Stihl & Husqvarna chainsaws

[SK-Mike]

Have always owned Stihl saws.

MS180 (My 1st chainsaw, always worked good, no complaints, sold to my brother)
MS250 (Piece of junk, sold to neighbor, told him upfront the issues, he wanted it bad, couldn't fix it so he ended up selling it also).
MS181 (Sweet little saw- sort of wish I'd kept)
MS 261 (Still have, Awesome saw, my 1st pro grade saw)
MS 362 (Still own, Another great pro saw)

Recently sold a Handgun I didn't need, took the money and purchased 2 New Husqvarna Chainsaws.

543XP-16" Bar, Pro grade saw, this saw is really sweet, especially for the small to medium tasks.

550XP-18" Bar, Pro grade saw, This is a direct competitor to the Stihl MS 261, both 18" bars, its a coin toss as to which I like better.

I must admit, as a life long Stihl user, I am really impressed with Husqvarna build quality and how they are engineered/designed a bit different than the Stihl. The Stihl are simple to disassemble to work on and clean out, a novice can figure it out. The Husky seems a bit more sophisticated, I can see a Newbie having more difficulty assembling the Husky and getting everything fit together properly, but if your familiar with saws then you will not have any issues.

 

[Badgerstate]

The real downfall of Husky are Oregon chains though. If youre used to Stihl chains, Oregon isnt great.
Its the same with Echo saws. The saw is great but the chains arent.

 

[SK-Mike]

I’m using the Husqvarna X-Cut chain, seems to cut every bit as good as the Stihl chains. I’ve never used an Oregon chain though.

 

[toolchaser]

I think Husqvarna`s air intake design is much better than the Stihl. They run the intake air by the cooling fan so most of the debris is slung outward before it gets to the filter, much longer time between cleanings on a Husqvarna

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have 3 Stihls, one I've had for 18 years, no problems. One that I'm rebuilding, currently on hold. The third us brand new and haven't used it after buying it last year... happens sometimes.

I have a Husky that I bought cheap on Govdeals and needs rebuilt. .. it's a 450 Rancher.

Being a Stihl guy, honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either shade of orange.

 

[Kenskip1]

I will jump in on this one. Stihl saws are over priced by far. Same for Husqvarna. Echo saws are all metal construction, have a much better anti-vibration, are not the so called X torque. If you had run an Echo you would more than likely switch. The bars and chains for Echo are made buy Oregon. Stihl chains are OK but way over priced. I purchase Arbor Pro made buy Carlton. Same chain but one third the cost from Baileys. I now have three Echo saws. My most recent are the 550P, and the 590 Timber Wolf. Wonderful saws and at a great price. This one is the 590

 

[930dreamer]

I'd like to try a Stihl 500i fuel injected saw. I have a 046 and MS250.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I’m using the Husqvarna X-Cut chain, seems to cut every bit as good as the Stihl chains. I’ve never used an Oregon chain though.

The X-Cut chain is really good. It keeps an edge well and cuts well. I run a few loops of it on different bars, very impressed. No complaints about Oregon chain either, i have various loops in different sizes and it's all good.

Never been a fan of Stihls, don't really rate their designs and i don't like their ergonomics. Their air filtration is **** too. Husqvarna's air injection is great, my filters stay very clean.

Got 8 Husqvarnas, 7 that get used and one (Another 395, not shown here.) that sits on a shelf.

 

[Davefr]

One huge advantage of Husky is parts. A couple mouse clicks and parts are at your doorstep in a couple days from a number of sources.

Stihls antiquated policy forces you to buy OEM parts from a B&M dealer (most of which don't stock much in the way of parts other then oil and chain). You drive to order them, wait, wait, wait and then go pick them up.

My Husky pro grade saws are every bit as nice as Stihl pro grade saws and their air intake system is superior. However I like Stihl's Torx better then Hex fasteners.

For homeowner grade saws, Echo's are my favorite. (almost Pro grade).

 

[Kurt4440]

I'd like to try a Stihl 500i fuel injected saw. I have 046 and MS250.

I would also like to try the new Stihl 500i and compare it to the Makita / Dolmar 7900.
Right now I have three Stihl saws, 020, 026, and an 084. I also have three Echo saws, 310 and two 6700. Plus some miscellaneous Homelite saws. The goal is to reduce the number of saws and probably have an 80cc as my "big" saw.

