Husky or Stihl???
- Thread starter turkeyman
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SawTroll
Information Collector
That one is real easy, the 359 is the better saw with a wide margin.
The 359/357xp vs. MS341/361 is a lot more complicated to discuss.
The 359/357xp vs. MS341/361 is a lot more complicated to discuss.
davefr
Addicted to ArboristSite
turkeyman said:
You might find this thread interesting (go to the charts on page 3). I wish the mods would make it a sticky:
http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=28136
Then go to advanced search and plug in the saws you're interested in and select topic titles only.
You'll have plenty of reading. There is no one best saw for everyone. Pick the factors most important to you and use them as a basis for comparison.
SawTroll
Information Collector
The MS310 is, like the 290 and 390, a dedicated farmer/homeowner saw with a plastic crank-case, bad anti-vibe, bad air filtration, and a lot of other cheap constructon details - while the other saws mentioned so far are pro quality saws.
wagonwheeler
ArboristSite Guru
turkeyman said:
Welcome to AS.
As has been said, the better of those two is the 359, no question.
What are you looking to cut? There are a LOT of other capable saws up and down from the 359 depending on what you're looking to do and looking to spend. But by all accounts, that is an excellent saw.
Chaser
fishhuntcutwood
Full wraps and long bars!!!!!!!!!
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I'm a Stihl guy, and I owned a 310 at one point in time....go with the 359 or a Sthil 361 if it's in your budget.
Jeff
Jeff
SawTroll
Information Collector
All the saws mentioned so far should handle that nicely, also the MS 290 and 310.
If you are not prepared to work on the saw yourself, the decicive point may be the dealer support available close enough to you.
Could you tell us something about that?
If you are not prepared to work on the saw yourself, the decicive point may be the dealer support available close enough to you.
Could you tell us something about that?
turkeyman said:
In that case, I'd say to just save your money and pick up a 290. They are one of the most dependable saws out there, plenty powerful enough to handle wood of that size (and then some), and are inexpensive. As an added bonus, EVERY stihl dealer I've ever visited had tons of these saws and lots of parts for 'em in stock. So if dealer support is important to you, this might be a good choice.
I would also suggest that you seriously consider Dolmar's PS5100 if you are willing to go without hands-on dealer support. If most of your work is with smaller diameter wood, with only the occasional 15"-18" stuff, the smaller displacement/higher HP of the 5100 would be ideal. Plus the saw is a LOT lighter than any of your other choices, AND the anti-vibe is great!
Jim Mesthene
ArboristSite Operative
With that kind of work, a Husky 350 may be perfect.
tony marks
Addicted to ArboristSite
for that size wood any of the mentioned saws will do fine. sharp chain being the big necessity ,and what makes the work easier.
Heilman181
ArboristSite Operative
I just recently picked up the 359 and love it! It is a bit more than I needed, but am glad that I decided ( I mean the guys here at AS decided 
) that the 359 is what I should get!
) that the 359 is what I should get!
Tree Sling'r
Addicted to ArboristSite
Topics like this can go on and on. It is not really that either of the saws are better than each other. It is the fact that you will get the opinion of the saw owner who owns that brand/model saw. Like Ford vs. Chevy, Canon vs. Nikon - what ever. Obvioulsy every saw mention is good - or else they would not be in business. I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. I am a Stihl guy, always have been - always will be. It is not because I don't think Husky's are good. I just like Stihl and I will argue how good they are with a Husky owner. Buy, a saw and go with it - regardless of what brand you buy I am sure you will be happy. When you do then you can argue over brands like the rest of us. Good luck.
Lakeside53
Stihl Wrenching
turkeyman said:
You may be quite happy with an MS250. Nice light powerful saw. Stihl verses Husky verses Dolmar verses...? They all have a saw that will suit you. Irrespective of features/models, and after removal of religion, it comes down to how comfortable you are with the dealer support in your area. Some users are happy with no support, others not. Don't get tied up with air filtration and anti-vibe and... none of these really make much difference in the end for the type of work you are doing. Clean your air filter as required (good reason to check "under the hood" now and then), and you'll be happy.
My opinion on the MS310... Way over priced for what it is. It is after all just a slightly bigger bore MS290.... so if you want this size/weight, get the MS290 with and 18 inch bar and save a few $. 10s of thousands of very happy purchasers of the 290's and 250's out there.
Me? I'd get an MS260 if I was just doing firewood, and hand it off to my grandchildren when I'm too old to work (first I need grandchildren, but..), but you'll pay more for it up front. If I didn't have the $$, the MS250 would work just fine.
One way to deal with the Stihl "choice" is just buy one, use it for a week, and if you don't like it, take it back under their "Satisfaction Guarantee" for refund or exchange. You dealer or Stihls' web site has the details. Husky apparently has a similar program but I don't know the details.
There's a good point in here, somewhere. A 45cc saw would do you well. A 60cc saw would be a little faster. If you are cutting 4-6 cords a year, the consumer model should last you till you are tired of using a saw, or want to move up...whichever comes first.
Mr. said:
You're supposed to start with, "watch the chain" and "you're getting sleepy"... then move on to the suggestion.
jp hallman
ArboristSite Guru
turkeyman said:
Go for the Husky, two year warranty. Stihl?, what 90 days?
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