General differences between Stihl and Husky

[SinglerM]

Seriously,

When your finished yawning or chuckling to yourself. I'm curious about this.
In general terms does Stihl design their chainsaws to run at a lower rpm than Husqvarna, but they generate more torque. and
Conversly does Husqvarna design theirs to run at a higher rpm, but less torque?
My take on the two, from reading everything I could here. Is that the Stihl's are able to still keep cutting effiently in conditions that would bog down a Husqvarna, but a husky will rev higher and cut faster than a Stihl. Of course this is going to be a general comparison. I'm really curious. Just trying to see if I've got a handle on the two.
I'm getting ready to buy a Stihl MS361.
I'm still undecided on the Stihl MS440 or the Husqvarna 372XP. I'm open minded about which name brand to get, and they don't have to be the same.
On my Stihl MS361, I'll be ordering a 3/4 wrap handle for it from Madsen's. A tip of the hat to Fishhuntcutwood.
Maybe in that configuration, they could sell it as the F.H.C.W. signature series.
Anyway, thanks for all the help to everyone. particularly to Fishhuntcutwood for all the help offline as well.
As a sidenote. Is the Husky 372XP, really all that. Or is ther just a bit of hype, due to it being discontinued soon. I'm seriously leaning toward getting one.
Thanks,
Mitch

 

[sawn_penn]

I figure the high torque vs high revs is related more to saw age then saw brand.

You can bog any saw by leaning on it hard enough. My '80s 750VL is harder to bog than my 288xp. The 288xp out cuts the 750VL by quite a bit though.

The 361 and the 440 are "reasonably" close. Do you want two saws of about the same size? Or do you want two saws for two different jobs?

 

[fishhuntcutwood]

Signature series eh? I'm flattered. Glad I could help you out some.

The difference between the 440 and 372 is largely personal. For me, it comes down to how it feels. I've ran the 372 several times, but never owned one. It cuts like a champ, but just doesn't feel right to me. Others will say the same about the 440. The thing to remember about higher revving saws is that they'll cut just fine, but you have to let them cut at their speed. Torque monster saws of the yesteryear could pull a big heavy chain around a 48" bar with you leaning on it all day long. The newer saws will still pull long bars, but you have to let them cut on their own. Meaning, don't try to force them through the tree. They may have less torque, but they wouldn't design saws running 14k+ if they didn't cut.

The 372 was popular befroe it was discontinued because it's good saw and it's performance is undeniable.

Jeff

 

[SinglerM]

361 and 440 being reasonably close.

I figure the high torque vs high revs is related more to saw age then saw brand.

You can bog any saw by leaning on it hard enough. My '80s 750VL is harder to bog than my 288xp. The 288xp out cuts the 750VL by quite a bit though.

The 361 and the 440 are "reasonably" close. Do you want two saws of about the same size? Or do you want two saws for two different jobs?

Hi Sawn Penn,

I want to hava 60cc chainsaw with an 18" or 20" bar and a 70cc chainsaw with a 24" bar, and probably an extra 28" bar for times when I may need the extra length. These two saws should cover most of my needs.
I assumed that the 361 and 440 were quite a bit different, I din't realize that they were that close in performance. Maybe I should consider the 460 instead. Keep in mind that I'm still undecided between the 440 and 372xp. As for the 60cc size saw. It's definately the Stihl MS361.

Thanks.
Mitch

 

[Hired Gun]

If you start to look at the 460, look at a Dolmar 7900 as well.

 

[carvinmark]

My ms460 with a dual ported muffler is a sweet saw.

 

[CaseyForrest]

Hi Sawn Penn,

I want to hava 60cc chainsaw with an 18" or 20" bar and a 70cc chainsaw with a 24" bar, and probably an extra 28" bar for times when I may need the extra length. These two saws should cover most of my needs.
I assumed that the 361 and 440 were quite a bit different, I din't realize that they were that close in performance. Maybe I should consider the 460 instead. Keep in mind that I'm still undecided between the 440 and 372xp. As for the 60cc size saw. It's definately the Stihl MS361.

Thanks.
Mitch

If it were me, I would put the 18" on your 60cc saw and skip the 24" and go right to the 28" on your 70+ cc saw. I use my 460 for just about everything, with a 20" bar, and have a 28" using full skip when I need it. To me, 24" and 28" are to close in size to use on one saw. It almost seems that Stihl has cut off their foot to spite their leg by having the 361 and the 440. Both pro saws similar in CC, weight, and price. Just my opinion.

I have yet to get my 066 with new piston and cylinder into any type of cross-cutting. So far its only been used for milling, but I cant wait to see what itll do with a 36" bar.

 

[computeruser]

If it were me, I would put the 18" on your 60cc saw and skip the 24" and go right to the 28" on your 70+ cc saw. I use my 460 for just about everything, with a 20" bar, and have a 28" using full skip when I need it. To me, 24" and 28" are to close in size to use on one saw.

I second that.

I have yet to get my 066 with new piston and cylinder into any type of cross-cutting. So far its only been used for milling, but I cant wait to see what itll do with a 36" bar.

If you happen to be in Detroit on May 17th or 20th, I've got some stuff that will put that saw to the test...

EDIT: Here's a picture of the rock-hard, dead Elm stump at issue:

 

[CaseyForrest]

I can be in Detroit on the 20th if you want to plan on it, always willing to help!

 

[rbtree]

I have two 044's and 3 372's, most modded to some degree or the other. The 044 is a great saw, and lighter than the 372. Most agree that the 372 is almost as fast as an 046. modified by a good builder, they really scream...about on a par with a modded Dolmar 7900 or even better. They last plenty long, have plenty of torque...Rpm's about the same between Stihls and Husky. Huskys are cheaper, most don't have as good a dealer support, something to keep in mind if you feel that is important to you.

Both my 044's are old, but rebuildable. I plan on getting one of them fully woods modded, as I have always loved the saw and the weight. Can't see the reason to get the 1lb heavier 046...as the 066 is not all that heavy and a much faster saw.

 

[SinglerM]

460 instead of 440/372xp

If it were me, I would put the 18" on your 60cc saw and skip the 24" and go right to the 28" on your 70+ cc saw. I use my 460 for just about everything, with a 20" bar, and have a 28" using full skip when I need it. To me, 24" and 28" are to close in size to use on one saw. It almost seems that Stihl has cut off their foot to spite their leg by having the 361 and the 440. Both pro saws similar in CC, weight, and price. Just my opinion.

I have yet to get my 066 with new piston and cylinder into any type of cross-cutting. So far its only been used for milling, but I cant wait to see what itll do with a 36" bar.

Hey CaseyForrest,

I didn't really realize that the 361 was so close to the 440. Since I know that I'm definately getting a MS361. I'll put a 20" bar instead of the 18". and then probably get a MS460 with a 28" bar.......I'll have everything covered then.
as for the 361 and 440 being so close, as was also mentioned, "Stihl cut off their foot to spite their leg." Others must agree.
361 and 460, will make a good two saw combo, it seems.
Thanks for all the opinions. The 460 makes sense as well, over the 440...it's only 1/2 lbs. lighter.

 

[pinus]

Seriously,

When your finished yawning or chuckling to yourself. I'm curious about this.
In general terms does Stihl design their chainsaws to run at a lower rpm than Husqvarna, but they generate more torque. and
Conversly does Husqvarna design theirs to run at a higher rpm, but less torque?

Mitch

Not a such correlation.
EPA and leanedup mix-s are now forcing go up in rpms to get needed power output from saws. Porting timings and four-channel design are seem choosed such that inproper carb setings can give easily more 16-17 krpm and "explode" engine.