Stihl or Husky?

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look into the makita 6401, it is rebadged dolmar, highly respected german co. bailey's has em for 470 plus shipping
 
Beowulf said:
Naptime, yes there seem to be lot's of Stihl fans... They make good stuff. So does Husky. The key is to compare the same "grade" of saws between the two.

Stihl makes "homeowner" saws that are a clamshell design, like the MS250, with Chinese carbs and the lowest cost components that they think they can get away with. They also make great "pro" level saws like the MS200T, that have an easily serviceable piston and cylinder and a better power to weight ratio. They make some saws kind of in between, like the 361, I think.

Husky does the same thing. Their pro saws are quite nice and loved by their fans; the Rancher series is kind of their mid level range, and very reliable, but not as repairable or as powerful for their weight as their "pro" level xp saws.

I don't think you could go wrong with a new mid-level Husky, if the power to weight ratio works for you. If you want lighter with more power, you will probably want a pro level Husky or pro level Stihl. I buy Stihls mostly because I get decent pricing from a family friend. I have owned several Huskies, and still keep a 20+ year old model 45 around because it is dead cold reliable and asks for almost nothing in return.

But I'd probably Stihl fix your existing saw, first!

The 361 is a pro saw. The 290/310/390 are the mid grade saws.
 
Well, leave it to this site to teach an old dog new tricks. All these years I've been cutting and I didn't know there was a real distinction between chain saw models within a manufacturer's line-up, other than weight, bar length and power. I mean, I knew my 036 had the "Pro" moniker but I thought it was just marketing blather. I started this thread because I had a short window of time to make the Husqvarna purchase at that price, but all the replies have got me re-considering my options. The size and weight of the 036 still seem right to me now, but it may not a few years down the line. But I've been cutting with a 20" bar for decades, and don't know what I'd think about something shorter. I think I'll get my butt up to the dealer's showroom and do some of that 'hands-on' research. Thanks to all for the advice.
 
Now you've got the idea. Go play with a bunch, don't make a snap decision if you don't have to.
My take is the 460 Rancher would probably do you fine, but coming from that 036 I think you'd be a little dissapointed with its power to weight ratio. I'm another vote for fixing the 036, but if you really want a new saw then who are we to talk you out of it! That said I don't see the point in downgrading to a heavier, less powerfull saw, so cough up for that 362! or:

The Husky I would suggest for 20" bar is also the 359. I have one and it pulls 20" through hardwood very well. Likely closer to your 036 and much cheaper than the 362. Husky are said to be releasing a new pro 60cc that'll be lighter than the MS362. I dunno when, or how much $...
Also second the suggestion of the Makita 6401 just on reputation.

I've never been to Alaska, how big is the stuff you're cutting? I imagine skinny softwoods in the interior, but what do I know? A 50cc 18" B&C would save you some coin & there are nice light ones to be had: Stihl MS260 or 261, Husky 346xp, Dolmar 5100
 
midwestcoast said:
Now you've got the idea. Go play with a bunch, don't make a snap decision if you don't have to.
My take is the 460 Rancher would probably do you fine, but coming from that 036 I think you'd be a little dissapointed with its power to weight ratio. I'm another vote for fixing the 036, but if you really want a new saw then who are we to talk you out of it! That said I don't see the point in downgrading to a heavier, less powerfull saw, so cough up for that 362! or:

The Husky I would suggest for 20" bar is also the 359. I have one and it pulls 20" through hardwood very well. Likely closer to your 036 and much cheaper than the 362. Husky are said to be releasing a new pro 60cc that'll be lighter than the MS362. I dunno when, or how much $...
Also second the suggestion of the Makita 6401 just on reputation.

I've never been to Alaska, how big is the stuff you're cutting? I imagine skinny softwoods in the interior, but what do I know? A 50cc 18" B&C would save you some coin & there are nice light ones to be had: Stihl MS260 or 261, Husky 346xp, Dolmar 5100

Now see, that is why it pays to check with Hearth.com members. I would not have known that about the 460 Rancher. Thanks. I cut mostly white spruce, with some birch too. I favor the spruce mostly because we have the luxury of cutting standing dead trees, which is way easier on the back than green, if you don't mind the extra legwork of finding it. They range mostly from 6" to 30" diameter around here, with a few even bigger, but most are in the 10" to 20" range.
 
I could have gone either way . . . I think the most important thing is to compare apples to apples so to speak . . . and for me personally on the next saw I buy it will be a professional grade saw since I can be hard on equipment.
 
