Help with Narrowing Down Chainsaw Choice

[Vinny]

Because I have other battery tools by them, I've been using a modified Bosch GKE 18V-40 for general things around my property like cutting tree branches and even cut down a thin palm tree. I changed out the original 16" long, .043" bar and chain and put a 14" long, .050" gauge bar and chain. It's more than enough for what I use it for at home (surprised how good it works!), but I need something beefier for some upcoming work.
I have a friend who owns a hunting ground that is in disarray as he's become to old to handle the maintenance on it. In addition, the gun club I'm part of is looking to expand their outdoor range, and needs volunteers to fell some trees. So, I'm looking to get something beefier to take on some heavy, long days with lots of cutting. I need to have is at least a 20" bar as that should cover the diameter of the trees I'd be felling, and be able to handle that load well, as in not pushing the limits of the chainsaw. Another thing is that this won't be used regularly. Probably a couple times a year, heavily used for a week or so.
I've narrowed things down to two choices: Stihl MS261 C-M and Husqvarna 550 XP G Mark II. Specs wise, they seem to be of similar power. I'm not too familiar with the companies or what makes the chainsaws they make unique, all I know is that they're European brands with the professional versions of the saws made in Europe, which meets my COO requirements. Need help breaking this tie, but first I'm wondering based on the bar length criteria, do these saws meet the bill, or should I be looking at other offerings from these brands? Other things I'm wondering:

• At the professional level at least, both look to make their own bars and chains. Is one brand better than the other, in terms of chain types, ease of sharpening, and availability?
• As mentioned, this saw won't be used constantly, and will be sitting most of the year. Is one brand better than the other for this, and/or easier to get going again after sitting for a bit?
• I've read that for Stihl, everything has to go through a dealer regarding replacement parts. Is Husqvarna the same, or do they have an online presence that makes it easier to get things to work on the saw myself?
• Are either of these brands easier to work on than the other? I prefer to work on my own tools.

 

[larry_g]

I used to run husky but the local dealer went out of business and Stihl is still around. So my suggestion is to visit your local dealer and see what he sells and services. I now run Stihl saws.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ericm]

I have a bunch of Stihls. I have had no problem getting parts on my own. But the local dealer is also good. Not all are. I have had a few pieces of Husky yard equipment and while they don't ****, they have not been as good as the Stihl stuff. But I'm not comparing pro saw to pro saw. Maybe they are equivalent.

You can fell and buck trees with a diameter up to about 2x the functional length of the bar, minus a few inches. It is handier however to have a bar that is longer than the tree diameter. But a long bar makes the saw harder to handle. If you're going to fully bury the bar the saw engine and oiler need to be able to keep up.

A 20" bar is the max Stihl recommends for a 261. I have a 241CM which is a really nice small saw that I use for limbing. Also a 362CM. The 362 normally runs an 18" or 20" bar. I got it with a 24" but that's too much bar for that saw. I got a Stihl 460 for that. The 362 and 460 have the same bar mount which is handy. There's also a 440 and 660 but I rarely use them.

Stihl's computer controlled carburetor works really well as long as you remember to let it idle for a few seconds before shutting it off. If you shut it off before it gets to idle it will be too rich when you start it.

 

[Rinspeed]

You seriously can't go wrong with either of those top choice saws. The Huskies were running a hundred dollars cheaper but I'm not sure lately. You are very wise to go with a Pro saw. I own a 500i but I've run several Husky Pro saws and they rip pretty well.

 

[Prospecter]

I moved to Stihl from Husky. Lots of loggers around here in each camp. However, lots are also moving to pro level Echo products. (Not the big box store versions.) Of all the saws I have used over the years, Jonesered was the worst. And I liked Echo the best. If I was buying today, I would return to Echo. Second choice would be Stihl. I would not buy another Husky. YMMV

 

[Rinspeed]

I moved to Stihl from Husky. Lots of loggers around here in each camp. However, lots are also moving to pro level Echo products. (Not the big box store versions.) Of all the saws I have used over the years, Jonesered was the worst. And I liked Echo the best. If I was buying today, I would return to Echo. Second choice would be Stihl. I would not buy another Husky. YMMV

Echo makes a damn nice saw as well but some of them seem a little heavy at the power output.

