Honest Review of NeoTech 872 After Two Years: What You Can Expect for $300!

[@rh-bd6wv]

I have a Neotec 872 and experienced all the same problems you described. For the first few hours after unboxing, I was extremely disappointed. But after tuning the carb and a trip to my local Stihl dealer for an oil cap, the saw performed well enough for my needs as a farm owner. I am grateful Neotec could make a saw like this affordable for the non-professional user.

[@rh-bd6wv]

Credit where credit is due. Neotec just sent two free replacement oil caps.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Good to hear. I had to pay for mine. Cost almost as much as the saw lol. I’ve recently started have some minor issues with the gas leaking from somewhere sometimes. Going to have to resolve that soon.

[@marcellledbetter3802]

You couldn't give me one or those communist Chinese pieces of crap!!!

[@urbanlumberjack]

Great review, there’s a lot of value in the clones, although I’ve never used a neotech. I’ve had the holzfforma g660 for about a year, and it’s met all my needs. I also have several holzfforma bars, chains, and the 48 inch mill. All have been decent. I had issues with my chain tensioner as well, I actually just replaced it this morning. I recommend anybody buying one of these saws put a original equipment tensioner in right away. Especially for chainsaw milling I have a hard time spending $1,500-2,000 on a chainsaw and $300-$500 on a mill when that pretty much would cost the same as a baseline bandsaw mill!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

The way I figure it if this saw blows up I can buy two more and still be ahead of a single STIHL. From what I’ve heard, farmatech might even edge out our clones.

[@IndianaDoug]

Such a good review Kevin😁 I’m impressed. Neotec has a new model out now upgrading most of the issues you’ve mentioned. The power of the 872 is definitely the most impressive part👍🏻 (Stihl 038mag/380 clone)

[@KevinsDisobedience]

That’s good to hear. Just sorry I got the old one lol. But impressed they’re actually listening.

[@Smalltechguy]

I feel your frustrations when it comes to a few cheaply made parts on this saw. A customer dropped one off the other day, and he stated that it will start with starter fluid, Upon first inspection of the saw, I noticed all those areas that you had mentioned. That choke lever especially is going to snap. But the cylinder walls already are burned up on the very little used saw. I told him that his best bet is to go get another saw. I had no idea how many cc's were here until you mentioned it so thanks for that. His top end needs to be replaced. I hope the main bearings are ok, but until I rip into it we may never know.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I’ve changed my mind about these saws. In fact, I’m going to make another video. The trigger broke the day after I shot this. And I’m in the process of changing the chain tensioner, and I’ve just bought choke and trigger from a ms380 to change them out. I was hoping the problems were just superficial. If the cylinders are shit, then it’s not worth it even for guys like us.

[@Smalltechguy]

That's what I told him. He still bought another cylinder and piston for 25.00 I believe he stated. He also bought another saw. I sure hope it's not the same one.@@KevinsDisobedience

[@MatthewAmsbaugh]

I love the idea of these clone saws. I’ll be getting one soon I think. I’ve ran into plenty of situations where I needed a bigger saw, but couldn’t justify spending a grand on a stihl big enough for the job. This seems like a good option for someone like me. Great honest review kevin. I enjoyed this video!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Exactly the reason I bought it. Be perfect for you. Get something like this with a 25” bar.

[@kbittorf335]

The issue with chain tensioning may be that Tsumura bar. Look how much smaller the adjuster peg is than the hole in the bar. Try running one drive link less in the chain. Great review!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I’ve seem to have sorted it out now, but what would you suggest for this saw?

[@kbittorf335]

Well I did that mod to my 872 and it is still a bear to tighten up the 24” Tsumura bar I have on it. It’s like the adjuster is at it’s limit of travel. Either I need to go somewhere and take out 1 drive link in the chains or upgrade to the clutch drum that uses rim sprockets and try an 8 pin rather than the standard 7.

[@kbittorf335]

Just to add, I have the same issue on my Stihl MS 361 with a Sugihara bar. The only other thing I may try doing is having eccentric bushings made to go over the peg and push the bar a little forward but don’t know if that would be enough either. I guess it’s worth a try.

[@BillTheHawk]

Great Review. I will be aware of the pitfalls when mine comes. Thanks...

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Also, you’ll need to crank in the hi jet a whole turn when you first get it, unless they fixed that by now.

[@mikekmalick]

Well the thing is a Stihl chainsaw or a Husqvarna hold their resale value! A clone saw is a turn and burn saw if you are good with that then that's all that matters. The clone saw can be rebuilt and last a long time if you learn to work on your own saw.

[@johnoswald6192]

Great video. I have this saw. First time running it I couldn't keep it running. Need to tune it. I wish there was a good video about tuning it. Cornucopia Farmstead did a pretty good video including tuning. I'll try his method and see if it works. I have a couple cheap knockoff smaller saws and they don't scream like my Husqvarna but they cut all day and are worth every penny.

