CHAINSAW ADVICE NEEDED

3RRL · Jan 3, 2006

Hi,
I'm wondering if any of you have any input on chainsaws. I'm comparing a MAKITA PRO 18" CHAINSAW 54cc DCS540-18 to a HUSQUEVARNA 52cc 18" Model 350e 52cc.

My question is, if I can get them for about the same price, which one is the better saw? I know it's a broad question and depends on my useage, but for those in the know, if you had a chance to buy one of these for the same price, which one would you get and why.
Thanks,

kenmac · Jan 3, 2006

Husky, just my opinion, I think it will be a better saw. I own a husky & love it . If if were a miter saw or a drill I would say makita, that is the business they are in. Husky is in the out door power equip. business.

HGM · Jan 3, 2006

( Husky, just my opinion, I think it will be a better saw. I own a husky & love it . If if were a miter saw or a drill I would say makita, that is the business they are in. Husky is in the out door power equip. business. )

I totally agree......

Husqvarna is a major name in chainsaws.. I cant say I have ever seen a Makita. I own a 55Rancher and love the way it runs, cut and handles.. You may want to do a search, you'll find lots of chainsaw discussions, several recently..

3RRL · Jan 4, 2006

Thanks guys,
I'll do the search. but in case the search engine is still down, I'd appreciate a link to them.

In another comparison, I found that the Stihl was quite a bit more expensive than the comparable Husky. Why is that? Is it that much better or what?

Back to the first comparison, The Husky and Makita. They both are ...respectively...light weight about 10.6lbs and 10.4, similar cc 52 to 54 and have similar features such as side adjustment, auto oil, decompression etc. I don't know what the revs are on the Husky but the Makita was 12,500. It also use a 3/8" chain vs the .325" for the Husky. Makita uses their German subsidiary to make this saw...Dohlmer, I believe, supposed to be the inventors of the chainsaw and the saw is supposed to be super good.
Don't know, that's why I asked.
OK any input on THAT? or on the Stihl comparison? OK OK...I'll look for the chainsaw threads.
Thanks,

HGM · Jan 4, 2006

Hey Rob,
Sorry, I didnt realize the search was down. Here are a couple of recent posts that may help.

1- Husky -this one has some recomendations based on a Husqvarna, I have a link to the site I bought mine through. Got a pretty good price there and they give decent info on the saws.

2- Stihl-this one gives some excellent info regarding most popular brands and quirks they may have.

Stihl is a great saw too. There are other really good saws out there, but I think most will agree that Husqvarna and Stihl are most definitly in the tor 5, if not the top 2.

I cant knock the Makita, maybee someone else can give some info on it. I just have never heard of their chainsaw.

Good luck, I hope these help some.

lcisled · Jan 4, 2006

I have a Husky (372XP) and a McCullough, 14" bar, real cheapie.
In my opinion, if the saw runs, a sharp chain is the most important item. I cut the big logs with the Husky and do the little logs with the MC. Probably spend more hours with the little saw.
Another thing is the anti-vibration, check to make sure either saw has that.
3/8 vs. .325 also caught my eye. I seem to like the 3/8 chain, it takes a little bit bigger bite than a .325. Is it possible to get the Husky with the 3/8?

MarkV · Jan 4, 2006

3RRL,
How about service for the two brands in your area? I’ve had a variety of saws through the years and have now settled on Stihl and Echo because there are several dealers of both in my area that do service.

MarkV

HGM · Jan 4, 2006

( 3/8 vs. .325 also caught my eye. I seem to like the 3/8 chain, it takes a little bit bigger bite than a .325. Is it possible to get the Husky with the 3/8? )

I just checked here and several models are available in 3/8".. I dont know if you can change yours or not, some of the real saw guys here can advise you on that.

SkyPup · Jan 4, 2006

The Husky 350 only runs a .325 X 0.050 H30 chain, but it is a seriously good chain. Be sure to get a 20" bar and chain instead of a 16" or 18", you'll be glad you did.

I've got a Husky 350 set up as above, also a Husky 359 with 20" 3/8" chain, and a Husky 372 with 3/8" 28" chain. They all work great, but I've also got a Stihl 026 PRO with .325 chain 20" bar, a Stihl 028 with .325 chain and 20" bar and a Stihly 046MAG with 3/8" chain and 32" bar. They all are excellent.

Don't worry about .325 vs 3/8", the narrow chains work excellent.

kenmac · Jan 4, 2006

I have the husky rancher 20'' bar. It's a great saw .

3RRL · Jan 4, 2006

Thanks for input all you guys.
I do have certified ditributors for all 3 models local here so service I'm not too worried about. I also read the links and got a lot of good information there as well. The local distributor for Husky has some specials going right now where he's offering bar and chain and 2 extra chains.

