The endless debate - Husky or Stihl?? Why??

[JATO_RaT]

I own all three. My favorite is in this order
1. Sthil 028 24" bar
2. Husky 42XP (I think thats the model, about a 28" bar)
3. Echo 14" bar

The Echo is by far the cheapest both in quality and price. Tree trimmers call them throwaways. But thats also why I bought it. Its only a 14" saw but is light since its mostly plastic, I use it for limbing and can easily hold it with one hand.

With the large amount of lumber they cut out here, Sthil and Husky are the lumberjacks number one saws. Bare in mind, these aren't saws you can get at Home Depot or Lowes. The Echo, while a very worthwhile saw, is definitely not better then Sthils (as someone mentioned) or Huskys, especially when comparing the higher end equipment they produce. All that being said, the saw I use most is the Echo. Its the smallest and lightest and thats about all I need anymore. If your looking for a small saw (16" or less), your going to find the Sthils about tops both in quality and price. For the medium and large size saws, its a toss up between Husqvarna and Sthil, for shear practicality in a small saw and price, its Echo. The small Sthils are wonderfully built, but they are heavier and pricey. For maximum life, treat yourself to a Sthil or Husqvarna, especially if your going to have just one and use it a lot. If your a homeowner and do occasional cutting, the Echo will be terrific. I realize there are other brands and I'm not saying anything about them since my familiarity ends with these 3 brands. I've owned or used the old Mac 10-10's and some Homelites, what they build today is pure homeowner. Rat...

 

[Thomas]

Have you check out the Jonsred chainsaw,for they are also a darn good saw..521 model might fit your needs.

 

[Egon]

Whichever you purchase make sure it is in the proffesional line series.

Egon

 

[raptor]

Thank you one and all for the excellent replies. I truly appreciate your thoughts and time spent.

I agree that the dealer's attitude makes all the difference, that said I may buy the Stihl 260 from a small dealer up the street from me - he's as good as gold!

It was good to hear Husky is an equally fine product, but the only place I've found them is Lowe's so I'll forego buying one there.

You all have a gooder!

 

[PhilNH5]

I'll second Boondox recommendations. Look at features, ergonomics etc. Last year we looked at Husky, Stihl, Echo and Jonesered (pretty much a red Husqy). My wife and I work as a team. I fell the trees and then she cuts to firewood lenght while I split with a splitting axe. Works out pretty well. Anyway - she is actually using the saw more than I do. So How the saw "fit" her became the deciding factor.

We wound up with a Stihl 025C. Had all the safety and convience features we wanted and it is nice and light. Had the dealer put on a 16" bar instead of the 18". We have had it for just over a year and it has been a great saw. My wife loves it more than me.

As Boondox suggested we looked at stuff like ergonomics, wt., etc and those were the deciding factors

 

[gmason]

As far as buying it from Lowes, I too bought from a local dealer a Rancher 55 and it's been a great saw with lots of abuse. I got an extra chain and a great price. At the time Lowes wasn't carrying Husky's but rememeber they have a price matching policy that could save you 10% on other products.
We've taken FULL advantage of that in the past saving over $300 one time on tile and supplies. Sometimes it does pay to shop and compare.

gary

 

[looch]

I have a Jonsered - dealer lives across the street.

Husky, Stihl, Jonsered - buy the one you like from the dealer you like. Keep it clean, sharp and feed it fresh gas. You shouldn't have any regrets.

 

[RichZ]

I have a Husky, and I love it. Whatever saw you get, make sure it's from a good local dealer. My dealer is just down the road, and he sharpens the chain for me for $2 a pop. It's not even worth me wasting my time sharpening it myself for that. And each time he sharpens it, he checks how it's running, and adjusts it for free if it needs it. In almost two years of frequent use, it only needed adjusting once. It became a little hard to start, and he had to adjust the carburator./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[DarrenP]

You are correct, sir! Husky and Jonsred (sp?) are owned by the same company and are basically the same saws. I don't think you will wear out any of the above (Stihl, Husky, Jonsred) unless you are a pro woodsman.......Pick the one you like.

 

[Carl_NH]

I also have a 61 Rancher bought new in 84 still going great today - replaced a few fuel lines and bars etc.. But still starts easy and cuts fast. I recently replaced an old Mac 110 with a Echo 14" bar limbing saw. Nice for light work but not the quality of the Husky. THe Mac is now relegated to taking out roots and such.

Either way the husky or stihl, both will give you years of use with few complaints

Carl