean, both claim to be low-hour saws, both are priced the same.  Seems the obvious choice would be to buy the bigger saw.  But I'm wondering if there's anything that would favor the 2166?  Or are these the same saw save for P&C?

[Tacotodd]

@Spike60  we need your help and verification please.

[barbender]

From what I know, the 2171 us the same as the non X-torq Husky 372, which is more sought after. The 2172 is the sister to the Husky 372 X-torq. However the 2166 is a strato or x-torq saw, and is actually 71cc (same jug as the 2172) with covers over the transfer ports.

[SnoJetter]

From what I know, the 2171 us the same as the non X-torq Husky 372, which is more sought after. The 2172 is the sister to the Husky 372 X-torq. However the 2166 is a strato or x-torq saw, and is actually 71cc (same jug as the 2172) with covers over the transfer ports.

Silly me, thinking the 2166 was a smaller displacement. Who named that saw anyway??  ;D

[Spike60]

2171 is the better of the 2.

Barbender is correct about the 2172 being the companion to the 372XT. The 2166 is the companion to the 365XT, also 71cc. They went with 2166 because 2165 had already been used for the 48mm/65cc saw that was the counterpart to the original 365 Special non XT.   

Some of these saws fly so far under the radar! The best kept secret right now is the 565, which also at 71cc, is similarly related to the 572XP. Same as the the 555 is to the 562. It's so unknown that it's the only one of the four 71cc saws in the Husky lineup that they have in stock. 365/372/572 are all empty, but there's 30 565's sitting in the warehouse because even the dealers don't pay attention to it.

Most people aren't aware that the 545/555/565 are the same displacement as the 550/562/572. Yeah, who DID name all these saws? We gotta have a talk with that guy.

[SnoJetter]

I'm curious, what makes you say the 2171 is "better?"

The price for the each saw is $650 and I don't know if that's good or not; it doesn't seem out of line. But what I do know is I rarely see them for sale, so supply & demand comes into play.  I have talked to the 2171 seller and he's firm on his price; the 2166 is a recent ad and maybe that seller will haggle.

I should mention the 2171 is a "W" model, which I guess indicates it has heated handles? I mean, it does have heated handles, just not sure if the "W" indicates something more. Anyway, I've cut plenty of times in sub-zero temps and it's never cold hands that have forced me to quit. So that feature doesn't really appeal to me, and the seller has stated he's sold standard 2171's in the past for $50-$75 less. If given the option I'd save the money; but again, this is the only one currently for sale that I see. And it looks very clean not showing the typical scuff and paint wear marks of a high milage saw.

One more thing, there is a Redmax dealer not too far away who still has a GZ7100 in stock with a 20" bar for $880 or something close to that. My understanding is this is the same saw - or at least very similar to - the 2172? Would that deal push you towards the Redmax, or pocket the extra $230 and focus on the used saw?

[barbender]

The only way I'd pay that much for the 2171 is if it was basically brand new, and I really really wanted a classic non XT 2171. Don't get me wrong, they are a great saw and very in demand, but $650 is high. I think $450 is more what I see around here. But if it's what you really want, it's not crazy either. Personally I'd just go buy a new 562 for another $100🤷🏽‍♂️ and yes I have both saws.

[Spike60]

$650 is nuts for either saw. They'd both have to be really mint and hardly used to get that much money. 

[SnoJetter]

The perspective is interesting.  Jonny's so rarely come up for sale in my area that the price for a more sought after saw (at least for me) didn't sound terrible.  Not great, but not out of line.  I have found great deals when just browsing and coming across an ad at the tight time.  But in this case, I am shopping and my choices are limited.

I'm not anti-Husky by any means, I just want the red saw.  Until I run out of parts for my 535's and can't keep my other 2100's running I'll stick to using the classics and avoid buying new (unless that Redmax at the dealer goes on clearance...then I might have to rethink my plans).

Thanks guys!

[sawguy21]

$650 is nuts for either saw. They'd both have to be really mint and hardly used to get that much money.

I see that all the time on cl and the local buy and sell. The seller either figures chainsaw users are stupid or wants the trip from seeing his pride and joy in print. $450 CDN would be my limit for any used saw and I would really need to have it which I don't.

