Chainsaw shopping again... any thoughts on a Husqvarna 562XP or Stihl MS290?

[tripledog]

I am no lumberjack, but I am looking for a commercial quality saw that will last for several years. I heat with wood only, and I cut between 25 - 40 face cord a year. After researching the Husky 562XP and the Stihl MS290, I am confident that either saw will meet my needs. I am leaning toward the Husky, but I found a used MS290 that is like new and would be about $300 cheaper than the new Husqvarna. If anyone owns a 562XP or an MS290, I would like to hear how you like them.

[trike savior]

Stihl is by far the best money can buy. Its what the pros use and I have weeks behind a Stihl farm boss. As long as you can keep the chain out of the dirt and sharp, they hate wood worse than anything else. It was my boss' and I have used many others. I recently bought my dad a Stihl leaf blower and was talking to guys at hardware store and local small engine shop. Apparently they are discontinuing the ms290 (farm boss) for a new model, believe he said it will be the ms291. Either way it has me thinking of ordering one quick.

Can't go wrong buying used either. Their warranty is awesome but chances are you will not need to use it. They last forever if you take care of them.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I have several Husqvarna saws, 3 of them are pro-grade. I have a 346xp, 357xp, and a 372xpw. All are awesome at what they do. I am not going to get into the Ford v Chevy bashing contest. Both Stihl and Husky make terrific saws.

But to compare a new 562xp to a Farm Boss isn't really a fair comparison, it's apples and oranges. The Farm Boss is somewhat more comparable to a Husky 455 or 460 Rancher, but the Farm Boss is a step above performance-wise. The 526xp has replaced the 357xp and is supposed to be a real screamer, even more so than the 357 was. And being that I own a 357xp I can tell you it is quite the saw.

If you are looking mainly for durability, I would definitely take the Stihl Farm Boss over the Husqvarna Rancher line if you are comparing similar line saws. But if you want higher performance along with that durability, I would get that 562xp. I would put my 357xp up against a Farm Boss any old day of the week for speed and power. The 562 would be that much nastier.

Again, not saying Husky is superior to Stihl on every comparable model.. Both make great saws. But I would hardly call a 562xp compared to a Farm Boss a fair comparison. They are not in the same category.

[wisconsinite]

I have a jonsered, love it. A few loggers have told me they will easily outlast a stihl or husky. My uncle has logged since he was a kid, that's the only saw he will buy. They're spendy, though.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I have a jonsered, love it. A few loggers have told me they will easily outlast a stihl or husky. My uncle has logged since he was a kid, that's the only saw he will buy. They're spendy, though.

You do know that Jonsered and Husky are related as Chevy is to GMC right?

[wisconsinite]

Yeah, as i understand husky bought them out a few years ago. Good point, by now they might be the same saw just red instead of orange.

[hoosierlogger]

I use Stihl I have 5 MS 660's. I have only had one have major issues. It needs crank bearings. But I have had that saw for about 6 years and cut probably 4,000,000 board feet of timber with it.

The guy I work with everyday uses husky. He has a 562. It is a fast revving lil sucker. The electronic controlled carb and the anti vibe system on it is amazing. He uses a 24" bar on it and it pulls it good for the size of a saw it is. Would I buy one? Not to cut timber with, but yes for firewood.

I would bite the bullet and but the Stihl MS310 with a 24" bar and 3/8" pitch chain. You might not see the need for a 24" bar on a firewood saw, but the longer bar is easier on your back since you dont have to bend over to cut stuff that is lying on the ground (if you are in the neighborhood of 5'6" or less). Also get the 3/8" chain for the larger teeth. You can get the skiptooth version of it as well (not as many teeth to sharpen).

If you dont want to spring for the 310 just make sure to get one with 3/8" chain. I can sell you chain cheaper than the stores. I buy it in 100' rolls and have well over 400' in the garage.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Yeah, as i understand husky bought them out a few years ago. Good point, by now they might be the same saw just red instead of orange.

Been more than a few years. They have been sister companies for a long time.

I have an old Husky 35 from the early 90's, its the exact same saw as a Jonny 361. They go back to the 80's..

But I digress....

[Flyingw]

My vote is for the Stihl. I bought an MS240 (I think) after the tornado in 2010 and I spent 4 solid months cutting wood. It performed beautifully. No regrets

[tri again]

Forget the name but stihl around 800$. 361m? i forget
New, brand new, back to the dealer 5x, hideous cold start issue.
and the sob's would warm it up before GF would go pick it up.

Actually had to threaten to put it on ebay for '50 bucks, no reserve'
to get the attention of the Pac NW district mgr guy who was ready to hand deliver me a new one and start it from cold in front of me.

Like the heated grips. but dumped it like a hot potato.
Local dealer took my trusty ol' stihl of 20 years and condemned it to sell me this new one.

LOVE my stihl 260.
Love 'em but do NOT trust the dealers.
Get bulletproof paperwork and loaner saw if it does need to go back.

As with anything, I suppose. extended warranty and on and on.

[leevarnado]

i bought the rancher 460 a couple years ago,never had any problems,switch to a shorter bar (20) and its a beast.

[tripledog]

A lot of good info here guys, thanks! I am learning with each reply. I am 5' 11", and I have used my 55 Rancher with an 18" bar for well over 10 years. It is still a great saw, but it is getting tired. I like the shorter bar for getting in cramped areas, and my back has been able to endure the added bending that a shorter bar requires. I don't fell many trees, I just follow a few loggers around and (with the landowner's permission) help clean up the tops. I very seldom cut anything bigger than 2 feet in diameter, so a 20" bar on my new saw should be adequate for me. If my new saw serves me nearly as well as my 55 Rancher has, I will be very pleased.

[captainweezy]

Just bought a stihl ms 250 with 18 inch bar. Love it. Just be sure to use good gas from the get go. I actually use stihls moto mix. It's expensive but worth it.

[Motorgidd]

I like both Husqvarna and Stihl... We have a Stihl MS391 and I have ran the ms290, both are great saws. I would lean toward the Stihl, but one thing I like about the Husqvarna over the Stihl is that it has an adjustable oiler for the chain.
Quality gas and oil is a must!

[petesatc]

Stihl for me .....i bought a farm boss 10 years ago, cut big ass tree's with it.....never had a problem.....