Husqvarna chainsaw choice

SkizzlePig · #1 12/09/14, 01:45 PM

I've done a bunch of research on chainsaws and have found Husqvarna are top-notch in almost every category. I'm going to be using this chainsaw for standard farm work; cutting down trees and the usual fare.

I'm looking for a 18" bar, the 20 just seems too big and unwieldy. Soooo ... I decided on the 450, buuuut there's also the 450E. The "E" seems to indicate better gas efficiency and longer engine life ... which all sounds good, but there's *got* to be a down side.

Any opinions?

1shotwade · #2 12/09/14, 02:20 PM

I can't tell you about the new 3 digit models. The two digit older models I have or had L77 36" bar (1957) a 66,61,55,51,45 >They are all great saws. The only thing is people like to steal them.

Wade

simi-steading · #3 12/09/14, 02:27 PM

Take a small step up to the 460 rancher.. You may think a 20" bar sounds too big, but when you need that 24" bar, you're gonna be glad you got the 460.. It's 10cc more.. You never can have too much power...

I find I do most my cutting with a 24" bar... I also have a 20, and was going to get an 18, but 2" isn't really that much, until you're that much too short..

I have a small saw with a 16" bar, and I find I almost never use it..

osbmail · #4 12/09/14, 02:28 PM

I would suggest buying the best you can afford in the size you need .Even top brand like husky sell different grades of saws usually homeowner ,farm and pro. I would avoid homeowner type saws I don't know much about husky saws in general. Dolmar-makita makes some pretty good saws usually cheap than husky stihl.I like to run a 18 inch bar on 50 cc saw.

SkizzlePig · #5 12/09/14, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1shotwade

They are all great saws. The only thing is people like to steal them.

Yeah, I can see that ... if it lasts a long time, someone will try to steal it. :rollingeyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by simi-steading

Take a small step up to the 460 rancher.. You may think a 20" bar sounds too big, but when you need that 24" bar, you're gonna be glad you got the 460.. It's 10cc more.. You never can have too much power...

I'll see if I can save enough to step up ... it's another $130. You never led me astray, so I know you're right ... just gotta see if I can swing it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by osbmail

I would suggest buying the best you can afford in the size you need .Even top brand like husky sell different grades of saws usually homeowner ,farm and pro. I would avoid homeowner type saws

Gotcha! Thanks! I'll look into the Rancher class saws.

simi-steading · #6 12/09/14, 02:56 PM

Before you do take my advice, I don't know your physical limitations... The 460 is a heavier saw. If weight isn't an issue for you, then you can't go wrong going a little more displacement.

Muleman · #7 12/09/14, 03:11 PM

I could be wrong, but I believe they offer a electronic injected version which adjust the fuel for easier starting. That might be the difference in the 2 models you mentioned. i run all Stihl saws myself, but my nephew runs Husky's. I believe he told me the electronic fuel injected ones were a little more expensive, but the repair man said if they mess up and you have to replace it, the repair is about the same, just allows for easier starting and better fuel economy as you were saying.

Now keep in mind Husky now recommend the new synthetic oil for their saws and will void the warrantee if you do not use it, not a big deal, but something to know. My nephew took his in and the guy told him if he brought it in again and it did not have the husky syntheric in it he would not work on it under warrantee. they even send of a sample if it is a serious problem. When bought my last Stihl the dealer told me he had to sell me a 6 pack of the synthetic with the saw, but after that he had no way of knowing what I used, so as far as he was concerned I must be using the synthetic?? Like I said not a big deal, just something to be aware of. I would have considered a husky if there was a dealer in town, they are good saws, but Stihl is just as good in my opinion. The Husky will run just a little bit faster is all.

I agree with the others, you want to get up into a pro model, unless it is really just a hobby deal for you, they are made much different, you gonna pay for it, but you will have a saw for a lot longer. The home models are just made for occasional light work, you start really using them and they will not last long.

I know many people say they only want a small saw with a short bar, because they will just be cutting small stuff. I hate bending over, hurts my back. The longer bar allows me to go along trimming and such and gives me the reach to keep from bending over so much, just another consideration for a longer bar?

simi-steading · #8 12/09/14, 03:16 PM

I agree, that's why I like a longer bar too.. Less bending..

