Neotech Clone Saw thoughts after 6 cords

[Wisco Shepherd]

I was in a tight spot money wise and ended up buying a Neotech NCS6200 this spring to get this years and next years wood going. Here are some quick thoughts 6 cords in.
Things I liked
-Cost was $195 bucks to my door and the "kit" included a bar guard and some modest safety equipment and a nice little gas tank
-Initial tune on the carb has been good been running well without tuning but may take it to a friend who can really dial things in
-Chain has held up well and seems to be decent quality (not oregon but fine for what it its)
-Reasonably comfortable to use as its not terribly heavy and is not excessive in terms of vibrations
-Neotech actually paid Husqvarna to use their patents and this makes me feel better about using a clone
Things that I haven't liked
-Knot on the pull cord handle was tied poorly and pulled through the handle, remedied with another knot
-25/1 fuel ratio seems excessive so I did 25/1 for the first 3 tanks of fuel and have done 40/1 ever since
-Bar oiler seems a bit overactive and can puddle if not stored right
-Had one vapor lock when running flat out on a big pile of logs after about 2 hours on a hot day

All in all this saw has been solid for a year and really got me out of a tight spot. I try to keep my chain sharp and always drain my gas and run the carb dry when not using and utilize good fuel with a splash of sea foam. As all things go time will be the true test and I'll update if I have issues.

 

[EbS-P]

Glad it’s working out well. I really like my clone. 60cc is a nice size.

 

[brenndatomu]

Neotech actually paid Husqvarna to use their patents and this makes me feel better about using a clone

Is that a fact? Interesting...

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Is that a fact? Interesting...

It's what I've heard, but you hear a lot of things. Take it with a big grain of salt.

 

[walhondingnashua]

I was just researching these the other day. Reviews are not bad for what they are. I have been interested in getting one for milling purposes exclusively. Happy to see another positive review.

 

[EbS-P]

I was just researching these the other day. Reviews are not bad for what they are. I have been interested in getting one for milling purposes exclusively. Happy to see another positive review.

My famertec g660 has been great. Neo tech had a really good deal on a 50” double ended milling bar with chain

 

[bikedennis]

My $100 ebay Chinese top handle has been an outstanding saw. Many brands but same saw.

 

[r0ttie1]

Try the Proyama PCS68. A little more money but comes with 2 bars and chains. I have both the Neotec and the Proyama and the Proyama wins hands down.

 

[r0ttie1]

I was in a tight spot money wise and ended up buying a Neotech NCS6200 this spring to get this years and next years wood going. Here are some quick thoughts 6 cords in.
Things I liked
-Cost was $195 bucks to my door and the "kit" included a bar guard and some modest safety equipment and a nice little gas tank
-Initial tune on the carb has been good been running well without tuning but may take it to a friend who can really dial things in
-Chain has held up well and seems to be decent quality (not oregon but fine for what it its)
-Reasonably comfortable to use as its not terribly heavy and is not excessive in terms of vibrations
-Neotech actually paid Husqvarna to use their patents and this makes me feel better about using a clone
Things that I haven't liked
-Knot on the pull cord handle was tied poorly and pulled through the handle, remedied with another knot
-25/1 fuel ratio seems excessive so I did 25/1 for the first 3 tanks of fuel and have done 40/1 ever since
-Bar oiler seems a bit overactive and can puddle if not stored right
-Had one vapor lock when running flat out on a big pile of logs after about 2 hours on a hot day

All in all this saw has been solid for a year and really got me out of a tight spot. I try to keep my chain sharp and always drain my gas and run the carb dry when not using and utilize good fuel with a splash of sea foam. As all things go time will be the true test and I'll update if I have issues.
View attachment 328517

I'm glad to hear yours is holding up. Mine developed a severe oil leak while still under warranty. After sending NeoTec two videos of the leak and pictures, their response has been to ignore me. Be warned that NeoTec won't honor warranties.

 

[salecker]

I'm glad to hear yours is holding up. Mine developed a severe oil leak while still under warranty. After sending NeoTec two videos of the leak and pictures, their response has been to ignore me. Be warned that NeoTec won't honor warranties.

They come from china and that surprises anyone ???

 

[Highbeam]

They come from china and that surprises anyone ???

Agreed. It works out of the box but if it breaks later then you get to learn how to fix it.

