Stihl vs Husky (Pro Models - 70+cc) - Durability

[Ron660]

I'm interested in Loggers, or other professionals that use large saws frequently, experience with 70+cc pro Stihls or Huskys. How long are they lasting before a rebuild or having to buy another one? A recent Logger told me he's getting about 3 years out of his Husky 372's and his brother is getting 1 year out of his Stihl 441's. The majority of time, it's the opposite experience after talking with Loggers. Or maybe the better question is "How many hours are you getting from your saw? Most threads I've seen of Stihl vs Husky were related to cutting speed. I'm interested in durability. I know there's a lot of different variables that could affect the life of a saw. Any experience(s) would be appreciated.

 

[Guido Salvage]

Another Stihl vs. Husky pissing match. With any saw, the longevity is directly proportional to the fuel and oil used and the maintenance it receives. Some people can get more work and life out of a cheap Poulan than others can get out of a top shelf pro grade saw.

Buy a Dolmar and then your question is irrelevant.

 

[M&Rtree]

I have great results with Xp models and most Stihls. Three years is not a problem if the saw is cleaned and fuel mix is proper. The smaller models don't last long but 50cc and up seem to last even with 100 degree plus weather. Only time I have problems is mostly user error.

 

[Ron660]

Thanks MR Tree. I'm sure you're right with maintenance and fuel mix being a high priority to longevity. I'm sure both brands are great and I'm considering purchasing a 372 or 461. I was hoping this discussion would assist in my decision.

 

[M&Rtree]

I'd like to put it like this I bought two 2002 7.3 diesels one now has 230k the other 150k the same trucks with the same drivers and the one with 150k has had nothing but problems the other with 230k hasn't had a wrench on it. Same trucks same drivers. You just never know.

 

[HuskStihl]

A pro Stihl or XP husky will last a homeowner almost forever. The 461 doesn't have as long a a track record as the 372, but there's no reason to suspect it would have durability issues.

 

[sunfish]

Pick the one that feels best in your hands...

 

[zogger]

I'd like to put it like this I bought two 2002 7.3 diesels one now has 230k the other 150k the same trucks with the same drivers and the one with 150k has had nothing but problems the other with 230k hasn't had a wrench on it. Same trucks same drivers. You just never know.

Monday morning hangover build as opposed to say a wednesday afternoon build.

/me long ago ex UAW

 

[Ron660]

I appreciate all the knowledgable answers without a "pissing match" starting. A "comparative" thread doesn't have to be argumentative. I guess that's why "drama" reality shows are so popular. It's like a "yes" or "no" question without "BS" attached. Thanks everyone.

 

[jeepyfz450]

A friend of mine is a logger. His 660 lives in the back of his truck rain snow or shine he only cleans the filter sharpens the chain and fills the fluids......that its the only maint he does. He has been running that saw for 3 years and its pretty beat. He hadn't had the same luck with huskys..... I have heard guys say the same thing about stihls so don't really know.

Smittybilt saws

 

[Philip Wheelock]

...I'm considering purchasing a 372 or 461...

I suspect that you'll find more differences between these saws in terms of power, handling, weight, and feel than durability. Also, the choice depends on which local dealer you like better.

 

[Eddy_t]

To answer your question, how good are you at maintaining, tuning and fuel mixing? All these determine how long your saw will last! If you use cheap fuel and oil, it'll die quicker, if you don't clean and maintain it, it'll coke up or overheat and die, if you don't tune it but change bar sizes dramatically, it'll either lean out or coke up... and die! Look after it, and it'll die when the rings wear out, I have saws that have had the same engines since late 60's & 70's.

 

[bryanr2]

I'm interested in Loggers, or other professionals that use large saws frequently, experience with 70+cc pro Stihls or Huskys. How long are they lasting before a rebuild or having to buy another one? A recent Logger told me he's getting about 3 years out of his Husky 372's and his brother is getting 1 year out of his Stihl 441's. The majority of time, it's the opposite experience after talking with Loggers. Or maybe the better question is "How many hours are you getting from your saw? Most threads I've seen of Stihl vs Husky were related to cutting speed. I'm interested in durability. I know there's a lot of different variables that could affect the life of a saw. Any experience(s) would be appreciated.

IM not a pro cutter but I usually buy one a month (sometimes more) Hell since Jan I bought 272xp, 241cm, 261cm, 064, 254xp, and a 262xp and we've ported them, or their in line to be ported.

 

[Guido Salvage]

I appreciate all the knowledgable answers without a "pissing match" starting. A "comparative" thread doesn't have to be argumentative. I gues that's why "drama" reality shows are so popular. It's like a "yes" or "no" question without "BS" attached. Thanks everyone.

This site has an excellent search function. Try it, you will find 100's of Stihl vs. Husqvarna threads. No reason to continue to rehash the topic over and over since in the end there is no clear answer and it comes down to personal preference.

 

[Icepack]

Us newer guys just like to ask questions and get answers. If you older members are just waiting for something new then this site won't be here much longer. If you don't want to give a answer then don't reply. We know you people with thousands of posts have heard it all, so just let us learn without a search. I personally like both in the big saws. Some will run forever, some won't. Clean filter, good fuel and oil, then toss a coin and hope you are lucky. Sorry I'm a new guy. Another 6,000 posts and I'll learn. ;-)

 

[KG441c]

Us newer guys just like to ask questions and get answers. If you older members are just waiting for something new then this site won't be here much longer. If you don't want to give a answer then don't reply. We know you people with thousands of posts have heard it all, so just let us learn without a search. I personally like both in the big saws. Some will run forever, some won't. Clean filter, good fuel and oil, then toss a coin and hope you are lucky. Sorry I'm a new guy. Another 6,000 posts and I'll learn. ;-)

+1! I agree ! If there is no positive insight or advice why just not reply instead of being sarcastaic??

 

[066blaster]

I agree every topic has probably been covered on here at some point. But if people didn't repeat a question we would log on and look at a blank screen. Anyway , I also agree It would depend on how you take care of them. They are all built to last. As long as you don't abuse them you will get your money's worth. If you buy one new and take care of it, and run it till it dies. Honor it and hang it on your mantle. And they never really die they just get reconditioned or become organ donors.

 

[Big_Wood]

funny this thread pops up today. i am currently in the works to get certified as a timber faller. i had a meeting with the area supervisor a few days ago and i actually got into the question of saw longevity. couple of my buddies who are already working out in the woods are telling me the stihl guys are replacing their saws every year while the 390's are making 3+ years. the area supervisor runs stihls and says he is getting 3 years production cutting working 6hrs a day, 200 days a year. seems the husky's and stihls are lasting just as long according to the fallers out here. he had no idea of the 661 when i told him about it. he is very excited although still unsure about mtronic. i'll be getting 2 new 390's pretty soon .

 

[CapitaineHaddoc]

Both saws are very good saws, can not go wrong.

The only real advantage over a long period is you can fiund a lot of spare parts for the 372, genuine or not. It may come the same for the 461, but for the moment this is not the case.

 

[cat-face timber]

Here in the log woods, the Fallers use either Stihl or Husky.
I talked to them when I worked in the log woods, and they explained it to me in this way.
"we use what we know best, our family depends on these saws working"
It does not matter what saw you pick. Take care of it, keep it clean and chain sharp.
Those of us that do have a preference is just that a opinion..
I use Huskys, just cause it is what I have experience with.