Chain saw recommendations
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
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From: Hampstead, NC
Chain saw recommendations
I'm in the market for a new saw this year. I've narrowed my search down to 2 brands: Stihl and Husqvarna.
Are there any otyher brands to seriously look at?
I'll be cutting 10-15 cords of wood a year, mostly hardwoods. I want a saw that has a good power/weight ratio as I hate lugging around a heavy, underpowered saw. I'm thinking an 18" bar will be enough for any tree I'll encounter and a good chain is required, none of these low kick back chains.
This will hopefully be a saw I can use for many years to come, so none of the big box store brands will do.
Any and all recommendations are welcome.
Are there any otyher brands to seriously look at?
I'll be cutting 10-15 cords of wood a year, mostly hardwoods. I want a saw that has a good power/weight ratio as I hate lugging around a heavy, underpowered saw. I'm thinking an 18" bar will be enough for any tree I'll encounter and a good chain is required, none of these low kick back chains.
This will hopefully be a saw I can use for many years to come, so none of the big box store brands will do.
Any and all recommendations are welcome.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
I have 2 Stihl and 1 Husqvarna. They are both great saws. The bigger of the 3 saws is the Stihl, it has a 20" blade and goes through a piece of hardwood with ease.
I really think you couldn't go wrong with either of the 2 you are looking at. Look for service and which actually feels better in your hand.
Good luck Toyman
I really think you couldn't go wrong with either of the 2 you are looking at. Look for service and which actually feels better in your hand.
Good luck Toyman
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
I agree that both are good brands. I 'd heard that the Huskies use a higher rpm -- which I didn't think was a good idea -- but I don't know that for a fact.
I'm assuming that you're looking at the Stihl 'pro' models with as much wood as you're cutting. I got a homeowners model the last time, and I don't like it as well as my old 026 ( which I wrecked
-- not Stihl's fault).
I'm assuming that you're looking at the Stihl 'pro' models with as much wood as you're cutting. I got a homeowners model the last time, and I don't like it as well as my old 026 ( which I wrecked
-- not Stihl's fault).
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Majority of the wood cutters in the area go with either Stihl or Husky, understand both are good saw; although, appears Stihl is more popular, suspect because of the availability of parts and service. Have a small older stihl with 16" bar, and have not had any problems. Understand Stihl has gone to a new bar tention setup, not sure if it's an option, I would be interested if there have been any problems with it when it comes time to replace my saw.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 7,687
From: Chino Valley, Arizona
Sthil, I currently own 4 of them and have no plans on owning anything else. when I decided to buy Sthil I looked at what the forest service was using and what the logging companies were using. they both had sthil saws. now I have sthil saws. also grreat parts availability.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,761
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From: Bethel,Ak
Sthil or echo is the way to go. My dads 650 echo is 25 yrs old and still going strong with no rebuild yet. He used to cut firewood comercially in montana.
We have a 025 sthil that is doing just as good.
The husky we have is underpowered and will not cut straight.
Same with every husky we have tried.
Get one that has a good dealer near you.
We have a 025 sthil that is doing just as good.
The husky we have is underpowered and will not cut straight.
Same with every husky we have tried.
Get one that has a good dealer near you.
Posting Guru
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Wayland, MI
I wish the MS 310 had that sometimes.
Toyman
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
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From: Wallingford, CT
We have a pair of STIHL MS210s and they're nutless wonders. The 210C is even heavier than the regular 210 and seems even more nutless. I think we're planning to give away the MS210C and spend 350$ on a new MS290. The MS290 is a more powerful saw and will take up to a 20" bar. I think we're planning to put an 18" bar on it.
We've got 4 STIHL saws at the moment.
2 MS460s (GREAT saws)
1 MS210 (decent saw)
1 MS210C (Hunk of JUNK!!!)
We've got 4 STIHL saws at the moment.
2 MS460s (GREAT saws)
1 MS210 (decent saw)
1 MS210C (Hunk of JUNK!!!)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Love my Husky.
Got nothin' bad to say about Stihl, just never used one. Guys I know that have them like them.
Guy I know that have the Husky like them too.
So I would get either on depending on the reputation/previous dealings with the shop from whom you are buying.
Got nothin' bad to say about Stihl, just never used one. Guys I know that have them like them.
Guy I know that have the Husky like them too.
So I would get either on depending on the reputation/previous dealings with the shop from whom you are buying.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
With that kind of production, I'd look at 2 saws,
the Stihl MS361 60cc 4.4 hp
MS 361 Chain Saw – STIHL USA
or the husky 357 xp, almost the same specs
Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment - 357 XP?
The way both these saws are praised over at Arboristsite, you'd think they can cure aids
the Stihl MS361 60cc 4.4 hp
MS 361 Chain Saw – STIHL USA
or the husky 357 xp, almost the same specs
Husqvarna Outdoor Power Equipment - 357 XP?
The way both these saws are praised over at Arboristsite, you'd think they can cure aids
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2
From: Wallingford, CT
I'd say the STIHL vs Husky issue is really a non-issue. It really depends on your local dealer. Do you prefer your Husky dealer or your STIHL dealer? If you like both you can take the one that's closer and go with that one.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9,359
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From: Hampstead, NC
I'm still looking.
Considering the Stihl MS 390 (mid range saw) or the MS 361(pro grade saw) and the Husky 357XP(pro grade saw) or the 359(mid range saw).
I may not cut that much wood per year, just threw the numbers out there as a top end that might be needed to heat my shop and home.
I have dealers for both close by, 5 Stihl dealers within 15 miles and abouth the same amount for Husky.
Considering the Stihl MS 390 (mid range saw) or the MS 361(pro grade saw) and the Husky 357XP(pro grade saw) or the 359(mid range saw).
I may not cut that much wood per year, just threw the numbers out there as a top end that might be needed to heat my shop and home.
I have dealers for both close by, 5 Stihl dealers within 15 miles and abouth the same amount for Husky.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 384
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From: south jersey
The stihl 361 is an awesome saw and you will get many years of good use out of it, the only bad thing is the price tag 
but if you use it alot it will be worth it. You could always check craigslist and ebay to find a good gently used one thats how i bought all of my saws cause im to cheap to buy anything new
but if you use it alot it will be worth it. You could always check craigslist and ebay to find a good gently used one thats how i bought all of my saws cause im to cheap to buy anything new
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
I have three husky's two of them are 51's and one is a 350. They are 16,18, & 20" bar. They have been great saws. The newer husky's do rev much higher and are louder than the old ones.
They have been great........but I would not hesitate at buying a stihl either.
They have been great........but I would not hesitate at buying a stihl either.