One thing he did not mention is that the only place to buy most parts for the Sthil is at a dealer. With the Husky, parts are available from a number of different sources.
Lowes Home Depot ace manards Amazon etc. I got no discount or help from sthil dealer and I scored my 455 rancher on sale at Lowe’s with also military discount out the door with bar oil jug and pack of 2 stroke oil a gas jug and file and bar oil gun for 429.89 no joke and I’ve done zero maintenance on mine for 5 years now but will need a spark plug soon it keeps getting dirty
Been at Ace for nearly 5 years, and personally selling Stihl for 4 years. Unfortunately best I can tell you is it all depends who you get. You might get someone who cares and wants to help or you might get someone who doesn't give a shit. Stihl products are great, same as Husky. There's a ton of TH-cam videos comparing the two brands. Ultimately it comes down to you. Myself, personally, I'd go Stihl, but only cause I've been familiar with them the past several years. I know their machines like the back of my hand, know where to get parts, etc. Husky is probably just as good, I just prefer and know Stihl better
@@mattthepolarbear what are you mumbling about? If you are a stihl dealer you simply look up said part on their internal parts drawings and order it via them. If you need Husqvarna parts its exactly the same. Both manufacturers are dicks for making it that hard for the consumer. A brand like Makita has their technical drawings public to all, which seems like a blessing but customers still act of like you are a wizard for finding the right part.
This is the first Husqvarna vs. Stihl comparison video I have seen that actually compares comparable saws, usually it is one homeowner version against the other brand's pro saw. Thank you for an apples to apples comparison. I think you hit the nail on the head with your recommendation of dealer support. Either company makes good saws. That being said, I have a 455 Rancher that I bought for $50 at a Sheriff's sale. I am predisposed towards Husqvarna's anyway, Dad ran a 61 for for years.
This comparison is thorough and, in my opinion, extremely well done. You touch on pretty much every aspect of both saws that might interest a customer without being overly technical. I use both husqvarna and stihl saws to collect firewood but I found your comparison here educational. Thank you taking the time.
advice for your recordings. get a microphone on you. don’t record from the camera you have set up 10+ feet away. sounds like you are in a cave. good work though.
As a self employed gardener I don't really use chainsaws that much but I went for the 455 Rancher. Mostly used for firewood but occasionally taking down the odd tree, it does everything I need with ease, so a great purchase for me. Very happy with it!
We have been running Husqvarna on the farm for atleast 15yrs, probably longer. The dealer is a great family and every saw they have sold us has been great to own and get serviced or parts. They also sell the Stihl products and I've used them as well. Very comparable and reliable machines. I never thought the battle should have been Stihl vs Husqvarna. I've been in the woods with a lot of guys running the box store saws. Those saws and their owners need some serious help. They spend half the day working on them and the other half of the day loading the trailer while I get sore shoulders and back doing all the cutting. Proper and maintained tools are essential.
@jamesf4244 a dealer will have more models to pick from than the 3 a box store sells. My local dealer carries farm grade and pro grade saws. I have a farm grade saw and a professional grade saw. There is a big difference in quality, both are great saws but the prograde saw will last longer. Having a good dealer to buy parts is also really nice. The box store only carries the basics. The dealer carries parts like the recoil, clutch, handles, caps, etc.
Husq fan for life here! For bucking firewood in BC anyway. First saws i used were husqvarnas. My first saw i bought; 1974 pioneer p40 - great old saw! Heavy, but just takes some muscle to run it, seperates the men from the boys. I've bucked about 75k of firewood in the last 3 years. I used the stihl 291, 362, 462, and the 660 while employed at a mill and we were having to send in the saws all the time for servicing from overheating and worn out air filters not sealing right (saws were on their second/third year when i got to the mill). Bucking full time stihl would always overheat, and we actually burnt out the clutch on the 462. I myself own a new stihl ms250 (1 year old now) for camping and home, and some light bucking. and an old husqvarna 257(1996): the stihl feels like a toy. And the clutch and the chain brake in the outside rather than in body i find it to be a huge advantage for reliability, just slip the chain on the clutchside first. Anyone who think the stihl is easier are the type of people who eats ice cream cones instead of using a bowl and spoon because "it's easier" haha. Its not hard or a pain in the butt at all. Husqvarnas seem to be built to last; Compression release, adjustable oiler, higher quality plastic & material, (and air filter! I'd rathrr a metal pin or even a screw than plastic screw-on that wears out). Husqvarna 257 (57.9cc)comes in only a couple pounds heavier than the ms250 while being 12cc bigger, and roughly same body size! Stihls are made to be serviced. Only advantage is the marginal difference in weight in my opinion, for me reliabilty is much more important. Felling trees i do like to use my stihl, just because it is lighter and i usually have to hike to the tree. Stihl is capable enough, but does not seem to be built to work hard or for too long.
While an older video, I am sure many will see it later. My father was a timber cutter for nearly 10 years. During those years his father, brothers, and him all ran stihl chainsaws! Excellent reliable saws! He still uses them to this day 30+ years later! There were also those on the mountain that ran Husqvarnas! And the rivalry was real of which saw was superior and why! In the end though both brands rip and get the job done. The biggest factors though was the operators and how they maintained their saws and keeping them sharp. My father was a 3 star logger for his first few years and became a 5 star logger in later years with awards to prove it. Husqvarna operators were also 5 star loggers with awards to prove it! Find a saw that is comfortable to you and get proper instruction in how to be efficient and safe with your saw of choice!
I sold stihl and husqvarna side by side for 30 years. Believe me one is just as good as the other. Stihl does make their own chain and it is the best chain in the industry. Husqvarna buys Oregon chain for their saws.. its good chain so no apologies needed. My personal favorite is Husqvarna. Mainly because husqvarna Has superior dealer relations. They take care of their dealers . Good people to work with. Sometimes Stihl failed to return phone calls.
I prefer the Husky! Dealers are all about money and will scam you into buying things you don't need or never doing the work they claim!! Learn to fix your own equipment!! Stay away from dealers!
Thanks for the video! I learned a lot about the two. The amount of hardwood trees in my area is a major deciding factor. I can’t wait to go buy my farm boss!
Bought a Husqvarna Rancher two days ago. Threw the chain in 30 minutes into cutting firewood no thicker than 12 inches. Huge pain in the ass to get everything lined up and tensioned again. Then it through the chain 6 more times. Returning tomorrow for a refund and I'm going to buy the Farm Boss. That whole external brake and tensioner setup is absolute shit.