[@kurts64]

Does seem like a handy bit of gear, and like Chris said, that is a cool bar! Bit weird that they charged you for the new caps though

[@KevinsDisobedience]

For the price, it’s a lotta saw! Was a bit under disappointed with the customer service.

[@TheDynaGuy]

I just built one of the farmertec 660s. Comparing my kit to videos I’ve watched it seems they have upgraded a lot of the components. To name a few the crankshaft, crank bearings, decomp valve, and spark plug were all better than what I’ve seen in videos from a few years ago. Time will tell though

[@KevinsDisobedience]

It does seem like they are trying to improve, and that’s a good thing.

[@brettbrown9814]

Very good review Kevin.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Just being honest.

[@Slane583]

I'm actually looking into buying the NS872i which is the updated version if this one. From what I read on their Amazon page for the 872i they replaced some vital parts with some higher quality versions. The crank, piston/rings & cylinder are made in Taiwan, the ignition coil is made in Italy and the carb was replaced with an actual Walbro carb as well as the spark plug being an actual NGK instead of the generic Torch one they seem to put in everything. Another person I watched who tested and reviewed the 872i also showed it had an OE Stihl air filter in it as well. Or what looked to be an OE Stihl filter. The 872i also did away with the newer style 1/4 turn caps they used on the 872 and went with the older screw in caps. I have plenty of name brand saws in the 35-48cc range for limbing & bucking up firewood, I need something bigger for felling trees for lumber. I went shopping around for the past couple of weeks for something in the 72cc range and decided against it when I saw a new Stihl MS462 goes for $1,400. Then I tried looking around for a large displacement ECHO and found those are near impossible to find locally. So it looks like it's going to be a couple of China Clones for me. Which isn't a big problem for me as any OE Stihl part will literally fit on these clones. :)

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, this early model has some issues with sustained use, but it still works. Gelled six trees with it today, but I suspect they’ll work out a lot of the kinks in future models.

[@Slane583]

@@KevinsDisobedience From a few other videos I've watched it seems NEOTEC is listening to their buyer base as far as solving problems go. Which is good on them. Though some models still have issues. But it takes time to iron out problems. I know a lot of people have a beef with Chinese clone Stihl's, but for me I thank them. They're continuing to make old reliable designs at an affordable price. All the new stuff may cut faster but they're way over priced because of the EFI they seem to put in everything now.

[@KillingerUSA]

Second! Love that bar!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Great bar

[@stevenkinnison8044]

I have been looking at the Neo-Tec NS872i which is the updated version of this. It doesn’t have those crappy flip caps on it, they have the old style screw in caps.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I saw that. That’s definitely an improvement. If they fixed the chain tensioner too. This is a great starter saw in the 70cc class.

[@brianeastman3547]

I recommend using the Sheetz non Ethanol pump gas for your chainsaw.

[@ericfuller6326]

They took the compression release off on the 872i not sure why. I think they leaked.

[@garrytalley8009]

I think that the newer upgraded FarmMac is a better deal. I think once you purchased your chains and bar you took that cheap power head to not being such a cheap proposition. You can get the larger FarmMac 660 that is 92cc for less than you have invested in the saw you have with bar and chains. And that is with a 36" bar and chain. Even the upgraded ProMac can be purchased for much less than your investment with the larger bar and chain. At worst if someone was not happy with the chain, they could purchase a chain. Nice video all the same, but the ProMac is only a little bit more and it has fixes in all the places they have had problems with the cheaper model. I will be purchasing one or the other once I decide whether I want the 36-inch bar or a 28-inch bar. If milling the 36-inch bar may be better in the long run for myself. But if I am not going to be milling the 28-inch would be enough. Nice honest video.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I agree. They’ve improved these Chinese saws. I swap this bar and chain on my 500i, which is a stupidly expensive saw, but light. The 92cc saws are powerful, but heavy as hell. They also eat fuel, unless they changed the carb. I don’t know. My point is these are a real saw for $300! Which is crazy.

[@gordaro2828]

Thanks for the effort and research...I'll stick with my Stihl...expensive-ish but field servicable. A stump, a stump vice, 5/32 file, a bit of time and a beer (I.P.A. Of course) cheers from the other coast!

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Well the chain on this saw is a STIHL. And literally no research done here. I don’t know anything about what parts re inside this saw. I’m just told that the lion’s share are the same OEM parts as STIHL. Just being honest to my experience.

[@johnsweeney1712]

Great video, useful information, thank you. Some PPE might be a good idea, even a bargain price chainsaw would do some damage if your luck runs out.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I put it on in the winter, sometimes. Will probably bite me sometime. But everyone has to do what they think is right. More is better, for sure. The best PPE though is conscious attention, which all of us have lapses of of course. Cheers, man.

[@john-marcedwards9221]

My man out here cutting tress down in the park.

