Stihl vs. Husqvarna Chainsaw purchase
virginiacowboy
18 years ago
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ladylake
13 years agoRelated Discussions
Husqvarna or Stihl?
Comments (58)I think the Husqvarna 55 was notorious for cracked fuel lines. I got about three years of good service out of mine. One day while I was cutting up a huge fallen oak it started running lean, and by the time I took it to the dealer they told me the cylinder was scored and repair would equal the cost of a new saw. (Note to first-time saw users -- at the first sign of lean running stop!) I don't think it's probably fair to say that Husqvarna makes a bad product just because they had a run of bad fuel lines, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I replaced it with a Shindaiwa 488. I've had owned the Shindaiwa and about three times longer than the Husqvarna and I'm happy with it....See MoreChainsaw recommendation (Stihl, Husqvarna)
Comments (5)On my 12 acres, I have managed quite well cutting firewood, and removing dead trees with 16" chain saws, and that's for the last 30 years. I wore out a Poulan, but it took 10 years. Right now I have another Poulan and a Husqvarna, and both are 16" saws. I don't think the Poulan saws are as good now as they once were. But your sitiuaition is not like mine: you are going to have to get out of the contractors way. This means it's not going to be I can cut it when I feel like it job (at least not at first). And you are going to have the hardest part to do first, the limbing & triming. I would almost advise you to get two saws: a 16'" and a "20. Use the 20" to cut up the big trees, and then sell it. Use the 16" saw for the smaller trees and for the triming off of limbs, and keep it. A 20" saw is a good tool if you need a 20" saw. The weight works for you when you are sawing through a big log, but against you when you are cutting off limbs and on smaller trees. Stihl & Husqvarna both make really good saws. I think my next saw will be a 18" Husqvarna. That might be a good compromise for you too....See MoreStihl MS 280 -vs- Husqvarna 353 chain saws
Comments (13)Chainsaw Wilbur appears to either be an idiot by birth or by deliberate attempt, at any rate, his blog offers nothing of value. Is his blog an attempt to act and speak the way he assumes that chainsaw users can relate to? The Kevin Kelly link is actually a testiomonial by someone going by the name of Charlie Brooks, not that it makes any difference because it`s obvious that Charlie doesn`t really know anything about saws either. I`ve owned and tested many saws including both the 353 and the ms280. If I were to buy one of the two today it would be the 353. Although it has slightly less power than the 280 it`s of minimal consequence in this comparison. The 353 is also noticably lighter and substantially cheaper. The fact that the 353 has a vertically split magnesium crankcase vs the horizontal clamshell design of the 280 is important to some however I don`t think it`s a big deal for this range of saw. Both saws have excellent air filtration, unlike many Stihls. The ms280 is a good example of Stihl`s most modern design features. Neither saw is excessivly loud or hard to start. One gripe that I have about the ms280 is that the anti-vibe is too flimsy. The felt vibes at the handles are low like those of a Husky, Jonsered, or some Dolmars, however the buffers are so soft that the saw feels as if the powerhead is moving around in the cut. I don`t like that feel at all. This is the primary shortcoming of the 280 IMO. In all honesty though, I think the average person would have significantly above average satisfaction from either of these saws....See Morestihl chainsaws.. need help picking!!!
Comments (12)It is no problem if you have to cut from both sides because your bar is not long enough. However, your bar must be at least 1/2 or better the diameter of what you are cutting. It is far easier to have a bar that can cut through the whole piece than having to worry about switching sides. It is nice to have a little extra reach when you are working close to the ground because you won't have to bend over as much. The 361 is a much better saw than the 390. The 390 is okay, just fat and heavy. The 361 will still be a great saw years from now. The 390 will get you through what you need. If you don't plan on saws as a hobby or care if the saw is top notch, the 390 will do fine. Maybe something like Craftsman compared to Snap-On. I am still a weekend warrior but I decided chainsaws were something I wanted to work with somewhat regularly. I went from consumer grade Stihls to all Pro models. 4 different saws, each with their own purpose. Another interesting combo would be a MS180 and 361. The 180 is tiny and very light. Nice for small stuff and very easy to walk around with. The 361 could handle anything of size. The 180 is a throwaway saw but is reliable if you treat it right. Best advice after safety is to use the right mix, don't let your gas get old, keep your chain sharp and out of the dirt....See Moremasiman
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