If and when.... has been over looked. If you need parts or service when will you get your saw back cutting again. That should be as much a considering factor as the color of the saw. Johnsered, Husky, Stihl all good names. But who's got good mechanics and parts available ? Ran Johnnies for years and then switched to Huskies. I switched over because the local, competent, power equipment dealer did. Have a little Echo, CS341, topping saw that has taken a beating for 2 years now and is great. ( same guy sells them too )
 
naptime said:
but most are in the 10" to 20" range.

I second the 50cc recommendation for softwood in that range. I have a 20" bar on mine and that is all I use for that stuff even with a 70cc saw sitting in the truck.
 
Stihl or Husky?

YES
 
Sounds like something in the 50cc range is in order for you. I couldnt possibly be happier with my new saw purchase. As for STIHL vs. HUSKY, that war could go on forever...

Bottom line: They both make outstanding saws. I have both a stihl and husky dealer within a 5 mile radius of me.

I chose husky for two reasons; 1. I needed a saw in the 50 cc range, they have quite possibly the best 50cc saw going right now. (Anyone who denies that is lying to themselves and everyone else or has never ran one.) 2. I used to personally know the family who owns the husky dealer. They treat their customers right. Those two reasons were plenty enough for me.

You will choose either one and be very happy.
 
Thought I might wrap this up with an update, since so many took the trouble to offer advice and guidance. I cleaned up the 036 Stihl, re-checked fuel lines and spark, re-set the jets and noticed the chain was pretty dry, a recent development for sure. But I wanted to see how it ran and still had difficulty starting it. When it finally revved up, I could see no oil was coming out of the weep tube. Took it back in and took off the clutch drum to check out the oil pump and noticed the crank was wobbling around (duh!), and that the chain brake was not working either. Went to town and talked to two different saw mechanics and both said not worth re-building. The Stihl dealer was closed for inventory, so no sale. Went to the Husky dealer and he was low on inventory but worked out a deal on a 346XPG, which he switched to 3/8" drive sprocket, bar and chain. While we were negotiating, in walked a professional woodcutter who said he owned five of them and was very satisfied, and also said 3/8" was the better set-up. That, along with the comments here, was good enough for me. The discussion here tipped me to thinking that cost-cutting on price was really less important to me than getting a saw I would enjoy using the next few years. Thanks again to all.
 
Congrats! Nice saw. I predict you will be very happy and have warm hands to boot.

Now about that 036 parts saw... I'd be happy to pm you an address to ship it to, just to get it out of your way, you know!
 
Good choice on the pro model. A few extra bucks is worth it when you are using pro tools for a pro job. They make life quite a bit easier. I've been running Husky saws for many years and love them. Iv'e got a 365 special over 10 yrs old with alot of time on it and it still runs great. Also recently picked up a used 394 xp for $275 and can't be more pleased. I won't wish you luck. You won't need it.
 
Beowulf said:
Congrats! Nice saw. I predict you will be very happy and have warm hands to boot.

Now about that 036 parts saw... I'd be happy to pm you an address to ship it to, just to get it out of your way, you know!
weird. I didn't know you had my address...
 
Beowulf said:
Congrats! Nice saw. I predict you will be very happy and have warm hands to boot.

I can't think of the last time I actually smiled while cutting firewood. Perhaps never. But I sure had a wide grin yesterday when those heated handlebars kicked in, and it was only -7ºF. Really enjoyed cutting with the saw. Didn't think I'd notice a pound or so less in weight that much, but I did.
 
naptime said:
Thought I might wrap this up with an update, since so many took the trouble to offer advice and guidance. I cleaned up the 036 Stihl, re-checked fuel lines and spark, re-set the jets and noticed the chain was pretty dry, a recent development for sure. But I wanted to see how it ran and still had difficulty starting it. When it finally revved up, I could see no oil was coming out of the weep tube. Took it back in and took off the clutch drum to check out the oil pump and noticed the crank was wobbling around (duh!), and that the chain brake was not working either. Went to town and talked to two different saw mechanics and both said not worth re-building. The Stihl dealer was closed for inventory, so no sale. Went to the Husky dealer and he was low on inventory but worked out a deal on a 346XPG, which he switched to 3/8" drive sprocket, bar and chain. While we were negotiating, in walked a professional woodcutter who said he owned five of them and was very satisfied, and also said 3/8" was the better set-up. That, along with the comments here, was good enough for me. The discussion here tipped me to thinking that cost-cutting on price was really less important to me than getting a saw I would enjoy using the next few years. Thanks again to all.

I haven't received the saw yet. Must be the holiday season along with the Alaska to NJ travel distance that has slowed the delivery. Maybe by the end of this coming week. :)
 
Naptime, I'm with you on weight. I'm in the 'why carry more than necessary' camp, but many here don't see the value when the logs weigh so danged much. I'll choose the lighter saw any day.

S
 
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