 

[DeeKay]

Just curious why you didn't like your MS250?
I have the same saw and have problems starting it sometimes, seems like it floods almost immediately if it doesn't kick on the first or second pull. Once it's running though I think it's a great saw.

 

[finn]

I have Stihl, Husqvarna, and had an Echo, which I gave to my son, plus a few other assorted brands. I consider the Stihl and Husqvarna to be equals, with the Echo a high quality box store brand.

Interestingly, I stopped by my local tractor, yard and chainsaw shop yesterday to get an implement quote and noticed that the chainsaw section, which normally has fifteen to twenty Husqvarna and Stihl saws on display, mostly professional models, was empty.

Absolutely no inventory. The owner, when asked what happened, replied that he is completely sold out, and that neither vendor has been able to keep his store stocked.

Implement deliveries are running 90 to 120 days from Woods. In other words, if you don’t have equipment for your summer projects, plan on starting them in August, at best.

 

[will335i]

Husqvarna must have stepped up their game because back when I got my 240 I had to have the carb tuned before I could even start it for the first time. I was told this was a known issues. It have been a great saw since but pretty annoying that a brand new saw needed work to work right out of the gate.

 

[drtyler]

Is that a Poul-varna?

Some of the smaller Husqvarna saws are rebadged Poulans and not made to the same level as the larger ones.

Husqvarna must have stepped up their game because back when I got my 240 I had to have the carb tuned before I could even start it for the first time. I was told this was a known issues. It have been a great saw since but pretty annoying that a brand new saw needed work to work right out of the gate.

 

[MongoTA]

Husqvarna must have stepped up their game because back when I got my 240 I had to have the carb tuned before I could even start it for the first time. I was told this was a known issues. It have been a great saw since but pretty annoying that a brand new saw needed work to work right out of the gate.

I was able to pick up a near brand new 395XP with unmarred 28" and 36" bars. Apparently the original owner used it for maybe a half-hour before deciding the saw was way to large for him, so he sold it to his bro-in-law. the Bro-in-law never got it to start up, he was the one selling it at the yard sale. bought it for the cash I had in my pocket.

Love the saw. Huge, but man, it cuts fast, and cutting faster can equate to cutting safer.

I also have a smaller Rancher. Have had that for 25 years.

I buy 100' spools of chain and rivet up my own loops. I'm using Oregon chain these days, no complaints.

Husky vs Stihl as a whole? Both saws are great saws. I think in some ways the deeper parts of Stihl saws can be easier to work on in the field, at least going back 10-15 years ago when I had more knowledge of them.

But for a homeowner? I think Husky is the more easily maintained saw regarding taking care of basic maintenance. As well as being better in terms of not needing some basic daily maintenance that a Stihl may need.

I like them both, but I lean Husky.

 

[Sumboodie]

The real downfall of Husky are Oregon chains though. If youre used to Stihl chains, Oregon isnt great.
Its the same with Echo saws. The saw is great but the chains arent.

What does chain brand have to do with a saw?

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I don't have a pro grade chainsaw but I've had my Husky 440 with an 18" bar for the last 5 years and have zero complaints. I just replaced the chain again a week and a half ago with one of the X-Cut chains and it was great. When I first shopped for chainsaws, I looked at Stihl but it just seemed like it would the same as the comparable Husky, just costs more.

 

[SK-Mike]

Just curious why you didn't like your MS250?
I have the same saw and have problems starting it sometimes, seems like it floods almost immediately if it doesn't kick on the first or second pull. Once it's running though I think it's a great saw.

The MS 250 cut great when it was running.

It was super tough to get started, very easy to flood, would pull well over 100 times to get it to hit. Even after running, sit down take a break, again tough to get started. I finally just gave up, sold it, finally spent the money on a pro grade MS261.

 

[finn]

What does chain brand have to do with a saw?

I think the point was that Stihl sells their own branded Chains, which, albeit pricey, are generally considered king of the mountain as far as chains go, by many professional users of chainsaws.

 

[Davefr]

I think the point was that Stihl sells their own branded Chains, which, albeit pricey, are generally considered king of the mountain as far as chains go, by many professional users of chainsaws.

