Husqy vs Stihl (50cc and 60cc) advice

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ampamp

Member
Oct 31, 2010
91
Buffalo - Rochester
I see a lot of posts that say I don’t want to start anything with the whole Husqvarna vs. Stihl debate, but I’m afraid this post will, but I’m actually anxious to see the banter and hear the opinions. So bring ‘em on! This comes from me since I’m in the market for a 60cc saw. I have more familiarity with Husqy and am prtial to them, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying Stihl. Part of my issue is this whole pro vs not pro saw thing. I’m more familiar with 50cc saws, but have used and owned the rest as well. I’ve compared a Husqy 350 and I can’t really see the difference in performance in the 346XP. So it revs higher….ok, great! Not sure that’s buying me that much. Yet, the 350 (now 450) is the “landowner†version or non-pro saw that everyone turns their nose up on. I don’t get it. I do understand the 346 has the magnesium crankcase, etc….so is that why it’s ~$150 more? This is coming from a guy who is bias to Husqy. Performance difference….I’m not seeing it (450/350: 11.2#, 3.2hp, 50.2cc vs. the 346xp: 11#, 3.7hp, 50.1hp). I know there’s more data to look at than just this, but running both through wood…..I’m not seeing a difference. So back to the pro vs non pro. I never thought Stihl had that issue (they’re suppose to be the best…all models are great)….guess what..they do. I think they call it a mid range saw vs. a pro saw in the catalog (or online)…….i.e MS270 (~$450)…..vs MS261P, ~$550. The stats on these saws are pretty close. More plastic parts internal to the motor? The examples are endless. I know there’s some rev boost, autotune, etc options that drive price too, but really. I want a saw that will last and perform. Why so many choices…and are they that different. The 350/450 vs 346xp was the easiest to pick on since I’ve had both in my hands and used plenty. Another example could be 555, 357xp,562xp, MS362. Wouldn’t mind to hear opinions both sets of those saws, but I’m also trying to figure out what a good ~60cc saw would be. Both the 350 as well as 346xp tend to bog down just a bit,….was thinking a slightly larger saw would do the trick. Any ideas? Is there a 60cc pro saw that could run a mainly 18" or maybe a 20†bar that is $600 or less new? Husqy 555…..oh not pro, yet it has the metal cranckcase. I like quality and performance and will pay for it…..I just need to see it. Looking forward to the advice. By the way….I cut a lot of firewood and manage a fair bit of property as well….so the saw will get used very often and generally for a long period of time. Thanks!!!
 
You don't think a nearly 20% greater power output from the same displacement in the 346 versus the 450 is significant?

Stihl has the exact same issues and difference between their model ranges as Husy does. They have more plasticy, more difficult to service homeowner grade saws and they have more metal content, servicable pro saws.
 
"555, 357xp,562xp, MS362"

You will likely never regret buying any of these. Go to your dealer and check them out (physically handle them), make a choice and don't look back.
 
More power = less time in each cut... I'll go for it nearly every time because it's a multiplier, it keeps paying you back year after year.

When I was in the same boat I went with the Dolmar 5100 but had the Hsky 348, and 353 on my list, I just ran into the Dolmar first at a great price.

When in needed a 60CC class saw I ran into the Makita/Domar 6400 and it has done everything I've asked. I'm still considering replacing the piston and cylinder to a factory 79CC unit but the damn thing runs great and the big trees are not really a problem. I got the Makita 6401 used for <$300 from Home Depot off rental. I'd do it again if I could find another.

I've cut plenty of timber with others and the Dolmars have earned their keep. Husky, Stihl, Dolmar are boringly reliable. Dolmar 64CC should come in at your number. Check Baileys...

You can test drive the Makita at Home Despot Rental... Not all stores from what I hear.

Enjoy!
 
May want to look at the 359 too. I ended up there after contemplating the 346xp for a while. The 359 has been a great saw to run in the big wood. Turns the 24 inch bar/chain just fine. Got mine just prior to some increases, but still can be found for around 500.
 
mayhem.....i see your point....I really do. The math works in terms of 20% more power output, but the saw certainly doesn't act like 20% more in wood. Not trying to argue with ya, I'm just not seeing it in the saw performance. I think the saw revs higher though....I think they say 13000 - 14000 range. Now, either saw is a damn good saw without a doubt. But when comparing them (in use) the differneces aren't 20%. Just my opinion of course.

Hopefully others will chime in too on these and the 60cc guys as well. Thanks.
 
is husky that one the home depot sells? orange and white i think?
 
Husky vs. Stihl... Id say for you it would be the one with a honest close by dealer.For me that means husky, been running them just about 30 years and have been buying my saws at the same place.Good service no exuses,no wating for parts.I run a 372 most of the time good power to weight ratio,balance is reasonable, it runs a 24" bar ok and you can work with it all day with ease."Homeower" saws are really meant for ocassional use, and will wear you and themselves out.I would recommend a bottom tier pro saw in a Husky that would be s 365,( and even this wont really do well with a 24" bar).Try some out at your dealer see whats feels right for you,and get him to cut you some slack on the new chaps and hat ;-)
 
Husqvarna 20" 55.5cc Gas Chain Saw

Item #: 192741 | Model #: 455 RANCHER

4.74 / 5 530 Reviews

$482.00

is that a good saw? lowes carrys it, was 399$ tell i put in my zipcode then the price changed to 482!!!!!
 
the Stihl 056 any good?
 
I just went through this process, except I had less chainsaw experience to start with than you do. I settled in on a 6 month old MS362 for about $200 off retail. First I was looking for a 70cc, then I decided that was bigger than I needed. So far I only have a few hours on the 362 and like it a lot - it feels as smooth as the borrowed 40cc Husky that I used all summer and pulls the 20" b/c really well.