For the time being, I'm leaning towards the Husky 350e (newest 350 model)...e for easy start there add says.
This seems to be a compromise between a bigger more expensive saw and the smaller less powerfull models. I thought about the Rancher 455 but it only has a tiny bit more power than the 350 but weighs more. Also the 350 has the least vibration of any of the saws we discussed here.

I'm also leaning towards the 18" bar but would like to get the 3/8" chain if they offer it in that model. If not, Skypup's input about the .325 chain cutting just as well is good information.

Now, I just have to get off my butt and go get one. Most of the trees here are Oak so I'll need some power for those that have been knocked down while building the road. I'll need to get a smaller saw(I presume) to do the limbing unless I start working out again. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Again guys, thanks for taking the time to give all this good advice.

SkyPup · Jan 4, 2006

You will have to get a heavier more powerful chainsaw than a 50cc 3HP model to run a 3/8" chain instead of a .325.

The reason being is the wider kerf 3/8" requires more power, more power requires more weight, etc. etc. etc.

A 50cc chainsaw that puts out 3-3.5HP with a 20" bar and .325" chain and weighs less than 11 pounds is the absolute BEST all around saw you will ever use. (PERIOD)

Anything bigger, heavier, and with a wider kerf chain is going to be more difficult to operate and be functional on larger trees, etc.

The absolute two best chains saws that fit this profile are the Stihl 028 and the Husky 346 - both professional high power 50cc light weight powerhouse chainsaws. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

nobull1 · Jan 4, 2006

( Hi,
I'm wondering if any of you have any input on chainsaws. I'm comparing a MAKITA PRO 18" CHAINSAW 54cc DCS540-18 to a HUSQUEVARNA 52cc 18" Model 350e 52cc.

My question is, if I can get them for about the same price, which one is the better saw? I know it's a broad question and depends on my useage, but for those in the know, if you had a chance to buy one of these for the same price, which one would you get and why.
Thanks, )

I was a factory service tech for MAKITA when they bought Dolmar, would guess that was about 10-12? years ago. In Canada they changed all the saws to blue about 6? years ago and sold off all the orange at a discount. I could have bought numerous models of chain saws for a very small amount of money. In the end I bought a couple of brush trimmers. The brush trimmers are OK but not great but the price was right. As far as the saws go in my opinion Stihl or Husky are far above the Makita/Dolmar.

1bush2hog · Jan 4, 2006

If you decide to look at the Stihl's - look at the 260 Pro.
www.stihl.us/chainsaws/comparison.html

You can run a .325 or a 3/8 on it, however, you will also need to make sure your bar and sprocket match your choice.

billbill1 · Jan 4, 2006

I honestly have never heard of a Makita chainsaw, it doesn't mean anything against them though. Between Husky and Makita, I would chose Husky due to the popularity of their saws. Between Stihl and Husky, I've always been a Stihl man and with the luck I've had with them, probably always will be.

dfkrug · Jan 5, 2006

Hey, Rob, I just went thru this a few weeks ago.

I retired my old Echo 451 and bought a Makita cs34 for
crawling up slopes, and Husky 455 Rancher (24" mondo
bar and chain) for the big stuff.

Both great saws. I considered the Dolmar (Makita)
55 or 65 cc saws, but I got the Rancher for $342 delivered
and no extra for the longer bar.

You have a Husky dealer right there in 3Rivers.

-Dave

3RRL · Jan 5, 2006

Hi Dave,
Good to hear from you.
Yeah in 3R and also down South here near me. I'm definitely going with the Huskey from what everybody said. Seems I can't go wrong there, plus best prices and extra chains.

Should of seen the rain up in 3R last weekend. Almost got the Blazer stuck in mud hub high! Managed to edge her out though (sideways)! Ha!

rancar · Jan 5, 2006

Go with Husky or Stihl....these are the two lines most pro loggers use. If taken care of and properly maintained they will last at least a couple decades.

...Bob

MadDog · Jan 5, 2006

I have had an old Homelite for years and recently bought a Husky 357XP w/3/8" 72LG chain and 18" bar. There is really no comparison between the two. I am very happy with the Husky. It is only slightly heavier and much more powerful.

I bought from Norwalk Power Equip in CA and got the same bar, chain and two extra chains deal. Very nice folks to deal with. Also, it was about $100 less than the least expensive of my local dealers price without extra chains and while I would prefer to supporet a local dealer, that was two good a deal to pass up. I explained to my local dealer, who is not thrilled with Husky allowing Internet sales, but says he understandss the buyer's perspective, said he appreciated my candor and will provide service when needed.

3RRL · Jan 5, 2006

MadDog,
Norwalk Power Equipment Company is the one that's near my So CA home. They are an authorized dealer. They've got great deals going with (2) free extra chains right now. I'm going there in person tomorrow to see which model Husky to buy .
The models I'll look at are the 350e. the 359 PRO and the 455 Rancher. I'm convinced from the feedback that Husky will be my best all around choice regardles of which model I end up with...price/performance/reputation, etc.
Thanks,