Hi Carl - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. I've just replaced my beloved Husky 365 with a Rancher 455 as due to my age I couldn't justify the extra cost of a new 565, plus the fact that that they now have autotune, which I detest. I bought a 555 with a 16inch bar & .335 chain five years ago and was very impressed with its very aggressive cutting ability and heneral agility when it fired up BUT it broke my heart either erratic starting, despite 2 trips to the shop and a new ignition module at $165. I pledged I will never buy another electronic carb saw. The Rancher 455 is listed here at $866US though I was lucky to get a deal at $733. You chaps across the pond don't realise how cheap you can buy equipment compared to us poor relatives this side of the pond!
I feel ya on the autotune design. I've got both stihl and husqvarna and my husqvarna 550xp just got its 2nd top end rebuild. It's a firecracker of a saw,but has always run hot. The piston I took out this time had blisters on it. I've never had that problem put of my stihls,even the mtronic ones. I'm sure it's not all of them,but that 550xp has left a sour taste in my mouth.
I went with the MS391, it does have the compression release and starts the third pull every time. I do think I should have spent the extra to go to the pro series but overall am happy with the saw.
Now that i have seen the comparison between the two, i think I would stay with stihl. I have a 170 which at the time I bought was okay but now I want the 271. I had another stihl about 12 years ago and I used it one time and sold it cause I retired but for the life of me, i can't remember the number of it. My 170 I've changed the caps out 3 times and the gas one leaks and sometimes I use pliers to tighten it. The other one had the flip caps which I thought were good thing.
That clutch, brake and tensioner system is a deal breaker. I had to put a chain on one the other day and I felt like throwing it over my shoulder. Stihl is a much better system especially when using it several times a day.
Just bought a ms271 a few months ago, a buddy has a 455, after using both of them they perform very similarly, aside from the primer on the husky im partial to the stihl
@@dentondunn4346 They both start within 3 or 4 pulls,and cut time is pretty well even. I've always disliked husqvarna's outboard clutch,but otherwise they're nice saws.
The Makita 5600F is similar to the ms271/455Rancher and had had captured bar nuts and duel spikes and in board clutch and the chain tensioner is on the saw like the Stihl for the same price range
I have them both. Same as commercial saws. I have xp husqvarna and 660 stihl Husqvarna a smoother machine. Stihl is good but wouldnt want to run one every day. I hate their sound
Purchased my first chainsaw when I was 16. It’s a husqvarna 340. I love it and still have it to this day. Since then I’ve also owned a couple stihl chainsaws, but have sold them. Twenty years later, I prefer the Husqvarna and have 3 currently, a 340, a 372, and a 455 rancher. Both are high quality, durable saws, but I prefer the chain system on the husqvarna. If you treat them right, they’ll last a lifetime. However, I do love my stihl kombi.
Great review. Both will last a lifetime if properly maintained, which is easier to do with the Stihl even without a dealer nearby (mine’s only 10 minutes away so I’m lucky there). The big differences between these saws are the internals. The Stihl’s motor is better built and uses 2 piston rings to the husky’s one. Big dif? No but does provide for better compression over time and oil swipe. Also stihl has much better low end torque while husky has more top end so it will cut faster at speed but the stihl will power through on tough cuts better with less bogging down. You really can’t go wrong with either.
Do you have any statistics that back up your claim that Stihl has a better engine? In my experience is a small engine mechanic I would have to disagree. Also there are double ring Pistons available for Husqvarna chainsaws. Service on both steel and Husqvarna are almost identical in terms of difficulty. I can order OEM parts direct from the manufacturer for a Husqvarna at a much lower cost.
Holy Toledo, Ohio! This may well be the perfect TH-cam product information vid. THANK YOU. I've been eyeballin' the 455 Rancher for some occasional firewood and road-clearing work. Not a professional, but a retired truck driver planning on some wilderness time. You, sir, are a credit to your business and profession. Thanks again.
We used Stihl when I was in the Fire Service many years ago. Therefore, I am familiar with the saw and I like them. I purchased a homeowner version, the Wood Boss, and it has served me fairly good. I notice that saw dust can gather around the area where the oil cap is supposed to seal and it can't screw down properly, causing one to think that the threads are stripped. If you take a thin jig saw blade or something similar, and scape around the small area where sawdust gets trapped, the cap will go on tight and the seal works fine.
I went out on a hand crue with the BIA years ago and always wanted to go out as a signal resource sayor. What do you know about that? In already a Fire fighter 2.
As a structural firefighter with a truck company and talking with many brothers from other departments none of us have ever seen a husky on a truck or rescue. When life and property are on the line Stihl baby!
I own 9 Stihl saws, a small Echo and an Echo pole saw. One of the Stihl is 25 years old and the small Echo is about that old. Looking forward to trying my first Husqvarna this year. A lot of it is like the Ford vs Chevy debate but I think dealer support is a big factor as well. Obviously I have worked on more Stihl than anything. They are all good saws. Thank you for the comparison, it was well done.
My dad and i have a Stihl MS 291 and a Stihl MS 180. Both are great chainsaws and my dad bought them both at are Stihl dealer called Centennial Lube in Grace Idaho. Same with our Stihl FS 56 RC trimmer and Toro Recycler lawn mowerower.
The Echo 590 Timber Wolf at the same price point seems to be the winner overall if you look up the reviews. Larger engine means more weight is the only downfall.
Like I said in another Stihl vs Husky video, these comparison videos are no more valuable than the old muscle cat debates like Ford v Chevy, Mopar vs the World. Owning both at the pro level, Stihl more expensive for EVERYTHING. Husqvarna starts faster and more reliably. Stihls seem to be better under load for extended periods of time. But for homeowner use, they’ll never notice the difference
used saws for 37yrs and more.full on and I've ended up using huskys.matter of opinion.once stink started using electric assisted start I gave up on them.can fix my husky in the woods with basic tools.the stihls,I gotta track back and dig specialist tools out of the van.thanks for the info my friend but I find husky easier to fix/maintain with tools on my harness and customer support has looked after me quicker and better.understand your talking about part time(non prof saws too.I'll stick with the husky anyday. stay safe and lucky.maddog.full time tree worker.West cork.eirw
I think it comes down to "Buy the dealer". Find a good dealer with a good service department that is convenient to you, and buy the brand saw they sell. If both are available, then you can't go wrong.
You sir,are an excellent instructor! I run several 271's no problem . They make me money . My servicing dealer is top notch. I tell everyone if there is no service dept you can't give me the eqpt.
Andreas Stihl is often called "The father of the chainsaw." I hate primers. Seems like every time I need to use the saw, they're cracked and leaking air.
