Stihl farm boss vs husqvarna rancher

[blsnelling]

ms290 has changed much since it came out as the 029.

:msp_confused:

 

[farmboss45]

That is the question right now, this would be my first and one and only saw, I want a 20" bar and I like stihl products but just don't which one to choose because both are equally priced

In case you have not figured this out, you might as well asked whether to buy Ford or Chevy. Both are good saws, both are good brands, we all like what we run, but I don't buy in to the "mines better because it is" theory. I like Stihl, I buy Stihl, I have had GREAT luck with Stihl. If it were me, with the 20" bar, I would go bigger than the ms290, I would go pro, ms362, which is a 50cc class saw, pro model. More money but worth it due to power vs weight, but you need to research and decide where you want to land vs how much you want to spend vs what your useage will be.

 

[dominic]

Agree that the decision between today's Rancher and Farm Boss boils down to a good dealer who fixes stuff on site and does it right.

But, the small company I worked for years ago had a Made-in-West Germany marked Farm Boss.

That machine took more abuse than anything should and all it did was continue to start and cut stuff with authorative torque.

I don't think today's Farm Bosses are like that.

 

[1Alpha1]

Longevity is all about proper care and maintenance.

And yes, it really is that simple.

I have a STIHL FS-44 line trimmer. It's going on 14.5 yrs. old. It looks and runs as good as the very day I bought it.

It's never spent one day in a shop.

That didn't happen by chance.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

That is the question right now, this would be my first and one and only saw.....,

Then you're already even more nuts than the rest of us.

And what was the question again?

 

[biggus]

To the OP,

I would take a look at the cost and availability of parts for each saw and let that be your deciding factor. Look at aftermarket parts availability as well.

I'm not a wealthy person and even spending a small amount of money hurts sometimes so when I buy a saw I intend for it to last at least my lifetime and I want to make sure parts are going to be available and affordable.

 

[PogoInTheWoods]

Longevity is all about proper care and maintenance.

Precisely. Period. The end.

 

[justtools]

Saws are inexpensive compared to alot of things we buy. Buy one of each. Use equally and report back in 10 years which was better.

 

[Freakingstang]

Drop the husky and the stihl in sub 30 degree temps... the husky case will break and the MS290 will still be kickin.. They are both fine saws for farm use. Everyone here hates the plastic cased saws. the truth is they are affordable saws that will last more years than their owners if well taken care of.

 

[SawTroll]

If these two saws are almost comparable why is the 455 using a 3/8s BC when the MS 290 uses 325? Is the Husky geared lower or does it have more power to pull the 3/8s over the 325 of the MS 290?Ken

I am sure that both perform better with .325, and that is what the 455 comes with here.

What they come with is usually up top the dealers or distributers, and in some cases more about what they assume the buyers will want, than about what works best.

 

[cutforfun]

And he probably won't stop with just one.

:msp_sneaky::msp_thumbsup:

 

[wreckscuba]

They all make good and bad ones the way they are all mass produced. If you take care of it it will take care of you. Buy whatever fits you and your hands. I like the 455 have cut around 15 cord a year for the last 5 year with it never been in the shop.

 

[CATDIESEL]

:msp_confused:

?????????????????

 

[kevinm9558]

What truck do you drive? If Ford, I'd go with the Husky. Dodge, I'd go with the Stihl. That's gonna be about the most logical answer to your question around here... I got a farm boss for Christmas last year, love it. I'm sure the Rancher is just as good. As previously stated, I'd go with whichever dealer is easier to get to/work with. Once you get one, you'll be back for more...

 

[blsnelling]

?????????????????

I'm not aware of any significant changes in the 029/290. They're still pretty much the same saw it started as years ago. My first saw was a 039.

 

[SawTroll]

ms290 has changed much since it came out as the 029. I wish i had a dollar for every one that has been sold!

Well, the number here in Norway is exactly Zero, as the model apparently wasn't found worthy of importing.

 

[sunfish]

I drive a Dodge truck and have an old Toyota, but I like Ford trucks. :msp_mellow:

 

[StihlKiwi]

I'm not aware of any significant changes in the 029/290. They're still pretty much the same saw it started as years ago. My first saw was a 039.

029 was only 50cc, 290 is 56cc like the 029 super was. Don't know if there were any changes like that with the 039/390 though

 

[kevinm9558]

I drive a Dodge truck and have an old Toyota, but I like Ford trucks. :msp_mellow:

I have one of each! ( All early '90s of course; I think they look like a truck should. I know they drive like one!) Maybe I SHOULD try a Husky...

 

[sunfish]

I have one of each! ( All early '90s of course; I think they look like a truck should. I know they drive like one!) Maybe I SHOULD try a Husky...

They are just chain saws and they all cut wood, just like trucks go down the road.