I usually don't do this but I am going to add that very few people can say that they are authorized dealerships and service centers for both husky and stihl... That is a very rare occurrence and why I think my perspective is unique but also valuable... I dealt with customer service, warranty claims, territorial representatives and Tech Support for both companies... Registered and performed warranty claims, sold and serviced both... if that is not a neutral review I don't know what is... If someone only worked for one or the other they are giving a biased review... also lacking the information needed to make a full assessment.. I am NOT a husky hater but I do understand that you may not agree with me but this is my experience.

2 series husky's were solid saws

I have both and also jred and echo. For the most part I don't have to deal with service centers unless it's for stihl parts as I service my own equipment. The biggest gripe I have with stihl is dealing with them on parts, it's nice I can get online and buy any part I need from any dealer I want with the other brands. When I recommended saws for guys looking one of the first questions I ask is will you be working on them yourself, if they say no then they should pick whichever brand has better dealer service for their location. Husky sure did screw up with the auto tune, but so did stihl with the carbed 201, not that the forum guys didn't figure most of the issues out with both. The fact that husky autotune saws need to be hooked to a computer to swap a carb is a pisser, especially when the 550mk1 is my favorite limping saw to this day. I have a couple 550mk1's (both late model yrs as they had all the issues worked out by 2016), 346, 353, dolmar 5105, and a ported 261, still like the 550mk1 the best as the handling is great as are the husky flippy caps. I'm not brand loyal at all, but the huskys and dolmars handle the best, although I have many stihl. I don't mind the handling of the stihls in the smaller saws, and I have many and my 2511t(I "need" a ported 2511 rear handle), handling isn't as critical on a lighter weight saw. I'm glad to see that stihl has started to use spring AV and angled the top handlebar like husky, too bad you can't put husky flippy caps on a stihl 😄. PS, up here in MI the shoreline is covered in stihls that broke the anchor ropes 😜

Husqvarna 3 series reliable saws

I HAVE ONE BIG GRIPE WITH STIHL: ordering parts. I can go on any major parts supply website(ereplacement, etc) and get parts fiche's for basically any husky saws and at least have a list of part numbers that i need and from there make the determination where i will source them from. Stihl its all dealership proprietary, sometimes you can find a backdoor PDF file on the internet but its few and far between. I have two local Stihl dealers and on several occasions they have ordered wrong parts/pieces and its taken weeks to correct. I just wish Stihl would be more public with the parts support. Dont get me wrong i love a good Stihl saw(MS 2 FIDDY 4 LIFE!)

I like the older stihls 200t 460 660 but now I have all new husky stuff t540 572 390 and waiting for the 592 ,they all pretty similar these days ,cheers from New Zealand

Hey John thanks so much for ur videos they are a big help. Well I picked up a 550xp from a pawnshop. And the piston has blown. I’ve never reallly worked on saws. But I have been watching ur videos. To take apart but there really never a video on what to look for and how to fix. There is metal in the crank I can see it. Is it destroyed or can I fix with new piston and case. Or should I not go any further.

Sounds like a strong opinion of experience. Service is so very important.

What are your thoughts on Echo/Shindaiwa? Will admit I'm new to big-displacement stuff, here in coastal FL it's rare I'll take out trees over 35 maybe 40' tall, didn't beat 60' once last year, for me a climbsaw does all the work til the trunk and honestly a 60cc is usually "enough" I just like flying-through w/ my 660's.....and when it comes to climbsaws I couldn't fathom taking a Stihl unit over an Echo, like literally would take a weaker Echo up just because of how much quicker to start, reliable and durable they are (and their power//weight is same/better than Stihl on these smaller units, although it does seem their new 7310 rear-handle may actually be a real competitor in the higher-displacement arena!) Just curious for any thoughts from your POV, have owned all 3 brands and am a residential / production climber so for me Echo is my go-to, though I'm more-than aware that for the types of guys that buy from you, Echo does *not* offer the best options (though I'd never known Husq was so far behind Stihl, hoenstly I'd always figured Husqy was a a touch better, haven't had enough of my own to compare like-to-like and loved all stihl/husq/echo gear...) Would also love your thoughts on these new pro Makitas(new Dolmar I guess?), have always gotten an impression that the love for them is, at least in part, more of a respect/historic love (like for poulan or pioneer) and not a "they're closer to state of the art" which of course is all I (or you) care about!)

