I think the closer comparison would be between the Husqvarna 455 and the Stihl 290, two saws with a good reputation for reliability but a bad price/weight/performance ratio. The Stihl 260 is more comparable to the Husqvarna 346XP, lighter, more powerful, pro quality, and more expensive. Or you could move down to the cheaper Husqvarna 350 vs. Stihl 250.

I had a Husqvarna 55. If I ever bought another Husky I would either go up to the 346XP or down to the 350.

The 455 gets alot of bad comments from folks who have to repair the saw. The saw is said to be one Husky model to avoid, with the 350, 353, 359, 346XP, being better choices.

IMHO, the best saw in the 18-20" range is the Stihl MS361. Not only is it a winnner as far as weight to power, it has great anti-vibration, easy muffler modding for more power, and an engine built to last about as long as saw can last in the hands of a professional.

The $409 Dolmar 5100S is considered by many the next step down from the 361, as being very capable with a 18" bar and is fast runner at 14500 rpm. It's not clear what kind of engine life the Dolmar will have at that high RPM, compared to the 359, or similar size Husky XP.

If you have a little extra cabbage, the MS361 is the way to go if you want real power behind the 20" bar with a full chisel chain.

If you start thinking you will want to run a larger bar on rounds well over 20", that's when you need to consider something like a Dolmar 7900, 372XP, MS460/660.

{{gwi:294932}}

I don't know that I'd liken the cutting performance of the 455 (or Stihl's equivilent, the MS290) to a hot knife through butter, but they're OK performers. They are overweight for their power output, have plastic engine cradles and horizontally-split crankcases, and are reliable if uninspiring performers. Having run both I would give the slight performance edge to the MS290.

Both can handle an 18" or 20" bar (with .325" pitch chain) respectably, even in hardwood. Both will last a long time in homeowner-type use, assuming you do your part to maintain them properly. For the money there are not really that many better choices out there - $330-350.

However, the Husqvarna 350 or 353 may be better choices within your price range, being lighter and more or less similar in power output to the 455. As an added point in its favor, the 353 is a pro-grade saw; it is basically a 346xp with a different piston/cylinder with larger bore and different port timing, and the same bottom end and crankcase. It has a magnesium crankcase/oil tank assembly and the crankcase is vertically-split with a separate bolt-on cylinder, unlike the 350/455, MS290 saws. This saw balances best with a 16" bar, but can handle up to a 20" in instances where length is required. A 353 should run you about $370, give or take a few bucks. The 350 is not that far behind the 353 in performance with a 16" or 18" bar, and can be had for around $300.

Of the above listed saws, I'd take the 353 enthusiastically, the 350 or MS290 happily, and the 455 if there was no other alternative available.

I have the Husky 455 Rancher and I have no complaints on the saw it runs well and cuts great. I cut wood for my own use and if you keep the chais sharp you can cut alot of wood in a short amount of time

Bythehoven said it all and best!
I own the older 55 its ok for a first timer and an 18 incher.
I also just acquired the MS361! NOW that saw cut thru wood like a HOT knife thru butter!
And ditto on the dolmar 5100 g if you dont have the bucks for the Stihl!
Good luck.
Go MS361!!!