Shindaiwa Or Husky Brushcutter?

[NORTHMAN]

I'm looking to by a brushcutter,Trying to compare Shindaiwa and Husky.I know Shindaiwa makes the B450 but Hsky makes so many different models,which ones should I consider?Thanks for any help.

 

[MAG58]

I'm looking to by a brushcutter,Trying to compare Shindaiwa and Husky.I know Shindaiwa makes the B450 but Hsky makes so many different models,which ones should I consider?Thanks for any help.

The ones that I like is the Jonsered 2145 series, same as Husqvarna 343/345 series, and I have run a smaller Husqvarna 232RD for 10 year whit out any problems.

 

[SawTroll]

MAG, have you gutted out the muffler on the one with the green gas cap?

 

[MAG58]

MAG, have you gutted out the muffler on the one with the green gas cap?

Not on the new Jonsered no, but after they have been run for some time they will be muffler modded both of them. My older Husqvarna 232RD brush-cutter have a green gas cap, and I did it on that one, and on my new Partner Colibri II string-trimmer after it was run for some time. And it was a big difference in bout of them, more power to play whit.

 

[Four Paws]

Well, I am a Shindaiwa guy, and I run a Husky brushcutters and a Husky clearing saw. I made my decision solely on cost. I would have prefered a Shindaiwa model - the B450 in particular, but I got a good buy on the Husky 232R. The 232R is comparable to the C350 - and was about $200 less than I could have got the 350 for. The B450 widened the gap even farther. My old 39R clearing saw fit the bill - powerful, reliable and got a great buy on it used.

If I had my druthers and more money to spend, I would have bought the B450 Shindaiwa. I like both my Husky machines very well - especially after I opened up the muffler on the 232R (removed the catalyst, enlarged the exhaust hole, and richened the carburetor). I think the higher-end machines of both companies are all of top quality - for me it came down to money.

 

[SawTroll]

Why not Stihl????

 

[BC_Logger]

I would go with a husky

 

[NORTHMAN]

Thanks for the replys.i don't have a good answer why I'm not looking at Stihl.Any idea how the Husky 345Rx,343R and the 335Rx are?
Four Paws,I'm curious,why do like Shindaiwa so much?I'm buying a Shindaiwa T230 trimmer to replace my Stihl FS85.

 

[alderman]

Shindaiwa is reliable

My Shindaiwa C-35 brush cutter is 23 years old and still going strong. I've used this machine for cutting just about everything from grass to 3" trees. In 23 years I have replaced one clutch spring, one electrical module (which turned out to be a shorted wire from the kill switch) and one trimmer head.

About the only thing I haven't been happy with on this machine is the guard. They bend and break easily.

 

[Four Paws]

Four Paws,I'm curious,why do like Shindaiwa so much?

I'm buying a Shindaiwa T230 trimmer to replace my Stihl FS85.

I like Shindaiwa because I grew up running them. My father had some Stihl saws get ripped off in the early 80's (041 and some others). He replaced them with more Stihl saws and had nothing but problems with them. He then upgraded to Shindaiwa saws, and never looked back. We put those machines through their paces, worked them hard, and they continued to perform. They are a WELL built machine, tight tolerances, quality components, durable, reliable and excellent starters. 2 pulls when cold, everytime! Parts support for older models is first rate! Lots of torque - I like torque.

You are making a wise choice going with that T230 - if you have the money, upgrade to the 270 or 272X. List on the 230 is $295, List on the 270/272 is $425 - just under $100 margin in the bigger unit, so there is room for negotiation!

 

[NORTHMAN]

I like Shindaiwa because I grew up running them. My father had some Stihl saws get ripped off in the early 80's (041 and some others). He replaced them with more Stihl saws and had nothing but problems with them. He then upgraded to Shindaiwa saws, and never looked back. We put those machines through their paces, worked them hard, and they continued to perform. They are a WELL built machine, tight tolerances, quality components, durable, reliable and excellent starters. 2 pulls when cold, everytime! Parts support for older models is first rate! Lots of torque - I like torque.