My father was a timber cutter for nearly 10 years. During those years his father, brothers, and him all ran stihl chainsaws! Excellent reliable saws! He still uses them to this day 30+ years later! There were also those on the mountain that ran Husqvarnas! And the rivalry was real of which saw was superior and why! In the end though both brands rip and get the job done. The biggest factors though was the operators and how they maintained their saws and keeping them sharp. My father was a 3 star logger for his first few years and became a 5 star logger in later years with awards to prove it. Husqvarna operators were also 5 star loggers with awards to prove it! Find a saw that is comfortable to you and get proper instruction in how to be efficient and safe with your saw of choice!

When I was looking for my first chainsaw I went to a lot of shops that work on everything and I was told to go STIHL everything you just said was pretty much what shops out by me said and I have never been happier with my purchase

Awesome vid! I just bought my Dad a Stihl MS261C which I’m not sure what the c stands for, but the salesman was trying to get me to buy the Husky 572xp, but I figured that saw was to big, especially for a 76 year old to be using. I figured the MS261 would be just right with the 18” bar and yet lighter and more powerful then your typical farm boss, even though I like the farm boss as well.

I’d love to run a 540i with 1/4 pitch conversion in the tree. They are really amazing. My main climb saw is a ported echo 2511t.. it’s so lite, and fucking rips.

What’s your thoughts on poulan chane saws ?

If the competition for best chainsaw is between Stihl and Husqvarna I’ll choose Dolmar. When I was a kid, a lot of the old boys felt they had to be die hards for one brand or the other, but I’m happy to report that more often than not when a Stihl vs Husqy discussion is started up in my area almost everyone just says “they’re both good”. Trimmers? I’ll take Echo every time. Saws? Dolmar/Makitas and Husqys do it for me. I like my Stihl pole saw, but my Stihl and Husqy trimmers both fall *way* short of the Echos I own. But then I like Pepsi and coke, Ford and Chevy. “Whatever works” is the right choice for now.

hell yeah!!!! another great video!!! honestly that what makes your channel the best saw building one!!!! i have actually stopped watching all other saw building youtube channels because yours is so much better.

My everyday timber saws are a ported 066MAG a stock ms461 a ported 395xp an soon to be a 390xp an i can say i jave alot less issues wit my sthils then husky saws. Jus my experience.

Still have a spot in my heart for jonsered and husky but after a few tricks I learned from u channel , my 661 and 462 are definately hands down the most comfortable favorite saws I’ve used to date

Very interesting!

My favorite is the husky line that goes we've never had an issue with that before. Lol. A husky will cut harder and faster. But it's not as reliable. And when it breaks it's cheaper to replace the damn thing with a Stihl.

I just got my first 4 Mix KM 131R this last week and I'll say, that's quite a different experience than a 2 stroke. It sounds kinda badass, even right out of the gate. It's crazy powerful, compared to what I was used to.

Nothing wrong with owning both brands. I've been a Husqy guy for like what? 15 years now? Recently bought a Stihl and I love it. It's a different experience. Not a professional, to get things straight. I just cut some firewood to keep warm in the winter.

I own an engine shop in N. Georgia. One of the things we specialize in is taking care of the equipment for landscaping, hardscape, construction companies etc etc. Both Stihl and Husqvarna build great machine and it's just my opinion but I'll have to say overall Stihl makes the best stuff. They're just a little bit above and beyond.

My 288 and 394 and 372 so far have been my absolute favourite saws idk about the new junk but I got a few stihls also but idk my go to is my old 394 she’s just loyal 2 pulls at most when she’s cold

Here in Sweden it's the other way around. Stihl has been real fucking cancer to my dealer. Didnt let us make a pre season order and lowered our credit limit to just 10k just because of a mistake in their IT system. The swedish techical support people are also just bad. No diag and just buy this or swap this. Only reason i run a Stihl is because i couldnt find a 372XP lol

Thanks

Tell it like it is John , have fun every day !!!! 30 miles east !!!!

