Stihl vs Husky

frankenyoter

frankenyoter

No Rain, No Rainbow
Joined
Mar 17, 2009
Location
DARK CITY
My old saw finally cut its last load this weekend. RIP old Husky 288xp Lite.

Need to get a replacement chain saw very soon. My last saw was an 88cc beast and cut like no other until is stopped. Got solid 14yrs out of it.

No need for such a big saw this time. Something in the 60cc neighborhood.

Anyone have any real life option on a Husky vs a Stihl? I want to buy a good saw to last another 10+ years?
 
I've got two Stihl saws. I've been very happy with them. I've never owned a Husky.
 
We run husky saws at work and have had great service out of them and we are pretty hard on them.Stihl's are good but not the saw a husky is. IMO
 
if you want a poulan saw buy a huski thats who makes them FYI buy a stihl and dont look back! if you want something close to a 60cc the ms311 is 59cc we have it on sale for 449.95 retail for 499.00 or the ms362 its a 59cc as well but its a pro saw and its 679.95... i work at a dealer so if you have any question pm me
 
Either saw in a profesional configuration will do you fine. I have a stihl ms361 and like it alot. Balance is a little different than a Husky and it cuts different. Thats what I grew up with and thats what we used logging so thats what I bought when someone stole my 036. If you use it on a regular basis just make sure you get a profesional model. The Farm boss is good for cutting firewood and infrequent use. The difference is the material used in the front of the saw from what I understand. The professional grade saws are all metal. looking at about $650 for an ms361 but it is light enough to limb with and big enough to run a 20" bar through anything without bogging.
 
ive got a husky 359. (small pro saw, not the lowes/depot/tsc crap) youre welcome to come give it a try
really liked it so far
 
I've ran and owned both Stihls (MS160, MS180, 028 Super, MS360Pro, MS361, 046 Magnum) and Huskys (338XPT, 359, and 3120) and I personally prefer a Stihl. Both are great saws if you get the pro models. Each brand has a very different feel from the other, and the orientation of the grips and stance with the Stihl just suits me better. Don't rule out Dolmar, they seem to be growing in popularity and have some impressive saws.

For doing research, there is no place better than www.arboristsite.com
 
Stihl. Friend of mine works at a home and garden store in Hickory. His parents own it, and hes worked there since...well basically since he could work, so Id take his word for it.

Also, buy from a store like that, not a Lowes or Home Depot. They stock the more mass produced models, which are usually junk compared to the good ones from a local store.
 
All Stihl: 028 Wood Boss, MS280, MS361, (2) 038 Magnum II's, 056 Super....Nice Saws, never had any others.
 
I actually have a stihl 028av that I used at my farm for limb cleanup for years. the chain stop broke and we took it out. been thinking about repairing it for sale, but to the right folks, I would sell it outright. it will run like a scalded dog and EATS. $250 with 3 new chains and a case. badazz saw, have 2 more, otherwise Id keep it. it works, but needs these parts to be safe.
 
I prefer the Husqvarna over the Stihl, but they're both good saws...follow everyone's advice and get a pro model, not a cheesey POS from Home depot.
 
never had a stihl but we have used a 16in husky on the farm for about 10-15yrs and it still runs great and with a good chain cuts through anything in a hurry. a friend of mine also has an 18in husky rancher or whatever they call its been a good saw for him too. looked into echos once and they seem reliable and all theyre just so much heavier and harder to use than the stihl/huskys. either way theyre both good saws.
 
I bought a husky 2 years ago from lowes went through 2 of them in a month and a half the second the cord ripped out on the the second start up I took it back to lowes and told them where they could put thier husky. them went out and bought a 18in stihl and haven't had another problem. the stihl was also 40 bucks cheaper
 
I own eight saws. Six Stihls and two huskies. Throughout the years I've always been a Stihl man and still am but I bought these two huskies probably six years ago thinking I'd give them a try for as cheap as I bought them. I haven't hardly picked up a Stihl saw since. My big Husky is a 359 and I love it. I was told when I bought the Huskies they wouldn't last no time cause they turn so many more RPm's than a Stihl. Whether that's true or not I don't know but they are both good saws. You won't go wrong with either brand. But don't buy a home owner saw if you plan to do more than limb the ole crape myrtle.
 
I own a Husky 55cc Rancher (At least 10 yrs old, but haven't used in 2-3 years). Great saw, love it. I will say that it needs a GOOD chain to be efficient. And it seems to have issues with the chain oiler at times. Stihls are awesome saws also. Like already stated, stay away from national chain stores, and buy local. Years ago, when I worked at a locally owned True Value, we had a little set up out back that allowed someone to try out a saw before buying. Wonder if anyone does that anymore? Comes down to which one you like more when you hold it.
 
Husky is okay. Stihl is simply a higher-end product.

If you want to compare the higher-end stuff, try Stihl vs. Dolmar.

Not all will agree, but my general rule of thumb regarding gas-operated power equipment is, if you can buy it at Home Depot or Lowes, it's crap. Like their "John Deere" lawn tractors, built by MTD. Or all their leaf blowers, that state on them (or did as of 4 years ago) "rated for 50hrs use".

The leaf blower did it for me. Blew through 2 of the 50hr rated versions in a year, bought a Stihl 4 years ago and never looked back. Stihl trimmer, chainsaw, blower. Piss on HD or Lowes for stuff like that.
 
Im a sthl guy but have heard great things about huskys, the ones from a husky dealer not the cheap onees from lowes and home depot.
 
I purchased my Husky before they reached out to the box stores. I will purchase from a local shop for the customer service and supporting a local.

Def going with a pro model. I like my power toys to last! Never owned a Stihl but never needed one either!
 
Own and currently cut with a modded Poulan Pro 4620AV...got it on closeout at work for stupid cheap so I couldnt pass it up. For what it is, It rips.

With any of the Husky stuff, I prefer the pro model saws. I work in a department that sells the Homeowner grade Huskys and they just aren't the same. Last Husky I owned was a 450E and I liked it. Didnt have the balls for hardwoods but for cutting large firewood it was perfect. As for the Stihl's in a 60cc range I would rock a MS311 all day long. Used one with a full skip chain on it a while back and was impressed. Next best option IMO would be the 361 or if you can find a used one, any of the "0xx Magnum" saws.
 
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