You are making a wise choice going with that T230 - if you have the money, upgrade to the 270 or 272X. List on the 230 is $295, List on the 270/272 is $425 - just under $100 margin in the bigger unit, so there is room for negotiation!

Four Paws,I thought about the 270,to heavy,the 272 is even heavier.I'll be using it for regular trimming and also doing a cemetery which will mean 2-3 hours straight.Me biggest concern is line breling against the headstones.I have a new last year Stihl FS130 that I'll sell and replace it with a dedicated brushcutter.
Does anyone know why the the shafts near the engines on the Husky brushcutters look like there reinforced but not on the Shindaiwas?Thanks again for the help.

 

[Greg Harrison]

I have a B-45, older unit, but it has been given HELL and still cranks and runs like a dream .. Cuts stuff 3 or 4 inches like it was butter. Shindaiwa is good stuff indeed!
Greg Harrison

 

[Edge & Engine]

I know of a LARGE cemetary around here that uses all 22F (curved shaft HomePro!) and they wouldn't trade them for anything else!

 

[Fastcast]

Why not Stihl????

Because my FS-55 is a dog/pig/piece of crap! How's that for ya

Don't want to here it's a home owner model either. Right from Stihls web site:

"Versatile, straight-shaft trimmer and brushcutter
for consumer or light-duty professional use."

At $250 they ought to include a lifetime supply of nitro, to give it a kick in the ass. About ready to go back to a sickle

 

[mt.stalker]

brushcutter

Same with my 55 stihl.....DOG....
A friend of mine who's rebuilt many a 2 stroke, says the Japanese engines
have it all over the europeans, in this size/style engine. But , mid-size and up chainsaws, definately go husky, stihl, etc.

 

[NORTHMAN]

Sorry,I still have more questions.I priced brushcutters the other day Shindaiwa B450 $570,Husky 335Rx $525,343R $633 and 345Rx $711,I know Huskys are also sold online,does anyone know of a site?Does the Shindy have the same heavy duty gears as the husky?I apologize to have to ask again but can anyone give me the practical differences between the brushcutters?The Husks seem to much higher tech than the Sindys but are the better,more durable,more reliable?Thanks for the help.

 

[Four Paws]

Well, I can't make a recommendation as I havent' run any of the machines that you posted about, however I will say that is a great price on the Shindaiwa! First off, I would pass on the 343R. On paper, the 335Rx looks looks like the sure winner - good power, lightweight, and the price is decent too. Now, we all know manufacturers lie and specs vs. seat-of-your-pants feel can be worlds apart. That said, unless you are clearing chest high brush and small saplings routinely and for long periods of time, I would also pass on the 345Rx - it costs quite a bit more.

So, for me, I have narrowed it down to the 335Rx and the B450. I will tell you the Husky will need the POS E-tech muffler worked over - catalyst removed, exhaust outlet opened up. I will also tell you, Shindaiwa equipment is built like a tank - they are extremely durable, will run forever if you maintain them, have EXCELLENT torque and they have a few pounds on their competitors. If you can live with the weight difference, I think you would be happiest with the B450. There is NO replacement for displacement - so even though Husky says the 335Rx is 1.6kW vs. Shindaiwas 1.7kW, I think the power in the cut will be noticably higher with the Shindaiwa when you are in serious brush.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[NORTHMAN]

Four Paws,thankyou for your reply.The huskys have an elevated handle that they say is good for down slope cutting,does it make a difference?The Huskys also have a larger tube extending out of the engine a bit,the Shindy dosen't,does it make a difference?The Huskys do have a lot of 'Stuff" on them I just don't know if all the hi-tech helps or hurts in the long run.Unfortunetly i can't run or even see the machine before I by it,theres not many guys that use them in our area(thats why I want one).I did pick up a Shindaiwa T230 and do like it.Thanks again for any help.

 

[Four Paws]

B450

 

[NORTHMAN]

Four Paws,your helping a lot.What will the 345Rx do,that the B450 can't,except cost more?What about vibration on the Shindy compared to the Husky?Just to add,I'm a landscaper and while I won't be clearing brush everyday,I'd like to offer it as part of our service,I think its a niche thats not being met.