Replacing Husky 55 Rancher with Stihl model.... which one?

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Stihl, I think, is going that way with the 271 and 291 - so forget all this Husqy nonsense

Not the same situation. Neither of those are pro models, they're just different size farm and ranch saws.
 
I disagree. They are those half-step-from-pro saws that you claim some of the Husqys are.

Au contraire. They are listed as farm and ranch saws on Stihl's site, and they both have plastic chassis with clamshell motors.
 
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Well since this has turned into a Stihl vs. Husqvarna debate I'll ad my .02 worth. I own 2 Husqvarna saws and I like them. We have Stihl saws at work (fire dept) so I have experience with them too. Both brands do the job but IMHO the Husqvarna saws seem more refined.

As for your Rancher not running well I ask, have you had a dealer look at it? It could need a carb tune or carb rebuild. Ethanol gas has wreaked havoc on many two stroke engines and yours may be one of them. Do you think Husqvarna bar studs are inferior to Stihl's or have you under/over tightened your bars? Don't get me wrong, both brands make great saws and so so saws. But if your issue's are owner/operator induced then brand does not matter
 
If you want a Stihl go w/ the 361 w/ a 20" pro bar and the yellow chain (non safety chain). You may want a smaller saw for trimming eventually...possibly a stihl 180.
 
If you want a Stihl go w/ the 361 w/ a 20" pro bar and the yellow chain (non safety chain). You may want a smaller saw for trimming eventually...possibly a stihl 180.

Great saw, but the 361 hasn't been produced for the USA market since about the end of 2009.
 
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No they aren't

Okay, I'm not a Stihl engineer and I've never even handled either model, but here's what I'm referring to. Note that the "Farm and Ranch Saws" tab is highlighted on both pages from Stihl's site. Note also the models listed at the bottom of the IPL page. Where are you getting your information?

271.jpg
291.jpg IPL.jpg
 
I should've known.
 
Probably, but you have to consider the source. The 555 IPL probably has the word "Stihl" in tiny print, preceded by a bunch of expletives.
 
lol all this talk about clam shell designs, farm/ pro saws, etc...

Every saw Echo makes is pro grade.. just sayin. Even the 590 has a magnesium case.


I'm not gonna say Echo can compete in the high end saws with Stihl or Husky.. they don't even make a saw larger than ~80cc. But for the 50ish cc saws? They're right there with them.

If you need to pull a bar any larger than 24", look to spend some big loot. For 20" and under? You have some good options.

Don't want to come off as a big fan boy, so I'll stop now. Good luck shopping. :)
 
Every saw Echo makes is pro grade.. just sayin.

If by "pro grade" you mean magnesium crankcase and flat-bottomed cylinder, then what you are sayin' is incorrect.
 
What I meant by that was, they don't have all these different "homeowner" "farm/ ranch" and "pro" saws in their lineup... that just confuses things.

Stihl saws are nice for sure, but the price is largely inflated by the name.

edit: they do actually make that claim- "And all ECHO Chainsaws are certified to the highest level of useful life (Professional Use and not occasional use) to ensure maximum value from your investment."
 
With such skills at redefining issues to one's own advantage, Echo should go into politics.
 
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If by "pro grade" you mean magnesium crankcase and flat-bottomed cylinder, then what you are sayin' is incorrect.

every saw I've considered buying from them had those... which one doesn't?

(not doubting you, I just don't want to go check specs on all of them)
 
If you are looking for a good high quality pro saw for less than the other two brands by hundreds of $ DOLMAR is the only way to go
 
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