Husky chainsaws

[Poopdeck Pappy]

So I was reading all the hate on here about Stihls being hard to start and how great the Husky XPs are, so I head over to Husqvarna's site to check 'em out. I'm considering buying a Stihl MS261 c-m (which gets rave reviews so far as I can tell) so I check on the Husky 550xp. A lot of the reviews on the 550XP are about how hard it is to start.

It weighs about the same as the Stihl MS261c-m, has about the same displacement and costs a few bucks more, and seems to have starting issues.

So, tell me again why it's so much better than a Stihl.

 

[tjkubota93]

So I was reading all the hate on here about Stihls being hard to start and how great the Husky XPs are, so I head over to Husqvarna's site to check 'em out. I'm considering buying a Stihl MS261 c-m (which gets rave reviews so far as I can tell) so I check on the Husky 550xp. A lot of the reviews on the 550XP are about how hard it is to start.

It weighs about the same as the Stihl MS261c-m, has about the same displacement and costs a few bucks more, and seems to have starting issues.

So, tell me again why it's so much better than a Stihl.

Because it it will run circles around it. The bad reviews are probably for a hot re-start. If those people read the instructions, there is a specific way to do that. Set the choke, then push down on the lever. This makes it start on high idle on 1st pull. Dont do that and it WILL NOT START. I got mad at mine and threw it. Then my buddy told me I was stupid and should read the instructions......well he was right. That's why hes my buddy.

 

[4570Man]

I don’t know where you gathered the few bucks more. Online searching I find the XP about $50 cheaper. I’d agree with the bad reviews being from people that don’t know what they’re doing.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Because it it will run circles around it. . . .

Have you run both of them? My reading on arboristsite and other forums leads me to believe otherwise.

 

[XSKIER]

I own both those saws. MS 261 C-M VW, and 550 XPG. The Husqy was cheaper, and feels that way. With Stihl RS saw chain installed the 550 cuts maybe .02 quicker than the Stihl, but the 261 build quality is way nicer. User interface stuff like fuel caps, stop start switch, chain brake, air filter, recoil starter, side cover, and bar and chain. I would not rely solely on the Husqy, but it's nice for trimming a few sticks.

 

[4570Man]

I do like the gas and oil caps on the Stihl better. Aside from that could you elaborate? I hate the recoil start so that’s purely opinion.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I can't tell you, nor do I care what "everyone else" tells you...

All "I" can tell you is, I really like my 550xp, and for it's size, it really kicksazz,

I never use to be chainsaw brand loyal, but I have to admit, I've moved away from Stihl and glad I did...

SR

 

[XSKIER]

I do like the gas and oil caps on the Stihl better. Aside from that could you elaborate? I hate the recoil start so that’s purely opinion.

Elaborate on the recoil starter? What do you hate about (assuming 372 Ex Pee) starter?

 

[4570Man]

My 372 has a regular pull starter. The recoil starters I’ve used you pulled the cord out at a continuous rate and at the end it would release a spring that released turned the saw. I found it harder and more annoying than a regular pull cord.

 

[XSKIER]

My 372 has a regular pull starter. The recoil starters I’ve used you pulled the cord out at a continuous rate and at the end it would release a spring that released turned the saw. I found it harder and more annoying than a regular pull cord.

Ok, you are describing Stihl's Easy start on homeowner grade machines. It works fine for its intended audience. The main starter design difference on pro grade saws is that on Stihl the engagement pawl is on the rope sheave, on the Husqy they are on the flywheel. No big deal to most, but when shutting down the engine there is a slight backwards kick at the end. It goes unnoticed on the Stihl because the engagement pawl is retracted. On the Husqy the flywheel pawls grab the rope sheave and attempt to pull the starter handle back into the housing. The Husqy comes to a halt with an un easy clank. The Stihl has a larger, easier to grip, Elast-O-Start handle. Not a huge deal on a 50cc, but a quantifiable metric on which starter is nicer.

I take it that you've not run an MS 441 C-M or MS 461? I've not had the opportunity to try the 372, but I don't think there is much more than .02 between them in performance. Fundamental design element of the nicer user interface favoring to Stihl. If you are proud of beating up on plastic Stihl Farm Bosses, and little Easy start homeowner twig cutters, then that is just fine too! Somebody's got to be the biggest fish of their pond!