I use Stihl oil in my husky saw... Have run a WHOLE lotta tanks of gas through it with Stihl oil and never an issue... I've got three Stihl Brush cutters/trimmers, so that's why I go with Stihl oil..

OH, I also use Stihl chain on my husky too... MUCH better chain...

osbmail · #9 12/09/14, 03:36 PM

Longer bar means more teeth on chain to maintain and more expense of chains too.I get the less bending over though that can be nice also.

1shotwade · #10 12/09/14, 04:02 PM

The 66 I use has a 24" bar and I like it for not bending over so much. I have a 45 that does most of the work though. I had a 16" bar for the 66 and it was much faster than the 24" bar. Something to consider. Also,the bigger saws are much heavier than they were when I bought them. We are all getting older.

Wade

DaleK · #11 12/09/14, 05:14 PM

Look for a used pro model over a new homeowner or rancher model. Just bought my fourth 359, use them all every day.

bigjon · #12 12/09/14, 05:46 PM

1 husky 455 rancher with stihl chains.over 300fc=aint broke yet.and yes-20" bar.

TnAndy · #13 12/09/14, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simi-steading

I agree, that's why I like a longer bar too.. Less bending..

I use Stihl oil in my husky saw... Have run a WHOLE lotta tanks of gas through it with Stihl oil and never an issue... I've got three Stihl Brush cutters/trimmers, so that's why I go with Stihl oil..

OH, I also use Stihl chain on my husky too... MUCH better chain...

Same here....a 20" bar 'fits' me better.

I use Stihl oil also

And the chain is better. Stihl 'oilomatic' is a patented type of chain that has an oil groove cut in it in such a way as to force bar oil into the chain.

I have an 046 Stihl, and a 570 Husky, and I find I use the Husky the most.

postroad · #14 12/09/14, 06:34 PM

I bought a new 61 about twenty years back. It still works great. I cut a substantial amount of wood each year and so far have only had to replace the usual wear out parts like chains bars etc.

Madsaw · #15 12/09/14, 08:27 PM

If I was looking (which I always am) I would look for a used older model. Few reasons are the newer strato saws seems to take a bit longer to warm up and be responsive plus they run a tad hotter to meet emission standards.
With that said. I buy sell part and rebuild saws. I would look at the 300 series of saws. 353, 357/359, and the 365/372. The 353 will be the lightest and run a 18 " ok. The 357/359 a physically the same saw but just a little different in the cylinder and piston to make power at different and wider ranges. 18-20' bar with ease. The 365-372 series are teh bread and butter size of saw husky put out. You can find a 353 for $200. 357/359 $250-350. 372 $400+
Best thing of all of these chooses. For less then a $100 they can be rebuilt with new cylinders and pistons. Plus they are very simple and straight forward to work on. These are still solid built all metal saws. Not a clam shell design engine and a lot of plastic.
I'm building a 357 now. I would choose any of these saws any day over the newer ones. Also a 350 is a good one too. Clam shell engine and more plastic then the 353. But still dependable.

idigbeets · #16 12/10/14, 12:11 AM

I would not go w/ the new auto tune either...

you can pick up a 346, 357, 372, and 394/95 pretty cheaply. The homeowner/landowner saws aren't worth it for falling anymore than 1 log imo...seen more than my share of 350,450,445,455 all fked up....

simi-steading · #17 12/10/14, 05:51 AM

Ya'll are pretty lucky if you can find good used saws so easily... Where I am, people run their saws until they fall apart, and if there is one for sale, it's probably already spoken for and never makes it to the market..

Micheal · #18 12/10/14, 06:59 AM

Let me add a vote for the 460 Rancher....... and a 20 inch bar.

Bought one 2 years ago and after cutting up enough trees to equal bout 20+ full cords of wood for myself and not keeping track of the several other trees and firewood I've helped cut for others I can truly say it's a great saw combo.

I can add that this saw also replaced a 30+ year old Rancher that parts weren't easy to come by any longer..

idigbeets · #19 12/11/14, 07:41 AM

simi.. you're in WV? Lots of saws available.... also check out sites like SawHawgz, Arboristsite, chainsawr, and of course CL and Ebay....

I've picked up 95cc saws for 300-400 easily....

Allen W · #20 12/11/14, 09:09 AM

Buy a saw from your local dealer where you can get it serviced, not amazon, lowes or any other chain store.