Ill take a 455 over a ms271.. And my father was a big stihl dealer in the 80s. Ive seen my share of stihls.. My main issue with stihls today, is, the choke setting arrangement, with the wide open fast idle arrangement when choked.. I don't see it as needed, and i think its dangerous.. A real saw gets the choke when its started, 1 or 2 pulls, until it pops, then the next pull should be with no choke and it should fire. AND idle. Thats that... Like a husky.. Anything from a disco era 480, to a rancher, a 51, 61, 261, 372xp etc... They all do it right.. even smaller top handle limb saws.. The stihl design? Is choke it... and its revved out the gate wide open.. To me, its basically hung wide open thru the starting process.. yall know what i mean.. Reminds me of firing up old 1960's steel case macs.. we all know, that, That's terrible for the piston skirt and rings... Frankly, it isn't safe. Especially to the average joe homeowner.. The husky is a safer starting process. Hands down. .. Just my 2 cents from a old hotsaw engine man. I own multiples of both designs. When I go to work the 271 stays home, and the 455's go on the truck. The 455? For a low grade chain store saw, its a hell of a saw for the $$ too. .. .. Compared to the 455, I think the MS271 isnt as good a unit. Yall stay safe.
Hmm 🤔 to me it’s a toss up. Can’t go wrong with either one these days. I’ve known people that had trouble with either one and people that never had trouble with either one. Both brands have their lemon models though.
Also, it’s nice when dealerships do demos and let you try the saws out to see which one you like better or better fits your needs. 😉 salesmanship is a lost art these days I think though. 😝
Just a personal experience, bought the husky and I’ve had trouble keeping it running from day 1. Followed starting instructions use husky fuel, husky bar oil, it burnt up the clutch after 8 hours of work had to get it fixed still doesn’t stay running.
Ok, but I worked in logging for 25 years. I can hands down tell you something he didn't mention. A Husky has a tendency to cut off when not in use. It's cold natured. A Stihl once it has been ran a while ,you can sit it down for 10 minutes and go back and it will crank w/o choking. I've used both a lot but if you don't buy a pro you're buying junk.
My new 271 Farm Boss burps on 2nd pull everytime on full choke and always starts on 1st pull on half choke every single time. So from a cold start it starts on 3rd pull everytime and after warmed up starts 1st pull every single time. I love the the Farm Boss and worth every penny I paid for it. Cuts great with little to no effort. Great choice in a new daw
I bought my Stihl Farm Boss 16 years ago and it's been very reliable. It still has the original spark plug. But I have changed the 20" bar a few times. My saw always requires more than 3 priming pulls. Although I only cut about 4-5 cords of firewood per year several professional loggers in my area use a Farm Boss daily for bucking out big softwoods like Doug Fir, Spruce and Redwoods. I mainly cut Alder, Pepperwood, White Fir, and Bigleaf Maple. About one in three people in my area use Huskies, which is their right as Americans I suppose. The rest use Stihls. I have a Husky lawn mower that I keep only because it has a Honda engine -- The rest of the mower is made by Husqvarna and it's not well-designed or well-made.
Late to the party but glad I watched this video. So I'm my 60's but I still get a lot done. I need a larger chainsaw And I really wanted the Husky. But I do agree with the statement on dealer support. So to that end I'll have to go with Stihl. What an amazing video. LOVED the breakdown for maintenance.
Thanks for the review! My Stihl 180 failed because the control lever on the choke mechanism failed. It was a crazy way to lose a saw, but it couldn't be repaired for a reasonable amount of money, totaling the unit. This makes me want to abandon Stihl on principle, but there's less nonsense with operation as compared to the Husky. I contemplating the 460 and the 311.
Fantastic review my friend, best one I've seen yet, and funny enough i am after a new saw, at that range, but wasn't sure if i should buy husky or sthil,,,, which I've always bought 💪😀🤘🇬🇧now I'm thing still to stick with sthil ms271 looks good 😀👌stay safe and keep the excellent work up🇬🇧🇬🇧from England ❤️
stihl had the Old Farm Boss No problem on one Change the cluch on the other Cuting 60 to 80 loads for over 15 years Bad after setting up for 4 years it mess up the carb And can't get the parts
Very well done only one thing left out the inboard brake fills full of fine sawdust and cooks the plastic inter cover and hangs up the brake band trashing the clutch if it's stuck on the in position. Now it's way harder to change the brake and above most home owners abilities to change. Husqvarna you could just change the outlet cover that has the brake band built in but you have it off every time you change the chain so you tend to clean the brake band out simply blow it out with a air compressor then they normally on the Husqvarna they last the life of the unit.
Dealers are great and all but if youre buying a 500 dollar chainsaw you probably already have other tools around the house and can work on the saw. Cut out dealers. Be self sufficient
i run husky and stihl all the time one thing ive noticed on my brand new 661 is the clutch cover and everything around it get hotter than hell during regular use and yes the bar has oil
I am thinking of getting a stihl chainsaw because the timber is impossible to cut with a hatchet would one with a small chain be ideal what do you think
Husqvarna fan here, good memories with the family running these saws, never an issue. I have used Stihl trimmers though which I really like. Just got an echo which I'm returning. The old ones were great, now they have plastic handles and overall much cheaper build - never again. Awesome comparison! I know some people that swear by Stihl.
It seems odd to me that with this series of saw the husqvarna has a deco valve,but the stihl doesn't. However, on their pro saw equivalent it's the opposite. The ms261c has a deco valve,but the 550xp doesn't 🤔
Great video. Husqvarna has a dealer in my area so I go with that one. It is a pain in the back to get the pin on the right hole when adjusting the chain. Anyhow, there are both great saws.
Great review! I have a 545 mark 2 and a 455 rancher and love both of them! I would love to get a Stihl as well. Both companies have great saws and are #1 and #2 as far as chainsaws go. I liked the honest review. Both have strengths and weaknesses. I love seeing a Stihl dealer say good things about their competitor's products. It shows me they have faith in their own products as they should cuz Stihl has excellent products.
Thanks for your extremely thorough and helpful comparison. Seriously…Ive been doing some intense research for my first real chainsaw investment for almost a year and I don’t know how I ve missed you. You covered everything I needed to know! Internal clutch/brake over external. (Husky Men?) doesn’t the external clutch get all gunked up with bar oil and sawdust? Having a larger surface area locking air filter instead of a tool needing, tiny one is a no brainer...no wonder they’re concerned about the clutch causing heat. Big nuts. They’re more important than you’d think the older you get. And the most important mitigating factor that not a single soul on the internet has ever thought to tell me, if Im cutting hardwood, its gotta be the Stihl. Which Stihl (or other brand) would you recommend for felling and bucking, that also has enough hp and versatiity of bar size to use with a chainsaw mill? MS391 comes to mind. Just thought I’d pick your brain.
Sorry for the delayed response. If you are thinking about a mill there is a lot to consider. How large of slabs are you thinking/dreaming of? Remember once you get into it you will always want to get bigger :) I would recommend a 70cc at minimum for a mill. Check out the MS462 its weight vs the 391 it weight a bit less and has 1.6 more HP. You will be much happier milling with that saw.
