I'm thinking about buying a new mid-size chainsaw this year. Stihl or Husqvarna, who makes the better (Pro) series of chainsaws? I've been using the Stihl brand chainsaws for the past 15 years and my mid-size chainsaw is getting long-in-the-tooth, I'd like to replace it with a new one, but I've never used or have been around a Husqvarna chainsaw before. Thoughts anyone?

 

I'm on my 2nd Stihl ( wrecked the first one ), and they've both been great.

Husky's are supposed to be pretty good as well, but I've heard that they run at a higher rpm for some reason. Doesn't seem like a good plan to me, if it's true.

I do think that this has been discussed before - you might do a search and see if there aren't some threads around.


hj

 

I've only used Huskys for the past 11 years of powerline construction. Not used as much as a logger's day-use, but, haven't seen any problems with them other than maintenance.

I would like to try a Stihl.

 

the new ones are both plastic junk, id just buy a used stihl with the magnezium parts.

 

I have never had a bad Stihl.

I used to be a fan of Husqvarna and used them when I was in the forest industry. But my brother in law bought my dad a new 440 last Christmas and it is a total POS. Homelites are better saws than that thing.

 

im an arborist and i run a tree service.
either of those saws will serve you very well.there is a big difference between the pro versions of each saw.don't try and compare a homeowner version to the pro series of either,or it's not a fair comparison.you also can't hear or have bad luck with a homeowner saw and try to compare it's results with the pro grade versions of either.
iv had a couple older stihls but more recently ('07-'09) replaced them with husky xp saws.you can't go wrong with the pro grade versions of either brand.
grab a 372XP (iv got one of these) or MS 441 and cut into a log.you'll have no regrets either way DCP.

 

I'd go with whichever one has the best local service/dealership.

That said, I have a Husqvarna 372xp--excellent saw. With pro chain (no anti-kickback rakers), it is a BEAST! It's no longer in production, though--it's been replaced by the 575xp.

Jason

 

I am a stihl guy through and through.... just bought a new weadeater as the 1970's model I have been using is twice as heavy... still runs though...

Remember to use the synthetic oil mix though as the dyno oil with todays ethanol fuel will eat the fuel lines up quickly. The synthetic oil has some sort of neutralizer in it.

 

I'm partial to the Stihls myself.

 

I'm partial to Stihl, but Husqvarna makes a good saw also. Just be sure get go into the pro line and you won't be disappointed either way. I have a Stihl MS290 right now, it's considered a mid grade, I like it but I wish I had something a little stronger. The Husqvarna is definitely a lot lighter then the Stihl.

Tim

 

I've used a 575xp with a 32" (I think) bar, that thing is a beast.

No matter what you get, if it has the anti kickback chain, get rid of the pos and get a real chain...

Tim

 

Yeah, I've got a 20" bar (what it came with) and a 32" bar for mine. I get a lot of stuff DONE with the 20" bar. The 32" is just for when I need it (not much), but the saw is definitely a bit underpowered for a 32" bar (5.3 HP). With the 20" bar, I can stab the dogs into the wood and lever the saw into the cut because of how much power it has. I just listen to the engine to keep the RPM high and in the power band.

(SAFETY NOTE: if you have a saw that can cut faster than its weight will make it cut, DO NOT LEAN OR PUSH THE SAW INTO THE CUT! This is very dangerous in terms of if there is a kickback, and it's very tiring as well, which can lead to safety problems later if you are sawing lots of wood.)

Jason

 

My Brother is a hand faller, runs Husqvarna exclusively, as he has never had the other brands stand up nearly as well.
Run a saw 11 hours a day, 5 days a week, its got to be good, or your always down he says.
He swears by this saw here. HUSQVARNA 576 XP® G - Chainsaws

 

I know this is a little dated (last post 5 days ago), but I vote 'Stihl'.......

Nothing I can't do with my MS-290 Farm Boss.......and if you buy a Stihl, the way they are set up, it's GOING to be from an authorized dealer who can actually fix the thing and otherwise support it if you're into regular maintenance and stuff.....

Now my place now carries Huskies also......and supports them........but you find them in the big box places too.

 

just know that those sold there will be the homeowner grades.with husky,if it's not an XP it's not the pro grade.