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[Ched Bull]

So, I am thinking about buying a new saw  either a Stihl 291 or a Huskavarna 455 both weight the same,   So please,debate come out swinging!

[Dawnpatrol]

I have a husky 455 rancher and it rips like a banshee, very happy with it. Can't go wrong in either one u mentioned.

[steve.b]

I like the Husqvarna 450 it is lighter and really can't tell the difference in power than the 455.

[racnruss]

I've owned the 455 rancher, my particular saw did not oil the chain enough and kept getting dry and tight.  Tried adjusting oiler, ect.
Owned 2 Stihl 310s, probly just a bit bigger than the 291 you mentioned, they were dogs compared to similar sized husky XP or Stihl Pro series.

Best advice is to pony up or dig deeper and buy a pro series Stihl or XP series Husky.  17 years professional tree service talking here.

[mlappin]

Biggest thing is how's the dealer that handles each?

I loved my Dolmars, but only person in the area that works on them is in the next county and is slower than molasses in January. I can think of a whole list of other things I'd rather do than work on small engines.

Over half a dozen Stihl dealers in the area that are closer than the Dolmar dealer.

[jerkash]

I've used Stihl before but now own 4 Husqvarna's
3 - 455's with 18" bar
1 - 460 with 24" bar

 I always add Seafoam to my gas and have not had any problems.
I run two tanks of gas and then sharpen the chain by hand.
I usually carry two saws with me and run two tanks of gas through each one and then I'm tired.
Bring them back to the shop and sharpen them in the vise,  much easier

[CountryBoyJohn]

I have the 290. It has performed flawlessly for two seasons. I like that there are several certified Stihl service shops within 20 minutes. As far as the Husky goes, I think you are on your own or at the experience mercy of another mechanic.

The 290 has handled anything I've thrown at it.

[bajonesy77]

Both saws specs being about equal and both quality saws, go out and hold them both. The one that feels better in your hands you buy! And trust me after cutting wood for a few hours you don't want to be holding a uncomfortable saw. I run stihls because they just feel better to me.

[mlappin]

Both saws specs being about equal and both quality saws, go out and hold them both. The one that feels better in your hands you buy! And trust me after cutting wood for a few hours you don't want to be holding a uncomfortable saw. I run stihls because they just feel better to me.

that's the main thing, no point in buying the "best" one if you don't like it. At first I liked the flippy caps on the Stihls, but it's been cold this winter and taking ones gloves off seems to be the sure bet on getting them to latch properly.

I like my Stihls, the hired man has several Stihls yet but has been replacing them with Husky's as he likes the feel better while his oldest boy still prefers a Stihl.

Both are reputable brands, buy what makes you happy.

[Pinehouse4]

I have two Stihls, a smaller 028 bought mid 80's and an 046 about ten years old. I am very happy however I believe Husky is also an excellent saw. I agree choose the one that feels best and has good dealer support.

Bob

[ITO]

 I'm in the same camp as most, they are both good saws, it's a personal preference as well as good local service availability. I have a Husky 455 and am very happy with it, that being said I am not a professional tree service person I cut for my boiler, sauna, hunting shack and camping, if you cut for personal use and take care of your equipment you will most likely get good service from either one. Fresh gas, Seafoam or Stabil, proper oil mixing and tuning are the keys to making these saws go for years.

[allis48]

I run echo saws and have real good luck. Lot of guys around here are switching to echo over stihl cause they are hard to start and the quality is starting to drop

[Farmer616]

get a husqvarna XP and be done with it you wont regret it for a second

[Sloppy_Snood]

Pull the carburetor off the Husqvarna and inspect it.    Chinese knock off of a Stihl carburetor that failed after 2 years use.

Go buy a Stihl and be done with it. 

[Mountain Duck]

I'd suggest maybe looking at a Husquvarna 545.  It is a little smaller cc compared to a 455 (50 vs 55), but it is an Autotune saw, and it is a little more rugged. It's between the homeowner grade and the full out Pro XP.  It makes about the same HP, and is 2 lbs lighter!! MSRP is about $60 more

I run both Stihl and Husquvarna.  I personally like the handling of Husquvarna.  They seem sleeker and more nimble than their Stihl counterparts.  My main saw is a Husq 562 XP.  After you run it, it's hard to pick up anything else!