So I got this idea for a chainsaw that uses compression rotations and then as I'm watching down here in Africa with this black bone seed after you cut a limb at all the different heists you pull the outer layer out and and compress it and rotate it and plug it back in and then maybe develop a new nutrition out of it and get a rotation development with gravity and minerals
I've used my 455 Rancher for several years mainly for firewood with zero issues. The Stihl is a great choice as well. It really comes down to maintaining them.keep them serviceable and you shouldn't have problems
I’m sure you are a great dealer, however I’ve never found one locally that stands by there products at all. I own a 100 acre farm and cut a lot of firewood, any issues I’ve ever had were well after factory warranty and I fix it myself. That being said, buy the saw that is easy to find parts for in your area, and educate yourself on how to work on it. Don’t trust dealers, they typically change ownership or brands every five years (or at least in my area)…
@@carlsmowerandsaw I’m fully aware, you have great content and I’m sure your company stands by their products. It would be great if all distributors were the same 👍
Which saw is more recommended because I bought the 271 Farm Boss but also considered purchasing the 455 Rancher but even though the Rancher is supposed to be a more efficient saw for cutting I preferred the the Sthil myself due to the name and the advice giving to me by local people that uses both saws.
You can change the MS 271 to a 3/8 by putting a MS 261 clutch drum on it. Which in doing that changes it from a spur drum to a rim sprocket which is a better set up. And if you talk with you dealer they can do that and keep your warranty. And have an ex employer that had the 455 Rancher and I have the MS 271 and mine cut faster.
@@carlsmowerandsaw it all depends on the sharpness of the chain and if it's full or semi chisel. 325 should cut faster cause it makes a narrower cut, however if the saw that has the 3/8 has more power and a faster chain speed it can cut faster than the 325.
0 support at dealership? sad - oh well no dealerships in this greater area have been good, But if they did support after the sale? Id like that. I have a couple stihl products. on the weed eater [bought from local dealer] then got the runaround from them (ugh) bought a 211cb from far away. it has been good for me. as for that dealership? [its setup for sales] the techs are in the back and they are good helpful guys. my other saws are mail order, service after the sale has been good. but another was 0 like the local dealers been. so I have learned to fix my own things. If a dealership was good as my car dealers [they service ALL their products, no matter where you bought them] as a good dealership will do.
Been using the 455 rancher for tree service work for 5 years with no issues whatsoever. Just the fact that Husqvarna bars still have a grease port on the bars and Stihl doesn't. Bearings need grease not oil. Husqvarna starts easy every time without the need for all the extra crap. Husqvarna is just better all around.
The difference in clutch and brake design that you mentioned is a huge deal. I have owned and ran both of these saws along with other sizes from both manufacturers. When the stihl gets hot.. the plastic melts! My ms271 is tore apart and thrown in a parts box because it melted the plastic and the oil lines going to the bar oil pump. Once I saw how that was all designed my mind is made up. Never again will I buy a stihl chainsaw. Their strait shaft weed eater is hard to beat but that's where it ends for me.
Great Video dude!! I’ve always ran STIHL but I’m currently looking at Husqy. Prob 455 for around the property so my kids and dad will have a manageable saw but I’d like to pick up a 372xp for myself. I feel if you’re a saw man little things like gas cap and stuff aren’t really a concern. Maybe for John and Jane homeowner but for serious work I want Power and in my opinion you get more power for the money with Husq! Not that STIHL hasn’t and continues to make some great saws. I have a AV066 and an MS250 and have no complaints but now that I’m getting into serious work I talked to my cousin and when he had his company it was all Husqy. He said listen Everett do me a favor just try a husky and if you like it I’ll buy you the 455. So of course I couldn’t turn that down. Side not though any fans of the vintage McCulloch 125C?
I hate flippy caps. Both were leaking on my ms250 so I went to dealer and got new ones. I made sure everything was squeaky clean and now the leak worse. I can't let it sit with gas in it or oil or it leeks bad. All the gas will be gone next time I go to use it! I hate them!!!
I am a stihl guy, I own several of their saws from a little 171 to a mid range 271 all the way up to the 660 and many in between. I happen to own both of these saws and I would definitely recommend the husqvarna 455 over the stihl 271. With 3 or 4 pushes of the primer bulb and 2 pulls it starts every time and it doesn't bog when a bury the bar when bucking firewood the 271 just doesn't stack up in my experience with these saws.
One thing he did not mention is that the only place to buy most parts for the Sthil is at a dealer. With the Husky, parts are available from a number of different sources.
Lowes Home Depot ace manards Amazon etc.
I got no discount or help from sthil dealer and I scored my 455 rancher on sale at Lowe’s with also military discount out the door with bar oil jug and pack of 2 stroke oil a gas jug and file and bar oil gun for 429.89 no joke and I’ve done zero maintenance on mine for 5 years now but will need a spark plug soon it keeps getting dirty
There are Sthil dealers all over. Sthil out performs all others.
Been at Ace for nearly 5 years, and personally selling Stihl for 4 years. Unfortunately best I can tell you is it all depends who you get. You might get someone who cares and wants to help or you might get someone who doesn't give a shit. Stihl products are great, same as Husky. There's a ton of TH-cam videos comparing the two brands. Ultimately it comes down to you. Myself, personally, I'd go Stihl, but only cause I've been familiar with them the past several years. I know their machines like the back of my hand, know where to get parts, etc. Husky is probably just as good, I just prefer and know Stihl better
@@mattthepolarbear what are you mumbling about? If you are a stihl dealer you simply look up said part on their internal parts drawings and order it via them. If you need Husqvarna parts its exactly the same. Both manufacturers are dicks for making it that hard for the consumer. A brand like Makita has their technical drawings public to all, which seems like a blessing but customers still act of like you are a wizard for finding the right part.
Except for a chain and maybe the sword, which store has other parts for your exact Husqvarna model laying in store?
This is the first Husqvarna vs. Stihl comparison video I have seen that actually compares comparable saws, usually it is one homeowner version against the other brand's pro saw. Thank you for an apples to apples comparison. I think you hit the nail on the head with your recommendation of dealer support. Either company makes good saws. That being said, I have a 455 Rancher that I bought for $50 at a Sheriff's sale. I am predisposed towards Husqvarna's anyway, Dad ran a 61 for for years.
This comparison is thorough and, in my opinion, extremely well done. You touch on pretty much every aspect of both saws that might interest a customer without being overly technical. I use both husqvarna and stihl saws to collect firewood but I found your comparison here educational. Thank you taking the time.
