Suggestions on 20” pro saw

[kenhar]

I have a husky model 266 bought in 1984 that still runs great. A couple smaller huskies for trimming. Would be very hard to change brands.

 

[Kubota Dragon]

Looking at adding a 20” saw to the fleet and have been looking at a new Stihl 261C.

Without a brand warfare eruption, is there any reason I should look at another comparable brand?

I like Stihl because my neighborhood dealer is very good and I like Stihl‘s business model. That might overwhelm the temptation to buy another brand that is only slightly better.

Little hesitating on the non adjustable carb, but that’s my only perceived drawback.

This is a saw I intend to use weekly as a general purpose small to medium size grab & go saw.

Constructive, non brand warfare thoughts appreciated.

Just like PayStar commented, I walked away from STIHL and purchased an Echo CS-590 chainsaw 10 years ago, and never looked back. I have 4 boys and went out this year and bought another same model chainsaw. I have cut hundreds of trees, dropped this sucker, and frankly its been mistreated with all of us men. Never a problem. NEVER had to have work done to it. The 59.8 cc engine is big enough to handle an upgrade to a 24 inch bar, which is my perfect set up. We have a couple older STIHL models that have been passed down, neither run. I have used a STIHL almost same size as my Echo's to level a few of his trees using his equipment. It ran well but I prefer the Echo brand for everything possible. I have a blower, edger, and trimmer. Forgot to mention. I use the TruFuel (Red Can) 50:1 pre oil mix only for all my small engine tools. Mowers, AVT, etc will get Ethanol Free fuel. After replacing a few carburetors, I wised up to the gummy problems and haven't had an issue for years.
Like a couple other posters on here. I was told the same thing from a Stihl mechanic. The newer stuff is not worth buying. Keep the older, display it in your garage museum or fix it to be used. Final recommendation. Try and find an Echo dealer vs. a box store. They will work with you and I have found having a relationship with them helps when purchasing something else. They are good about giving out a little discount to keep your returning business.

 

[kenmbz]

That - dealer.
Stihl is at ACE now, not where I would get any chainsaw.
My Echo dealer is great, so is the local Stihl dealer.
Neighbor has a Husky and he loves it.
With all the dead ash, both our saws get a lot of use, and the 620 with a 24" bar is perfect and quick for bucking 30+ inch trees.

 

[Deleted member 371759]

I have several steel saws they’ve been great. My first one was an 034 avback in 1988. It is still running today. I have their weedeaters. I have two of their small electric saws. The thing that I find very appealing is dealer support. I have a brand new 261. It is a little monster. It cuts very well has a compression release and you could adjust the amount of oil going to the bar all things I like I have John Deere tractors, stihl, Power, Tools, and if either one of those companies made socks, I bought them to good luck

My nicest hand tools tools came from Harbor Freight, my saw came from Lowes, my trucks are 20+ years old and my tractor came from India. I'm just a poor hillbilly who don't know much about much, doing the best we can. I couldnt afford a JD tire and I may be able to afford half a stihl pro saw.

 

[Rhm555c]

I have Stihl 362C with 20 and 25 inch bars, 2 MS 290s with 18 and 20 bars.
The 362 is a killer with the larger chain size but they all work well
I cut about 10 to 15 cords a year but lately with the emerald ash borer, more, since all the trees dying. Mostly ash, oak and hickory
I like the 362 for its light size and fast cutting
I am home owner who is 64 years old so the 362C makes the work go faster and saves on the body. Highly recommended
My next door neighbor is a Husky guy and many friends run Huskys. But I prefer Stihl saws as have 50 years of experience
My only comment is the carbs tend to get plugged up. I take apart and clean them every couple of years.
Good luck

 

[sd455dan]

Thought i would add this link.

Probably not recommended or the hot set up, but color me impressed:

a Stihl 261C with a muffler mod and stock version running a 32" bar.

 

[Bentrim]

As a tech that worked for a small engine shop, yeah we sold Husqvarna and later added Echo, but we took a lot of other saws to repair. I purchased a 455 not long after they were brought out to the market. Loved the saw but did find it to the heavier to handle all day. Initially they had some carb and oiling issues, but changed for the better.
Sold that saw after I picked up a non-repair saw and repaired it with a 460 piston and jug, the rest of the saw is the same.. Eventually sold it when the ole back said "NO MORE!!"
As a tech repairing saws I always found the Husqvarna easier to repair than the Stihl for most models Parts were always harder to get for the Stihl of course, As we were not a Stihl dealer. Stihls inboard clutch has melted a lot of crankcases, Husqvarna uses outboard clutches, keep the heat away from the engine.
Check the chain speed, Husqvarna at least used to have a faster chain speed. Due emissions Husqvarna has gone to "electric" carburetor before Stihl had and last I knew had most of the bugs worked out.
If you were not aware Husqvarna was one of the first companies working with ergomics and anti vib.
I have not worked much with Echo but I always found them to be a good saw.
Check out the Husqvarna 455 and 460 good saw decent homeowner price. For a Pro saw I liked the older models believe they are 562XP, 395XP, and 372XP X torq. All good but a steep price.
So you are aware I had to retire the end of 2020 due to a disintegrating C4 that screwed up my neck and nerves. Got the neck fixed but the nerves were damaged and aren't working right. Oh well lots of time to sit on my grandson.

I would recommend taking a look at any saw you are interested in and if you can test drive one before any purchase, that way you will know which saw you prefer, and don't forget to consider parts and service. You don't need the counter person to say, "It will be four weeks before we can look at it" or " the part has been backordered for six months already and they have no idea when it will be available". Yeah, it happens.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy your new saw!

 

[bushlack]

I've been running a Husqvarna 562xp with a 20" chain for the past 2 years in my tree business, and I've been really happy with the power and reliability. My crew also has a Stihl MS361 that gets daily use. Keep the chains sharp, and either one of these saws will eat through anything you throw at them. They will handle longer bars too, but with a 20" bar you'll have power to spare.

 

[cbosworth]

Looking at adding a 20” saw to the fleet and have been looking at a new Stihl 261C.

Without a brand warfare eruption, is there any reason I should look at another comparable brand?

I like Stihl because my neighborhood dealer is very good and I like Stihl‘s business model. That might overwhelm the temptation to buy another brand that is only slightly better.

Little hesitating on the non adjustable carb, but that’s my only perceived drawback.

This is a saw I intend to use weekly as a general purpose small to medium size grab & go saw.

Constructive, non brand warfare thoughts appreciated.

I Echo the Stihl Pro recommendation. I’m not a pro, but the differences pay off in the long run. I own the 261C and 362 both with 20” bars. The 261 is my go to for quick jobs due to the weight. The 362 is used for the larger projects and cuts noticeably faster. Both are great saws.
My first saw, a Stihl 028 Wood Boss from 1983 still starts on the first or second pull.

 

[OzarkChris]

I've been using a husky 562 xp for several years and although I still have a couple of stihls hanging around, the husky has become my new favorite. Lighter, better torque. Not putting down stihl or echo, just my experience.