Stihl vs Husqvarna

[lincmercguy]

I'm looking at going to a larger saw and thinking about either the Stihl MS 362C-M or the Husqvarna 562 XP. I think they are pretty similar in power/capability/price. I don't put a lot of stock in online reviews anymore, so I'm wondering what brand people here like better.

I currently have a Stihl MS-251C that I've had for about eight years. It's okay, but a bit lacking in power. It was getting to the point where I had to clean out the carb to use it each time, even with good filters/hoses, so I bought a cheapo Amazon carb, which helped. I might keep it for smaller stuff, or sell it and get a 20V saw for the small pruning work.

 

[jyoutz]

I'm looking at going to a larger saw and thinking about either the Stihl MS 362C-M or the Husqvarna 562 XP. I think they are pretty similar in power/capability/price. I don't put a lot of stock in online reviews anymore, so I'm wondering what brand people here like better.

I currently have a Stihl MS-251C that I've had for about eight years. It's okay, but a bit lacking in power. It was getting to the point where I had to clean out the carb to use it each time, even with good filters/hoses, so I bought a cheapo Amazon carb, which helped. I might keep it for smaller stuff, or sell it and get a 20V saw for the small pruning work.

I work with loggers. I’ve noticed regional preferences. In the western U.S. they seem to prefer Stihl, while Husky’s are more popular in the east. But of course I’m talking about the pro saw lines of both brands. Echo also makes some good saws.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

i'm a stihl fan as my dealer is top notch and parts plentiful.
BUT you can't go wrong with either choice.
Would be proud to own either.
Over the 251 you are getting something like 60% more hp in about the same weight with better quality

 

[Hay Dude]

Stihl most popular and what I run in “coastal PA”

 

[mjonesnh]

Have no experience with the Husky. Bought the original MS 362 in 2010-11 with carb. Running a 20" bar with "yellow chain". Does everything I have asked with zero problems and never been to repair shop. Also have 24" bar and chain, runs it OK for those times when a longer bar is needed but the 20" seems to be the sweet spot for me.

 

[lincmercguy]

i'm a stihl fan as my dealer is top notch and parts plentiful.
BUT you can't go wrong with either choice.
Would be proud to own either.
Over the 251 you are getting something like 60% more hp in about the same weight with better quality

Yeah, I initially looked at the Rancher and the 261s. Those are only about 15% more power, not much of an upgrade.

 

[xyz123]

If 562xp make sure it is the newer MKII. Completley updated saw. It will smoke a 362 and owners of both say gives 400 a run for money too.

Plus 562 MKII about 400-500 cheaper then 400. No clue what a 362 goes for now days. No one I know buys a 362 anymore with 400 offered.

IMO either 400 or 562 mkII not a 362 anymore in the running with those 2 offered.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Out here In Canada Husky is a lot more popular in general and the choice among pro's, and also my choice... I would say put both in your hands and trust your intuition to make your choice, they are both good saw's no wrong choice in my opinion.

 

[mikester]

https://www.rideapart.com/news/742336/ktm-ag-insolvency-filing-stefan-pierer/

"KTM AG holds all of the motorcycle brands, i.e. GasGas, KTM, Husqvarna, and MV Agusta"

 

[aesanders]

If 562xp make sure it is the newer MKII. Completley updated saw. It will smoke a 362 and owners of both say gives 400 a run for money too.

Plus 562 MKII about 400-500 cheaper then 400. No clue what a 362 goes for now days. No one I know buys a 362 anymore with 400 offered.

IMO either 400 or 562 mkII not a 362 anymore in the running with those 2 offered.

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This post is right on. I’ve heard the 362 is going bye bye with the release of the newest version 400. I’d get the 562 MK II based on price, and just a overall like for the brand.

 

[Hay Dude]

If 562xp make sure it is the newer MKII. Completley updated saw. It will smoke a 362 and owners of both say gives 400 a run for money too.

Plus 562 MKII about 400-500 cheaper then 400. No clue what a 362 goes for now days. No one I know buys a 362 anymore with 400 offered.

IMO either 400 or 562 mkII not a 362 anymore in the running with those 2 offered.

View attachment 2032581View attachment 2032582

Are they cheaper because they are making them in China? That’s a heck of a savings over a 400!
(I know Stihl is making plenty of stuff in China, too).

I found a new, never-seen-wood 400 with a 20” bar (not lightweight) for $850 by a private seller.