Used 362's will run you around $450 or $500 in our area, and 361's will be a little less...but not much - they're still quite popular even though they're older.
Research arboristsite.com for info about specific models.
One of the first bits of advice you'll find A LOT about choosing a brand is to choose a good dealer nearest you, and go with their brand. That's what I did, glad I did after spending an hour with the guy, getting all sorts of help, and he didn't even sell me the saw.

That's all I can come up with at the moment...
 
Yep, pro saw + good dealer = many years of happy cutting. A C
 
I'm not sure about their pro models, but I love husky's unbeatable anti-vibration. It took me a long time to decide between stihl and husky as my local dealer sells both. I just couldn't decide, and in the end it was the anti-vibe that won me over... I wouldn't ever change now.
 
amp said:
mayhem.....i see your point....I really do. The math works in terms of 20% more power output, but the saw certainly doesn't act like 20% more in wood. Not trying to argue with ya, I'm just not seeing it in the saw performance. I think the saw revs higher though....I think they say 13000 - 14000 range. Now, either saw is a damn good saw without a doubt. But when comparing them (in use) the differneces aren't 20%. Just my opinion of course.

Hopefully others will chime in too on these and the 60cc guys as well. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Like many, you're crossing up max unloaded rpm and peak power rpm. The former is typically much higher. Most modern saws peak between 9K & 10K. Dynamic loads on engine innards are proportional to square of speed; thus extreme speeds make life short. Pro Husqys peak power typically about 1K higher rpm than prosumer.

After all the arm-waving, the edge on the cutters can be worth lots more than 20%.
 
greythorn3 said:
Husqvarna 20" 55.5cc Gas Chain Saw

Item #: 192741 | Model #: 455 RANCHER

4.74 / 5 530 Reviews

$482.00

is that a good saw? lowes carrys it, was 399$ tell i put in my zipcode then the price changed to 482!!!!!
Click to expand...

Can be had for ~$320, factory refurb, f.o.b. anywhere in USA. Got one, works great for me. DAGS.
 
"I like quality and performance and will pay for it."
"I cut a lot of firewood and manage a fair bit of property."
"the saw will get used very often and generally for [a] long period of time."

You're into a pro saw, and, running an 18 or 20", 60cc. or larger. Stihl 362 or Husky 562 (not sure if they've worked the bugs out, but worth a look).

There: I just saved you a whole bunch 'a time.

S
 
bogydave said:
Husqvarna 357XP/359 are the same owner's manual. Big price difference. Pretty close to the same saw.
Part:
http://www.husqvarna.com/ddoc/HUSI/HUSI2001_AAaa/HUSI2001_AAaa__1062606-62.pdf

For me it was between the 460 Rancher & 359, I got the 359.
Haven't ran it through it's paces yet, 2 gallons thru it. Sure an upgrade from my 30 yr old Husq 61.
Happy with it so far.
Click to expand...

I found the same arguement when I made the decision on the 359. I believe the crank is different and the hp was a bit lower on the 359, but everything else looked the same. I love my 359. It has been the best money spent on the wood processing so far. Made me 100% more productive based on time vs the old Wild Thing.
 
greythorn3 said:
Husqvarna 20" 55.5cc Gas Chain Saw

Item #: 192741 | Model #: 455 RANCHER

4.74 / 5 530 Reviews

$482.00

is that a good saw? lowes carrys it, was 399$ tell i put in my zipcode then the price changed to 482!!!!!
Click to expand...

Comparable to the stihl 290 farm boss. Check vminnovations for a refurbed one at much cheaper price.
 
amp said:
mayhem.....i see your point....I really do. The math works in terms of 20% more power output, but the saw certainly doesn't act like 20% more in wood. Not trying to argue with ya, I'm just not seeing it in the saw performance. I think the saw revs higher though....I think they say 13000 - 14000 range. Now, either saw is a damn good saw without a doubt. But when comparing them (in use) the differneces aren't 20%. Just my opinion of course.

Hopefully others will chime in too on these and the 60cc guys as well. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I also own a Husky 359 and its my go to saw. Both have been great saws, but the 359 gets the nod from me every time.

I can't quite tell from your posts, have you actually used these saws in back to back cuts in the same wood or are you basing your opinion on youtube videos and hard numbers?

I agree that a 20% power increase does not necessarily equal a 20% reduction in the cut...like a car with a 20% horsepower boost is not necessarily going to reduce its 0-60 time by 20%.
 
I avoided this thread for a few days on purpose. But heck I decided to read anyway. I'll tell you what the whole Husky 346 thing is about. Its probably the saw with the most power left on the plate. My PP346 is 40% over stock and I consider mine a slow one compared to some that are there now. Anyone wanting to see it for yourelf come to my GTG advertised in this forum and you can run it for yourself. BTW if they come, there will be 2 more there that are the NE series that are faster than mine. Its like have a light sabre in your hand.
I had an Eric Copsey 357 (sold it a few yrs back) that was even faster but I used it strickly for race.
 
best 60cc saw out of the box yet,only time will tell. standard 3/8's pitch large chisel cutter saw chain.
346XP new edition 50cc saw small .325 pitch small chisel cutter saw chain,best ever- soon to be discontinued-
 

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fyrwoodguy said:
best 60cc saw out of the box yet,only time will tell. standard 3/8's pitch large chisel cutter saw chain.
346XP new edition 50cc saw small .325 pitch small chisel cutter saw chain,best ever- soon to be discontinued-
Click to expand...


is that one of them new chinese knock offs???
 
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