Husqvarna or Stihl

[Rayster]

Hopefully this is in the right area, as that I consider a chainsaw land clearing equipment.

I have three Stihl products 192T, Pole Pruner, & HS45 (two saws and a hedge trimmer). I also have a Husqvarna 455 Rancher. I would like to have a 16" medium saw to go with the others. But I am torn on what brand. I am told that the Husky has one ring on their piston so they break in faster. The Stihl has two rings on the piston. My hedge trimmer can be a chore to start if it has been sitting any length of time. I have no complaints on the Stihl saws. That Husky has been a true performer for me.

I was comparing the Husky 445 and the Stihl 250C, the Stihl is about $60 more but has the quick adjust blade. I know it's like the old Ford and Chevy battle. I cut about 3 cords of wood for winter. Then it's also the usual landscaping use. I am looking to spend $300-$370.

So I am looking for some input on the current models and your thoughts on the subject...

 

[oldstyles]

When in doubt, buy what the pros use. Most tree guys around here, as well as the fire dept, use Stihl exclusively. BUT, I bought a Husky because I got $100 off.

 

[blackdog2086]

You can't go wrong with a Stihl. I used to cut professionally (although more years ago than I care to admit) and even back then, The Stihls on the jobsite outnumbered the Huskys, 10 to 1. I currently live on 20 heavily wooded acres of oak, maple and hickory, and use one of my 3 Stihl saws (046, MS261, and MS211 CB-E) almost on a daily basis. If I'm not cutting firewood, I'm clearing deadfall or removing some trees to get a bit more sunlight in for the wife. For about $340, you can get the MS250 CB-E, which has the added feature of easystart. I have it on my MS 211 which I use for limbing and smaller stuff, and it is amazing. My wife, who is fairly small, can start the saw by herself without any problems. Stihl was running a promotion just a short while ago where you got a free carrying case when you purchased a saw, but I'm not sure if that's still on or not. They also will extend your warranty by 1 year if you buy their synthetic 2stroke oil at the same time as the saw. Just my opinion, but I hope it helps.

 

[mikehaugen]

I like stihl because the dealers are everywhere in my area. I don't even know where to buy a pro grade husky. I wpuld not necessarily rule out husky though if they were around.

 

[Buckgnarly]

It's funny b/c when I lived in PA all there was were Stihls, but up here in VT every logger (and there are LOTS) use Husky. I would not hesitate to buy whatever is local, they are both good saws.

 

[TripleR]

Tough call as we have had good service out of both brands, I really like the tools free chain adjustment though.

 

[murphy1244]

Here they use Echo but 300$ is going to be hard to find.

 

[dave1949]

My TSC Husky 455 rancher was a really good saw ... until it got crushed by a poplar tree I didn't handle correctly. :ashamed: Good power, easy starting. It still runs but the plastic case, safety brake and handle, and bar are toast.

My Stihl 019T trim saw still runs well but the oil pump quit working after 9-10 years of regular use. That's an expensive, complete tear down repair. I replaced it with a new Stihl trim saw and I'm not happy with the amount of bar oil it is moving (less than 1/2 tank per tank of fuel). It's never had anything but Stihl bar&chain oil in it.

I think both are good brands that would do the job for you. The Husky professional models are pretty expensive, probably more than you want to spend.

 

[LD1]

See if you have any dolmar dealers in your area.

A PS420 or PS421. They spec nearly identical to the 445 and 250. And are in the 300-350 range. They are a sweet running saw.

 

[LD1]

See if you have any dolmar dealers in your area.

A PS420 or PS421. They spec nearly identical to the 445 and 250. And are in the 300-350 range. They are a sweet running saw.

 

[05rammer]

I love my Stihl ms 260. I would not recommend getting the quick adjust blade, my grandpa has it on his and it comes loose when it gets dirty.

 

[Rayster]

I love my Stihl ms 260. I would not recommend getting the quick adjust blade, my grandpa has it on his and it comes loose when it gets dirty.

It seemed too good to be true. That's good to know.

I do see Dolmar dealers online, will have to check the area.

 

[ShearHeadMS]

Man I own a few of everything, husky is a great saw, a wonderful pro saw at that. But sthil has them beat by reputation and easy to find parts. Dolmar is my personal pick. I love my dolmar, wouldn't trade it for another saw, but parts can be tricky and if you can't work on your own stuff them you may be in trouble

 

[Rayster]

Man I own a few of everything, husky is a great saw, a wonderful pro saw at that. But sthil has them beat by reputation and easy to find parts. Dolmar is my personal pick. I love my dolmar, wouldn't trade it for another saw, but parts can be tricky and if you can't work on your own stuff them you may be in trouble

I just found, my closest farm supply is an authorized re-seller, & full-service repair. Looks like they have been around since 1927. Thanks

 

[redprospector]

Whatever you choose...choose the one you have a good servicing dealer for.
I've got mostly Stihl, but I've got Husky, Dolmar and a few Solo's too. When I'm working a crew they get the Stihl's, because there's a good servicing dealer local to me.

Andy

 

[Rayster]

I picked up a used Husqvarna 345 for $185. Is clean, has a new 16" Oregon bar and full chisel chain. No warranty with used but it runs very well.

Thanks for all the replies

 

[TomSeller]

I have all Stihl saws and I will always be that way. Husky saws are great too.

 

[Coyote machine]

Stihl's the one! :thumbsup: There are other brands?!:confused3:

 

[mikehaugen]

Stihl's the one! :thumbsup: There are other brands?!:confused3:

I understand your confusion... before joining here I didn't know that there were tractors that weren't green

 

[Katahdin]

I had mixed experiences with my Stihl 16" bar MS250, now almost 10 years old. Great when it ran but could be hard to start or easy to flood, note this was not an EZ start model with a cylinder decompression valve. After a couple years of intermittent use (I'm a home user) the fuel lines cracked and it went to the shop for repairs. Then the plastic pull cord wheel busted, replaced that but now the saw won't start at all-- it locks up from compression on the first pull. Remove spark plug if pulls fine. I also tried de-carboning by soaking the combustion chamber with seafoam but no luck.

Any who, since a Husqy dealer opened up down the street I went out two weeks ago and bought a new 20" 455 Rancher which so far has been great and I'm very happy with it. Re the Stihl, I'd like to tear down the MS250 over the winter if time and funds allow. It was great when it ran!