What Chainsaw? Recommendations?

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Oly

Oly

Well-Known Member
I've had a Husqvarna 137 for a few years, it's been great, a few minor niggles, but that's due to its domestic design, and I'm thinking it's time to upgrade.

I need a good all rounder; to fell small trees, deal with fallen limbs and cut to firewood. It needs to be built to last.

I'm leaning towards a used semi pro saw from someone upgrading themselves. I want something well built, with pro type features that I can get parts for years to come so am thinking heavy domestic /semi pro Stihl or Husqvarna.

Maybe Husky 435, 440, Stihl MS271, 290?

What models would you recommend and why?
 
Hello mate, used husqvarna all my days so def stick with that. The new machines are excellent in terms of reliability and ease of service. Good parts back up. I can get parts for one of my saws that is over 20 years old. Cant say a bad thing about them. Your choice of a 440 is about right. Light and decent chewing power. You do well with a husky. Hope it helps mate. G
 
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Oly said:
I've had a Husqvarna 137 for a few years, it's been great, a few minor niggles, but that's due to its domestic design, and I'm thinking it's time to upgrade.

I need a good all rounder; to fell small trees, deal with fallen limbs and cut to firewood. It needs to be built to last.

I'm leaning towards a used semi pro saw from someone upgrading themselves. I want something well built, with pro type features that I can get parts for years to come so am thinking heavy domestic /semi pro Stihl or Husqvarna.

Maybe Husky 435, 440, Stihl MS271, 290?

What models would you recommend and why?
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Ms261 1/2hp more than the MS 271 and lighter to so worth the upgrade also has a magnesium case not plastic like the ms271.
 
Oly said:
Is the 550 not fully pro?
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Yes. Every Husky starting with a 5 is a pro model. 4's are semi-pro/estate work etc. Just bought a 550 XP II myself actually. Brilliant saw, revs like a banshee. But they have to be the mk II, which are very highly regarded in the arb industry. The mk I was plagued with problems.

A 550 XP is about £230 more than a 440 but it's a step up in performance, spec and build quality. The auto-tune engine means that it has to be plugged in at a dealer for fault finding and you can't overhaul the carb, just replacing diaphragms etc, you need to buy the whole unit. But for semi-pro work that should never be and issue and it should be extremely durable.
 
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csl said:
I gave a 550XPG to my Dad... it was a nice saw but the electric thingamy, it never started as smartly ;) and it seemed a bit bulky to be cutting 90% small stuff... but it was just right for my Dad. :thumb:
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What’s the electric thingamy?
 
Finch said:
Yes. Every Husky starting with a 5 is a pro model. 4's are semi-pro/estate work etc.

Just bought a 550 XP II myself actually. The mk I was plagued with problems.
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Top tip thanks. Does the Mk2 say its a Mk2 on the side? If not how do you spot it?
 
Mine is mk2 and I don’t think it has an electric thingamy. It has a heated handlebar, erm…nice orangey paint job, makes a loud noise and cuts up trees like a beast!
 
Oly said:
Top tip thanks. Does the Mk2 say its a Mk2 on the side? If not how do you spot it?
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It will say 550 XP II on the pull starter cover. The "II" is the crucial bit. Also mk II's don't have a decompression button, I'm pretty sure the mk I's did. Most dealers however will only be selling the mk II and if you're going to buy this level of saw I wouldn't buy a used one. Professional saws generally get worked into the ground before they're replaced.
 
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I think with chainsaws (like most tools) it’s worth spending as much as you can reasonably afford, and get something that will hopefully last for many years and be reliable and efficient 👍
 
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