Chainsaw brands used for work Daily

**rbtree** · 10-08-2005, 08:01 AM

Good one pallis.

I run Husky, stihl, dolmar, Shindaiwa Echo and Craftsman (Solo 651), in order from most to least. They all work. Local dealer support is fine here for Stihl and Husky. I don't think much of ELux's box store policy, but nor am I impressed with Stihl's sales practices or elitism...

However, if I had to run a saw bone stock, and buy new ones, I would never buy a current Stihl 260 or larger saw. In order to be compliant with EPA, Stihl has severely restricted the muffler ports on all their pro saws, yet has pretty much kept the published power rating unchanged, I think. But, cut with a new saw and you'll see firsthand that they are gutless. By contrast, the newish 7900 Dolmar did not do that, and will easily outcut a 460.

Obviously, as the future EPA requirements kick in, most of the good old saws will go by the wayside, as the 372 has done. if Stihl is making any headway at producing new compliant models, it isn't showing as yet. And Husky's new saw so far are a disappointment, it seems. Beyond the EPA issues, each saw line has its benefits, Stihl's start easier, last qute well, and have the best side tensioners. Husky has better filtration, ergonomics, dampening systems, and overall, a bit better power, perhaps. And, at least in my experience, good durability, reliability and longevity. True the 335 is surpassed by the 200T, but not by nearly as miuch as many think...

**Lakeside53** · 10-08-2005, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by kf_tree

what i'd like to know is ..........of all the stihl fans, what % of them actually used husky's for any length of time? is the stihl support just blind allegiance with no real reason? you know "because my dad ran a stihl so i'm gonna run stihl". or have they just lost all mental capacity for rational thought?

I sure thought about it, and would have liked to, but it's hard to use a Husky if your freinds also have Stihl, and can't buy them or get them serviced. Out here in this part of Western Washington the issue is both sales and service. There is only two Husky dealers (NOT including the low end stuff sold in the home stores) within 30 miles of where I live, and it not much better anywhere else here. Stihl is everywhere (about every 5 miles, or as many dealerships as they can "justify" to the other dealers)

, but let's not equate that with "good service" - depends on the store and tech. What's it like in the rest of the county?

**Stumper** · 10-08-2005, 09:14 AM

The poll only lets you select one brand. I run Stihl, PoulanPro , Echo, and Dolmar on the primary truck-there is a little Solo on there too that seldom gets used. There are Huskies Stihl, Dolmar and Jonsereds on the other truck-Reliable saws that don't run everyday but always run when called upon. Between Stihl and Husky LARGE saws my preference is Husky. Dolmar beats them both but they are all good.

**kf_tree** · 10-08-2005, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Lakeside53

I sure thought about it, and would have liked to, but it's hard to use a Husky if your freinds also have Stihl, and can't buy them or get them serviced. Out here in this part of Western Washington the issue is both sales and service. There is only two Husky dealers (NOT including the low end stuff sold in the home stores) within 30 miles of where I live, and it not much better anywhere else here. Stihl is everywhere (about every 5 miles, or as many dealerships as they can "justify" to the other dealers)

, but let's not equate that with "good service" - depends on the store and tech. What's it like in the rest of the county?

within around a 70 miles radius i do not know of a good dealer for repairs. i have a husky dealer that is good to me as far as parts priceing and getting them fast. i bought a few saw's from him but get most of them through the mail. i have a 353 that won't run right and i couldn't figure it out. it's been with a husky dealer for over 9 months now. the local stihl guy tried ripping me off the first time i was there so i'll never go back.

**Lakeside53** · 10-08-2005, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by rbtree

Good one pallis.

IHowever, if I had to run a saw bone stock, and buy new ones, I would never buy a current Stihl 260 or larger saw. In order to be compliant with EPA, Stihl has severely restricted the muffler ports on all their pro saws, yet has pretty much kept the published power rating unchanged, I think.