 

[Prospecter]

Echo makes a damn nice saw as well but some of them seem a little heavy at the power output.

I agree. Echos always seemed to me to be very rugged, but maybe a little simpler / old school. Kind of like I think about Nissan and Dodge. But that's just my naive bias showing.

 

[Vinny]

Thanks for the responses, everyone!

So my suggestion is to visit your local dealer and see what he sells and services.

I have multiple Stihl dealers and Husqvarna dealerships around me, so neither would be difficult to go visit should the need arise. I've seen in other threads people having one or the other local which was a determining factor in their purchase, but I won't be having that issue. What I would prefer is to not have to go to a dealer to get parts if I need to, and just buy things online.

And I liked Echo the best. If I was buying today, I would return to Echo.

I did consider Echo for a bit, as I believe it's made in Japan (at least the pro stuff?) which I'm OK with, and I did read they are built a bit sturdier than other brands. I just couldn't find a dealer near me that had the pro level saws on display to check out. Would the CS-501P be considered a pro saw, and equivalent to what I'm looking for in the Stihl and Husqvarna saws?

 

[kaymccampbell]

Both brands are excellent. Choose the one with the nearest parts stocking dealer, and repair services. Buy it from an authorized dealer, not the big box.

 

[PCustoms]

@Vinny have you handled the saws?

Very noticeable feel for each brand IMHO

 

[CJM8515]

buy a pro model saw, it is indeed built that much better. echo, stihl or husky. a 45-55cc saw should do what you need easily.

 

[tarmy]

Stihl for the win…I have the older 241-c and that thing is a beast for a smaller saw. The commercial saws are just way better than the consumer versions.

 

[Notgrownup]

I like my Echo but I wouldn’t discount the Stihl Or Husky. Make sure you have the dealer support and availability of parts and service,

 

[ericm]

For a bit more money a pro saw makes more power, weighs less, has better ergonomics, often a better air filter, and at least with Stihl, had a compression release. Also the cases are made of metal (magnesium) instead of plastic. That said, if the money makes you hesitate, it's not like farm and ranch or consumer level saws **** or can't do work.

 

[jblnut]

Thank you for coming to the discussion with two great pro level saw choices.

I have an 026 and love the thing. It wears a 16” 325 bar and loves it. I’ve had a 20” 325 and an 18” 3/8 bar on it and it struggled a little bit. It’s since been ported and I’ve still only had the 16” 325 bar on it. I don’t think I’d figure to run a 261 with a 20” on it. I’d step up to a 462 or get a 562XP Husky. You’ll never regret more power. Either of those will run a 24” bar easily so a 20” bar will not over load it one bit. That being said, I frequently run a 32” bar on a ported 044 but it’s far from stock and the oiler has no trouble keeping up and it doesn’t lack power in the softwoods. For big hardwoods I stick that bar on the ported 066. It’s a heavy beast but it eats wood like a beaver.

I recently purchased a 562XP Mark II and put a 24” 3/8 bar on it. I have to say it was one of the smoothest saws I’ve ever ran. I got it to give to a buddy that helps around here a lot and refuses to cash paychecks when I try to pay him. If I’m ever in the market for a new saw of my own I may stray from my bakers dozen Stihls for a 562.

I’ve gotten lots of OEM Stihl parts online, you just gotta know where to look. If you’re looking to join or visit another forum the Outdoor Power Equipment forum is a good one. Lots of knowledge over there.

Whatever you do make sure to learn how to sharpen a chain properly. A sharp chain will do WAY more good than more power and make your saw last way longer.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I worked for a Husqvarna dealer and between the two you mentioned, I'd choose Echo.

We were also an Echo dealer and I like their 2 stroke equipment. It's what I personally own. I think they start easier than Stihl. (And yes, I know how to)

As far as your questions:
1. I wouldn't worry about the chains. You can always use an aftermarket chain if you're not happy with what they come with OEM.
2. With modern gasoline, no equipment likes to sit with fuel in it. Drain it out, run the machine dry, and you should be good for next time.
3. You can buy parts online for any of them. Stihl is most protective of their dealer network, which ***** if your local dealer is a clown, like mine. Echo dealers are everywhere.
4. Personal opinion: Stihl overcomplicates things unnecessarily. Echo machines are typically easier to work on. I just never liked the Huskys. Even as a dealer, we had issues getting parts and support. Maybe that's different now, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Stihl warranty is 1 year noncommercial, Echo is 5 years, if that matters to you.

