Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
How do they compare? If you had all 3 in about the same shape and wanted to get rid of one, which one?
Husky 55R or 154SE or Stihl 028 Super?
- Thread starter Redgap
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I would definitely be keeping the 154. The 028 is a good bit more powerful than the 55, but it's also quite a bit heavier. I'd be torn on that one, but the 55 and 254 can be set up with interchangeable bars and chains.
Derf
Addicted to ArboristSite
The 154SE was a precursor to the 254 which became the 254xp when marketing started labeling the pro saws as such. The 154SE had rubber mounts, not springs, and it pre-dates the centrifugal air filtration from the flywheel (air injection.) The 154SE had some better cylinder/ pistons than some of the later 254’s (as long as they are original and were never replaced)- they had single ring pistons with a smaller combustion chamber. Later Husky went with a larger compression chamber and dual-ring pistons.
The 55 rancher I’m not as familiar with, but a 254 could walk away from one, but they are still pretty close. I would imagine a 154 would be as good or better than a 254 in terms of power, since most of the 254’s surviving today were later models with the lesser p&c setup. The ergos on the 55R may be a bit better though since it is newer by design?
I can’t make much comparison with the Stihl except that I think you’re in a different weight class and displacement.
The 55 rancher I’m not as familiar with, but a 254 could walk away from one, but they are still pretty close. I would imagine a 154 would be as good or better than a 254 in terms of power, since most of the 254’s surviving today were later models with the lesser p&c setup. The ergos on the 55R may be a bit better though since it is newer by design?
I can’t make much comparison with the Stihl except that I think you’re in a different weight class and displacement.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
Anybody know the hp specs for the 154SE?
The 154 is rated at 3.7hp on paper. They are no slouch, and with the smaller chamber they make enough torque that they don't feel much different than my 94 254xp. Early 254's were rated at 3.9, late at 4.1 and independent testing found 4.2.
The 55 is 3.3hp, 53cc.
The 028 Super. Well, it's a tank. 51.5cc, 3.4hp, and feels a whole lot heavier than the other two.
All three saws in this conversation are rubber A/V. Apparently the rubbers on the 154 are softer than the later 254 ones. The 154/254 and 55 share the same tank and top handle, so they feel similar in the hand, but the 55 doesn't feel as neat. The only 2 series that ever had spring A/V was the 262.
Very non scientific, all three are as they sit on the shelf. 254 is fully fueled and oiled, other two are about half a tank. The scale doesn't translate how they feel in the hand though.
The 55 is 3.3hp, 53cc.
The 028 Super. Well, it's a tank. 51.5cc, 3.4hp, and feels a whole lot heavier than the other two.
All three saws in this conversation are rubber A/V. Apparently the rubbers on the 154 are softer than the later 254 ones. The 154/254 and 55 share the same tank and top handle, so they feel similar in the hand, but the 55 doesn't feel as neat. The only 2 series that ever had spring A/V was the 262.
Very non scientific, all three are as they sit on the shelf. 254 is fully fueled and oiled, other two are about half a tank. The scale doesn't translate how they feel in the hand though.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
Then it sounds like my 154 and 257 both have about the same snoose.The 154 is rated at 3.7hp on paper. They are no slouch, and with the smaller chamber they make enough torque that they don't feel much different than my 94 254xp. Early 254's were rated at 3.9, late at 4.1 and independent testing found 4.2.
The 55 is 3.3hp, 53cc.
The 028 Super. Well, it's a tank. 51.5cc, 3.4hp, and feels a whole lot heavier than the other two.
All three saws in this conversation are rubber A/V. Apparently the rubbers on the 154 are softer than the later 254 ones. The 154/254 and 55 share the same tank and top handle, so they feel similar in the hand, but the 55 doesn't feel as neat. The only 2 series that ever had spring A/V was the 262.
Very non scientific, all three are as they sit on the shelf. 254 is fully fueled and oiled, other two are about half a tank. The scale doesn't translate how they feel in the hand though.
Same rating, same crankcase, different characteristics, 154/254 is a bit more compact, and it's snappier and runs higher rpm. The 257 is a bit torquier and will lug down better. Husky explained it well here:
I need a 257 so I can have that whole page... Lol
I need a 257 so I can have that whole page... Lol
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
I have two 257’s, and really like them, though one has low compression and if a new ring doesn’t cure the problem, I’ll be happy to turn it into a 262xp. I haven’t cut any wood with the 154 since I bought it, cuz it’s waiting for a chain brake install.Same rating, same crankcase, different characteristics, 154/254 is a bit more compact, and it's snappier and runs higher rpm. The 257 is a bit torquier and will lug down better. Husky explained it well here:
I need a 257 so I can have that whole page... Lol
dogone
ArboristSite Lurker
I have had a 154 se for over 30 years. Replaced rubber shocks about ten years ago, they were squashed and broke. Opened up the muffler and polished ports.It is a real ripper now. I understand they were a semi pro saw.
028S will last a whole lot longer
It's a pro saw, SE was the designator prior to XP.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
Can’t say that I’m wild about the design of the run/choke/off master switch on the 028’s, I’ve had to fiddle with them on both the 028WB and 028 Super.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
Exactly....good analogy!!!
For full disclosure, I have two 55R's and hope to build a closed port 55 out of two carcasses. I haven't cut any wood with the 154 or the 028 Super yet, so will reserve final judgment awhile yet. But I suspect I'll sell a 55R and the 028 Super.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
Got the master switch performing in tune, but I knew the compression was iffy and it just wouldn’t start. I’ll pull the muffler and see if I need a whole new top end or just rings.
I once had five Stihl 028 Supers and sold four. One remains and I will never sell it because it always starts and refuses to die. All the owners who bought one from me love their saw, primarily because they think it beats the pants off a Farm Boss. But, so does a Husky 55R or 353 in my book. The Husky 257 or 357 is the next step up.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
My 257 is currently my favorite “go to” saw, and I’m looking forward to building my weak one into a 262 and building a closed port 55.
I must admit that I once tried running a Farm Boss with an 18" bar and 3/8" pitch chain rather than .325" pitch chain. It was a miserable, rough performance. I imagine that a Husky 51, 55, or a 353 would have acted the same way with 3/8" pitch chain. Comparing a good running Husky 257 to a 55 seems like apples against oranges. Chain pitch and bar means a lot.
Redgap
ArboristSite Operative
But I like my 55R’s! The 028 Super will probably get sorted out and sold. My 1965 Homey XP1000 had a better choke/run/off switch design.
Once you get used to a 154/254 you will have a hard time going back to a 55 for power in essentially the same size package.