[@Codi_Clapper]

Wow that saw is pretty impressive. I can see why the chainsaw addicts love modding these saws. Sucks about the fuel caps. Still an amazing steal despite the issues it has. I’d probably stick to Stihl when it comes to reliability. I have their 261 which makes an amazing saw for someone who just cuts wood occasionally. I value their consistency and serviceability. With that being said, I could still see one of those bad boys joining the lineup for some big wood. I’m just not sure I’d want to rely on that saw. Great review👍👍

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I hear you, but I’m becoming more and more convinced most of these parts are made in the same factory STIHLs are made. But I’m not the guy to confirm that. For sure, if you’re a professional, this isn’t the saw for you-at least not yet. I’m told some of these issues have been fixed in the new model.

[@Codi_Clapper]

@@KevinsDisobedience Yeah, the new model sounds like the way to go. I still can’t get over that price! Where did you buy yours?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Bought it on Amazon. Shipped right to the house lol.

[@ericfuller6326]

The newer one doesn’t come with the flip caps.

[@davidhood9929]

Up to $400 now.

[@Jesusiskingamen7]

The sthils gave the decompression in the exact spot huski is on the side of the jug

[@KevinsDisobedience]

They do? I guess it’s just the ones I have. No decompression. But you’re saying on this cross they do have one.

[@ericfuller6326]

I bought the newer 872i withvthe 3/4 wrap. I like it but its having an issue with tge chain going slack then tight.

[@isrstrategies]

Small Engine independent repair guy tuned my saw and fixed any problems same guy take my stihl too, your welcome every town has one

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Wish I knew one. I’m sure there is one though

[@markpippens6015]

Dude, the on off switches on the OEM Sthils are chintz as hell too

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I discovered that actually. Bought an OEM replacement. Was the same friggin thing.

[@TedHall-x3c]

I've got a 872i & have been looking for a full wrap bar for it with no luck. Where did you find yours?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

It’s the farmertech one on Amazon.

[@TedHall-x3c]

Thank you!

[@jamescrossan2548]

Nothing beats a Husqvarna

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I love my little 445. I use it more than anything else

[@2JustMe1]

Sounds like you need a 101 class in small engine repair.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, it needed tuned bad. Sounds much better now. Thanks

[@RobCalhounPGH]

8:40 No gas equipment is going to be ready to go when you need it if you just buy it and "throw it in your garage."

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Nope, that’s where the bat saws are king

[@gregwinger6717]

Good video, but no saw for me

[@bobsyouruncle8052]

serious tree service's work on their own saws no need for a shop

[@jimmy-ke2gb]

I gave China to many chances. No way.if not a husqvarna Stihi or echo or other brand that be out for twenty years or more.no way

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I get it. I’m starting to have second thoughts on this saw to, but most of the parts and plastics in tools these days are all made in China. They’ve become the world’s factory for better or for worse.

[@richardried4197]

Did you receive compensation for this review?

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I wish lol

[@KevinsDisobedience]

No, bought it with my own money, and never even talked to a NeoTech rep. Honestly just think this is a great saw for the money you pay for it.

[@vairboy]

Chainmail for your axe work but no chainsaw chaps? I must be more comfortable with the axe or maybe I heard my dad tell stories of guys losing pieces of fingers to their saws.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I know, I know.

[@kontsombos7540]

It's nothing more or less than a $300 Chinese knock off

[@OffTheWallWood]

Chaps and stop using the tip constantly, you asking for a kick back…

[@philliangbeihai5388]

You should learn how to sharpen a chain properly first, only file one way not back and forth 🥴

[@kurts64]

Firts

[@KevinsDisobedience]

So fast couldn’t even bother to get the spelling right lol

[@kurts64]

@@KevinsDisobedience 🤣🤣

[@elemental4rce]

furts

[@kurts64]

@@elemental4rce 🤣🤣

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Farts… In all seriousness, autocorrect screws me up more than it helps.

[@patrickpoulard24]

Stihl RUNS THE YARD, so I would NEVER go with an imitation. Ain't nothing like the REAL thing. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤷🏿‍♂️ #stihlpower #stihlisyourdaddy #stihlrunstheyard

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah, I own a STIHL and Husky as well. They’re great saws, better than this one. Three times better…genuinely not sure? But pledge allegiance to a color or name brand, they owe you nothing.

[@patrickpoulard24]

@@KevinsDisobedience Good day to you sir. 😊👍🏿 #stihlpower #stihlisyourdaddy #stihlrunstheyard

[@samzeng159]

Checkout the farmertec/holzfforma G660/ms660 clone. There are professionals who use that saw and if you replace some of the parts they actually can handle more heavy duty work. If you want to know more check out afleetcommand on youtube he has a whole series on their saws. The neotecs looks like a less well developed version of the farmertec saws and the price is also identical.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Yeah I’ve seen them around. I will. Thanks. For now I gotta run with this one.