csl
Administrator
Do you have a date?
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
And don't be tempted to buy a much bigger saw than you really need. Saws need to run at their intended capacity. It doesn't help their longevity to be underworked and molly-coddled. Pro 50cc saws will out perform 65cc saws of ten years ago and be much lighter.
csl
Administrator
Oh, definitely Mk 1 then... I think I bought it mid 2015!
doric_prince
Well-Known Member
Went through the same consideration for a similar use. My uncle, a tree surgeon (c45years experience) and lecturer on arboriculture, recommended the huskie 550 Xp mkii with 18” bar (Which is a good all round length / compromise bar). Been running it for just over 2 years felled a few medium trees and cheesed larger trunks up to 22” ready for splitting. Went for a pro model over cheaper husky models for longevity. Holds up well. Recommend. Buy once, cry once.
plenty of pro lads who I deal with use sthil, some use both brands, so it comes done to personal preference from what they tell me.
@theroedeerguy
Well-Known Member
This is exactly what I do, great saw and Aspen is what you want to use if the saw is not used on a regular basis, yes it’s expensive compared to pump petrol but the benefits outweigh any additional costs especially if you’re just using the saw for your own firewood.
For heavier use most people in the industry are now using premium E5 petrol, and avoiding the new E10. Dealers and repair workshops say the same. Lots of people reporting reduced power and heavier consumption with E10 and it attracts water like a magnate and can rot carb internals and fuel lines if left standing.
Also with the latest saws it's import to use the best 2 stroke oil. Husqvarna won't honour warranties if they find pink Stihl oil inside. Use LS or XP oil, which has a fuel stabiliser in it as well.
Also with the latest saws it's import to use the best 2 stroke oil. Husqvarna won't honour warranties if they find pink Stihl oil inside. Use LS or XP oil, which has a fuel stabiliser in it as well.
Bigger, heavier, more powerful version of the 550 that will run a 21" bar. Saws are generally in their sweet spot running the mid-length bar in their range. For the 550 that is 15", for the 560 an 18". If you're never likely to need longer than 18" and most of the time 15" will do, save £100 and a bit of weight and get the 550. If you're going to use an 18" most of the time with occasional 21", get the 560.
Nothing wrong with Stihl. Tends to be a personal thing. I've only used Huskys for years. For me they just feel more "right" than Stihls. Can't really explain it more than that. Stihl faithful will say the same about their saws. Both premium machines.
Oly
Well-Known Member
Did they do the whole Mk1 & Mk2 with the 560 or is it essentially the same from when they started producing it?
Utectok
Well-Known Member
I’ve had a stihl ms260 for probably 10 years always starts 3rd pull never had any problems light and powerful no real maintenance to speak of. I have a fair bit of land and it get used a lot. If I were to replace it I’d get a ms261 for sure. I guess husky’s are a little cheaper…..maybe you get what you pay for but having always had stihl I’m not sure
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I prefer husqy’s for a few reasons - many of the larger stihls were clamshell design so a nightmare if anything went wrong, also they used to not allow mail order parts however I believe they have now changed. The Stihl filler caps are enough to put you off…garbage!
The first examples of husqy autotune were a pest and caused problems, the newer ones are better.
Which saw you get depends on what you are doing.
For a large saw I use a 365xt, they are known for being simple solid saws and are 70cc - they will run up to a 28” bar if need be however I run a 20” bar and it’s a nice saw to use. No frills but very little to go wrong and built to last. Also very easy to turn into a 372 at no cost if you know how.
If it’s small limbs and branches you are dealing with a smaller saw will do fine, I have an old mac335 and it’s perfect for that. No point lugging about a heavy huge capacity saw for 4” branches.
Also worth seeing what dealers you have locally as no point buying one that the closest dealer is miles away.
Make sure you buy PPE for it as well! A helmet and ear defenders at a min.
Regards,
Gixer
The first examples of husqy autotune were a pest and caused problems, the newer ones are better.
Which saw you get depends on what you are doing.
For a large saw I use a 365xt, they are known for being simple solid saws and are 70cc - they will run up to a 28” bar if need be however I run a 20” bar and it’s a nice saw to use. No frills but very little to go wrong and built to last. Also very easy to turn into a 372 at no cost if you know how.
If it’s small limbs and branches you are dealing with a smaller saw will do fine, I have an old mac335 and it’s perfect for that. No point lugging about a heavy huge capacity saw for 4” branches.
Also worth seeing what dealers you have locally as no point buying one that the closest dealer is miles away.
Make sure you buy PPE for it as well! A helmet and ear defenders at a min.
Regards,
Gixer
I have a 560. Great saw for ringing medium to larger stuff. It's a wee bit heavy for snedding in my opinion. I also have a 346, which is easier to start and good for snedding and ringing small to medium stuff. I've had a 550 too it was faster than the 346 but a bit more temperamental when it came to starting when it was warm.
Agree with that. I'm not sure premium petrol is what it used to be either. I'm using up my stock of two stroke oil over the winter and then I'll shift to aspen, ethanol free in the summer when I do less sawing.
I tried a bottle the other day, yes it was more expensive, but the saw seemed to have more power and starts with fewer pulls and I guess that should reduce wear on the pullcord? Who knows.
That I don't know. I'm not aware of any reference to a 560 mk II and it's been around since about 2011 I think.
Worth a browse on Arbtalk. A lot of professional knowledge on there.
Chainsaws
Discuss chainsaw makes and models, pros and cons. Get advice on maintenance and day to day usage.
arbtalk.co.uk
Had several Stihls over the years and really rated the MS180 with a replacement 16” bar as being useful, however the last one I bought about 18months ago is pants, they must have altered the choke lever design as it sticks, pops up, the throttle sticks open and it’s difficult to start unless the cover is removed and the choke lever put in exactly the right place..... moan over
steer clear, it’s been fcuked up good and proper.WB
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
For occasional or domestic use lot to be said for an electric saw. Was looking after a friends croft a few weeks ago. He has a few chainsaws, but the one he uses most often is an Electric Stihl. I used it a bit. Quiet, no vibration, but more than capable- i was using it to slab out some large hardwood logs to make a garden bench. Battery operated and with two batteries plenty of time before having to recharge.
No it won’t go all day, but to do an hour or two logging at a time - what a pleasure.
No it won’t go all day, but to do an hour or two logging at a time - what a pleasure.
Skogsmannen
Well-Known Member
For what you want, I would steer clear of a 5 series husky and consider a 365. Bit heavy but a very good, solid all rounder that will run forever, pretty sure are still available new too.
346/357/359 if you can find an honest, unmolested one is a good investment but the auto-decomp 357's had a habit of the auto decomp pipe splitting and running lean, then going pop.
The autotune huskies (5series) are great for a while but are best thought of as disposable.
Can't really comment on the smaller stihls other than most seem to run forever, if a little boring.
346/357/359 if you can find an honest, unmolested one is a good investment but the auto-decomp 357's had a habit of the auto decomp pipe splitting and running lean, then going pop.
The autotune huskies (5series) are great for a while but are best thought of as disposable.
Can't really comment on the smaller stihls other than most seem to run forever, if a little boring.
Skogsmannen
Well-Known Member
That I don't know. I'm not aware of any reference to a 560 mk II and it's been around since about 2011 I think.
Worth a browse on Arbtalk. A lot of professional knowledge on there.
Chainsaws
Discuss chainsaw makes and models, pros and cons. Get advice on maintenance and day to day usage.
A lot of armchair professionals on there too....