Thanks Bill we appreciate your support and are glad we hit the high points.
advice for your recordings. get a microphone on you. don’t record from the camera you have set up 10+ feet away. sounds like you are in a cave. good work though.
As a self employed gardener I don't really use chainsaws that much but I went for the 455 Rancher. Mostly used for firewood but occasionally taking down the odd tree, it does everything I need with ease, so a great purchase for me. Very happy with it!
Great size for your applications.
We have been running Husqvarna on the farm for atleast 15yrs, probably longer. The dealer is a great family and every saw they have sold us has been great to own and get serviced or parts. They also sell the Stihl products and I've used them as well. Very comparable and reliable machines. I never thought the battle should have been Stihl vs Husqvarna. I've been in the woods with a lot of guys running the box store saws. Those saws and their owners need some serious help. They spend half the day working on them and the other half of the day loading the trailer while I get sore shoulders and back doing all the cutting. Proper and maintained tools are essential.
There is no difference in a box store 455 Rancher or a 455 Rancher from a dealer
@jamesf4244 a dealer will have more models to pick from than the 3 a box store sells. My local dealer carries farm grade and pro grade saws. I have a farm grade saw and a professional grade saw. There is a big difference in quality, both are great saws but the prograde saw will last longer. Having a good dealer to buy parts is also really nice. The box store only carries the basics. The dealer carries parts like the recoil, clutch, handles, caps, etc.
Husq fan for life here! For bucking firewood in BC anyway. First saws i used were husqvarnas. My first saw i bought; 1974 pioneer p40 - great old saw! Heavy, but just takes some muscle to run it, seperates the men from the boys.
I've bucked about 75k of firewood in the last 3 years. I used the stihl 291, 362, 462, and the 660 while employed at a mill and we were having to send in the saws all the time for servicing from overheating and worn out air filters not sealing right (saws were on their second/third year when i got to the mill). Bucking full time stihl would always overheat, and we actually burnt out the clutch on the 462.
I myself own a new stihl ms250 (1 year old now) for camping and home, and some light bucking. and an old husqvarna 257(1996): the stihl feels like a toy. And the clutch and the chain brake in the outside rather than in body i find it to be a huge advantage for reliability, just slip the chain on the clutchside first. Anyone who think the stihl is easier are the type of people who eats ice cream cones instead of using a bowl and spoon because "it's easier" haha. Its not hard or a pain in the butt at all. Husqvarnas seem to be built to last; Compression release, adjustable oiler, higher quality plastic & material, (and air filter! I'd rathrr a metal pin or even a screw than plastic screw-on that wears out). Husqvarna 257 (57.9cc)comes in only a couple pounds heavier than the ms250 while being 12cc bigger, and roughly same body size!
Stihls are made to be serviced. Only advantage is the marginal difference in weight in my opinion, for me reliabilty is much more important. Felling trees i do like to use my stihl, just because it is lighter and i usually have to hike to the tree. Stihl is capable enough, but does not seem to be built to work hard or for too long.
Good on you! If it’s right for you go Husqvarna!
I prefer the 455 Husqvarna. I use mine on ranch and northern woods of Saskatchewan. Very good saw.
The Echo 590 is a better saw than those 2 saws, and is cheaper. Head to head it whips those 2 saws.
While an older video, I am sure many will see it later. My father was a timber cutter for nearly 10 years. During those years his father, brothers, and him all ran stihl chainsaws! Excellent reliable saws! He still uses them to this day 30+ years later! There were also those on the mountain that ran Husqvarnas! And the rivalry was real of which saw was superior and why! In the end though both brands rip and get the job done. The biggest factors though was the operators and how they maintained their saws and keeping them sharp. My father was a 3 star logger for his first few years and became a 5 star logger in later years with awards to prove it. Husqvarna operators were also 5 star loggers with awards to prove it! Find a saw that is comfortable to you and get proper instruction in how to be efficient and safe with your saw of choice!
I sold stihl and husqvarna side by side for 30 years. Believe me one is just as good as the other. Stihl does make their own chain and it is the best chain in the industry. Husqvarna buys Oregon chain for their saws.. its good chain so no apologies needed.
My personal favorite is Husqvarna. Mainly because husqvarna
Has superior dealer relations. They take care of their dealers . Good people to work with.
Sometimes Stihl failed to return phone calls.
I prefer the Husky! Dealers are all about money and will scam you into buying things you don't need or never doing the work they claim!! Learn to fix your own equipment!! Stay away from dealers!
I am glad that you like your Husky equipment They make a great chainsaw
gotta love people who are just blind homers for brand names lol....learn to think for yourself
Thanks for the video! I learned a lot about the two. The amount of hardwood trees in my area is a major deciding factor. I can’t wait to go buy my farm boss!
Bought a Husqvarna Rancher two days ago. Threw the chain in 30 minutes into cutting firewood no thicker than 12 inches. Huge pain in the ass to get everything lined up and tensioned again. Then it through the chain 6 more times. Returning tomorrow for a refund and I'm going to buy the Farm Boss. That whole external brake and tensioner setup is absolute shit.
I like Stihl
Hi Carl - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. I've just replaced my beloved Husky 365 with a Rancher 455 as due to my age I couldn't justify the extra cost of a new 565, plus the fact that that they now have autotune, which I detest. I bought a 555 with a 16inch bar & .335 chain five years ago and was very impressed with its very aggressive cutting ability and heneral agility when it fired up BUT it broke my heart either erratic starting, despite 2 trips to the shop and a new ignition module at $165. I pledged I will never buy another electronic carb saw. The Rancher 455 is listed here at $866US though I was lucky to get a deal at $733. You chaps across the pond don't realise how cheap you can buy equipment compared to us poor relatives this side of the pond!
We won’t complain about our prices. 😉
I feel ya on the autotune design. I've got both stihl and husqvarna and my husqvarna 550xp just got its 2nd top end rebuild. It's a firecracker of a saw,but has always run hot. The piston I took out this time had blisters on it. I've never had that problem put of my stihls,even the mtronic ones. I'm sure it's not all of them,but that 550xp has left a sour taste in my mouth.
I went with the MS391, it does have the compression release and starts the third pull every time. I do think I should have spent the extra to go to the pro series but overall am happy with the saw.
Now that i have seen the comparison between the two, i think I would stay with stihl. I have a 170 which at the time I bought was okay but now I want the 271. I had another stihl about 12 years ago and I used it one time and sold it cause I retired but for the life of me, i can't remember the number of it. My 170 I've changed the caps out 3 times and the gas one leaks and sometimes I use pliers to tighten it. The other one had the flip caps which I thought were good thing.
Great information. Thank you. Sub/Likie
That clutch, brake and tensioner system is a deal breaker. I had to put a chain on one the other day and I felt like throwing it over my shoulder. Stihl is a much better system especially when using it several times a day.
