General consensus of Husqvarna Farm & Ranch saws?

[zuren]

As I save my pennies for a new saw, I'm still struggling with where to focus my efforts. Here is my use case:

- What - Clearing brush (buckthorn), storm damage, some campfire wood (do not heat with wood)
- Use - Maybe 2 weekends a month for a couple hours each day
- Bar length - I think an 18" bar is plenty for my use
- Other saws - Poulan 2025 (14" bar, circa 1998)
- About me - Experienced user, fix my own stuff

What I get will be paired with the existing saw. For as much bashing as green Poulan's receive, this little saw just won't die. I appreciate that pro level saws are very nice but a $600-700 saw just isn't feasible or reasonable for the little use it will get. I'm thinking $350-400 is justifiable to my wife and my wallet. Money is tight but I have debris I could clear now. I'm not confident in my abilities to judge a used pro saw; most used saws I see around look pretty beat up and offer very little savings over new prices.

So I'm wondering about the 50-60cc Husqvarna Rancher saws and how they perform over the long term with good fuel and care? I understand they are not a pro saw build but neither is my little green monster that is still running 16 years and several cords of wood later.

Thanks!

 

[1Alpha1]

I don't know enough about Husky saw models to offer up any advice.

But, it sounds as if you know this already. It's all about proper care and maintenance. Pro-saw or run-of-the-mill saw, they'll last about the same if not taken care of.

 

[singletrack100]

I've never ran a Husky. Most everything I have ever run has been pro model Stihl's (fireline and forestry). I've had several saws go through my ownership for firewood saws, including both pro and homeowner grades. I've got 2 each in my Stihl lineup now. What gets the most use and puts the most wood in my stack each year? That homeowner/farm/ranch grade 029... nothing wrong with them if, like you've discovered, you maintain them. Yes, they're heavier for their power output compared to pro grade, but you're not using it to make a living with. You should be fine. Whoever you buy from, check their warranty process; you want to know you can be taken care of in the probably unlikely event you need warranty service.

Duane

 

[CR888]

^^^ that's a good post above. l have a husky 555 that is not an xp(pro grade) however is the exact same saw as its pro cousin the 562 in 'build quality'. lts the cylinder and crank stuffer that is different. Around here almost everyone has a pro saw mentality and will tell you that is the only good option bur my experience has told me otherwise. l ran my 555 with a 15" .325 windsor speed tip yesterday and 9 pin sprocket and it was NOT slow or heavy......it was freakin good!

 

[CoreyB]

Just my opinions but I would say find the best local dealer. There are a lot of great farm/ ranch option saws and I can not think of any that are worse than the next. But a good dealer is far and few between. (In my experience )
A good dealer should be willing to go through a saw with you. From carb adjustment - full cleaning and any common replaceable parts.
They will also stand behind their products fully.
Would a husky ranch saw be good? Yes is it better then echo, stihl, dolmar, ect not by much if any.
But a great dealer will be by your side for the life of the saw and should be realistic in your needs.

 

[MGoBlue]

I have some experience with a few of them Huskys. The only one I'd own/keep is a 350 with it's known 3 issues taken care of. Had a 450 for a while, ok saw but for my needs (6 cords per year) it wasn't up to snuff. Doesn't mean they aren't perfectly fine for your needs seeing as you don't heat with wood. I also used a 435 for limbing duties before finding a pro grade 346xp for $250. That saw, after proper tuning, ran great. It was super light too. They can no doubt be kept reliable with proper care.
You say you're not confident judging a used pro grade. What about finding one from here on the AS trading post? The difference in these home-owner saws to the XP's is really worth consideration. There are very trustworthy sellers on here too, you just need to do a little homework.

 

[Mark71GTX]

I have the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. It is a good saw. Other than replacing the fuel return line once, I have had no trouble out of it at all. It starts easily, cuts well, and has decent power. Mine came with a 20" bar and it pulls it just fine.

 

[KenJax Tree]

The Echo crowd preaches pretty loud about the 590 Timber Wolf for $399.

