Small Saws - Husky 235 vs Stihl MS170

[Depmandog]

I am no way an expert on chain saws, but I will say that my Stihl starts on the first pull (at the most - third pull) every time, regardless if it had set for two weeks or ten months. I wouldn't own any other brand for this reason alone. Mine doesn't get used much anymore, but I know it will start when I need it.

My two cents

 

[MossRoad]

I am no way an expert on chain saws, but I will say that my Stihl starts on the first pull (at the most - third pull) every time, ...

Well, if it is at the most third, it is not the first every time. :laughing:

However, it is a good, dependable starting machine, I will agree with that. :thumbsup:

I have never owned a 2 cycle engine that will start cold first pull (or kick on motorcycle) every time and would not expect one to just by nature of the machine. Once they are warm, they all start back up on first pull usually, but occasionally take a few, depending on time since last start, outside air temp, etc...

 

[doall]

My 029 starts easy too. but after a few months I can count on at least 3 pulls. I havn't used the 170, but I have used a 023 and 025, they are good for limbing and trimming, but not too good for downing trees, If they get pinched at all they are stuck.

 

[RTII]

I've never had problems with the poulans. But then again I know how to tune and muffler mod them. The 170 is a light weight for sure and is gutless IMHO. But it is light. Similar poulans weigh more but can cut 2 cuts to its 1.

I am by no means an expert with chainsaws but do own 2 Stihl's - 170 and farm boss - The 170 is the saw I use the most. Had a Poulon and finally just gave it away out of frustration to buy the ms170. I have a different opinion of the 2 saws whereas I feel the 170 cuts way better than the POulon ever did. And definitely more reliable. Didn't buy the saw to work on it but to cut. In that respect alone the stihl wins from my experience. basically only sharpen the blades as needed and just keep on cuttin. About a decade ago I did have a poulon that gave me great service. Sold it when I went sailing and was why I bought another when I moved back ashore. When I compare the old with the new, either the poulon's have gone down in quality or I caught a lemon on the last one.............

 

[teg]

MS 192 C-E Chain Saw - Occasional Use Powerful Chainsaw | STIHL

My wife's birthday present last year was a Stihl... she did not like the weight or how hard it was to start my 028... I have not had my saw out this year I "borrow" my wife's chainsaw since it's always ready to go

It's not a power house but you can use it for hours... it so light.

 

[LD1]

If you have not already purchased a saw yet, I'd look into a Dolmar 350 or 420 if you have a dealer in your area.

They are absolutly one of the smoothest small saws I have ever ran. The AV mounts must be awesom on them.

The 350 and the 420 are the same saw, the 420 just has a little more cc's due to a larger jug/piston. They are 35cc and 42cc.

Prior to the 350 we had a Husquvarna 136 (which I thin is the predacessor to the 235). The dolmar is a much better saw hands down. Prices are typically in the $250 range for the 350 and $300 range for the 420. If you have a dealer, I'd really suggest a hard look.

And a little clarification, Poulan DOES NOT make the small husky saws. Both husky and poulan are owned by the same parent company. So some of the saws are the same, but neither is made by the "other".

 

[picker77]

Mrs. Santa is bringing me a 16" Husky 435 to be a lightweight partner with my 28" 372XP, a terrific saw and my long term favorite. I looked at the 235 and 435 side by side, immediately didn't like the no-tools plastic chain adjuster on the 235. Plus, it has a smaller engine yet weighs a pound more than the 435, and the diff in retail price is only around $40-$50. No brainer. Sure, I'd like to have a 346XP, but for the $250 difference in price the 435 won easily.

Sorry, never ran a Stihl, so can't comment on them. I've had great luck with Husqvarna, no reason to change horses now.

 

[xyz123]

While we are on other options. The Redmax 3800 is built like a pro saw with bolt on cylinder etc. Light like the 170 180 with 38cc motor. Just so you know other options.
Also Shindaiwa 377 if you have dealer support for these 2 saws.

 

[Car Doc]

I have Husky 345e and a ne346 as my small saws and both have the primer bulbs and at first I cringed at the thought of it.

But after several years of using them I can say its a valuable addition both of those saws will fire if not just start right up on the second pull. I cant comment on the Stihl other than its going to be good quality cant go wrong w/either imo.

 

[n2deep20]

I would go with the stihl,, I have owned several saws over the years and all but the stihs are in the trash.. My favorite little saw is the 025, cuts great, easy to start and almost indestructable.. My favorite large saw is my new 361,, that saw rips some wood but is a little heavy for trimming and general use.