Yes, but Oregon brand chains made in Canada are a very close second.

 

[will335i]

Is that a Poul-varna?

Some of the smaller Husqvarna saws are rebadged Poulans and not made to the same level as the larger ones.

It is very possible I'll have to take a look but like I said other than needing to tune the carb its ran like a champ. I just put a new bar and chain on it this year and covers whatever I need.

 

[Rinspeed]

I have a 441 Stihl Pro grade and it's an awesome saw, I've also ran several Husky Pro grade saws and they also rip pretty damn well.

 

[HaiKarate]

I can't remember which brand or model I have*, but I'm sure it's the best**. Why? Because I bought it!



*I'm lying - it's a Stihl

** I'm actually not sure it's the best, but it better be for what I paid for it

 

[jg4660]

I have a 10 yr old Husky 345 from lowes. Its been a fantastic saw....hours and hours of use and starts by the 2nd pull every time. I too just put an X-cut on it and it works great.My only complaint is if i dont store it on its side it seeps chain oil.

 

[SK-Mike]

One thing I do for my Chainsaws is to only Run Canned fuel.

Either the Husqvarna XP premix, Stihl Motomix, Or I will buy a Gallon of VP Racing 4 cycle fuel and mix in a bottle of Amsoil Saber at 50.1.

I do this on all my Saws, Leaf Blowers, and string trimmers. Maybe a little overkill, but I like the piece of mind knowing when I need to get my saw and go to work, it will fire right up.

 

[finn]

Yes, but Oregon brand chains made in Canada are a very close second.

I have been happy with Oregon chains myself, but have most recently been buying the inexpensive chains from Bailey’s. Can’t seem to keep them out of the dirt, and an inexpensive chain doesn’t hurt my wallet as much.

 

[brianh]

I have been happy with Oregon chains myself, but have most recently been buying the inexpensive chains from Bailey’s. Can’t seem to keep them out of the dirt, and an inexpensive chain doesn’t hurt my wallet as much.

Bailey's chains are Carlton I like them, more tooth length I can get a few more sharpenings over Oregon they hold an edge just as long.

 

[NYresQ]

I had a 261 for about 5 years and bought a new 362CM with the full wrap handle.

The 362 will pull a 25" bar through live oak with no problem using a standard yellow chain. If I need more saw, my brother has a 660 I can borrow, but I haven't found that situation yet...

I debated between getting the 362 or the 462, and in retro spect, I am glad I got the smaller saw. The 462 seems to be closer to the 660 than the 362, and as I said, if I need a monster, I have access to one. I also think if I find I need a bigger saw than the 362 and a 25" bar, I should probably have a professional do the job...

 

[redmondjp]

I had a 261 for about 5 years and bought a new 362CM with the full wrap handle.

The 362 will pull a 25" bar through live oak with no problem using a standard yellow chain. If I need more saw, my brother has a 660 I can borrow, but I haven't found that situation yet...

I debated between getting the 362 or the 462, and in retro spect, I am glad I got the smaller saw. The 462 seems to be closer to the 660 than the 362, and as I said, if I need a monster, I have access to one. I also think if I find I need a bigger saw than the 362 and a 25" bar, I should probably have a professional do the job...

If you are an occasional user, going with the smaller/lighter saw is usually the correct choice. My "big" saw, which many people will laugh at, is an Echo CS-520 which I bought in near-mint condition last summer for $100 on the List of Craig. Last fall I cut up a 36" diameter maple tree with it, using the 20" bar on it so yes, I had to go at it from both sides. It worked fine and it's light enough that I don't complain when I pick it up. It's got a very impressive power-to-weight ratio, and it's still bone stock (no muffler mod or any other tuning).

I watch several youtube channels where they love the (typically-heavier) vintage saws and put them into the wood. But those guys are physically more used to hefting big saws all day long and I am not. To each his/her own. I love the old saws much as I love old cars - they are great to look at and take out for a cruise once in a while, but I wouldn't want to daily-drive one.

 

[SK-Mike]

I had a 261 for about 5 years and bought a new 362CM with the full wrap handle.

The 362 will pull a 25" bar through live oak with no problem using a standard yellow chain. If I need more saw, my brother has a 660 I can borrow, but I haven't found that situation yet...

