Fellin Feller
ArboristSite Member
I had a husky saw for a long time and then got a Stihl which ran for a long time. Thinking of getting a new saw, something around 5 HP. Not sure which brand or model to buy. Any advice? Thanks.
New saw advice, Stihl or Husky?
- Thread starter Fellin Feller
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vquinoveva
ArboristSite Lurker
This is going to start a huge war I’m willing to bet, but depends in my opinion, are you capable of and do you like to work on your own saws? I would suggest husqvarna my experience has been they are a bit easier to find diagrams for parts and such online, from what I’ve noticed while you still can with stihl they tend to keep their cards a little closer to the chest, so you would need to get in good with a local dealer, or just let the dealer do maintenance/repairs. this isn’t to say one is superior to the other. But more so I’d say which one has the closest support network for you. And from a lot of folks I talk to the husky’s tend to be a bit more comfortable for toting around and running all day. As far as saws I might suggest a 372 or 572 very popular options. Just my .02$ though I’m sure you’ll get a lot of different opinions
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Timber MacFallen
ArboristSite Operative
You didn't give a price range or intended use so it kinda makes it difficult to recommend something. Kinda like saying "I want to buy a new Ford or Honda with around 250hp." Are you using it for firewood? Is it for felling large trees? Is it your only saw? What size bar do you typically run? What size and model were your running before? Is your budget $500, $900, $1200? etc etc. There are many knowledgeable people here, but each of the brands you mention make many saws at many price points with different pros and cons.
Without specifics I can only speak in generalities, so here's my take:
1) The ergonomics are different on Stihl and Husky saws. Hand grip size, balance and kill switch position. It's personal which you prefer. No right or wrong answer.
2) Stihl and & Husky are the two big players in an ongoing battle for supremacy. They both make good saws and both have had some duds. A pro level saw from either will serve you well for years. Your choice should be heavily influenced by who can give you good service and support locally.
3) Saws from these brands come in three levels: A) homeowner B) farm/ranch C) Professional. I prefer professional saws for their build quality and durability from these brands. If I can't afford a pro Stihl or Husky I'm looking at Echo instead.
4) You can get a five year warranty from Husky if you buy a gallon of their fuel at purchase. Stihl will give you two years. If warranty matters to you then there's no contest.
I can't recommend a specific saw without more details and a price point. However, if there's no price cap and it needs to have at least 5hp I'd probably say a Stihl MS400 when it comes available in the Spring. Pro-grade, 67cc, 5.4hp and 12.8 pounds. It obsoletes other 60cc saws.
IthacaMan
ArboristSite Operative
If you dont mind used , Home depot sells there used rental saws. I have got a few over the years. Recently got a Makita EA6100 4.6HP for 230 out the door with extra chains and a pair of chaps. You can search HD site rental equipment, then go to used for sale and put in your zip. will show everything within 50 miles. As far as stihl or husky ? Consider budget,home owner or pro level. I have found both have good and bad.
462 stihl or a 372xp would do you just right. The stihl is newer ,lighter, and well built. The 372xp is older but a real work horse, many cutters I know love them and have zero problems with them. Parts like handles are super cheap for husqvarna too and have a large aftermarket following. The 372 is not 12lbs like the 462 though and not as smooth to run.
Fellin Feller
ArboristSite Member
Wonder what the cost of the MS400 will be?
Timber MacFallen
ArboristSite Operative
Stihl USA says $869 with 20” bar on their website.
Might be the new king of the hill for 60cc saws, but at that price point I doubt HVA or Echo are worried about a decline in sales let alone having models become obslete.
Why be brand specific I have both a husqvarna 562xp and a stihl 441c and I like them both. Both have there pluses and minuses. I like my stihl dealer better. Better service and customer relations. Also competent service staff
If I were in the market for a saw that I didn't use at least once a week ( or two), I would avoid electronic carbs as when they go south it's usually a $100+ replacement at your dealer, where as the old style carbs can be rebuilt in your garage (or kitchen) for about $10. If you're a better than I, and run your saw dry before you put it away until the next use, either configuration will work for you. I have a few electronic saws and they haven't caused me a bit of trouble, but the same can be said for my older saws as well.
BTW, I have purchased a Home Depot Makita/Dolmar rental saw and I found it to be in perfect condition inside and out. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another from them
BTW, I have purchased a Home Depot Makita/Dolmar rental saw and I found it to be in perfect condition inside and out. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another from them
Go where you can get the best service in your area and get what they sell.
drf255
BAD CAD
Ford vs chevy. Cost matters too. The new Husky 572 is well liked and the Stihl 462 is already pretty legendary. The 462 is pricier, but it’s very simplistic design and weight gets the nod from me. I run one with a 24” ES and couldn’t be happier.
Fellin Feller
ArboristSite Member
Anyone have a Husqvarna 365?
Timber MacFallen
ArboristSite Operative
People have them, but it's an older design. The 572XP is the same displacement but has much lower vibration and a lot more power (5.8hp vs 4.9hp on 365). Some Husky dealers will sell the 572XP for $850 so don't get hung up on the price of the 365.
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