Stihl Farm Boss 20" v. Husq Rancher 455 20"

[ruralNearDallas]

Another thing about Stihl: They don't really sell a service manual. Seems they don't want us working on our own machine.

Maybe the same with others, I don't know. I can do a lot with a manual, but very little without one.

 

[Builder]

To be more specific, the Husky is at a box store which is $360 (no tax). The Stihl is at my local dealer for $379 + $24 tax, so it's really like $45 more.
Even with that much more cost, the Stihl is more attractive to me since I already own 3 of them and they service what they sell.
The reason for even considering the Husky is I've never owned one and the cost savings, but if it broke......

 

[jeffinsgf]

My buddy convinced me that I made a mistake buying a Husqvarna, since Stihl made the best chainsaws. After his well-constructed argument I agreed that I would buy a Stihl, just as soon as the Husqvarna gave me any grief. That was 12 years ago, and I'm still cutting firewood every year with the same Husky, waiting for that day when it causes me a problem.

Stihl has some nice features, such as tool-less bar adjustment and fat-finger-friendly tank caps. Both are very well made saws, but I notice that both companies have introduced new models that reach down for the lower end of the market. I wouldn't buy the least expensive saw in either line's line-up.

 

[jeffinsgf]

To be more specific, the Husky is at a box store which is $360 (no tax). The Stihl is at my local dealer for $379 + $24 tax, so it's really like $45 more. ....

Why is there no sales tax at the big box store? When did they become exempt from collecting tax?

Depending on your state, there may be an exemption from sales tax for farm equipment.

 

[Redbug]

Go with the Stihl. I have had the other brands and think Stihl is the better value for the money. I have 4 of them.

 

[Builder]

Why is there no sales tax at the big box store? When did they become exempt from collecting tax?

Depending on your state, there may be an exemption from sales tax for farm equipment.

Husky is at a Big Box is in DE. No sales tax. As you probably know, Stihl is sold at pro dealers.

 

[Builder]

My buddy convinced me that I made a mistake buying a Husqvarna, since Stihl made the best chainsaws. After his well-constructed argument I agreed that I would buy a Stihl, just as soon as the Husqvarna gave me any grief. That was 12 years ago, and I'm still cutting firewood every year with the same Husky, waiting for that day when it causes me a problem.

Stihl has some nice features, such as tool-less bar adjustment and fat-finger-friendly tank caps. Both are very well made saws, but I notice that both companies have introduced new models that reach down for the lower end of the market. I wouldn't buy the least expensive saw in either line's line-up.

Is your Husky a 455 rancher?

 

[jeffinsgf]

No, it's a 55. Old discontinued model. I'm not sure what's comparable. Engine size is similar, though.

 

[yomax4]

Your dealer said you were running your saw with the chain brake on? Have you ever tried to run a saw with the brake on? You would know in an instance and sure would not be able to cut with it. Good plan to get a new dealer.

 

[robs660]

I always find it funny that the farm boss line is a "homeowner grade" saw. I have had one for 7 years and it is a beast. I would go with the saw that you can get serviced and parts for more readily. i have a stihl dealer 1 mile from my house and I would never venture away because whenever I break or need something I can walk over and get it fixed.

For me $40.00 would not be worth it.
Happy shopping!