You speak the truth on sthil vs huskey

That maybe in your state and area you live but where I'm from there's only one stihl dealer in our area there's more husqvarna dealers around I've personally worked on more stihl saws than husqvarna for repairs in my area .

Can I get one of you tuned electric saws

Stihl has always been my family’s choice of saw through the decades of cutting timber, and will always have my heart. The insight on how the two companies operate is very interesting… if I’m being honest I like them both as chainsaws but like you all my yard equipment is Stihl💪 🤘

I should ad CATERPILLAR to my list

Always 2 stroke for line trimmers because I can use them upsidedown

Hey John well said I agree with you on this one in Australia more than 70% use STIHL . Guy’s doing tree work rescue workers and so on I remember the STIHL advertising logo First to start and last to quit! How very true that is Husqvarna 562 and the early 550 xp they where Piece of junk Hot start issues never had this problem with STIHL 461 and 066 660 they are the most reliable saws I have owned .

Personally I like Husky stuff haha but no hate here! I think the 500i 201tc 462cm are class acts but I think Husky wins the other in my opinion but love the videos man

Have 4 sthil saw but their post sales service sucks. Bought a ms-261 arctic nothing in manual about resetting computer module in saw bought 2 ignition modules at $170 apiece before I found out the reset procedure. The dealer never even reset it when I got it serviced or told me how was one of the first m-tronic saws. Works great now and is very nice handling saw. This inexcusable to not have proper information for purchaser and no follow up.

i know you get alot of will you do this and that questions, but i was wondering if you would or could do a husky 266xp buid? id absolutely love to see what you can do to one of those saws brother!! ill even donate a 266xp for you to do it with

No t so rare. Maine at Ellsworth does both objectively. Super dealer.

interesting about your experience with husky customer service. we (in australia) seem to have the opposite. Stihl blow people off when it comes to warranty and blame the customers. i’m an arborist so this is happening to pro users. i still use stihl saws, you just have to be careful which dealer you go to.

I run gas saws. The Battery top handles wouldn't last long enough on the battery. I can refill the gas tank on a saw rather than recharge a battery.

my first saw was a echo and i hated it, just under powered , but it was a good learner saw. i always ran stihlsince, but we had a hostile take over and now they are only stocking homeonwers and low end farm grade. dang if i dont have a huky dealer 2 miles from me. i really want to try that husky 562

How about those Huskys that you either have to buy their proprietary tool or fabricobble your own to spin off the clutch?

75 feet off the ground and the battery dies is the reason. Constant power through the entire fill is more important. Gas will always win climbing. Can't have a slow down or lag when topping and limbing. You'll kill someone like that

Love the channel, i have learned a lot, and i have older 80,s era 064,s and 066,s and 084,s stihl saws, i love watching your work, it is cool, do not listen to anyone who tries to give you any shit they are lousy people, low life people try and cut down another mans work, i noticed this on your other channel johnny nitrous, again, your talent is amazing and i do not know why another man would show disrespect, other than that he must be a useless shit head,. keep up the great work, thanks,.....

Bro I can definitely tweak that 700 blower and give it balls with no porting or re jetting

Our local saw shop dropped husqvarna years ago because they wouldn’t stand behind their warranty! I like my husky , love me some Stihl

I worked for tree service companies and we always were working on stihl saws and they suck !!!!

True bones.

I like both!

I got a kick out of the anchor and brother in law joke 😂 and I’m a whatever guy I own husky Stihl and echo. You need to port a 7310 John they are very nice after you bring the transfers up how they should be and raise that exhaust roof and deck the cylinder down to .020👍

Can’t beat the 4 mix engines

For me, there is just something about the way a stihl saw feels in my hands. They just feel better than anything else. Can’t explain it.

I love husky’s saws big saws their trim saws are a little long and the 525 is a little weak but I hate how bad they are at customer service it’s actually ridiculous how much better stihl is with their customers.

Your really going to say someone would bring in a husqvarna saw for the choke lever over a sthil you can fix most husqvarna chokes with a stick or a string off your shirt

I think you are correct. For the average firewood cutter, it's tough to buy a "homeowner" stihl for the same price as a pro husky. Not today obviously, they are close to the same price but in the near past at least.