Just bought a ms271 a few months ago, a buddy has a 455, after using both of them they perform very similarly, aside from the primer on the husky im partial to the stihl
Which one cuts faster and starts better? Say you're partial to the Stihl?
@@dentondunn4346 They both start within 3 or 4 pulls,and cut time is pretty well even. I've always disliked husqvarna's outboard clutch,but otherwise they're nice saws.
The Makita 5600F is similar to the ms271/455Rancher and had had captured bar nuts and duel spikes and in board clutch and the chain tensioner is on the saw like the Stihl for the same price range
Husky all the way!!!!
We always love to hear from those Husqvarna fans. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
I have them both. Same as commercial saws. I have xp husqvarna and 660 stihl Husqvarna a smoother machine. Stihl is good but wouldnt want to run one every day. I hate their sound
Purchased my first chainsaw when I was 16. It’s a husqvarna 340. I love it and still have it to this day. Since then I’ve also owned a couple stihl chainsaws, but have sold them. Twenty years later, I prefer the Husqvarna and have 3 currently, a 340, a 372, and a 455 rancher. Both are high quality, durable saws, but I prefer the chain system on the husqvarna. If you treat them right, they’ll last a lifetime. However, I do love my stihl kombi.
Great review. Both will last a lifetime if properly maintained, which is easier to do with the Stihl even without a dealer nearby (mine’s only 10 minutes away so I’m lucky there). The big differences between these saws are the internals. The Stihl’s motor is better built and uses 2 piston rings to the husky’s one. Big dif? No but does provide for better compression over time and oil swipe. Also stihl has much better low end torque while husky has more top end so it will cut faster at speed but the stihl will power through on tough cuts better with less bogging down. You really can’t go wrong with either.
Good point
Do you have any statistics that back up your claim that Stihl has a better engine? In my experience is a small engine mechanic I would have to disagree. Also there are double ring Pistons available for Husqvarna chainsaws. Service on both steel and Husqvarna are almost identical in terms of difficulty. I can order OEM parts direct from the manufacturer for a Husqvarna at a much lower cost.
Holy Toledo, Ohio! This may well be the perfect TH-cam product information vid. THANK YOU. I've been eyeballin' the 455 Rancher for some occasional firewood and road-clearing work. Not a professional, but a retired truck driver planning on some wilderness time. You, sir, are a credit to your business and profession. Thanks again.
That's a great comparison video between the 2 saws. Best comparison I've seen yet
I have never had or used a Stihl but I bought a Husqvarna 55 in 1998 and love it. Never a problem.
Great saw
We used Stihl when I was in the Fire Service many years ago. Therefore, I am familiar with the saw and I like them. I purchased a homeowner version, the Wood Boss, and it has served me fairly good. I notice that saw dust can gather around the area where the oil cap is supposed to seal and it can't screw down properly, causing one to think that the threads are stripped. If you take a thin jig saw blade or something similar, and scape around the small area where sawdust gets trapped, the cap will go on tight and the seal works fine.
I went out on a hand crue with the BIA years ago and always wanted to go out as a signal resource sayor. What do you know about that? In already a Fire fighter 2.
@@Patrick-uu5xg Don't know anything about it.
As a structural firefighter with a truck company and talking with many brothers from other departments none of us have ever seen a husky on a truck or rescue. When life and property are on the line Stihl baby!
@@Patrick-uu5xg I'm a structural guy but my buddy's in Montana that only fight wildland some not all prefer husky
Totally shallow but I went with the Stihl just because of the name.."Farm Boss" sounded cooler to me than "Rancher"..
The name says it all!
I own 9 Stihl saws, a small Echo and an Echo pole saw. One of the Stihl is 25 years old and the small Echo is about that old. Looking forward to trying my first Husqvarna this year. A lot of it is like the Ford vs Chevy debate but I think dealer support is a big factor as well. Obviously I have worked on more Stihl than anything. They are all good saws. Thank you for the comparison, it was well done.
I have the ms 271 and really like it. I now want the husky 572 xp but don't have a need for it, I just want it. I love chainsaws.
My dad and i have a Stihl MS 291 and a Stihl MS 180. Both are great chainsaws and my dad bought them both at are Stihl dealer called Centennial Lube in Grace Idaho. Same with our Stihl FS 56 RC trimmer and Toro Recycler lawn mowerower.
If it ain't stihl it ain't real.
I have both saws. I also have a Stihl 29. Both Stihls alway take 10 to 12 pulls when they are cold. The 455 only takes two pulls.
The Echo 590 Timber Wolf at the same price point seems to be the winner overall if you look up the reviews. Larger engine means more weight is the only downfall.
I learned a lot. Have only owned Husqvarna and Echo but there are some good things I didn't know about with the Stihl.
Didn't touch on the anti-vibe in both saws. Husky usually better in that category.
Or belching and balance
Like I said in another Stihl vs Husky video, these comparison videos are no more valuable than the old muscle cat debates like Ford v Chevy, Mopar vs the World. Owning both at the pro level, Stihl more expensive for EVERYTHING. Husqvarna starts faster and more reliably. Stihls seem to be better under load for extended periods of time. But for homeowner use, they’ll never notice the difference
used saws for 37yrs and more.full on and I've ended up using huskys.matter of opinion.once stink started using electric assisted start I gave up on them.can fix my husky in the woods with basic tools.the stihls,I gotta track back and dig specialist tools out of the van.thanks for the info my friend but I find husky easier to fix/maintain with tools on my harness and customer support has looked after me quicker and better.understand your talking about part time(non prof saws too.I'll stick with the husky anyday. stay safe and lucky.maddog.full time tree worker.West cork.eirw
I think it comes down to "Buy the dealer". Find a good dealer with a good service department that is convenient to you, and buy the brand saw they sell. If both are available, then you can't go wrong.
Husky
You sir,are an excellent instructor! I run several 271's no problem . They make me money . My servicing dealer is top notch. I tell everyone if there is no service dept you can't give me the eqpt.
For the price of the 455, which is $499 where I live, I would step up to the Stihl MS 291. Only $10 more than the Husky and more horsepower.
Can’t argue with that 😀
Andreas Stihl is often called "The father of the chainsaw." I hate primers. Seems like every time I need to use the saw, they're cracked and leaking air.
My Husqvarna always takes 3 pulls but always starts on the 3rd pull. But after she is warm it's 1 pull every time!!
Ill take a 455 over a ms271..
And my father was a big stihl dealer in the 80s. Ive seen my share of stihls..
My main issue with stihls today, is, the choke setting arrangement, with the wide open fast idle arrangement when choked..
I don't see it as needed, and i think its dangerous..
