freudianfloyd
Well-known member
Finally something I can talk about. As a guy that flips saws as a hobby, maybe I can provide some insight into saw brands from my experience.
Stihl -
1. Bring a premium for some reason, new and used. People assume all Stihls are pro saws, even the little MS170.
2. Stihls are also much easier to work on for me. I'm sure others will say that Husqvarna is easier, but I disagree.
3. They are plentiful and used parts are easy to come across.
4. They are great saws, plain and simple. If you know how to start them, and use non-ethanol fuel, they will reliably start every time.
5. Can find used ones everywhere (yard sales, swap meets, on the curb by the trash, etc.)
However...
1. As mentioned above, dealing with B&M stores to get parts is annoying.
2. OEM parts are expensive
3. They are susceptible to flooding unless you know the starting sequence.
4. Farm Bosses are NOT pro saws. You would be surprised how many people think they are.
5. Stihl saws leak, I have 40 saws in my garage right now, the only bar oil puddles are under the Stihls.
Husqvarna -
1. They seem to cut above their weight class.
2. Parts are generally cheaper and easy to order online.
3. They don't seem to leak bar oil
4. Much better anti-vibe than Stihl
5. Can buy homeowner grade saws in more places.
6. They just feel much more engineered, fit and finish is much better than Stihl.
7. Typically less expensive for a comparable saw to Stihl.
However...
1. Dealer support is few and far between (atleast in my area) and when you do find one, they seem to be more interested in selling the big Husqvarna equipment, not supporting saws.
2. Pro-saws are rare in my neck of the woods.
3. Saws take a little more time to sell than Stihl.
4. Some homeowner grade saws are in fact Poulans, and thus not worth fixing. Jonsered are also Poulans now FYI.
Echo -
1. Good homeowner grade saws. Their top-handle saws are amazing.
2. Very reliable.
3. Relatively inexpensive, which makes them perfect for homeowners
4. Just good all around saws.
However.....
1. Terrible resale compared to Stihl or Husqvarna.
2. OEM parts are extremely expensive if you can find them at all.
3. There is a reason the pro loggers and arborists don't use them.
4. Pain to work on (old ones anyway) New ones are not much different than Stihl.
5. Typically underpowered for their size.
Dolmar/Makita (Very limited experience with these)
1. Great saws, when you can find them.
2. Parts can be ordered online.
3. Good resale.
However.....
1. Dealer support at least in my area does not exist. I don't even know where a dealer is located.
2. They rarely go up for sale in my area used, so I don't get to deal with them very often.
3. Again, loggers and arborists typically don't use them, there must be a reason.
As far as my favorite, Husqvarna for all the reasons mentioned above. But love Stihl too.
Stihl -
1. Bring a premium for some reason, new and used. People assume all Stihls are pro saws, even the little MS170.
2. Stihls are also much easier to work on for me. I'm sure others will say that Husqvarna is easier, but I disagree.
3. They are plentiful and used parts are easy to come across.
4. They are great saws, plain and simple. If you know how to start them, and use non-ethanol fuel, they will reliably start every time.
5. Can find used ones everywhere (yard sales, swap meets, on the curb by the trash, etc.)
However...
1. As mentioned above, dealing with B&M stores to get parts is annoying.
2. OEM parts are expensive
3. They are susceptible to flooding unless you know the starting sequence.
4. Farm Bosses are NOT pro saws. You would be surprised how many people think they are.
5. Stihl saws leak, I have 40 saws in my garage right now, the only bar oil puddles are under the Stihls.
Husqvarna -
1. They seem to cut above their weight class.
2. Parts are generally cheaper and easy to order online.
3. They don't seem to leak bar oil
4. Much better anti-vibe than Stihl
5. Can buy homeowner grade saws in more places.
6. They just feel much more engineered, fit and finish is much better than Stihl.
7. Typically less expensive for a comparable saw to Stihl.
However...
1. Dealer support is few and far between (atleast in my area) and when you do find one, they seem to be more interested in selling the big Husqvarna equipment, not supporting saws.
2. Pro-saws are rare in my neck of the woods.
3. Saws take a little more time to sell than Stihl.
4. Some homeowner grade saws are in fact Poulans, and thus not worth fixing. Jonsered are also Poulans now FYI.
Echo -
1. Good homeowner grade saws. Their top-handle saws are amazing.
2. Very reliable.
3. Relatively inexpensive, which makes them perfect for homeowners
4. Just good all around saws.
However.....
1. Terrible resale compared to Stihl or Husqvarna.
2. OEM parts are extremely expensive if you can find them at all.
3. There is a reason the pro loggers and arborists don't use them.
4. Pain to work on (old ones anyway) New ones are not much different than Stihl.
5. Typically underpowered for their size.
Dolmar/Makita (Very limited experience with these)
1. Great saws, when you can find them.
2. Parts can be ordered online.
3. Good resale.
However.....
1. Dealer support at least in my area does not exist. I don't even know where a dealer is located.
2. They rarely go up for sale in my area used, so I don't get to deal with them very often.
3. Again, loggers and arborists typically don't use them, there must be a reason.
As far as my favorite, Husqvarna for all the reasons mentioned above. But love Stihl too.
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