I debated between getting the 362 or the 462, and in retro spect, I am glad I got the smaller saw. The 462 seems to be closer to the 660 than the 362, and as I said, if I need a monster, I have access to one. I also think if I find I need a bigger saw than the 362 and a 25" bar, I should probably have a professional do the job...

If I were to go buy a saw larger than the MS 362CM I would probably go for the 500i with 25" bar. I doubt I'll ever buy a saw that size though.

However I might take a hard look at the Husqvarna 562XP with 20" bar soon.

 

[NYresQ]

If I were to go buy a saw larger than the MS 362CM I would probably go for the 500i with 25" bar. I doubt I'll ever buy a saw that size though.

However I might take a hard look at the Husqvarna 562XP with 20" bar soon.

Serious money for that saw! Its pretty awesome having a saw with fuel injection, but its big bucks!
I have used a 661, and the ones with the m-tronic ignition are pretty much fool proof. I think for the same money (maybe even less) than a 500i, I would probably go for the 661. Its pretty close in size, and while I am sure the fuel injection system is reliable, the m-tronic has been around long enough to be proven.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Husqvarna must have stepped up their game because back when I got my 240 I had to have the carb tuned before I could even start it for the first time. I was told this was a known issues. It have been a great saw since but pretty annoying that a brand new saw needed work to work right out of the gate.

I bought a Husky 562XP the other year with Autotune, just rev it a couple of times after startup it's good to go. Game changer for me because I seldom use it and don't want to mess around setting the carb when I get it out.

 

[mautotech]

I'd like to try a Stihl 500i fuel injected saw. I have a 046 and MS250.

I would also like to try the new Stihl 500i and compare it to the Makita / Dolmar 7900.
Right now I have three Stihl saws, 020, 026, and an 084. I also have three Echo saws, 310 and two 6700. Plus some miscellaneous Homelite saws. The goal is to reduce the number of saws and probably have an 80cc as my "big" saw.

I just picked up a 500i with a 28" bar to chop up some huge trees that came down on my property over the winter.
I can tell you that it is an absolute BEAST! As a matter of fact, that's what I am doing today and it is making these trees its *****. I've owned other Stihls and this thing is amazing compared to them.

 

[Trapps]

I have used both H & S. I think they're very comparable brands. I'd probably be basing any decision on the caliber of the closest dealer if I were starting over.

I own a pair of S (MS311 & MS180C) which are great for my needs as avid DIY homeowner saws.

No doubt there is a brand premium paid for with either.

My personal experience has been excellent with my 2 current saws. Before I bought a Stihl, I owned a small/mid sized Echo - I can't remember the model. It broke (housing). I've run both of my Stihl's harder and have had zero issues. Perhaps Echo has improved; in all fairness I haven't run one in more than 5 years.

 

[SK-Mike]

I bought a Husky 562XP the other year with Autotune, just rev it a couple of times after startup it's good to go. Game changer for me because I seldom use it and don't want to mess around setting the carb when I get it out.

Im pretty sure the Husqvarna 562XP with 20" bar will be my next chainsaw purchase.

If I were to ever need a larger saw than this I would get the Stihl 500i.

 

[MagnusM4]

I just got a STIHL MS261c a couple months ago as my first gas saw. I’ve probably put at least 10 tanks of fuel through it so far and I’m highly impressed with it!! Nice cutting and easy starting saw with plenty of power to cut decent size hardwoods.

 

[Clemson13]

Anyone deal with a stihl 021? Looks like i can pick one up for free, after poking at it looks like i need to replace the magneto and should be GTG. Worth the fix? Ive wanted a saw, but dont have a big need for one other than occasional use.

 

[Chuck Farley]

I have a matched pair of Stihl 041's plus a Stihl 038
Just general use around the house/yard, but I got the first 041 from Craigslist, loved it and found another for $25.00 at an auction, so it followed me home too.
The 038 was given to me by a neighbor. All 3 are reliable as the sun, will cut anything and everything.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

MSE 210 Stihl not bad for electric chainsaw, cut up to 24 inch branch. Stihl MS 250 works really well for small trees. Both are good homeowner saw.

 

[ET160]

I looked at Stihls a few years ago and ended up getting a Dolmar.