 

[qwee]

I got a newish Echo 590 this morning for $200. It came with 2 new bars (20" & 24") and 4 new chains. And PPE - new chaps and hard hat (with earmuffs and shield). Anything else? Yes, a sharpening kit, 2 scabbards, and a case. And a little 2-stroke oil. I asked if he cut with the saw (it looked new). He said twice briefly. I looked at the chain on the saw - it looked new.

The guessed prices of items. Echo hard hat ($50), chaps ($70), 4 chains ($90), 2 bars ($100), the chainsaw ($400) + the rest ($30). This saw will go 5 years without much trouble (I know). He just wanted to get rid of it all. I like the Echo chains. I'm glad I listened when a small engine mechanic said, "...buy an Echo 590, you won't be disappointed......" He was right - very good enough firewood saw.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

They come from china and that surprises anyone ???

I'm glad to hear yours is holding up. Mine developed a severe oil leak while still under warranty. After sending NeoTec two videos of the leak and pictures, their response has been to ignore me. Be warned that NeoTec won't honor warranties.

This was definitely an understood risk when buying it. I don't mind working on stuff myself and only process about 3 cords a year. If someone was looking for support and warranty I would encourage them to spend the extra money and buy from a good local shop.

If money was no object I'd have a Stihl and may still buy one some day.

 

[salecker]

Pay up front for good tools!
Or buy substandard, work on them to keep kinda producing for you
Left with worthless junk in the end and start over
Not to mention your money going to the enemy

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Pay up front for good tools!
Or buy substandard, work on them to keep kinda producing for you
Left with worthless junk in the end and start over
Not to mention your money going to the enemy

If folks have the money I would always recommend getting good tools. This is an option for those in a pinch.
I'm glad you are fortunate enough to not own anything made in China.

 

[Highbeam]

Pay up front for good tools!
Or buy substandard, work on them to keep kinda producing for you
Left with worthless junk in the end and start over
Not to mention your money going to the enemy

Yeah, but Stihls are made in china aren't they? Right along side john deere tractors?

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Yeah, but Stihls are made in china aren't they? Right along side john deere tractors?

Yup, folks draw the line wherever they see fit not worth fighting over. I buy as local as possible (local lumber yard, farms, feed store, small businesses) but my purchase of a Chinese saw may not survive the inquisition.

 

[stoveliker]

Yeah, but Stihls are made in china aren't they? Right along side john deere tractors?

I thought not.

https://www.stihlusa.com/about-stihl/

Not sure how much to trust a mfg's own website, but lying there is good cause for damaging online ruckus, so I am presuming that what is written there is correct.

Even then, the economies are so connected that buying stuff that's made in your country doesn't mean other countries did not share in the profit by providing parts or materials.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

I thought not.

A majority, sort of like firewood sellers calling wood "seasoned".

 

[Highbeam]

Didn't take much time on google to read about stihl's china factories.

STIHL has multiple production and sales sites in China, including:

• Qingdao: The second-largest production site in the STIHL Group, located in the Qingdao Export Processing Zone. This site manufactures chainsaws, brush cutters, and hedge trimmers for export to markets in Europe and North America. Qingdao also produces the STIHL HS 52 hedge trimmer exclusively for the Asian market.
  
  
  
• Taicang: A sales subsidiary located in Taicang

 

[stoveliker]

I guess that debate would have to devolve into what "majority" means - and I'm not going into that

 

[salecker]

There are lots of options to spending that don't involve sending your money to china...
Just depends on your own values what you do.
Personally i explore all options prior to opening my wallet.
I do have a clone saw i won in a raffle 5 years ago.It is still in the box it was shipped in. There is a good chance it will never be unpacked as i have enough made in Germany and USA saws to last me till i turn 100.
Very little of my hard earned money ever gets to china, it takes a bit of personal pride and work to accomplish that. But it is definitely worth it

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

There are lots of options to spending that don't involve sending your money to china...
Just depends on your own values what you do.
Personally i explore all options prior to opening my wallet.
I do have a clone saw i won in a raffle 5 years ago.It is still in the box it was shipped in. There is a good chance it will never be unpacked as i have enough made in Germany and USA saws to last me till i turn 100.
Very little of my hard earned money ever gets to china, it takes a bit of personal pride and work to accomplish that. But it is definitely worth it

Would you like this engraved prior to mailing? Stihl has factories in China..................