New Chainsaw Question

[chh]

The consumer versions of Husqvarna saws are like the Poulans, the commercial saws are true Husqvarna saws and are very good saws. Your dealer either didn't know much about Husqvarna or he had problems with Husqvarna and was bad mouthing them as an excuse.

Very well could have been. They still don't carry them, but are the biggest Stihl dealer in the area. Bought a weedeater from them this spring(went commercial grade on it too)

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I've had a MS250 for two years now and have not had any problems with it.

 

[Egon]

I can't remember the poster but not too long ago someone explained what products Husky makes and what the badge names are.

He also mentioned that Husky saws made in sweden had a tag attached to the saw stating this. Those with no tag could be rebadged saws of another make and not for commercial use.

Note: this is from memory and my memory aint good so the reliability of this information aint the best!

I've got a Husky 365 with a badge on it.

 

[mjfox6]

I have an MS250, bought it used 4 years ago. Hard to start sometimes, but cuts great. I cut 3 cords of oak and hickory with it last year. I run a 16" bar, which it turns fine. I don't cut a lot of 30+ inch trees, so the 16" is perfect for me. Unless you need it, I wouldn't get an 18" bar. Long bars seem to find the ground a lot easier. If you need it, you probably need a bigger saw (or two saws!).

 

[Haneyrm]

I noticed that on the Husky site they list the 345 as the "most affordable swedish made saw". I assume that means that everything below that is a rebadged unit from another manufacturer. Husky does the same thing with their riding mowers. I went out today at lunch and bought the MS250. I will try it out this weekend and report back. I was a little surprised that the saw did not come with a case. Even the $79 Craftsman came with a case. Thanks for the replies.

Mike

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

enjoy the saw - I've got a couple of old Stihls, a Husky 372, and a Craftsman (rebadged Poulan)
Stihl makes a great saw - just be careful what kind of gas you're using for mix, since the "super clean" formulas and ethanol blends can separate out the oil within 10 minutes of mixing -- I have a friend that scored a piston within minutes of firing up her saw, and warranty didn't cover what they considered negligence on her part. (i generally shake up the gas can before fueling just in case)

since you didn't get a case, I recommend the Husky "Power box" they sell at Lowes and Home Despot for about $35. It's a plastic box with a slot for the bar cover and has slots inside for tools, oil, etc... flat on top and sides so it packs into spaces handy - and you can set things on top of it during storage.
Very handy.

good luck and enjoy!

 

[shaley]

Are the Stihl saws with even model numbers still made from magnesium or is everything now made with alum.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

I have no idea about that - I just remember being told by a dealer/repair shop owner that odd numbered Stihl saws are consumer grade, even numbered ones are professional grade -- hence the price jump between otherwise very similar models. (especially the little ones! - arborist limb saws are pricey!)
Of course, he was trying to sell me a jonsered that weighed almost as much as my lawn mower, but...

 

[RWEST]

I've got a Husky 365

Quite possibly the best all-around saw ever made, IMO.

I have a pile of Stihls and Huskys, ranging from small (very old 014 Stihl and 357 Husky) to large (066 Stihl and 385 Husky), and, for general all-purpose work, the 365 is the one I grab. I liked it so much I got a spare, just in case they quit making them. Hmm, looking online Chain Saws - Husqvarna Chain Saws, I don't see the 365, so I made the right decision, I guess.

All this is totally unrelated to the question at hand, I realize.

Odd-numbered Stihls have historically been "consumer" oriented, evens are "pro" style. Huskys with an "XP" in the designation are pro line, I think.

Get an extra chain. Eventually you'll bump a rock or the dirt or something, and yours will be toast.

 

[VT365]

I've got a Husky 395XTP, 335 XTP and a Stihl 390. All have been trouble free. Although the Stihl is quieter, with slightly less vibration. ( I used to have a stump grinding business and needed the large Husky)