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Thoughts on Holzfforma saws

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by WeldrDave, Apr 16, 2026.

  1. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Thought about it Have too many trailers.. literally can go 1 mile down street and grab corded one:picard:

    It’s a tough life I lead (this is an appreciation not a complaint) I have a few really Good friends!

    Example I have access to 75 hp JD tractor with cab and forks. So my 55 Hp Kubota still has pinned bucket. Cause it’s easier to get JD then pay to SSQL
    put on mine..

    Good friends are life blessing!!

    plus if I bought it all where would we store it:hair:
     
  2. Highbeam

    Highbeam

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    I wonder if it's just that some operators suck or expect too much. Maybe even treat them badly or are quick to condemn because they are clones. I do expect that the finish and durability of an OEM saw is better so does that mean the clone is junk because it's not the same as OEM but still very good?

    I could never have justified the price of an OEM pro saw so I'm happy to have the option of a clone even if it isn't quite as great.
     
  3. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    Not really, if you watch some of the utube saw guys that mess with aftermarket parts, they will tell you to buy 10 carbs as 1 of the 10 is likely to be good. The cylinder plating stories go on for days.

    I’m not saying all aftermarket stuff is junk, I’ve had zero issues with the 162/66/266/268/272 aftermarket offerings, (gaskets, seals, fuel lines, ect) but they are not saws I have to stand behind like porters do, as they are mine and if I sell one I’ll disclose said aftermarket parts to the buyer.
     
  4. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

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    I have not had any trouble with plating. I know some say it is a common issue.

    To say one will outlast the other is speculation, and would require a large sample of both under exactly the same conditions over a long period of time. Same exact tune, fuel mix, bar oil, feed pressure, chain sharpness, air filter, etc… I would be willing to bet that the clones would do just fine.

    The biggest variable I see in clones is how they were assembled. If they are assembled carefully, they run great. If they were slapped together with little care, they won’t last long, but that goes for ANY saw. I have bought oem saws from a dealer/shop that were rebuilt with clear silicone on everything and the bolts loose.

    I have seen plenty of oem saws that didn’t last long. Most of the time it is a bad operator. They condemn the saw or brand and have a list of excuses why it broke down or blew up. Once I tear them down, it is evident that it was fuel/maintenance based failure. Straight gas, lack of oil, plugged air filter, messed up carb, dull chain, etc… A tough test to do.

    I hate this “made in china” chit, but sometimes it does what you need it to do. A lot of stuff is just junk, but a saw has to do certain things well just to run, so they tend to be better than most consumer garbage. I see there are clones on temu now for $100+. I wonder if they are the same ones.

    Buy what you want. Let others do the same.
     
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  5. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    I call BS you can say all you want about large sample sizes etc etc. I don’t need all that for me to know that in general a Toyota will outlast a Kia
    Yeah assembly is part but if they are clones without quality control..
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2026 at 6:58 AM
  6. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Knockoff saws/parts 100% have a much higher quality control problem than with OEM stuff. I seen it personally when I built mine (x2, I built one for a coworker too...they both had issues, but not the same issues)
     
  7. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    I read many threads on builds the list of parts to switch over to OEM tensioners, clips, worm gear etc
    Fleet command had some good one BUT everyone had a list of parts to buy OEM and they were different
     
  8. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    The fact that no professional loggers use them is all the sample size you need. I control zero of what others choose to purchase.
     
  9. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Except my professional loggers do. Granted most of cutting is done with a feller buncher.. kid in skidder is one who builds them. He on average looses 1 a year so it’s cheaper
     
  10. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    He wouldn’t if he was paying for them…
     
  11. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

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    I’ve seen a few pro loggers with em.
     
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  12. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    He does .. owns skidder He says quote
     
  13. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    Screwloose same guy with JD says Lyle there’s 5 Milwaukee 1/2 impact guns in Shop, don’t buy one come borrow it and leave in your garage!! So when workers take my last one which happens I can steal it back from you.. lol
     
  14. Duane(Pa)

    Duane(Pa)

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    Well… I’ve ruined plenty of my own stuffs so mebby, mebby knot…
     
  15. JRHAWK9

    JRHAWK9

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    One very respected porter and his take on Chinese junk and why he will not use them.

     
  16. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    Every porter, respected or not has come to the same conclusion on Chineseium plated cylinders.
     
  17. Highbeam

    Highbeam

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    Those are the kind of people that I think just don't like clones. That have a preconceived notion that they are all crap. That kind of advice is laughable and not helpful. Instead, maybe they should say to just buy a walbro carb if you have trouble with the clone. Though it seems even the walbros are made in china anyway.
     
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  18. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    I hear ya, but seriously no one is production felling with Timu saws, if they were, it’s all you’d hear about and the price would be the same as a German, Japanese or Swedish models…
     
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  19. Mrxlh

    Mrxlh

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    Nope, they want the chinesium crap to work to fix saws at a reasonable price, sadly the outcome is always similar.
     
  20. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

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    There are different levels of quality and different vendors from china. There is a chit grade and a better grade. Hard to find out which is what sometimes, but there is a difference.

    I know Scott Kunz. He lives not too far away. He doesn’t mess with china chit because his name is tied to his work. I would only use oem on a customer saw unless they requested aftermarket. Either way there is no warranty unless I screwed up. I have put oem and aftermarket cylinders in saws and have had zero complaints. I use good bearings, clips, and seals all the time.

    I have put a pile of hours on chinese cylinders with excellent results, but I only use the “better grade” not the junk stuff. I tried getting parts from HL supply in the past and have sworn them off after getting a box of junk parts and no refund. I will not do business with them again. They buy the cheapest stuff to maximize markup.

    I am not defending chinese parts, but I do use them when I feel it is appropriate and when I can get decent quality. Auto parts are the same lately. Most of them are junk, name brand or not. I hate having to make 3 trips to the parts store over the course of 2-3 weeks and have a customer breathing down my neck because it is taking too long.

    I just got parts today for a dump truck, and I hope to hell they are good, because it has been here for a month. I have other stuff to get done and dealing with bad, wrong, or junk parts is not worth my time. I had to send the new clutch back last week and order another one. Name brand doesn’t mean anything anymore because all the parts are made in china.
     
    Last edited: Apr 22, 2026 at 7:56 PM