 

[Mattyo]

A Husky 350 seems more up your alley. Lighter than a 455 rancher with most of the zip when modded. ...I wouldn't grab a 455 for brush clearing. ....as a general inexpensive firewood saw sure....but not for brush. Something lighter like a 350 would be the ticket. Weimedog.....had a review on the husky 440 which he liked for brush clearing. Might want to check that out...don't have a link handy...sorry

 

[sunfish]

The farm/ranch/homeowner saws are good saws, but if you want better look at the 545 & 555. They are metal case pro quality saws at slightly less power than their XP counterparts.

 

[zuren]

A Husky 350 seems more up your alley. Lighter than a 455 rancher with most of the zip when modded. ...I wouldn't grab a 455 for brush clearing. ....as a general inexpensive firewood saw sure....but not for brush. Something lighter like a 350 would be the ticket. Weimedog.....had a review on the husky 440 which he liked for brush clearing. Might want to check that out...don't have a link handy...sorry

Looks like the 440 is very close to the Poulan I already have. My Poulan 2025 is a 32cc saw. The 350 isn't made anymore so I would be looking at used units. Seem to be a few options on Ebay.

The Echo crowd preaches pretty loud about the 590 Timber Wolf for $399.

I'm definitely intrigued by Echo's offerings. Looks like the 590 has the same engine as the pro level 600 with a couple touches to bring the cost down to "farm & ranch" prices.

I guess this begs the question - do I need a 50cc or a 60cc saw? Roughly 90% of what I need to cut would be handled by a 14-16" bar. There are a number of bigger trees down plus other trees (if they came down) that would need an 18" bar to make my time efficient. I only plan to be a 2 chainsaw guy; don't have the time, money, or space to be anything else. If I stay true to that statement, is there an ideal CC spread between the 2 power heads? I'm almost wondering if my ideal 2 saw setup would be a lighter 60cc "everything" saw (with a couple bars/chains) eventually paired with a 30-35cc top handle saw (e.g. Echo CS-330T with 12-14") for navigating any remaining brush once/if the Poulan dies.

Stihl makes nice stuff (I have a FS-90R trimmer) but it is hard to justify the price premium.

Thanks!

 

[sunfish]

Stihl makes nice stuff (I have a FS-90R trimmer) but it is hard to justify the price premium.

I have a FS110R trimmer and it's great, but with saws I much prefer Husky!

 

[MGoBlue]

In that case, IMO, the 545/555 is probably out of your price range. I would hesitate to buy a 350 on the bay. There are 3 issues w/ the 350 that need to be addressed, after that you have yourself a very trust worthy piece. I have a few on my local craigslist for under $200, which I would consider the absolute maximum I'd pay for one that was in excellent condition. Just me but I'd rather see the saw in person, hear it run and make sure it can hold idle well. If it doesn't, there may be issues with air leaks.
My .02... the 455/460 are very lack luster saws. A friend has one and it's just...eh. Not the lightest and not a real screamer. Gets the job done but there are better saws available if you're patient and shop in the right places.

http://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/husqvarna-55.276247/
Those ^^^ are better than the 4xx lowes saws.

 

[Homelite410]

In all honesty I'd find a 359/357 2159/2156. Mag case, quad ported, plenty of power for 14-16" wood and parts are plentiful. Fix the minor issues and you'll have a great saw.

I would stay away from the 350 if your not familiar with fixing the issues however the 350 is in my opinion the best designed light duty homeowner saw ever made.

 

[rburg]

One of our sponsors is having an inventory reduction sale and has a new Echo cs490 for sale for $300. This is a 50cc saw that might meet your needs that is in your price range.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

Poulan pro 5020av for $200. You can't go wrong.

 

[zuren]

Poulan pro 5020av for $200. You can't go wrong.

I'm considering it, very heavily actually. Menards is having a 11% rebate sale right now which brings it down to under $180.

- Lots of Husqvarna parts
- Made in (or at least assembled) USA.
- Case included
- I have the Poulan clutch tool if needed

Some don't like the OEM chain but that is easily solved. It is far from the lightest option but I won't be out cutting for days and weeks. In a couple years if I still feel like I need a better saw, this (or my green Poulan) can easily become the deer camp or loaner saw and not feel bad about it.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

If you only have one saw make it a 346XP, you won't be sorry.

 

[MGoBlue]

Where can ya get one of them?

 

[Full Chisel]

Echo CS370/400 sounds perfect for what you are needing. That CS490 for $300 is pretty attractive as well.