A real saw gets the choke when its started, 1 or 2 pulls, until it pops, then the next pull should be with no choke and it should fire.
AND idle. Thats that...
Like a husky..
Anything from a disco era 480, to a rancher, a 51, 61, 261, 372xp etc...
They all do it right.. even smaller top handle limb saws..
The stihl design? Is choke it... and its revved out the gate wide open..
To me, its basically hung wide open thru the starting process.. yall know what i mean..
Reminds me of firing up old 1960's steel case macs.. we all know, that,
That's terrible for the piston skirt and rings...
Frankly, it isn't safe. Especially to the average joe homeowner..
The husky is a safer starting process. Hands down.
..
Just my 2 cents from a old hotsaw engine man. I own multiples of both designs. When I go to work the 271 stays home, and the 455's go on the truck.
The 455? For a low grade chain store saw, its a hell of a saw for the $$ too. ..
..
Compared to the 455, I think the MS271 isnt as good a unit.
Yall stay safe.
Good points. Still have my 25 year old husky that just simply works
Hmm 🤔 to me it’s a toss up. Can’t go wrong with either one these days. I’ve known people that had trouble with either one and people that never had trouble with either one. Both brands have their lemon models though.
Also, it’s nice when dealerships do demos and let you try the saws out to see which one you like better or better fits your needs. 😉 salesmanship is a lost art these days I think though. 😝
They are both great saws. To me it’s about what dealership will better care for your future needs.
Just a personal experience, bought the husky and I’ve had trouble keeping it running from day 1. Followed starting instructions use husky fuel, husky bar oil, it burnt up the clutch after 8 hours of work had to get it fixed still doesn’t stay running.
Ok, but I worked in logging for 25 years. I can hands down tell you something he didn't mention. A Husky has a tendency to cut off when not in use. It's cold natured. A Stihl once it has been ran a while ,you can sit it down for 10 minutes and go back and it will crank w/o choking. I've used both a lot but if you don't buy a pro you're buying junk.
I have a husqvarna 455 rancher and I absolutely love it
My new 271 Farm Boss burps on 2nd pull everytime on full choke and always starts on 1st pull on half choke every single time. So from a cold start it starts on 3rd pull everytime and after warmed up starts 1st pull every single time. I love the the Farm Boss and worth every penny I paid for it. Cuts great with little to no effort. Great choice in a new daw
You’ve got that thing figured out. Enjoy that awesome chainsaw.
I bought my Stihl Farm Boss 16 years ago and it's been very reliable. It still has the original spark plug. But I have changed the 20" bar a few times. My saw always requires more than 3 priming pulls. Although I only cut about 4-5 cords of firewood per year several professional loggers in my area use a Farm Boss daily for bucking out big softwoods like Doug Fir, Spruce and Redwoods. I mainly cut Alder, Pepperwood, White Fir, and Bigleaf Maple. About one in three people in my area use Huskies, which is their right as Americans I suppose. The rest use Stihls. I have a Husky lawn mower that I keep only because it has a Honda engine -- The rest of the mower is made by Husqvarna and it's not well-designed or well-made.
Late to the party but glad I watched this video. So I'm my 60's but I still get a lot done. I need a larger chainsaw And I really wanted the Husky. But I do agree with the statement on dealer support. So to that end I'll have to go with Stihl.
What an amazing video. LOVED the breakdown for maintenance.
I bought the Husky because the Husqvarna dealer is less than a mile from my house. Thanks for making me feel better about that reason!
Thanks for the review! My Stihl 180 failed because the control lever on the choke mechanism failed. It was a crazy way to lose a saw, but it couldn't be repaired for a reasonable amount of money, totaling the unit. This makes me want to abandon Stihl on principle, but there's less nonsense with operation as compared to the Husky. I contemplating the 460 and the 311.
I have a 180 n 251 they serve me well! U must've done something wrong with the 180 I've got no problems with mine n work it hard as well
What nonsense are you referring to when operating a Husqvarna? They're simpler and easier to use than any power saw I've ever used.
Fantastic review my friend, best one I've seen yet, and funny enough i am after a new saw, at that range, but wasn't sure if i should buy husky or sthil,,,, which I've always bought 💪😀🤘🇬🇧now I'm thing still to stick with sthil ms271 looks good 😀👌stay safe and keep the excellent work up🇬🇧🇬🇧from England ❤️
stihl had the Old Farm Boss No problem on one Change the cluch on the other Cuting 60 to 80 loads for over 15 years Bad after setting up for 4 years it mess up the carb And can't get the parts
Very well done only one thing left out the inboard brake fills full of fine sawdust and cooks the plastic inter cover and hangs up the brake band trashing the clutch if it's stuck on the in position. Now it's way harder to change the brake and above most home owners abilities to change. Husqvarna you could just change the outlet cover that has the brake band built in but you have it off every time you change the chain so you tend to clean the brake band out simply blow it out with a air compressor then they normally on the Husqvarna they last the life of the unit.
Dealers are great and all but if youre buying a 500 dollar chainsaw you probably already have other tools around the house and can work on the saw. Cut out dealers. Be self sufficient
i run husky and stihl all the time one thing ive noticed on my brand new 661 is the clutch cover and everything around it get hotter than hell during regular use and yes the bar has oil
I love my 455 rancher Husqvarna
What is your favorite thing about it.
I am thinking of getting a stihl chainsaw because the timber is impossible to cut with a hatchet would one with a small chain be ideal what do you think
I own Husqvarna and stihl chainsaws and I prefer Husqvarna
Another consideration: much easier to access Husky parts from non-dealer sources than Stihl.
This is an extremely good presentation.
Meh... not top of the market in my opinion. You are forgetting about the Echo Timberwolf.
Should compared a 291
Forget to unlock the chain break and what saw are we picking?🤔
Good content, thanks for the side by side breakdown
MS 271 fan here. Been using the farm boss for years and no issues
Also its nothing to get a 3/8 ring and bar for that stihl saw so thats not an advantage whatsoever
Have had my ms290 for 20 years, it’s been bulletproof
It boggles my mind how people can find the STIHL starting method hard. It really is simple.
It’s a learning curve
Husqvarna fan here, good memories with the family running these saws, never an issue. I have used Stihl trimmers though which I really like. Just got an echo which I'm returning. The old ones were great, now they have plastic handles and overall much cheaper build - never again. Awesome comparison! I know some people that swear by Stihl.
Both are great units
It seems odd to me that with this series of saw the husqvarna has a deco valve,but the stihl doesn't. However, on their pro saw equivalent it's the opposite. The ms261c has a deco valve,but the 550xp doesn't 🤔
It is head scratching
I have both husky cuts better and smo
That 271 struggles bad pulling a 20” bar
Great video. Husqvarna has a dealer in my area so I go with that one. It is a pain in the back to get the pin on the right hole when adjusting the chain. Anyhow, there are both great saws.