Realistically, it mostly comes down to personal preference. Whichever one you go with, you'd be doing yourself a disservice by not at least checking out the Echo in person.

 

[Wamsutta]

STIHL fanboy here. That's what I'd get.

 

[Vinny]

Appreciate all the replies, folks! I'm seriously considering Echo now, particularly the CS-620P, which gets me more saw for about the same price as the Stihl MS261 or Husqvarna 550 XP. Trying to get the equivalent saw from Stihl is the MS362, which is a couple hundred dollars more (pushing $1000). Husqvarna 555 is a close equivalent and a closer price. It's looking like it's between Husqvarna 555 and Echo CS-620P now.
Found a Signature Elite Dealer for Echo nearby, I'll go check out some Echo saws sometime this week.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Stihls 362 is a nice pro saw. With a 25 inch bar and high speed chain cuts up 45 inch trees like butter. Corded Stihls saw with 16 inch bar good for light duty work. The 500i or the 661 would be a nice addition with a longer bar.

 

[seber]

The MS261 is a professional saw vs the MS251. Huge difference. I have never used Echo but between the MS261 and Husky, I would definitely go with Stihl. It is much easier to work on and will require less maintenance. Especially that primer bulb that will need to be replaced every year. The Stihl will also be less finicky to start once you learn the procedure. It needs more pull strokes but it will always start. Can't say the same for the Huskys I've worked with.

 

[jblnut]

Stihls 362 is a nice pro saw. With a 25 inch bar and high speed chain cuts up 45 inch trees like butter. Corded Stihls saw with 16 inch bar good for light duty work. The 500i or the 661 would be a nice addition with a longer bar.

Which chain are you referring to as a High Speed Chain ? RHF ? RSF ?

Any brand semi chisel full comp chain is gonna be the most versatile for felling and bucking. Not necessarily the fastest stuff but it’ll hold an edge a lot longer than a full chisel chain and be safer to use if you’re newer to the saw world.

 

[Kasal]

I love the Sthill 462. It has a very good balance between weight and power (72cc, 6hp, 6kg). It's a professional machine, so for normal use it should last a lifetime. I've been thinking about it for a long time, and as soon as I can, this will be the one I buy.

 

[Mr.Josh]

I recently just purchased a MS261. From all the research I did i could not find somebody say a single bad thing about the saw. So I purchased it. After cutting several cords with it i can say It lives up to the Hype. I used to run Husky and Jonsored (same company BTW) I just had too many problems with the Husky's and went to Stihl and have never looked back.

 

[Davefr]

Even though my favorite saw is a Husky (346XP) I'd choose from Stihl or Echo. Husqvarna seems like they've almost given up in the gas chainsaw market while Stihl remain innovative. YMMV but I rarely see Husqvarna dealers any more.

Stihls problem is that it's a PIA to get parts because they force you to go to a B&M dealer which is usually a big box store with unknowledgable staff. (however there's a ton of used and aftermarket parts on Ebay). Echo is easy to get OEM parts online.

 

[mikedodge]

The last one I bought was a Stihl and the next one I get will be one again.

Zero problems. If you are mainly cutting branches you don't need a 20" bar or an overly big one unless you are dealing with really big trees. Their smallest ones will easily take down trees.

 

[sk farmer]

i really like the stihl 028 my dad bought 30 plus years ago. never an issue. bolted on a few new parts after the tree fell on it........i didn't do it. still runs like a top.

a few years ago, i needed a larger saw for one job but could not stomach the price of a stihl. echo had a promo on the timberwolf cs-590. 399 with a rebate for 3 free chains. i bit. they have gone up in price but it is one hell of a saw for the money. still well under 500. i would buy it again in a heartbeat and would not hesitate to buy other echo products. i still like stihl but i think echo is right there and better than husqvarna.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm a Stihl owner and will recommend them as well.

Talking to most dealers, they will tell you that Stihl pretty much sets pricing. What most will tell you is that they can deal better on last year's left over stock. Might want to stoop by a few dealers and ask about left over stock and try to get better pricing.

