Who's the better recommendation

[thornh1ll]

I've been in the market for a new chainsaw and, as usual, visiting different dealerships has been… interesting. Every dealer I've talked to says their brand is the best and downplays the competition. Husqvarna reps say Stihl is overrated, while Stihl folks claim Husqvarna can't compare. Me, I just want a reliable saw for a mix of firewood, some occasional small logging, and general yard work. I've read plenty of online reviews, but I'd love some hands on insight from people who actually use or have used both brands

 

[JJoe_257]

For what you're describing, you really can't go wrong with a chainsaw from either a Stihl or a Husqvarna in their homeowner or rancher class.
Of course dealers have brand loyalty but also both brands are top-tier manufacturers!
The real difference often comes down to personal feel and ergonomics.
I think what's comfortable for you after an hour of cutting is more important than a few tenths of a horsepower.
Try to find a good local dealer for each brand and see if you can get them in your hands.. get a feel of the balance, weight and controls.
Also check reviews and other feedback about the dealers since service and parts availability are crucial down the road.

 

[rhougey]

I've been in the market for a new chainsaw and, as usual, visiting different dealerships has been… interesting. Every dealer I've talked to says their brand is the best and downplays the competition. Husqvarna reps say Stihl is overrated, while Stihl folks claim Husqvarna can't compare. Me, I just want a reliable saw for a mix of firewood, some occasional small logging, and general yard work. I've read plenty of online reviews, but I'd love some hands on insight from people who actually use or have used both brands

I own and use a Stihl MS362CM with a 24" bar and an Echo CS355T with a 14" bar. I am tremendously happy with both saws. They both cut like crazy. I have not owned a Husqvarna chainsaw, although I did own a Husqvarna string trimmer that finally gave up the ghost and I replaced with a Stihl. You cannot go wrong with either of those two brands, but you should consider the Echo brand as well. For dependable long life and reliable use, it mainly depends on your habits, not the manufacturer. Follow a few tips in order to be happy with your saw, no matter which you buy:
Follow manufacturer guidelines to break in the saw.
Always use high quality fresh fuel with NO ETHANOL (I mix my own).
Use the best 2stroke mix oil you can get.
Work to perfect your technique at filing you chain in order to sharpen in the field quickly, and keep it sharp.
Keep your air filter clean.
Always warm up your saw before putting it hard to work.
Use correctly fitted Oregon bars and chains as replacements for the originals.
Match your chain's cutters to your needs and skill level, and once you've developed safe habits, progress to a more aggressive chain.
Take care of your saw.

 

[Rich]

When I got back into firewood about 5 years agoI had a Husqvarna 450 Rancher and a Poulan 3816. They had a18" bar and a 16" bar, respectively. Most of the free wood I come across is 16"+ & some much bigger. It didn't take long to realize that a saw that could run a 24" bar would be handy. My B-I-L is a big Husqvarna fan so I started looking at their 60cc machines. The 460 Rancher is often sold with 24"bar and I looked at their 555. The 562 was more than I wanted to spend. Once I started researching 60cc saws, the Echo CS-620P kept coming up as an excellent value. It is a professional saw that is well built with a 5 year warranty. Many said that Echoes are dated designs, they are, however they're reliable as a Toyota and plenty strong. I've had the 620 buried in red oak without a hiccup.

If you think a 60cc saw is a good size for your needs then I recommend a CS-620P over the Husqvarna 460 or the Stihl MS311 for about the same $. Whatever you choose, be aware of becoming afflicted with C.A.D. I was bitten by that bug and have since added a CS-355T, a CS-4600(freebie), and CS-4910 (HD closeout). Now I need to rationalize an Echo CS-7310P...

 

[Stihlqvarna]

Is C.A.D. chainsaw addiction disorder?

 

[Rich]

Is C.A.D. chainsaw addiction disorder?

Chainsaw Aquisition Disorder

 

[Leon Couper]

This question has been around since the year dot. Now when you say about
stihl say bad things about huskies and husky saying bad things about stihl that is called
a salemans pitch. If you go and buy a new car you will get the same thing there.
All I can tell you is most of the well known brands will give you good service like
Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo plus probably a few more. I have seen people buy a top brand
and just not service them and had quite a new stihl come to me not long ago that
when they filled the oil tank up had over filled it and had run through the cooling
fins and a mixture of sawdust and oil it run hot and seized now that is no fault
of the saw. Had a Huskie arrive that I think had been straight gassed and again
no fault of the saw just someone that should not be allowed a saw.
Now if you get a saw after using it blow it down with compressed air clean all
access oil of it get the car polish out and polish it (just joking) but look after
it and it will look after you. But a word of warning watch out for chinese clones
my advise is stay away cause they will bite you.

 

[Alan]

I couldn’t agree more, most of the big brands are pretty strong, but it’s the maintenance that really makes a difference.