 

[xyz123]

Are they cheaper because they are making them in China? That’s a heck of a savings over a 400!
(I know Stihl is making plenty of stuff in China, too).

I found a new, never-seen-wood 400 with a 20” bar (not lightweight) for $850 by a private seller.

Nope. Dealers get discounts if they move alot of saws.

That a good price on 400. Here on sale at dealer a 400 is $950. $1100 is the norm with a 20" here.

The 562 mkII in my group was being sold by dealers in $700 range depending on how wanted set up.

Lowest I seen was like $680 PHO by dealer I know south of me.

Figure this is barely above cost. My dealer south of me only used to charge 20 over cost. Money is made afterwords.

Stihl tries to make everyone pay high retail list.

 

[Hay Dude]

Nope. Dealers get discounts if they move alot of saws.

That a good price on 400. Here on sale at dealer a 400 is $950. $1100 is the norm with a 20" here.

The 562 mkII in my group was being sold by dealers in $700 range depending on how wanted set up.

Lowest I seen was like $680 PHO by dealer I know south of me.

Figure this is barely above cost. My dealer south of me only used to charge 20 over cost. Money is made afterwords.

Stihl tries to make everyone pay high retail list.

2 of the reasons I have shifted from Echo and Dolmar to Stihl, is my dealer gives me 10% off every Stihl I buy and lots of small freebies, but thats a heck of a price on that Husky.
I am not really brand loyal. I may go to a brand I like first, but I’m always open minded enough to buy something else.

Thanks for the tip, I was about to move on a 400.

 

[xyz123]

2 of the reasons I have shifted from Echo and Dolmar to Stihl, is my dealer gives me 10% off every Stihl I buy and lots of small freebies, but thats a heck of a price on that Husky.
I am not really brand loyal. I may go to a brand I like first, but I’m always open minded enough to buy something else.

Thanks for the tip, I was about to move on a 400.

You should see the mark up on chains, bars and parts etc.

Just down right crazy the mark up chains alone at the dealers.

 

[Hay Dude]

You should see the mark up on chains, bars and parts etc.

Just down right crazy the mark up chains alone at the dealers.

I just bought chains last week. I was blown away.

 

[RandyT]

You should see the mark up on chains, bars and parts etc.

Just down right crazy the mark up chains alone at the dealers.

What do you think is a fair profit margin for a dealer to make on parts, bars, and chains 10%, 20%, 30% 50%. Just curious.

 

[xyz123]

What do you think is a fair profit margin for a dealer to make on parts, bars, and chains 10%, 20%, 30% 50%. Just curious.

Thats up to each dealer how they want to run their businesses.

People complain I sell my used saws to cheap. To me I rather sell then look at them myself waiting for extra nickle you can soak someone for.
I make up for it in labor cost down the road when folks come back in for work or chains, oil, parts, chain sharpening etc etc.
Repeats is where it's at.

I actually turn folks away anymore. Only a select few I will take care of.

 

[Hay Dude]

Thats up to each dealer how they want to run their businesses.

People complain I sell my used saws to cheap. To me I rather sell then look at them myself waiting for extra nickle you can soak someone for.
I make up for it in labor cost down the road when folks come back in for work or chains, oil, parts, chain sharpening etc etc.
Repeats is where it's at.

I actually turn folks away anymore. Only a select few I will take care of.

Me, too.
Slow pay or high maintenance = “I’m real busy”

 

[RandyT]

Thats up to each dealer how they want to run their businesses.

People complain I sell my used saws to cheap. To me I rather sell then look at them myself waiting for extra nickle you can soak someone for.
I make up for it in labor cost down the road when folks come back in for work or chains, oil, parts, chain sharpening etc etc.
Repeats is where it's at.

I actually turn folks away anymore. Only a select few I will take care of.

I agree with everything you said. The money isn't in wholegood sales. The money is in future repairs and repeat customers.

The issue with most chainsaw shops now are they no longer stock rolls of chain and make up a loop for their customers. They purchase pre-made loops from their supplier and the markup from both the distributor to the customer results in a higher retail price.

Instead of a shop grabbing that roll of chain and breaking the rivets for a 72 link 3/8 chain for somebodies 20 inch bar and selling it for say $25, the dealers are now purchasing the chains pre-made and then selling that same chain they would of spun together years ago for $35.

 

[JeepHead]

I own and use both Stihl and Husqvarna pro saws. I like the Husqvarna's better. It seems for any comparable size saw, the Husky always smokes the Stihl.

I own a 562XP MK2 and absolutely love that saw.