[barbender]

I will always have a tough time paying more than half of new for a used saw, in good condition. I think I payed about $700 for my 2171. Like I said, I have a 2171 (that has a big bore kit in it, long story- but it has some serious grunt) and a new 562. I haven't used the 2171 since I got the 562🤷🏽‍♂️

[Tacotodd]

Maybe the W stands for full wrap handle. I don't know, I'm just guessing.

[Spike60]

W or WH does stand for heated handles in Jonny speak. When Tilton was selling them they always referred to them as "deluxe" models, even though that never appeared anywhere on the saw. There are 2 different systems; one with a two position switch and one with a single position switch. The 2 position allowed the operator to turn on either the handles or the carb heater. The single position had a thermostat on the carb heater to prevent it from getting too warm. 

Even if it doesn't appeal to the buyer, the W model should be more expensive than a standard one. 

[Woodfarmer]

I would gladly pay $500 for the 2171W. I bought a new 565 and it didn't compare to my 2165/2171's sold it. I've run used 562 and 2166. Sent them both down the road too. No comparison to the aforementioned Jreds.
The xtorq saws a slightly heavier and don't have the same power IMO.

[SnoJetter]

I haven't used the 2171 since I got the 562🤷🏽‍♂️

Barbender - I'll make you a deal: since you don't use that 2171 anymore, I'll put it good use...and pay you half of what you paid for it  ;D

In all seriousness, do you see many J-reds come up for sale in your area?  If your signature is accurate, you're only about a 3-hour drive north of me.  If you ever come across something like this for sale (would also love to get a 2159), a road trip would be in order!  Unless I'm not looking in the right places, I don't see much for red saws in the whole state of MN.  Wisconsin is another story, they seem to be more plentiful that direction.

[barbender]

I see a few now and then. There is a guy local to me that rebuilds and goes through saws and sells them. Pretty much just Huskys and Jreds. There's quite a few Red saws up here, one of the local Fleet store chains was a big dealer for a long time, and sold a lot of Jonsereds over the years. That's where many came from. They sell Husky and Stihl now.

[SnoJetter]

Update: the 2171W is still for sale @$650.  The 2166 has come down to $550.  Does that change anyone's impression?

A nice-looking 2165 just popped up quite a ways down the road for $300.  Anyone going to tell me to take a roadtrip and grab two saws?

[barbender]

No. But that 2165 merits a good look, if it's in good shape snap it up.

[SnoJetter]

I appreciate the comments. I gotta hope it's still around when I make a trip that direction.

[Woodfarmer]

I didn't buy into the auto tune saws, I find the new husky's are too heavy for what the are. I run the ported 2165/71's and a 2005 2159 EHP ported for me when new.
The only new saw I'm impressed with is the 500i.

[SnoJetter]

I thought I'd post an update to this thread as I've been keeping my eyes open for a big bore saw: a 2166 popped up for sale at a Husky dealer a couple hour's drive away. It looked very promising in the pictures, and the dealer was very accommodating in answering my questions and providing extra photos. I decided to go for it. My dad just happened to be driving through that area on his way up for a visit and so I had him stop and haul the saw for me.

The story is it came in as a trade from a local who bought it new in 2014. It was used regularly...but after getting it home and looking it over, I wonder if "regularly" means one tree per year. I can't believe this saw has much time on it. For starters, the clutch cover still has the "Turbo" sticker on it and hardly a hint of paint wear. Most of my used saws don't have that sticker and there's always paint missing. Could it be a new cover? Maybe. The rest of the saw looks nearly as clean and unscathed. Only the bottom of the tank has some scratching and where the handle attaches underneath is missing black paint. No significant color fade either (red is bright and not much mismatch from one section to another, something that I see often on Jonny's). It's got a 24" Jonsered labeled Total bar. Again, very little scuffing; it basically looks like a new bar. Based on what the rest of the saw looks like, I imagine this is the original bar. It fires right up, idles nicely, revs as it should. All in all, it appears to be in better shape than what was advertised. I paid $450, which I thought was quite reasonable considering it came from a dealer. I'm looking forward to using it! I'll post some photos when I get a chance.

[Spike60]

That's an awful good update to the thread! Real nice find there, and $450 is a decent price as well. Sounds like a genuine low hours saw, but it's also nice to see that some folks actually still take care of things.  

In that regard, I scored a very nice 670V (heated grips), last Fall. Early twin coil saw in fantastic shape, and low hours considering it's age. Knew the guy and knew the saw. And Jim takes care of everything he owns.

[SnoJetter]

Yes, there's an extra sense of satisfaction when you find the saw you're looking for and then it turns out to be really clean and shiny.  I've got photos, so will try to upload them later today.  We've had a lot of snow this winter and that's kept me from getting out to the neighbor's woodlot where I cut.  But there are a couple of downed 20" ash trees that need to be processed so this saw will see some work.

Spike, I don't mind you posting a few photos of that 670 here.  Nobody ever said a thread had too many pictures!

[Spike60]

Never quite figured out the photo thing here. Posted some pics a few years back but they were deleted cause they weren't in my gallery? Never looked into it after that, maybe it's time for a look. 

[Old Greenhorn]

Never quite figured out the photo thing here. Posted some pics a few years back but they were deleted cause they weren't in my gallery? Never looked into it after that, maybe it's time for a look.

It's really easy after you figure it out. I can give you a hand next time I stop in the shop.

[Real1shepherd]

Never quite figured out the photo thing here. Posted some pics a few years back but they were deleted cause they weren't in my gallery? Never looked into it after that, maybe it's time for a look.

It's kinda weird....you post pics in your own gallery, give it a name and then when you wish to post here, it will ask you which gallery/file.
 
Kevin

[beenthere]

Kevin
There can be sub folders in your gallery. 

[beenthere]

Never quite figured out the photo thing here. Posted some pics a few years back but they were deleted cause they weren't in my gallery? Never looked into it after that, maybe it's time for a look.

Go to the home page, and near the bottom of the list you will find the primer on posting pics.
Put your pics in your gallery, and then link to them from within your post. Good, simple system but have to follow along in right order.

Updated Photo Posting Tutorial in Technical Support Topics

[Spike60]

Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

[SnoJetter]

Photos as promised:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kodiakmac]

Nice looking saw.  Looks well cared for.

[DHansen]

Wow, really nice! 

[Real1shepherd]

Red saw porn...... 8)

Kevin

[donbj]

That's a beauty of a saw. I came across my 2065 about a year and a half ago in much the same condition. There was practically no use on it. It's a 2000 model year.


 

 

[SnoJetter]

That 2065 is a beaut!

How many of these big saws were purchased by a guy who thought he needed the power or a long bar only to discover he didn't use it much at all?  And 10 or 20 years later, the second owner is the lucky guy who finds a shiny, low hour saw?  I know I don't have a lot of use for a saw of this size.  I'd say I average one tree per year that would justify this saw - some years more, some years none.  Hopefully that means the shine will remain for a long time!

I pulled out one of my 2159's to noodle a few elm rounds this weekend.  When I got that done, I had some small stuff (2" to 6") on my my sawbuck to cut down for the firewood piles.  I decided to just keep using the 2159 rather than go warm up one my 50cc limbers.  I was surprised how quickly my arms got tired when you don't have a large log to carry the weight of the saw!  Further proof why the 50cc size is my favorite; but I wouldn't want to rely on them for everything.

[SnoJetter]

Here's one of those rare trees I come across that justifies my purchase of the 2166.  This ash measures 20" across at the cut, about 24" at ground level.  The tree has been dying over the last several years and finally this summer the last of the crown lost it's leaves mid-summer.  Being close to the house, I knew it needed to come down on my terms, not on the whim of a random gust of wind.  I waited until winter being the top would be coming down into a marshy area and I wanted it frozen.  The tree was weighted away from the house, but it also was growing from a sidehill.  The angle of the hill was playing tricks with me: I was pretty sure it was leaning away from the house, but there was enough of a crook in the stem that maybe it could be be leaning towards the house.  To be sure, I did something I've never done before.  I grabbed my 4ft level and laid it up against the center of the stem where I could clearly see a slight lean away from the house.  I jabbed a wedge into the back cut just to be sure, but it was clear pretty quickly this tree was going the direction I wanted it to go.  It's nice to have a problem tree down and no longer threatening the house.