 

[Kscardsfan]

State park manager/Conservation officer here. All we run for power equipment is Stihl and there is a reason for that, they just work. I have run Husky personally in the past and it's ok, but Stihl just seems to have it figured out. I know some guys who really like Echo, but they only sell through big box stores around here so I don't fool with them any. We have everything from a 261, a 201 top handle, up to a 440 magnum and we're hoping to get a 500 next (lots of very large cottonwoods around here). Along with a couple of pole saws and fleet of weed eaters/brush cutters and some blowers. We only run pure, ethanol free fuel in ours, and buy Stihl 2 stroke oil for our mix. If you buy a 6 pack of Stihl brand 2 stroke oil when you buy the saw you automatically extend your warranty out to 5 years as a consumer. As far as sharpening goes, its a saw chain. They are all about the same at the end of the day so long as the files fit the chain you're using you're golden. We run some carbide chains on our saws, so we don't have to sharpen that one. Or more accurately we can't sharpen carbide chain. But they're great for dirty work, rotten wood, stump cutting etc. where you are going to hit dirt or pickup contaminants while you're working. If my interns, part time help, and sheer amount of use doesn't kill these saws you are unlikely to break one as a consumer even doing heavy work with it.

 

[haneyrm]

Switched from Husky to Echo. Both great saws. Have a large Echo dealer close and they are easy to work with. No issues with either saw. I’m on my 3rd Echo and they’ve been great. Never owned a Stihl but will likely buy one next just to try them out.

 

[Steve_P]

State park manager/Conservation officer here. All we run for power equipment is Stihl and there is a reason for that, they just work. I have run Husky personally in the past and it's ok, but Stihl just seems to have it figured out. I know some guys who really like Echo, but they only sell through big box stores around here so I don't fool with them any. We have everything from a 261, a 201 top handle, up to a 440 magnum and we're hoping to get a 500 next (lots of very large cottonwoods around here). Along with a couple of pole saws and fleet of weed eaters/brush cutters and some blowers. We only run pure, ethanol free fuel in ours, and buy Stihl 2 stroke oil for our mix. If you buy a 6 pack of Stihl brand 2 stroke oil when you buy the saw you automatically extend your warranty out to 5 years as a consumer. As far as sharpening goes, its a saw chain. They are all about the same at the end of the day so long as the files fit the chain you're using you're golden. We run some carbide chains on our saws, so we don't have to sharpen that one. Or more accurately we can't sharpen carbide chain. But they're great for dirty work, rotten wood, stump cutting etc. where you are going to hit dirt or pickup contaminants while you're working. If my interns, part time help, and sheer amount of use doesn't kill these saws you are unlikely to break one as a consumer even doing heavy work with it.

This is pretty much it. National Park near me is all Stihl. The "legit" landscapers I see use Sthil. Tree service guys- Stihl.

My two-cycle blower and trimmer are Echo, but they're 30+ years old; at that time, they were a "budget" alternative to Stihl, and almost/ as good. If I was buying today, I'd go Stihl; because if I need parts or service, Ace is three miles away. Yes, you pay more for Stihl vs Echo, because Stihl kept their business model and stayed out of the big box stores.

In my area, all of the independent small engine shops are long gone- the only place that does repairs is Ace Hardware, and they carry Stihl. I'm sure they can fix Echo, but they are going to have 10X more parts for Stihl. Echo is going to go to the back of the line as a "lesson" to the buyer. I worked at a small engine shop in the '80s and we sold Husky saws, but not a lot of them- 99% of saw sales were Stihl and Echo. Trimmer and blower sales were >90% Echo.

 

[Vinny]

Thanks for all the help, folks! I went to the local Echo dealer and ended up getting a sweet deal on a CS-620PW. It was one that was dropped off for refurbishment, and the shop did the work but the owner never came back for it. He let me play with some floor models he had to get a feel for it. I purchased it sans bar and blade as I wanted to pick up some Tsumura ones.
Appreciate all the comments on this. Echo wasn't even on my radar and it ended up meeting all my needs. Looking forward to putting it through its paces in a few weeks.

 

[bwringer]

I have a bunch of Stihls. I have had no problem getting parts on my own.

Where????

I’ve gotten lots of OEM Stihl parts online, you just gotta know where to look.

Wherrrrre!!?!?

