Poulan & Husky...same company?

coachgrd · May 5, 2009

I'm looking for a new weed trimmer. I'd like to go the route where it can be fitted with the blade to take down saplings as well. Having had good luck with my Husqvarna chain saw, I began my search there. In researching online, it appears that their trimmers might also be sold under the Poulan name. Is this correct? Are the Poulans any less quality than he Huskys or are they just the same machine in different colors? The reason I ask is the price is certainly less!

Also, do any of you have a recommendation for a trimmer/brush cutter?

Thanks,
Gary

capi75rs · May 5, 2009

It is a good question, that I don't have the answer too. But one thing I've learned is that you get what you pay for. I have a Husky chainsaw and weed eater and they are great. Both were a few hundred dollars each but well worth the price I paid 8 years ago. Even our beloved John Deere and Cub Cadet make box store mowers that are NO where near the quality you get from the dealorships higher tier mowers. My brother is a "budget consious" kind of guy and has gone through a poulan and a 2 homelight weedeaters and has ended up paying more than I did for my one husky. Husky or Stihl you can bank on being a good quality item, the others I wouldn't bank on. JMHO

Scooby074 · May 5, 2009

Poulain and Husky ARE the same company (formerly electrolux) however they are no where the same quality.

Look for "made in Sweden" on the model tag to be sure your getting the best Husky has to offer.

I used to have a 245RX. That model is still made as a 345rx i believe. It was a great all around brushcutter. Its designed more for brush and trees than grass, but i used it for both. Having a full suspension harness will save you back!!!

Something like a 326rx would be a smaller machine (more aimed at brush and grass than trees)that would serve you well.

vsteel · May 5, 2009

If you look on the Husky website it will show you the rankings of their trimmers. To get one that cuts brush you are going to be in the mid grade line.

Husqvarna - Global Leader in Outdoor Power Equipment

As previously stated you get what you pay for. There aren't any "deals" in the chainsaw/trimmer lines where an item is also sold under a different name for a lot less. To get the quality behind the name, (this applies to both Husky and Stihl) you need to buy the midrange and higher items. Just like the John Deere reference above with the box store and dealer.

LarryD · May 5, 2009

The old adage that you get what you pay for is very true, although I had a 16" Poulan chainsaw for many years that was kinda my junk saw. I think I paid around $125 8 years ago and it just this winter failed me. Now when I'm doing serious fire wood the Husky Rancher is the saw I go for.

As for your string trimmer question, I haven't even looked at the Poulan brand but the Husky looks pretty well built.

I bought a Troy-Bilt trimmer last summer with the interchangeable coupler. It is a four stroke and I've got the 10" pole saw attachement that I just love. I can stand on the ground and limb a tree to 11'. It also surprised me on the throttle response compared to the two strokes. I would buy the four stroke again in a heart beat, one less can of mixed gas around.

Bird · May 5, 2009

In years long ago, I've had two Poulan chain saws and never had a problem with either one. Both still worked just fine when I sold them; the first because I had just retired and was going to be a full time RVer and the second when we had to move back to town a little over 6 years ago. But I've heard the newer models are not as good and one of my brothers bought one a couple of years ago, and pretty quickly returned it for a refund.

I've never used Husky saws or trimmers, but I've sure had good luck with Stihl so far.

CurlyDave · May 6, 2009

Look into the Stihl Kombi system.

I have one powerhead (gasoline engine) that can be used with many different attachments. I have a string trimmer, a blade trimmer, a pole saw, and a gas powered hedge trimmer. There are other attachments as well.

They aren't cheap, but they are good, and they last like a mother-in-law's curse.

For me, one one gas engine is a great boon. Most of my gas-powered equipment is a little balky on starting, just because of infrequent use. One powerhead and multiple attachments means the motor gets used often enough to keep in in good shape to start.

charlz · May 6, 2009

What I've heard is that the low-end 'homeowner' Husky saws are made by Poulan in the US for Husky. I have one and it works great for my needs. In trimmers I believe the pros go for Echo and I think its Shindawa or similar name? Best thing to do is find a forum dedicated to pro landscapers and see what they have to say. These days any of the 'homeowner' level stuff might make you a little leery regardless of brand.

Bird · May 6, 2009

In trimmers I believe the pros go for Echo

Or Stihl. I don't know what a "scientific" survey would show, but I can't remember seeing a pro in my area that was not using either Echo or Stihl. And it seems to me that Stihl is now seen more frequently that the Echo. Of course that may simply be due to the fact that, in addition to Lowe's and Home Depot, I know of 3 dealers in this area that sell and service Stihl. One of those 3 also sells and services Echo, but he's the only one I know of that handles Echo.

radioman · May 6, 2009

I got the 4 stroke toro trimmer from lowes. I got a few of other attachments like mini tiller (heavy but works), edger,trimmer(dont like the 2 line spool). I thought about getting the pruner saw attachement but I have a small homelite xl and battery operated recip saw with pruner blade that works well.