In the past, I would have done this job with an 18" bar and a Stihl 026 or the 20" on my 029 (but the 029 just felt underpowered with that large of a bar in thick wood).  Running small bore saws in large wood for so long, I'm used to the cuts taking a fair amount of time to complete.  I've now come to learn that being able to make each cut quickly is an asset with large trees.  For example, once the tree starts to move, being able to maneuver the angle of the back cut to direct the fall works much better when the wood is eaten away quickly.  Granted, that can work against you if you cut too much too quickly or take too much from the wrong side.  But it's better to have the ability to cut quickly and be able to back off than not be able to cut quickly enough.  With the 2166, from notch to fall was accomplished in just a couple of minutes where I'm sure it would have been 2 to 3 times as much time if I were using the smaller saw.  This is new territory for me working with this much power...and I'm loving it!

Anyway, here's a few pics from the day.  I'm pleased to report the tree is all solid except for a 4ft section about 30 feet up.  This will be warming the house in 3 or 4 years.  I've got 4 other ash this big and larger that are showing less and less foliage every year, so I'll be repeating this process again over the next several years.



 



 



 

[Spike60]

Cool that you brought this thread back up with some on the job pics. What saw are you going to break down the top with? 

Nice to have plenty of options even though it's hard to make the argument that a lot of different size saws are necessary. Truth is they really aren't necessary, and someone will no doubt say they'd do the whole tree with one saw. That's cool too. Just not as much fun. 

[barbender]

I don't really have much for toys like a side by side, muscle car, snowmobile, or speed boat. But when I have the slightest use for a different chainsaw, I go get one. Small, big, in between😁 They are my practical "motorhead" fix😊

[DHansen]

Excellent job dropping that right where you wanted it to go.  Some real nice fire wood there.  Ash burns nice.  Great looking saw and lots of fun.  It's nice when a chore can still be enjoyable and having the right tool make a big difference.  

[SnoJetter]

Cool that you brought this thread back up with some on the job pics. What saw are you going to break down the top with?

Nice to have plenty of options even though it's hard to make the argument that a lot of different size saws are necessary. Truth is they really aren't necessary, and someone will no doubt say they'd do the whole tree with one saw. That's cool too. Just not as much fun.  

I don't really have much for toys like a side by side, muscle car, snowmobile, or speed boat. But when I have the slightest use for a different chainsaw, I go get one. Small, big, in between😁 They are my practical "motorhead" fix😊

Guys - I'd have to agree.  More saws is completely unnecessary, but a nice luxury to have.  Rather than bring the oil and gas jugs to the cutting site, sometimes I'll bring two of the same size saw and run 'em both.  In that first picture where the tree fell, that area up to the clump of brush on the right side was not cleared until a couple weeks ago.  My property is infested with buckthorn (and poison ivy) and to get this ash tree down was a good excuse to start clearing a bunch of it (not the poison ivy).  For that job, I spent a few afternoons running the GZ5000 and one of my 2152's or the GZ5000 and one of my 535's.  Once the saws tanks were drained I was tired enough from trudging through the snow, dragging tangled tops all over and disposing of them it was time to quit.  It was a bigger job than it looked!
I can't imagine using the 2166 for cutting up the entire tree. Once I had this big stem bucked, I fired up the GZ5000 to finish the job.  I've been reaching for that saw quite often lately, primarily to run enough fuel through it for break in.  But I it's also quickly becoming one of my favorite saws to use.  This tree is all cut up now ready for splitting so plenty more work to do!

[SnoJetter]

Excellent job dropping that right where you wanted it to go.  Some real nice fire wood there.  Ash burns nice.  Great looking saw and lots of fun.  It's nice when a chore can still be enjoyable and having the right tool make a big difference.  

Thanks D.  Ash is my primary fuel type, probably 60% of what I burn.  Being it splits so nice and I can easily get 12 hour burns in the stove, I'd be ok if it was the only wood I ever had.  We had a couple spring storms blow through and it took down two oaks and another ash.  The ash I cleaned up already but the oaks will "require" the big saw again.  Bummer... ;D

[DHansen]

Sounds like more FUN!  

[Spike60]

Counting the number of tanks of fuel is a "measuring stick" I use myself now and then. When they're empty, I'm empty.