Stihl has changed the specs and power, but you have to look very carefully as they slip it in the literature without calling attention to the change. Example: The O26 for a year or more has a larger cylinder and more cc, and the HP is shown at 3.2. Ask your local dealer if he knows this! A lot of of 026 discussion on this site (and the "open the muffler" talk) doesn't distinguish between the three model variations : 1) the original 3.4hp 49cc 026, 026-pro and MS260 ; the downgraded 49cc MS260 3.2hp model (same cylinder and muffled muffler/carb; 3) the newer MS260 3.2hp model with the 44.7MM bore and 51cc. I suspect the 44.7mm increase was in response to the obvious decrease in torque and power of the first EPA choked model, and has a lot better torque, but I haven't tried it in wood. BTW, I love my 026-PRO (original) with fully adjustable carb (o.k., so I did swap the carbs...).

**Dadatwins** · 10-08-2005, 09:34 AM

I grew up using Homelite in the 70's & early 80's, until they turned to complete junk, had a bunch of poulan s25 that were great as a climbing saw, thought is was a well made reliable saw. Had a husky 335 that was a great runner, but oiler was screwed up. Now strictly Stihl saws for daily use. ms200, 036, 038, 044, 046, 066 all reliable and great running saws. I have both stihl and echo hand held blowers and find them equally reliable. My echo gas powered pole saw is also much easier to use than the same stihl model. I use my stihl dealer for some parts, but there are so many parts sources online now with internet forums and ebay, my dealer purchased parts is limited. I have one Dolmar 401 set up with a 16" bar that is a great ground saw and very reliable also. My vote was for stihl because that is what I have the most of and use majority of time. Would vote for for echo and dolmar also since both products I use from them stand up very well against the similiar stihl in my opinion. I do not know about the entire product line of the other companies only what I have used.

**pitkas** · 10-08-2005, 09:47 AM

Why is there so many broken down stihls on ebay? There are at least a dozen stihls at on time listed with bad pistons. There are more stihls than you can shake a stick at that need to be fixed up( ie, bad clutch, bad break).

When I check Husqvarna there are hardly any parts saws, or fixer ups. Can anyone explain this?

**jokers** · 10-08-2005, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by pitkas

Why is there so many broken down stihls on ebay? There are at least a dozen stihls at on time listed with bad pistons. There are more stihls than you can shake a stick at that need to be fixed up( ie, bad clutch, bad break).

When I check Husqvarna there are hardly any parts saws, or fixer ups. Can anyone explain this?

Yeah, there are alot of freakin' Stihls out there being used by alot of freakin' retards. Not so true with Husky.

Russ

**woodsrider** · 10-08-2005, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by jokers

Yeah, there are alot of freakin' Stihls out there being used by alot of freakin' retards. Not so true with Husky.
Russ

Russ: Stirrin' the pot just a little? Not that I necessarily disagree, of course....

**Lakeside53** · 10-08-2005, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by pitkas

Why is there so many broken down stihls on ebay? There are at least a dozen stihls at on time listed with bad pistons. There are more stihls than you can shake a stick at that need to be fixed up( ie, bad clutch, bad break).

When I check Husqvarna there are hardly any parts saws, or fixer ups. Can anyone explain this?

There's just a lot more Stihls out there than than Huskys, and Ebay is a great place to dump your junk, sadly...

**Ax-man** · 10-08-2005, 04:23 PM

Nothing new here, Sthil of course. If Husky had more dealers and parts more available I'd have more Husky saws in the line up. I got to get my hands on a Jonserd too, some day it will happen.

Larry

**Husky288XP** · 10-08-2005, 04:41 PM

Russ is right, only the pros use Husky look at the Game of Logging, Arbormaster, SFI, etc.

Oh I forgot the Stihl timbersmacks, lets see how fast I can chop through this block. Only for the TV stars/ false lumbersmacks/ 029 weekend woodlot wanna bes.

**Lobo** · 10-08-2005, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Husky288XP

Russ is right, only the pros use Husky look at the Game of Logging, Arbormaster, SFI, etc.

That is a really good one, I needed a good laugh tonight !!

Thanks XP

**rahtreelimbs** · 10-08-2005, 05:41 PM

Personally with all the different brands that I own and definitely don't need I run what I feel like runnin' !!!

**belgian** · 10-09-2005, 04:33 AM

Originally Posted by Mange

I can inform you that 75% here is HVA the rest is split between Jonny red and that other brand...... Oh, yes Stihl...

Nah, Mange is just joking.

His Huskies and others are only for collection puposes. I bet he uses a Stihl when he goes into the woods for real tree work ..