Very one sided. Dealer support is critical. Stihl dealership in our town real difficult time with Stihl. How you describe how Husky is how he described upper management of Stihl. However our Husky dealer get along very well with upper management. The Husky dealer caters to loggers and the Stihl guy to the homeowner,Tree Service,farmer, weekend warrior types. Nwest Wisconsin.

Stihl all day just because of how easy parts are to come by. 👍

Sounds like you just have an issue with technical support. It's a little over the line by saying that Husky's should be used as boat anchors.

Nice to hear it from a pro, can't wait for the husky fan Boys to come out on this one. Haha To be honest I haven't had much experience with husky equipment. Although we have a few local dealers every one I know seems to run Stihl. Plus my first Stihl got me hooked, just a good old ms290. Plus they make some damn good looking saws and equipment!

Are you open to work to the public?

I run Toyota and Stihl. the doors fall off they rust out but the engines are still running strong. Honda is the same. You spend your time working not fixing. I'm not against Husky, I'm just all for Stihl, the working mans saw. Just ask a firefighter, when your shit is on the line, theres only one choice, STIHL ! Trapper scotty, Alaskan

Husky sounds like polaris as far as standing behind their products. They suck.

I was forced to make a few cuts with a husky, had to see a therapist and I STIHL have nightmares🤣

Green saw come on we know you liked John Deere saws. Lol

Pull my license fuckit❤️ would love u to port a saw for me. Love the power ur saws make💪💪💪💪

The only benefit of a husky is making money fixing the dam thing for people..👌

Most people in Michigan here who log have husks 372 and up you wer probably fixing smaller huskys homeowners saws who the fuck would you need to be calling for saw parts hahaha

I once ask a logging company in Montana .They were guys who cut timber on the side of a mountain in the Rocky mountains and I ask them what saw they used and there statement was that Sthil makes a great saw but they ran Husqvarna .I ask why ....they said on the coldest windy day on the side of a mountain a husky would start when sthil would not.I assume it's due to the Tillotson carb...I personally own many sthil and husky saws....I buy alot of saws from loggers true loggers out west and husky seems to be there choice ....That's fact ...Myself I like any German product and I like any Sweden saw ....personally I use a sthil most often only bc my husky saws are old collectable saws but after the comment of using a husky for a bout anchor I unsubscribe .....Thought about it before for other reasons I won't mention but to run down quality saws when I bet you can barely cut a tree yourself is enough for me to say good by to this bullshit channel ...I doubt any true old time loggers care about these mods that make a saw undependable .I'm not a hater of good work but this crap is just that ....polished up painted up garbage ...good luck with your dream but I'll not watch this crap

I log with a cable skidder and use saws in harsh summer heat and sub zero winter climate. I prefer the Husqvarna for a couple major reasons, first and foremost the air filtration system is far superior how they spin 95% of the dirt out before it even gets to the filter. I can run a Husky daily for months before even cleaning the filter. A Stihl filter will be filled with shit in a single day. Secondly the vibration from the Stihl is terrible and has cheap feel to me. The Husqvarna is just a smooth running Cadillac. If the Stihls were so great there wouldn’t be companies like WCS making all the do dads to improve their crappy design. Where Stihl has the advantage to me is cold starts in the winter, nicer stock falling dawgs, and their bar and chains are top notch.

Stihl fan boys lol.

Sounds like a venting session about people and processes. Not particularly objective…

Why do you hate Swedish people 😢

That's interesting that your numbers don't match up to any other place. Stihl sales have gone down drastically over the years. Husqvarna has gone up. Why? Because Stihl's quality has been horrible and continues to get worse. I always enjoy watching a brand bias person do a video that pads numbers to make their brand look better than the rest. Stihl is the absolute worst to deal with unless you kiss their ass and push their products on people. This video is an example of it. I was waiting for the "Paid For By Stihl" text to pop up at the end of this video. 😂

To be completely honest I used to love my 064 ms 400 Until I bought a 461 and it blew up on the second tank then I turn around and got a 462 same thing happened after one tank the guy at the dealership told me that I was trying to put him out of business refused to take the salt back come to find out it was the gas that they giving me meanwhile I was out of a saw for seven weeks and then they sent me a remanufactured saw I will never again spend a penny with them people

Lol. Heating a NOS tank. Cullen the herd. 🦬 🦬 🦬