Stihl or Husqvarna

[ckalkman]

I have been a power equipment dealer for both Stihl and Husqvarna, among other quality lines. Neither one liked the fact that I carried both lines, but each line has it's fans, so I did. My experience is that both lines occasionally need service, but most of it is caused by the operators, not the manufacturer. I can honestly say that neither one is significantly superior to the other. My personal saw is an old Stihl 036, which I love but is now a little heavy for my use. My only advice is to stay away from the lower end "home-owner" models from each line if you really want the nicer features and more durable construction. Beyond that, your satisfaction with a particular saw is generally directly proportional to the care you take with it in the field and the quality of your routine maintenance. It's rare that they just "break" without having something done to them by the operator. And for goodness sakes get some extra chains so you can enjoy using a sharp chain at all times.

 

[YesDeere]

Have used Stihl and Kusky saws and like both. Stihl dealer is closer and is also the Kubota dealer, so we have more Stihl stuff.

For those with issues starting, my trick for starting pull start power equipment (like a saw, weedeater, etc) is the following:
1. Set it to full choke and (if applicable) put into "start" position
2. Hit the primer bulb 3 times
3. Pull till it kicks (usually 2-3 pulls for our Stil saw or weedeaters)
4. Set to half choke
5. Pull again until it starts (usually 1-2 pulls for our Stihls)
6. Warm it up and run it

Aaron Z

Yup. Every time. Some are a bit finicky than others. Gotta get it right the first time.

 

[Alan L.]

I currently have 9 Stihl's....what's a Husky?

The larger Husky's are great saws, but stay away from their smaller stuff, they are re-badged Poulans and the quality is not anywhere near the standard of the "real" Husky's. Stihl makes all their own saws and even the small home owner saws are decent. I'm still running my first Stihl, an 024Super that I bought new in 1984 and that is the saw that sold me on them...it's never needed anything that was not my fault.

Your 14 year old 036 is a great saw, why not have a qualified tech go over it? You may find it's not really tired, but only needs a fuel line, impulse line, filters and a plug. Of course if the cylinder is scored it will need a complete re-build w/bearings.

I have a small Husky 141 about 11 years old and I can guarantee it is no re-badged Poulans which I have owned before.

 

[MotorSeven]

Alan, does it have a black metal tag that say's "Made in Sweden?" If not, it's a Poulan, but that being said, some seem to start and run well forever. The one's I have owned left me feeling a little abused :irked:

 

[MotorSeven]

TO be using a 25 inch bar and finding that is the minimum I'd be going up in the size of saw! I'd be looking at the 440 at a minimum to have good power.

I agree!

Then looking at LD's chart, behind door number 4, I'd take the 460.

 

[LD1]

I agree!

Then looking at LD's chart, behind door number 4, I'd take the 460.

To pull a 24 or 25" bar with authority, I'd suggest ANY of the ones in the 70cc+ range.

They are all good. (441,460,372,576,7900) But the ergonomics are different for all. Get the one that fits you best. And like with tractors, dealer support.:thumbsup:

 

[burnieman]

I have been a power equipment dealer for both Stihl and Husqvarna, among other quality lines. Neither one liked the fact that I carried both lines, but each line has it's fans, so I did. My experience is that both lines occasionally need service, but most of it is caused by the operators, not the manufacturer. I can honestly say that neither one is significantly superior to the other. My personal saw is an old Stihl 036, which I love but is now a little heavy for my use. My only advice is to stay away from the lower end "home-owner" models from each line if you really want the nicer features and more durable construction. Beyond that, your satisfaction with a particular saw is generally directly proportional to the care you take with it in the field and the quality of your routine maintenance. It's rare that they just "break" without having something done to them by the operator. And for goodness sakes get some extra chains so you can enjoy using a sharp chain at all times.

I Agee with the extra chains statement. I have 14 extra chains for my 036. I bought most of them on eBay several years ago. I got 10 chains and an extra 25 inch bar for 125.00. All Stihl brand. Haven't been able to find that deal again. I also bought an Oregon bench chain sharpener. Works like a champ. I always have a sharp chain!

 

[johnking]

Husky from Lowes are junk. I have bought and returned every size they sell in the past month. I bought the smallest for the wife and when it did not idle well after 2 tanks of gas it went back and kept going up in size hoping to get a better quality saw and it did not happen. The manager at Lowes said a large amount of the Husky's they sell come back. Stihl it is for me.

 

[stingray1]

I own both,and they both do a fine job.

 

[RobertN]

This has echo'd thru this thread a few times now(my earlier post included).

Try them all; you may be surpised at what fits you(OP) best.

But the ergonomics are different for all. Get the one that fits you best. And like with tractors, dealer support.:thumbsup: