Great question. I prefer the Stihl Rapid Super chain (It is full comp Stihl 33RS, 84 drive link chain in the video on all saws). For farm and ranch or consumer grade saws that run a shorter bar, a full comp chain is best. On bigger professional saws when running a 25" bar and longer is needed, a Stihl Rapid Super in a full skip tooth configuration is my go-to chain. I have a bench mouted chain grinder to sharpen square-ground chain, and I do slightly change the bevel and angle based on what wood type I will primarily be cutting (softwood, soft hardwoods, or hardwood). I do run some Carlton carbide tip chain if I am cutting really dirty wood from storm damage that may have been on the ground for a while. Thanks for watching!
I have a stihl and a husqvarna the stihl air filter plugs up so fast and it loses power because of it, I can't stand it, and plan on trading it on another husqvarna. It's clear you held the husqvarna back at one point lol
agreed man, a mate of mine asked to go help him get a few loads of wood, took my ms362 n he took his ms 291 i’m pretty sure, i looked around n he was pulling it back n forward, before ya know if, fucked the chain
I love my 311. Great saw with a 24" (if you know how to cut wood, and keep a sharp chain). I use a cheapo Ryobi 16" 37cc for my limbing and small cuts (super lightweight, and a good inexpensive little saw for little projects). Of course, I upgraded that Ryobi to an Oregon bar and chain to make it work well. But I digress. I am not a brand specific kind of guy when it comes to saws. I have used Husqys, old Homelites, and a few others. A nearby neighbor of a property that my father and I share saved the day with his 36" bar Husqy that made short work of a diseased 100+ year old hardwood smack dab next to our cabin (much love to Oregon State Forest Service members). I choose this particular Stihl because I wanted to to go one model higher than my Father's 291 with a 24" bar. It is way too much fun to ask him if he needs a little more 'oomph' when he is sawing (while I am offering him to use my 311). Whatever saw you choose to take home, just remember the mantra of wise men everywhere. 'She is a fickle bitch. You have to learn just what she wants. Just what she needs, even if she will never articulate that fact to you. Use your Zen power, and figure out what she needs to be happy and grind hard. She will never tell you, so you had better figure that out for yourself. If you can unlock that mystery, she will stay by your side forever, and never let you down'.
Been running Husqvarna saws for about 8yrs now. My buddy runs Stihl. Honestly, both are great saws, but my Husqvarna saws start better in the cold with the primer. I prefer to cut firewood in the winter also. My other noticeable difference between the two is the Husqvarna saws will lug down and work, they have more torque. Whereas the Stihl is more reliant on keeping that RPM high for its cutting ability when they lug down they can't hold the load. Just do me one favor, don't ever bring a Poulan to help clear trees or cut firewood. Nothing more irritating than having a helper that spends half the time trying to get the saw started and the other half the time complaining cause they end up loading the trailer while I cut the rounds.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Lol...yes, there's always the guy who shows up to help with the dull chain and Poulan saw he hasn't started since he cut that one branch that fell in his yard 5 years ago. LOL! And you are correct, as I mentioned, the long stroke on the Husky will have more torque with a burried bar; the Stihl revs a couple thousand rpm higher with the shorter stroke, so it will cut faster as long one keeps the rpm's up...but that will usually require running a skip chain on bars over 25". And, yes, the primer is helpful in sub-zero temps, but where I live it is rarely cold enough to cause issues starting a saw without primer bulb. Thanks again for the input!
A sharp Pollan 40cc wild thing with an 18 inch bar and a (person) that knows how to use it is welcome anytime by me. 28years feeding 4 heaters in a family guy.
@@EddieLindsay681 even the home owner Husqvarna saws and a step above the Poulans. They all have their places. I run their farm & ranch line with great results. So far have 8yrs on my 445 cutting firewood.
Good job I have the 460 but it’s not even broke in. Maybe 2-tanks of fuel I have a husky 55 that I bought in the 90’s that starts every time I go to get it and never had it apart! Runs like a champ! I need to get some time on the 460 and tune it we’ll just to see how it will perform.
I admit I don't know much about chainsaws, but I have heated my home with firewood for the past 51 years. I personally have had bad luck with Stihl and Husqvarna. They seem to be in the shop getting repaired more than in the woods cutting firewood. 2 and 1/2 years ago when covid hit I purchased an Echo saw. This is the first Echo brand I have ever owned, and this thing doesn't skip a beat. All I have done to it is sharpen the chain, put gas and oil in it and cut firewood. I was so impressed with the Echo chainsaw I bought me an Echo string trimmer. Again, the Echo brand string trimmer hasn't given me any trouble in the 2 years I've owned it. I sold both my Stihl chainsaws and string trimmer. I still have my Husky chainsaw as a backup, but I plan on replacing it with an Echo after winter. Like I said, I'm not a chainsaw mechanic but I cut about 15 ricks of wood per year off my own property to heat my home. Echo seems to be a more dependable saw for cutting firewood compared to Stihl or Husky. Just my personal experience.
I like both saws. Either one you can’t go wrong. They still would get the Job done. But for the Value and money. Bang for yo buck you gotta go with the Echo 590. Or just a lil more cash go with the 620 pro version. 👍 good video.
Thanks. Echo makes some good saws! I just don't currently own one, I have in the past...and probably will again sometime...you can't have too many saws. Lol
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman I’m the same with woodworking routers and drum gear. Can never have too many. I’ll be getting a Rancher 460 after using cheap saws for years . After I get a taste of a real chainsaw I’m sure I’ll move up the line and get a big Stihl. Too much power is a beautiful thing.
On the newest 460 & 311, they both have side chains tightening, but the 460 has adjustable oil screw. And the 311 comes with 3/8 chain and the 460 has a .325. Also when you did the comparison cut, I can guarantee you that the 460 was NOT running full RPM! I could hear in the video it was loading up!! Sorry your test DID NOT IMPRESS me because that 460 was NOT RUNNING good! I don’t own either one but I do repair them.
Exactly! I own both and the 460 wasnt performing like it should! That wasn’t a fair performance test for the husky! The husky 460 455 Rancher personality never use the primer, funny to say but she starts on second pull 98% of the time with out priming in Canadian weather! verry smooth consistent idle chaisaw out my 9 Steal husky and Jonsereds that in own it feels good in your hands and balanced real nice the most easy reliable saw in its class! Perfect all rounder in my opinion not to big not to small just right and light weight! Love my Sthil saws too dont get me wrong!
I Use stihl full chisel round ground and if you don’t have the budget for that Oregon chains are really hard to beat for the price plus Oregon chains file a touch easier it seems. I use both and they are great.
There's more to a chainsaw than cutting performance. The peripheral systems like the bar oiler, chain brake, and air filtration are also important, and I think Stihl has Husqvarna beat in these areas, at least at the price level being tested here. The Husky's cut well and cold start easily, but Stihl's are better designed in the peripheral areas. The older the saws are, the better the Stihl will perform relative to the Husky.
Quick hands, and nice save, @ 07:34, not so much @ 12:06! Obviously you’re good, and savvy and experienced in use of saws, and that one handed thang makes for good footage, but I’m less impressed. It doesn’t take much to go from ‘0 to tragedy!’ Now most people that are watching your videos, are bound to be experienced, but my concern is with those that are not, and then ‘tries out’ your style, and then something happens. It’s your channel, and your call, but at the end of the day, we all have to take responsibility and be accountable for what we do. Or at least that is how it used to be. Enjoyed the video and I gave it a like. I hope you take this comment well, as it was only meant that way. Thanks! Stay safe and healthy! 👍 ✌🏻 😊
Tusen tack för att ni vissade detta jag tyckte det var intressant och roligt att både se om höra det ni gjorde jag hoppas att ni kommer att visas mera videon mvh Per
I have too! Not generally in the farm and ranch segmemt though. A ported 572xp with advanced timing and properly matched sprocket and square ground skip chain. Is one of the quickest saws I ever run! But stock that turns under 10k rpm
With the pro saw you jumped to a 72cc saw and not a direct comparison to the 60cc saws. And a decent HP jump to 6, so naturally it will cut much faster. Nice comparison though, I was looking at the 311 but the salesman suggested that the 391 would be a better step up from my current 260.
The 311 and 391 are the same saw, with the 391 having a larger piston. If I were you, I would just do some mods on that 260 and it'll push more power than the 311 or 391. The 260 is a really good saw! The 311 and 391 are not pro grade saws and are more aggravating to work on compared to the 260. And yes, I am aware the 462 and 660 have more displacement and power. The comparison was the ms 311 and the 460 rancher. The others were just for reference as to why those cutting professionally or making thousands of cuts for firewood each year may benefit from a 70 cc class pro saw, like the 462. If it takes almost half the time to make a cut, then one would, in theory, spend half the time cutting firewood.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman I bought a 25 inch bar and rmf chain for the 260, wanted more reach so I wouldn't have to bend over so much cutting stuff on the ground. Modded the muffler, 2 extra holes in outlet. Seems to cut fine, did a half load the other day. Bought saw in 2006 and been using it with 20 inch bar. Thought I would have to go to 325 chain for it to cut decent but mechanic said it would be fine with 3/8 porch, and I agree. I was considering the 460 husky or the 311 to be able to pull the 25 inch bar and chain and they are cheaper than a pro saw. To be honest I could have just went and borrowed my dad's 036 with 24" bat and used it, he's 86 and not using it much at all.
Turn up your volume and enjoy.. Thanks ... currently looking at both saws. My 21 and 18 year old Stihl still running good but too many big hickory and red oak down. Would be cruel to put them to work on 20-26 inch trees.
I own a Stihl MS310 I bought brand new over 20 years ago. She's tired and time to replace. I purchased a Husqvarna Rancher 450 last year as a backup saw and the wife now runs it when firewood cutting. I do like it though. I just need something with more power than the 450 to replace the old Stihl and am considering either of the saws you just reviewed. Only about $20 in price difference. This is a tough choice for me as both make great saws. What is your opinion on which to buy? Firewood for home use. I don't cut more than 10 cords a year. Sometimes it's already down, sometimes I have to fell trees. Pacific northwest so this is almost exclusively Alder and Fir that I cut.
If you plan on running a 24"/25" bar, I think the Husqvarna is a slightly better option. Its long stroke has more torque. If a 20" bar will be your normal use bar, the Stihl does cut faster, because the short stroke it can turn a couple thousand rpm faster. So when cutting with a Stihl keep the rpm/chain speed up, and with the 25" bar that is a little tricky. Sorry, that is not a definitive answer. I do like both saws. It can be a pain getting the saw off the bar if you get the bar pinched close to the saw body on the Husqvarna, because the outboard clutch setup. But if mostly cutting firewood, that won't happen often...if at all. Honestly, if you have a dealer in your area who you like doing buisness with, maybe just buy whichever one your favorite dealer sells. Thanks for watching, and commenting. Hope it helped.
Is that 311 stock I just bought mine and it doesn't seem to run that strong and I only have a 18in bar on it granted I'm still on the stock green chain but yours sounds like a screamer compared to mine
That old Homelite Super XL under the table still runs strong! Unfortunately the newer ones are not made in USA anymore, but the old ones were great...but heavy. Lol
I have definitely pinched my bar more than once. I keep a second saw. I never thought about an extra bar and chain. Do it enough, and it happens. Or think you can get away with something and most times you do, but then one time you can't.
Thanks for watching! Might be a subjective statement...lol...but I do find them a little easier to work on, which is one reason I prefer them. There are lots of great saws on the market, and if I had a ton of money, I'd have one of each. Lol. But if I could only use one saw it would probably be a Stihl 462 with a slight mods, I love that saw! Light enough to climb with comfortably, yet powerful enough to fell just about anything we have in the Eastern US.
Thanks for watching! It's a 25" (84 drive links) bar on all saws in the video. The 460 rancher and the MS311 probably pull and oil a chain on a 20" bar best, but if you need the longer bar they are sufficiently powered to do what you need to do...just not nearly as fast as saws that cost over twice what they do. Lol.
Thanks again for the video, it really helped me out in my decision. Quick question for you, what are your thoughts on what's going on in the world concerning current world events Thanks
Well, that is definitely a loaded question thay would require a very lengthy response...but in summary the old saying, "Everything rises and falls on leadership", is almost always accurate. To address my thoughts on each geo-political, economic, or federal regulatory area would take too long...but as an Afghanistan veteran I will say, it did not need to end this way over there!
It is heavy, as far as power to weight goes. A 462 with light weight bar is about the same weight and has a lot more power. The 311 is about the same weight though as the saws it is marketed against (Husky 460 rancher, Echo timberwolf 590 etc)
Ur weak to say its heavy.. I hold my 311 up all day.. limbing, falling, and bucking. Juniper trees in central Oregon. Cutting red fir, pine, and soft woods is easy to cut. Easy...
If you are using an Alaskan mill to rip or slab logs, a bigger saw would be much better option. I have done quite a bit of stabbing with an Alaskan mill, and use a Stihl MS660. That being said, if you just want to do a couple smaller logs in softer woods, then either of those would work. Between the two, the longer piston stroke of the Husqvarna 460, probably is a better choice for milling. If you have some nice bigger logs you want milled on site, it may be worth paying someone with a portable bandsaw mill to come mill them for you. Just my thoughts. Chainsaw milling is fun, but it is slow and is work. Make sure you wear a mask to keep you from breathing the exhaust fumes and dust from chainsaw.
Thanks. That answers my question. The trees I'm dealing with are a mix of pine and oak, some put 18-24" diameter. I would like to mill some of the nicer trees into planks or lumber for making furniture, etc. Mostly I've just turned the downed trees into firewood. In the next few years more trees are coming down, especially as we expand the foot print. Milling lumber isn't my first or primary activity. I like having the option though. I do have an Alaskan mill-type of device to help get flat and even thickness planks.Thanks
you need to tell people to keep your hands on the saw, Bad habit in my opinion , your teaching yourself bad habits in the most perfect cutting situation. not trying to run you down. i do have experience and the scars to prove it
Not my fault Husqvarna 460 gets a half hp less out of a saw with a bigger engine, and sells it as a direct competition to the MS311. So yes, it is absolutely a fair comparison, because Husqvarna sells the 460 Rancher as the saw to compare in size, price and use with the Stihl MS311...
Winding it out full bore with no load. Terrible for a motor. Using one hand to cut wood with a chainsaw. Holding a saw at 10,000 rpm’s and then just shutting it down Immediately is good for it as well. Wow pal. Good luck P.s rippin on that pull cord like that to is going to last you about a week. Good luck again.
Lol...I have got thousands of trees felled and bucked since making this video. Still on same pull cards. No motor damage. I service, tune, and mod my saws to my liking, and have never had an issue.
Well, i have ran saws a long time and replaced several top ends over the last couple decades, and never had a scored piston on that front muffler side which indicates running a saw too hard before it has warmed up...so I guess I might know what I'm doing, and what it takes to properly warm up a saw given a certain temperature.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman front side piston scoring is from a saw running lean as the exhaust side isn’t cooled by the oil, 4 corner scoring, which can’t often be seen through the exhaust port is from doing what you are.
Yeah, got it...i'm not talking about a lean scoring but, I was talking about inspecting the pistons and cylinders that I replaced the rings on. Running a saw too hard too fast does score the cylinder on the exhaust corner on the clutch size where the heat builds up the fastest, but it won't have as much of the burnt look... but the piston will heat up faster than the cylinder and score the cylinder. That is the primary tell that a saw has been run too hard before it warms up. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher and the Stihl MS 311 are directly marketed against each other ...that's why I did the comparison. Clearly I am aware of the power (rpm, torque, stroke, etc. differences), but they are at, or near, the top in displacement, power, and price point of the mid-level "farm and ranch" grade saws produced by those respective manufacturers. The pro saws I ran were demonstrating the difference in a professional grade saw and a farm grade (the Stihl 462 weighs about the same as those Husky and MS311). So you may want to ask your question to Husqvarna and Stihl ...lol
Echo 590 is another good mid-level saw. Same exact weight as the 460 Rancher, similar in low-end feel to the Husqvarna, and won't rev as high or as responsive as the Stihl 311. All three are a bear to disassemble and reassemble...when compared to a professional grade saw.
Never take your hand off handle bar wile in the cut. Horrible technique flat out dangerous. If I had a 500 budget for firewood saw. I'd save 120 more and buy a 550xp mark 2.
Yeah, I probably should've let it run a little longer. I set it down and put ear protection on in that order to give it a little time to warm up...in those temps it would take around 20-30 seconds to be warmed up. I have rebuilt several of my saws over the years, and none of them had a scored piston on that muffler/clutch side that would indicate I ran them too hard prior to warm up. And I usually let them cool down properly before turning them off, but was just trying to get on with the video. Thanks for the comment.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman Yeah, I get it. Sometimes you don't pay attention to that stuff when you are thinking about other things. I worked fire for years and repaired multiple saws that were seized because someone jumped out of a truck, turned a saw over, and immediately went to work. Most of the time, it was just a matter or getting it unstuck, removing the piston ring, and lightly removing burs from the piston wall, but a few were permanently damaged.
By your logic, you won't be able to find a chainsaw to buy, since, unfortunately, all chainsaws have Chinese parts. The quality control is much higher in factories that produce more expensive saws, which is one reason pro saws cost twice as much as mid-level saws, which cost more that the cheap residential use saws. Husqvarna owns McCulloch, PoulanPro, Jonsered; while Redmax and Craftsman are also assembled in a Husqvarna factory in several countries. Echo saws are assembled in Japan and China. Stihl in Germany, US, and China. Dolmar is owned by Makita and manufactured China, Japan, Brazil. Remmington is a MTD subsidiary and made all over the world. Homelite saws are made in China. So what chainsaw brand would you get?
You noticed the old Super XL under table! I use it when I want my hands to hurt, but also feel extra manly when cutting. LOL! (Great saw, but wow, power to weight ratio and ergonomics have come a long way since the 70's)
Lol. Not completely a fanboy, but I do prefer certain features...honestly I wish i could afford one of each saw. Lol. Echo makes some good saws. I just missed out on a Mac 105 at a yard sale last month, by the time I got back with cash, it was gone. You never see those old beasts around where I live.
The chain on the Husqvarna was the same in every way as the chain on the MS 311; I spin, and sharpen my saw chain. In the Husqvarna cut you will hear the engine rev when I accidentally let some pressure off the bar, and that did slow the cut down some. So the cut times are a little closer, but it isn't a surprise that the saw with more power (that also revs a couple thousand rpm higher) is faster in a cut that does not bog it down. As I said in the video, the 460 Rancher because of the long stroke will have more torque, so it will not bog down quite as easily when burying a bar in a cut. I did not make a big deal about cut times, since that is not the primary thing in considerarion when buying a farm and ranch grade saw...if speed was the main consideration a pro saw would be purchased (a ported Husqvarna 572xp was one of the favorite saws I've ever run! And that Stihl 462c is an amazing stock saw). Thanks for watching, and commenting.
@@HunterDE the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, and the Stihl MS311 are direct competitors: both are 60 cc class, farm and ranch saws, that are priced around 500 US dollars. That is why I did the comparison, because they are marketed directly against each other!
very important, the right fuel for STIHL use always MOTOMIX and HUSQVARNA/ASPEN you can mix yourself which is not a problem in itself. but in the long term this will cause problems. use the brad fabric developed for the machine it is healthier and better. the wrong fuel will make your machine run worse and can jam both machines are good, I prefer STIHL, it's just what you want.
Yes, using a non-ethanol gas is a must! It is available at my local gas station, and I do use the recommended 2 cycle oil and mix it myself. About 95 percent of all small engine problems I fix are ethanol related (carb and fuel supply primarily)
Awesome video minus the sound. Next time would like to see an echo 590 timberwolf 59.8cc farm and ranch saw. Thanks! FWI your voice was very low but the saws blew the speakers off.
What brand and what kind of chainsaw chain do you use on the stihl chainsaw?
Great question. I prefer the Stihl Rapid Super chain (It is full comp Stihl 33RS, 84 drive link chain in the video on all saws). For farm and ranch or consumer grade saws that run a shorter bar, a full comp chain is best. On bigger professional saws when running a 25" bar and longer is needed, a Stihl Rapid Super in a full skip tooth configuration is my go-to chain. I have a bench mouted chain grinder to sharpen square-ground chain, and I do slightly change the bevel and angle based on what wood type I will primarily be cutting (softwood, soft hardwoods, or hardwood). I do run some Carlton carbide tip chain if I am cutting really dirty wood from storm damage that may have been on the ground for a while. Thanks for watching!
For firewood cutting you cannot beat a skip tooth chain
i know Im kinda randomly asking but does anyone know of a good website to stream new movies online?
@Ayaan Judson Ehh try flixportal. just search on google for it :P -karsyn
@Karsyn Braydon Thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it !!
Husqvarna and stihl both make great saws. Just go with the one that feels best in your hands. Personally, I like the feel of husqvarna
I've run Ms311 for years and never had a problem.
I have a stihl ms441 and a ms180. Both are fantastic.
I have a stihl and a husqvarna the stihl air filter plugs up so fast and it loses power because of it, I can't stand it, and plan on trading it on another husqvarna. It's clear you held the husqvarna back at one point lol
Good to see a guy who knows how to let the machine do the work. Too many folks work their chainsaws like they were handsaws.
agreed man, a mate of mine asked to go help him get a few loads of wood, took my ms362 n he took his ms 291 i’m pretty sure, i looked around n he was pulling it back n forward, before ya know if, fucked the chain
I love my 311. Great saw with a 24" (if you know how to cut wood, and keep a sharp chain). I use a cheapo Ryobi 16" 37cc for my limbing and small cuts (super lightweight, and a good inexpensive little saw for little projects). Of course, I upgraded that Ryobi to an Oregon bar and chain to make it work well. But I digress. I am not a brand specific kind of guy when it comes to saws. I have used Husqys, old Homelites, and a few others. A nearby neighbor of a property that my father and I share saved the day with his 36" bar Husqy that made short work of a diseased 100+ year old hardwood smack dab next to our cabin (much love to Oregon State Forest Service members).
I choose this particular Stihl because I wanted to to go one model higher than my Father's 291 with a 24" bar. It is way too much fun to ask him if he needs a little more 'oomph' when he is sawing (while I am offering him to use my 311).
Whatever saw you choose to take home, just remember the mantra of wise men everywhere.
'She is a fickle bitch. You have to learn just what she wants. Just what she needs, even if she will never articulate that fact to you. Use your Zen power, and figure out what she needs to be happy and grind hard. She will never tell you, so you had better figure that out for yourself. If you can unlock that mystery, she will stay by your side forever, and never let you down'.
I got a 69 dollar reconditioned Ryobi I put an 18 inch bar on it that little saw is a beast
I've ran them all.Echo is the only one that stays running without having to tune it every week.
Been running Husqvarna saws for about 8yrs now. My buddy runs Stihl. Honestly, both are great saws, but my Husqvarna saws start better in the cold with the primer. I prefer to cut firewood in the winter also. My other noticeable difference between the two is the Husqvarna saws will lug down and work, they have more torque. Whereas the Stihl is more reliant on keeping that RPM high for its cutting ability when they lug down they can't hold the load. Just do me one favor, don't ever bring a Poulan to help clear trees or cut firewood. Nothing more irritating than having a helper that spends half the time trying to get the saw started and the other half the time complaining cause they end up loading the trailer while I cut the rounds.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Lol...yes, there's always the guy who shows up to help with the dull chain and Poulan saw he hasn't started since he cut that one branch that fell in his yard 5 years ago. LOL! And you are correct, as I mentioned, the long stroke on the Husky will have more torque with a burried bar; the Stihl revs a couple thousand rpm higher with the shorter stroke, so it will cut faster as long one keeps the rpm's up...but that will usually require running a skip chain on bars over 25". And, yes, the primer is helpful in sub-zero temps, but where I live it is rarely cold enough to cause issues starting a saw without primer bulb. Thanks again for the input!
A sharp Pollan 40cc wild thing with an 18 inch bar and a (person) that knows how to use it is welcome anytime by me. 28years feeding 4 heaters in a family guy.
You do know Husqvarna makes Poulan, but I do agree they are junk just like the non professional Husqvarnas.
@@EddieLindsay681 even the home owner Husqvarna saws and a step above the Poulans. They all have their places. I run their farm & ranch line with great results. So far have 8yrs on my 445 cutting firewood.
Adjust ur high side in 1/8 of a turn.. ul notice a huge difference
Good job
I have the 460 but it’s not even broke in. Maybe 2-tanks of fuel I have a husky 55 that I bought in the 90’s that starts every time I go to get it and never had it apart! Runs like a champ!
I need to get some time on the 460 and tune it we’ll just to see how it will perform.
Never thought of a backup saw. Now considering a 311
I admit I don't know much about chainsaws, but I have heated my home with firewood for the past 51 years. I personally have had bad luck with Stihl and Husqvarna. They seem to be in the shop getting repaired more than in the woods cutting firewood. 2 and 1/2 years ago when covid hit I purchased an Echo saw. This is the first Echo brand I have ever owned, and this thing doesn't skip a beat. All I have done to it is sharpen the chain, put gas and oil in it and cut firewood. I was so impressed with the Echo chainsaw I bought me an Echo string trimmer. Again, the Echo brand string trimmer hasn't given me any trouble in the 2 years I've owned it. I sold both my Stihl chainsaws and string trimmer. I still have my Husky chainsaw as a backup, but I plan on replacing it with an Echo after winter. Like I said, I'm not a chainsaw mechanic but I cut about 15 ricks of wood per year off my own property to heat my home. Echo seems to be a more dependable saw for cutting firewood compared to Stihl or Husky. Just my personal experience.
Those pro saws are ridiculous!! Thanks for the great tips and honest comparison of two sweet saws.
Great video, I actually have a husqvarna rancher and a Stihl and I never noticed the difference thanks
I like both saws. Either one you can’t go wrong. They still would get the Job done. But for the Value and money. Bang for yo buck you gotta go with the Echo 590. Or just a lil more cash go with the 620 pro version. 👍 good video.
Thanks. Echo makes some good saws! I just don't currently own one, I have in the past...and probably will again sometime...you can't have too many saws. Lol
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman yup true that 👍
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman I’m the same with woodworking routers and drum gear. Can never have too many. I’ll be getting a Rancher 460 after using cheap saws for years . After I get a taste of a real chainsaw I’m sure I’ll move up the line and get a big Stihl. Too much power is a beautiful thing.
On the newest 460 & 311, they both have side chains tightening, but the 460 has adjustable oil screw. And the 311 comes with 3/8 chain and the 460 has a .325. Also when you did the comparison cut, I can guarantee you that the 460 was NOT running full RPM! I could hear in the video it was loading up!! Sorry your test DID NOT IMPRESS me because that 460 was NOT RUNNING good! I don’t own either one but I do repair them.
Exactly! I own both and the 460 wasnt performing like it should! That wasn’t a fair performance test for the husky! The husky 460 455 Rancher personality never use the primer, funny to say but she starts on second pull 98% of the time with out priming in Canadian weather! verry smooth consistent idle chaisaw out my 9 Steal husky and Jonsereds that in own it feels good in your hands and balanced real nice the most easy reliable saw in its class! Perfect all rounder in my opinion not to big not to small just right and light weight! Love my Sthil saws too dont get me wrong!
460 comes with a 24” 3/8 chain and bar for 2023
i have a 460xp...3/8 x .050 chain...not .325
Exactly.
That really helps me understand the differences.! I appreciate it, thanks 🙏🏻.
You're welcome
I ordered myself MS311 should be here tomorrow..
Hearing a good saw run well gives me a semi.
I Use stihl full chisel round ground and if you don’t have the budget for that Oregon chains are really hard to beat for the price plus Oregon chains file a touch easier it seems. I use both and they are great.
Thank you for the comparison video my Friend, Appreciated
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
I've never heard of flipping the bar. Thanks for that tip!
You're welcome!
I do it all the time. It helps the give the bar equal wear
Just bought 311 5 hrs ago made two cuts then it got dark. I hope it holds up. Have 031, ms 251, mcullock limber and 021.
There's more to a chainsaw than cutting performance. The peripheral systems like the bar oiler, chain brake, and air filtration are also important, and I think Stihl has Husqvarna beat in these areas, at least at the price level being tested here. The Husky's cut well and cold start easily, but Stihl's are better designed in the peripheral areas. The older the saws are, the better the Stihl will perform relative to the Husky.
Great video. Subbed. Keep the informative and helpful content coming!
Thanks!
Great job by a pro! Loved those saws... awesome.
Thanks for the comment!
It's all relative. Swap chains and the Husky would probably be quicker. It seemed you pushed the Stihl a lot harder, especially at the start.
Quick hands, and nice save, @ 07:34, not so much @ 12:06! Obviously you’re good, and savvy and experienced in use of saws, and that one handed thang makes for good footage, but I’m less impressed. It doesn’t take much to go from ‘0 to tragedy!’ Now most people that are watching your videos, are bound to be experienced, but my concern is with those that are not, and then ‘tries out’ your style, and then something happens. It’s your channel, and your call, but at the end of the day, we all have to take responsibility and be accountable for what we do. Or at least that is how it used to be. Enjoyed the video and I gave it a like. I hope you take this comment well, as it was only meant that way. Thanks! Stay safe and healthy! 👍 ✌🏻 😊
Thanks for the comment.
Tusen tack för att ni vissade detta jag tyckte det var intressant och roligt att både se om höra det ni gjorde jag hoppas att ni kommer att visas mera videon mvh Per
How did plastic clamshell make pro grade?
Thanks for the video, appreciate your experience an opinion
You're welcome.
Works great so far
Amazing review! Thank you!
Thanks for watching and the comment...glad you found it beneficial!
Picked up an 271 Friday. Cut down massive tree. Insanely awesome. Now I wonder if I should pick up a 311 to set up for milling? Looks like a beast!
I guess it depends what, and how much, milling you are doing. I think it may be on the small side for doing a lot of milling
Turn ur volume up
I'm a Stihl guy all the way. But I've seen some huskys that are high rev and cut quick .
I have too! Not generally in the farm and ranch segmemt though. A ported 572xp with advanced timing and properly matched sprocket and square ground skip chain. Is one of the quickest saws I ever run! But stock that turns under 10k rpm
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman Ones I've seen are older huskys not familiar with new ones.
With the pro saw you jumped to a 72cc saw and not a direct comparison to the 60cc saws. And a decent HP jump to 6, so naturally it will cut much faster. Nice comparison though, I was looking at the 311 but the salesman suggested that the 391 would be a better step up from my current 260.
The 311 and 391 are the same saw, with the 391 having a larger piston. If I were you, I would just do some mods on that 260 and it'll push more power than the 311 or 391. The 260 is a really good saw! The 311 and 391 are not pro grade saws and are more aggravating to work on compared to the 260. And yes, I am aware the 462 and 660 have more displacement and power. The comparison was the ms 311 and the 460 rancher. The others were just for reference as to why those cutting professionally or making thousands of cuts for firewood each year may benefit from a 70 cc class pro saw, like the 462. If it takes almost half the time to make a cut, then one would, in theory, spend half the time cutting firewood.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman I bought a 25 inch bar and rmf chain for the 260, wanted more reach so I wouldn't have to bend over so much cutting stuff on the ground. Modded the muffler, 2 extra holes in outlet. Seems to cut fine, did a half load the other day. Bought saw in 2006 and been using it with 20 inch bar. Thought I would have to go to 325 chain for it to cut decent but mechanic said it would be fine with 3/8 porch, and I agree. I was considering the 460 husky or the 311 to be able to pull the 25 inch bar and chain and they are cheaper than a pro saw. To be honest I could have just went and borrowed my dad's 036 with 24" bat and used it, he's 86 and not using it much at all.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman agree
I won't use nothing but a Poulan 40cc juggernaut
That purple wild thing is always the saw to break out when amongst saw guys. Lol
I much prefer my ms311 over the Husq.
I have a 310 and run full chisel love it.
I’m convinced that Stihl is a much better and faster saw. Have two now I will retire or sell my Chuckavarna
Dolmars n kitas are best I own em all
That totally satisfied!
Very nice. Good Info!
Thanks!
Thank you
Amigos no hay diferencias entre la 311 y la 460 , solo que el amigo le sacó rpm a la 460 y además tiene la cadena si filo
Good ole’ painting table haha, I relate
Lol. Yep
The sledgehammer is for when the Husqvarna quits working..😀
Хускварна лучше 100% в -40 лучше заводиться! Привет с Якутии!
One hand slowmo on the husky? Not a fair test?
Great video
Thank you!
Turn up your volume and enjoy.. Thanks ... currently looking at both saws. My 21 and 18 year old Stihl still running good but too many big hickory and red oak down. Would be cruel to put them to work on 20-26 inch trees.
Sorry about the sound
Great video
Your a natural
Thank you!
I own a Stihl MS310 I bought brand new over 20 years ago. She's tired and time to replace. I purchased a Husqvarna Rancher 450 last year as a backup saw and the wife now runs it when firewood cutting. I do like it though. I just need something with more power than the 450 to replace the old Stihl and am considering either of the saws you just reviewed. Only about $20 in price difference. This is a tough choice for me as both make great saws. What is your opinion on which to buy? Firewood for home use. I don't cut more than 10 cords a year. Sometimes it's already down, sometimes I have to fell trees. Pacific northwest so this is almost exclusively Alder and Fir that I cut.
If you plan on running a 24"/25" bar, I think the Husqvarna is a slightly better option. Its long stroke has more torque. If a 20" bar will be your normal use bar, the Stihl does cut faster, because the short stroke it can turn a couple thousand rpm faster. So when cutting with a Stihl keep the rpm/chain speed up, and with the 25" bar that is a little tricky. Sorry, that is not a definitive answer. I do like both saws. It can be a pain getting the saw off the bar if you get the bar pinched close to the saw body on the Husqvarna, because the outboard clutch setup. But if mostly cutting firewood, that won't happen often...if at all. Honestly, if you have a dealer in your area who you like doing buisness with, maybe just buy whichever one your favorite dealer sells. Thanks for watching, and commenting. Hope it helped.
Buy a pro saw, don't mess with home owners saws
The 455 rancher has more cheap aftermarket parts I got all kinds of parts of ebay my ms 311 only has used parts no cheap parts
Is that 311 stock I just bought mine and it doesn't seem to run that strong and I only have a 18in bar on it granted I'm still on the stock green chain but yours sounds like a screamer compared to mine
It is stock. But chain will make a huge difference. I was by a metal building so it sounded louder than normal.
I wouldn’t know anything about these chainsaws when I need to cut a tree like that I do it with my bare hands.
i still use homelite usa running strong
That old Homelite Super XL under the table still runs strong! Unfortunately the newer ones are not made in USA anymore, but the old ones were great...but heavy. Lol
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman thats wat i run igot 3 super xl and one husky 440 all good
I’ve never ever got my bar pinched, I know how to fell correctly 😊 😇
Pinching usually occurs when bucking downed trees, or logs under tension.
Obviously you haven't cut much wood
I have definitely pinched my bar more than once. I keep a second saw. I never thought about an extra bar and chain. Do it enough, and it happens. Or think you can get away with something and most times you do, but then one time you can't.
stihl the best!!!
Thanks for watching! Might be a subjective statement...lol...but I do find them a little easier to work on, which is one reason I prefer them. There are lots of great saws on the market, and if I had a ton of money, I'd have one of each. Lol. But if I could only use one saw it would probably be a Stihl 462 with a slight mods, I love that saw! Light enough to climb with comfortably, yet powerful enough to fell just about anything we have in the Eastern US.
Stihl 💩 husqvarna the beast!!!
Stihl is hard to start, i'm going dolmar
Unfortunately, I can't hear a word you're saying in this video. Hope you can fix that.
Sorry about that
Put some headphones on; problem solved. Not hard.
Love the video. What length bar do you have on the 311?
Thanks for watching! It's a 25" (84 drive links) bar on all saws in the video. The 460 rancher and the MS311 probably pull and oil a chain on a 20" bar best, but if you need the longer bar they are sufficiently powered to do what you need to do...just not nearly as fast as saws that cost over twice what they do. Lol.
Thanks again for the video, it really helped me out in my decision. Quick question for you, what are your thoughts on what's going on in the world concerning current world events
Thanks
Well, that is definitely a loaded question thay would require a very lengthy response...but in summary the old saying, "Everything rises and falls on leadership", is almost always accurate. To address my thoughts on each geo-political, economic, or federal regulatory area would take too long...but as an Afghanistan veteran I will say, it did not need to end this way over there!
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman Thank you, please go to brand new tube search latest videos for more information it's important. Wishing you a Great day.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman I wrote you a long response with a lot more information which was removed.
@@wd4313 yeah, the powers that be remove lots of stuff these days...
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman Yes Sir and it has to stop. The mainstream media is the biggest problem.
The MS311 is a heavy saw, but has the same power as a MS261. I own a 311 and it cuts good just heavy.
It is heavy, as far as power to weight goes. A 462 with light weight bar is about the same weight and has a lot more power. The 311 is about the same weight though as the saws it is marketed against (Husky 460 rancher, Echo timberwolf 590 etc)
Ur weak to say its heavy.. I hold my 311 up all day.. limbing, falling, and bucking. Juniper trees in central Oregon. Cutting red fir, pine, and soft woods is easy to cut. Easy...
Stihl the best! 👌😘
Dolmars are best no comparison then husky then Stihl I have em all
Good vid, deff need to pick up a mic!
I w0rk my husqvarna 460 rancher hard!
How would you compare these two for making planks, ripping a log lengthwise?
If you are using an Alaskan mill to rip or slab logs, a bigger saw would be much better option. I have done quite a bit of stabbing with an Alaskan mill, and use a Stihl MS660. That being said, if you just want to do a couple smaller logs in softer woods, then either of those would work. Between the two, the longer piston stroke of the Husqvarna 460, probably is a better choice for milling. If you have some nice bigger logs you want milled on site, it may be worth paying someone with a portable bandsaw mill to come mill them for you. Just my thoughts. Chainsaw milling is fun, but it is slow and is work. Make sure you wear a mask to keep you from breathing the exhaust fumes and dust from chainsaw.
Thanks. That answers my question. The trees I'm dealing with are a mix of pine and oak, some put 18-24" diameter. I would like to mill some of the nicer trees into planks or lumber for making furniture, etc. Mostly I've just turned the downed trees into firewood.
In the next few years more trees are coming down, especially as we expand the foot print. Milling lumber isn't my first or primary activity. I like having the option though. I do have an Alaskan mill-type of device to help get flat and even thickness planks.Thanks
Might be a good video if I could hear what he is talking about
Rippin saws man!!!!!!
Thanks...good saws are fun, regardless of brand!
you need to tell people to keep your hands on the saw, Bad habit in my opinion , your teaching yourself bad habits in the most perfect cutting situation. not trying to run you down. i do have experience and the scars to prove it
Volume too low to hear.
Show off! 🙂👍
It doesn't hav4 php
This guy sounds like Shoresy
3.6hp vs 4.2 fair no
Not my fault Husqvarna 460 gets a half hp less out of a saw with a bigger engine, and sells it as a direct competition to the MS311. So yes, it is absolutely a fair comparison, because Husqvarna sells the 460 Rancher as the saw to compare in size, price and use with the Stihl MS311...
Winding it out full bore with no load. Terrible for a motor. Using one hand to cut wood with a chainsaw. Holding a saw at 10,000 rpm’s and then just shutting it down Immediately is good for it as well. Wow pal. Good luck
P.s rippin on that pull cord like that to is going to last you about a week. Good luck again.
Lol...I have got thousands of trees felled and bucked since making this video. Still on same pull cards. No motor damage. I service, tune, and mod my saws to my liking, and have never had an issue.
Also your sound was PPP or terrible
Bad edit...didn't normalize properly. My bad. Sorry
Some bad saws
Let the poor saws warm up first! You start them and rag them from cold. I can only imagine how your pistons look...
Well, i have ran saws a long time and replaced several top ends over the last couple decades, and never had a scored piston on that front muffler side which indicates running a saw too hard before it has warmed up...so I guess I might know what I'm doing, and what it takes to properly warm up a saw given a certain temperature.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman front side piston scoring is from a saw running lean as the exhaust side isn’t cooled by the oil, 4 corner scoring, which can’t often be seen through the exhaust port is from doing what you are.
Yeah, got it...i'm not talking about a lean scoring but, I was talking about inspecting the pistons and cylinders that I replaced the rings on. Running a saw too hard too fast does score the cylinder on the exhaust corner on the clutch size where the heat builds up the fastest, but it won't have as much of the burnt look... but the piston will heat up faster than the cylinder and score the cylinder. That is the primary tell that a saw has been run too hard before it warms up. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I got the ms311... and I got a husky 372xp.. husky is better
Yes! I would take a pro saw over the 311 any and every day!!!
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman the saw is only as good as the operator. I ain't met anyone that can move and cut as fast me..
Steel cylinder 😂
2.7 kW vs 3.1 kW?wtf man
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher and the Stihl MS 311 are directly marketed against each other ...that's why I did the comparison. Clearly I am aware of the power (rpm, torque, stroke, etc. differences), but they are at, or near, the top in displacement, power, and price point of the mid-level "farm and ranch" grade saws produced by those respective manufacturers. The pro saws I ran were demonstrating the difference in a professional grade saw and a farm grade (the Stihl 462 weighs about the same as those Husky and MS311). So you may want to ask your question to Husqvarna and Stihl ...lol
WHAT!
$400 echo 590 beat both
Echo 590 is another good mid-level saw. Same exact weight as the 460 Rancher, similar in low-end feel to the Husqvarna, and won't rev as high or as responsive as the Stihl 311. All three are a bear to disassemble and reassemble...when compared to a professional grade saw.
😂 echo is trash pal.
Never take your hand off handle bar wile in the cut. Horrible technique flat out dangerous. If I had a 500 budget for firewood saw. I'd save 120 more and buy a 550xp mark 2.
11:52 and thats how you ruin a saw. Gotta give it time to warm up man or you risk damaging the piston and cylinder
Yeah, I probably should've let it run a little longer. I set it down and put ear protection on in that order to give it a little time to warm up...in those temps it would take around 20-30 seconds to be warmed up. I have rebuilt several of my saws over the years, and none of them had a scored piston on that muffler/clutch side that would indicate I ran them too hard prior to warm up. And I usually let them cool down properly before turning them off, but was just trying to get on with the video. Thanks for the comment.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman Yeah, I get it. Sometimes you don't pay attention to that stuff when you are thinking about other things. I worked fire for years and repaired multiple saws that were seized because someone jumped out of a truck, turned a saw over, and immediately went to work. Most of the time, it was just a matter or getting it unstuck, removing the piston ring, and lightly removing burs from the piston wall, but a few were permanently damaged.
Good job letting the husky resting on the dog more than the stihl.
You are right ..!
@@Primus697 It's obvious as hell! LOL!
None there both loaded with chinese parts
By your logic, you won't be able to find a chainsaw to buy, since, unfortunately, all chainsaws have Chinese parts. The quality control is much higher in factories that produce more expensive saws, which is one reason pro saws cost twice as much as mid-level saws, which cost more that the cheap residential use saws. Husqvarna owns McCulloch, PoulanPro, Jonsered; while Redmax and Craftsman are also assembled in a Husqvarna factory in several countries. Echo saws are assembled in Japan and China. Stihl in Germany, US, and China. Dolmar is owned by Makita and manufactured China, Japan, Brazil. Remmington is a MTD subsidiary and made all over the world. Homelite saws are made in China. So what chainsaw brand would you get?
Running a saw like that with one hand... not safe
Homelite!!!!! LOL!!!!
You noticed the old Super XL under table! I use it when I want my hands to hurt, but also feel extra manly when cutting. LOL! (Great saw, but wow, power to weight ratio and ergonomics have come a long way since the 70's)
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman I started porting Homelite!! Definitely a different saw after I am done with them.
@@Smittyschainsaws thats cool! I've never ran a ported Super XL
Can tell you’re a stihl fan lol
Lol. Not completely a fanboy, but I do prefer certain features...honestly I wish i could afford one of each saw. Lol. Echo makes some good saws. I just missed out on a Mac 105 at a yard sale last month, by the time I got back with cash, it was gone. You never see those old beasts around where I live.
@@TheLowBudgetOutdoorsman that's about how I am. More partial to Husky and Echo, leaning more toward Echo anymore for thier pricing and warranty
You should try a XP Husqvarna saw. I have a 550 mark II it's a sweet saw!
The 590 Echo Timber Wolf is an awesome saw for the price too. I would take it over the Ranchers and Farm Bosses
@@JenkinsMowing86 that is a great saw! Ran one a couple times
husqwarna is not sharp
The chain on the Husqvarna was the same in every way as the chain on the MS 311; I spin, and sharpen my saw chain. In the Husqvarna cut you will hear the engine rev when I accidentally let some pressure off the bar, and that did slow the cut down some. So the cut times are a little closer, but it isn't a surprise that the saw with more power (that also revs a couple thousand rpm higher) is faster in a cut that does not bog it down. As I said in the video, the 460 Rancher because of the long stroke will have more torque, so it will not bog down quite as easily when burying a bar in a cut. I did not make a big deal about cut times, since that is not the primary thing in considerarion when buying a farm and ranch grade saw...if speed was the main consideration a pro saw would be purchased (a ported Husqvarna 572xp was one of the favorite saws I've ever run! And that Stihl 462c is an amazing stock saw). Thanks for watching, and commenting.
but they are not in the same kategory.
@@HunterDE the Husqvarna 460 Rancher, and the Stihl MS311 are direct competitors: both are 60 cc class, farm and ranch saws, that are priced around 500 US dollars. That is why I did the comparison, because they are marketed directly against each other!
The Stihl ate the Husky for breakfast. I own both brands, both good saws.
Husky is better
wtf is a steal honestly you lot over there make me laugh
adverts adverts adverts bye
very important, the right fuel for STIHL use always MOTOMIX and HUSQVARNA/ASPEN you can mix yourself which is not a problem in itself. but in the long term this will cause problems. use the brad fabric developed for the machine it is healthier and better. the wrong fuel will make your machine run worse and can jam both machines are good, I prefer STIHL, it's just what you want.
Yes, using a non-ethanol gas is a must! It is available at my local gas station, and I do use the recommended 2 cycle oil and mix it myself. About 95 percent of all small engine problems I fix are ethanol related (carb and fuel supply primarily)
I ain’t never had a stock shihl saw run like that. That saw has had a little love in the porting department.
I have both a Stihl and a Husq Rancher. Both have been good saws. If you forced me to choose between the two I would keep my Husq Rancher.
Not even a close comparison as on the first cut you laid back on the Husky but kept even pressure on the Stihl
I noticed that as well 😂😂
Awesome video minus the sound.
Next time would like to see an echo 590 timberwolf 59.8cc farm and ranch saw. Thanks!
FWI your voice was very low but the saws blew the speakers off.
Yeah, sorry about the sound. It did not equalize properly in edit, and I did not catch it. Sorry.