Practice makes perfect. You will become a pro at installing the bar and chain. 😉
Enjoy the saw
Great review! I have a 545 mark 2 and a 455 rancher and love both of them! I would love to get a Stihl as well. Both companies have great saws and are #1 and #2 as far as chainsaws go. I liked the honest review. Both have strengths and weaknesses. I love seeing a Stihl dealer say good things about their competitor's products. It shows me they have faith in their own products as they should cuz Stihl has excellent products.
That 545 is a sweet saw!
Thanks for your extremely thorough and helpful comparison. Seriously…Ive been doing some intense research for my first real chainsaw investment for almost a year and I don’t know how I ve missed you. You covered everything I needed to know! Internal clutch/brake over external. (Husky Men?) doesn’t the external clutch get all gunked up with bar oil and sawdust? Having a larger surface area locking air filter instead of a tool needing, tiny one is a no brainer...no wonder they’re concerned about the clutch causing heat. Big nuts. They’re more important than you’d think the older you get. And the most important mitigating factor that not a single soul on the internet has ever thought to tell me, if Im cutting hardwood, its gotta be the Stihl. Which Stihl (or other brand) would you recommend for felling and bucking, that also has enough hp and versatiity of bar size to use with a chainsaw mill? MS391 comes to mind. Just thought I’d pick your brain.
Sorry for the delayed response. If you are thinking about a mill there is a lot to consider. How large of slabs are you thinking/dreaming of? Remember once you get into it you will always want to get bigger :) I would recommend a 70cc at minimum for a mill. Check out the MS462 its weight vs the 391 it weight a bit less and has 1.6 more HP. You will be much happier milling with that saw.
So I got this idea for a chainsaw that uses compression rotations and then as I'm watching down here in Africa with this black bone seed after you cut a limb at all the different heists you pull the outer layer out and and compress it and rotate it and plug it back in and then maybe develop a new nutrition out of it and get a rotation development with gravity and minerals
Impossibly even keep a sharp at the same time
I've used my 455 Rancher for several years mainly for firewood with zero issues. The Stihl is a great choice as well. It really comes down to maintaining them.keep them serviceable and you shouldn't have problems
550xp, 372 husqvarna!!
I’m sure you are a great dealer, however I’ve never found one locally that stands by there products at all.
I own a 100 acre farm and cut a lot of firewood, any issues I’ve ever had were well after factory warranty and I fix it myself.
That being said, buy the saw that is easy to find parts for in your area, and educate yourself on how to work on it.
Don’t trust dealers, they typically change ownership or brands every five years (or at least in my area)…
I’m sorry you have had poor dealer support. It is not an easy business to run. There is constant pressure
@@carlsmowerandsaw I’m fully aware, you have great content and I’m sure your company stands by their products.
It would be great if all distributors were the same 👍
Got both and I favor the husky
Which saw is more recommended because I bought the 271 Farm Boss but also considered purchasing the 455 Rancher but even though the Rancher is supposed to be a more efficient saw for cutting I preferred the the Sthil myself due to the name and the advice giving to me by local people that uses both saws.
I’d say you made a great decision.
I choose the 271 Farm Boss
I like my 460 rancher!
You can change the MS 271 to a 3/8 by putting a MS 261 clutch drum on it. Which in doing that changes it from a spur drum to a rim sprocket which is a better set up. And if you talk with you dealer they can do that and keep your warranty. And have an ex employer that had the 455 Rancher and I have the MS 271 and mine cut faster.
Yes you can easily change from .325 to 3/8. The .325 chain does really cut nice on hardwood
@@carlsmowerandsaw it all depends on the sharpness of the chain and if it's full or semi chisel. 325 should cut faster cause it makes a narrower cut, however if the saw that has the 3/8 has more power and a faster chain speed it can cut faster than the 325.
0 support at dealership? sad - oh well
no dealerships in this greater area have been good, But if they did support after the sale? Id like that.
I have a couple stihl products. on the weed eater [bought from local dealer] then got the runaround from them (ugh)
bought a 211cb from far away. it has been good for me. as for that dealership? [its setup for sales] the techs are in the back and they are good helpful guys.
my other saws are mail order, service after the sale has been good.
but another was 0 like the local dealers been. so I have learned to fix my own things.
If a dealership was good as my car dealers [they service ALL their products, no matter where you bought them] as a good
dealership will do.
Been using the 455 rancher for tree service work for 5 years with no issues whatsoever. Just the fact that Husqvarna bars still have a grease port on the bars and Stihl doesn't. Bearings need grease not oil. Husqvarna starts easy every time without the need for all the extra crap. Husqvarna is just better all around.
Very interesting
Just today I added a 455 Rancher to my collection. Bigger than my others which are Poulan's 5020 & 3314 and Stihl MS 170 and a Husqvarna 235.
The difference in clutch and brake design that you mentioned is a huge deal. I have owned and ran both of these saws along with other sizes from both manufacturers. When the stihl gets hot.. the plastic melts! My ms271 is tore apart and thrown in a parts box because it melted the plastic and the oil lines going to the bar oil pump. Once I saw how that was all designed my mind is made up. Never again will I buy a stihl chainsaw. Their strait shaft weed eater is hard to beat but that's where it ends for me.
Great Video dude!! I’ve always ran STIHL but I’m currently looking at Husqy. Prob 455 for around the property so my kids and dad will have a manageable saw but I’d like to pick up a 372xp for myself. I feel if you’re a saw man little things like gas cap and stuff aren’t really a concern. Maybe for John and Jane homeowner but for serious work I want Power and in my opinion you get more power for the money with Husq! Not that STIHL hasn’t and continues to make some great saws. I have a AV066 and an MS250 and have no complaints but now that I’m getting into serious work I talked to my cousin and when he had his company it was all Husqy. He said listen Everett do me a favor just try a husky and if you like it I’ll buy you the 455. So of course I couldn’t turn that down. Side not though any fans of the vintage McCulloch 125C?
I hate flippy caps. Both were leaking on my ms250 so I went to dealer and got new ones. I made sure everything was squeaky clean and now the leak worse. I can't let it sit with gas in it or oil or it leeks bad. All the gas will be gone next time I go to use it! I hate them!!!
I am a stihl guy, I own several of their saws from a little 171 to a mid range 271 all the way up to the 660 and many in between. I happen to own both of these saws and I would definitely recommend the husqvarna 455 over the stihl 271. With 3 or 4 pushes of the primer bulb and 2 pulls it starts every time and it doesn't bog when a bury the bar when bucking firewood the 271 just doesn't stack up in my experience with these saws.
I like the flip top caps