3. You can buy parts online for any of them. Stihl is most protective of their dealer network, which ***** if your local dealer is a clown, like mine. Echo dealers are everywhere.
4. Personal opinion: Stihl overcomplicates things unnecessarily. Echo machines are typically easier to work on. I just never liked the Huskys. Even as a dealer, we had issues getting parts and support. Maybe that's different now, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

WHERREEE OH WHERE ARE YOU PEOPLE FINDING STIHL PARTS ONLINE IN THE US? Please share, FFS.

I've been able to unearth a few Stihl parts diagrams from other countries (more sensible laws, probably), but prying parts out of the ether is damn near unpossible.

And no, I am not interested in developing a warm, loving relationship with the much-vaunted local Stihl dealers.

Yes, there are plenty around here, but pricing is "It's a secret, FU, pay me", attitude is just plain "FU", and parts availability is "We ain't got it. FU. Pay me and wait."

And yes, Stihl does indeed Germanically overcomplicate absolutely everything. Lovely materials and quality manufacturing, downright sadistic design. What the hell made them figure a tube to convey fuel from the tank to the carb must be a complex, fragile, molded, corrugated piece of plastic allergic to gasoline rather than you know, a simple hunka tubing like every frickin' other saw on the planet?

Even though my favorite saw is a Husky (346XP) I'd choose from Stihl or Echo. Husqvarna seems like they've almost given up in the gas chainsaw market while Stihl remain innovative. YMMV but I rarely see Husqvarna dealers any more.

Stihls problem is that it's a PIA to get parts because they force you to go to a B&M dealer which is usually a big box store with unknowledgable staff. (however there's a ton of used and aftermarket parts on Ebay). Echo is easy to get OEM parts online.

Preach.

All the above said, my Stihl experience is mostly keeping ancient, beat up machines out of the landfill. Once I finally manage to scrounge a few decent used or aftermarket parts from fleaBay or whatever, they can and usually do work great. But the dealers are, in my experience, entirely uninterested in my custom once it's clear I'm not in the market for a new machine.

I suppose if I were to waltz in and buy a new machine, the dealers would be a lot more chummy, and it would likely be a long time before a new machine broke, and I would likely be a lot more impressed with the business model overall.

 

[ericm]

I got shop manuals and parts diagrams for my Stihl products from someone on the chainsaw forum Arborsite. With the part diagrams I can search by part number. There's a lot of Stihl parts for sale on Ebay. I have been able to get just about everything I need (which has not been a lot, the things are reliable). Failing that I go to the dealer. We're fortunate to have a multi generation dealer that sells mostly to the yard care and tree service trades. I understand why Stihl would sell in box stores and Ace stores- a lot of people don't want to go to crusty wierd old chain saw shops, if they even have them. But if the service is poor I think they're shooting themselves in the foot long term.

If you have older Stihls it's even easier. There's a lot of clone parts made in China for saws a couple generations old. Even assembled saws. Some of the parts and saws are pretty good, some are not.

 

[Jazz1]

Stihl…this is my 40 year old 026,,runs perfect.
The saws lineage is it was sold by local saw shop located across the street from an infamous cathouse. This was back when most the commercial wood was cut with a saw, not mechanical as it is now..
Local college offered a cutter/skidder course at that time to supply the demand for these skills

 

[usatoollover]

Stihl 1st, Jonsered 2nd

 

[WoodsTruck]

I used to do thinning work with a Stihl. It didn't have the best anti-vibe and the pre filtration for the air filter sucked. Had to keep up on filter maintenance every night. I've run a 350 Husky for 20 years. Decent little saw, anti-vibe is better and the filtering is better than the Stihl. I got a good deal on an Echo 7310 so I picked it up. I cut about 3-4 cords of wood the other day and this is all the dirtier the air filter was. Anti-vibe is similar to Husky. I have a top handle Echo and my dad has several Echo saws. I'm kind of liking them.

 

[308guru]

Either saw is a good choice, you can't go wrong.

Me; I like my Husky. I've got a 562XP with a 20" light weight bar on it and love it. Does everything I need and does it fast.

After a long day with the saw there are times I wish I had the lighter 550XP though.

One difference to note between these two saws is the clutch/sprocket location. Stihl uses an inboard clutch making chain swaps a bit easier (if you care about that).

One word of advise is that a long bar is nice even if you aren't cutting with all of it. Saves you back as you don't have to bend down as far.