Stihl vs. Husqvarna chainsaws: Which is best?

Stihl and Husqvarna are top chainsaw brands, but which one should you buy?

If your property has trees, you know that sometimes branches must be removed. Branches get broken or diseased and must be cut away. And sometimes trees or branches come down in a storm and need to be cut up and cleared out. In many cases, you need a chainsaw to take care of these tasks. If you’re trying to decide whether to buy a chainsaw from Stihl or Husqvarna, it isn’t an easy question to answer because even professionals don’t agree. 

Both Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws have their pros and cons. Stihl chainsaws have low-end torque for tough jobs, while Husqvarna chainsaws tend to be faster. Also, Stihl offers a broader scope of quality entry-level models, such as the battery-powered MSA 60 C-B, while Husqvarna has potent, heavy-duty options, such as the 460 Rancher. Ultimately, to get the best chainsaw for your needs, you have to know which size is right for your tasks, what features you need and how big your budget is.

Stihl vs. Husqvarna: What they do well

Stihl and Husqvarna are recognized quality outdoor equipment brands. Each offers benefits to consumers.

Stihl benefits

• These chainsaws have the low-end torque needed to cut through tough wood and knots.

• They’re priced lower than Husqvarna chainsaws.
• They excel in emission reduction and fuel efficiency.
• Stihl has proven staying power. It’s been manufacturing chainsaws for nearly a century. 
• These chainsaws offer an adequate array of safety features

Husqvarna benefits

• These chainsaws are more readily available online and from big-box retailers.
• They’re manufactured to cut faster than Stihl chainsaws.
• Many have a larger fuel tank, so you can work longer without interruption.
• They’re better for heavy-duty homeowner chores.
• They offer an adequate array of safety features.

What they could improve

Although Stihl and Husqvarna are excellent brands, that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. There are a couple of things to consider when purchasing their chainsaws.

Stihl drawbacks

• Stihl has limited distribution, which could make these chainsaws harder to find in your area.
• Stihl chainsaws have the power to cut through tough wood, but they aren’t the speediest cutters.

Husqvarna drawbacks

• Husqvarna chainsaws cost more.
• Husqvarna chainsaws tend to be heavier than comparable Stihl models.

Top Stihl models

When choosing the best Stihl chainsaws, we picked a light-duty battery-powered option and a heavy-duty gas model. The MSA 60 C-B is best for general yard maintenance, while the MS 271 Farm Boss is a powerful tool that can chew through the hardest woods and toughest knots.

Stihl MSA 60 C-B 

To avoid hazardous mistakes, familiarize yourself with all your new chainsaw’s features and safety precautions before using it.

Product Specifications

Power Source: Battery | Run Time: Up to 40 min | Bar Length: 12” | Weight: 9 lb | Automatic Chain Oiler: Yes

This model is the lightest chainsaw in Stihl’s line. It has a small bar — just 12 inches — and is only suitable for light-duty tasks, such as small pruning jobs and general yard maintenance. The MSA 60 C-B has a soft-grip handle that makes it easy to hold, and the long-lasting battery lets you cut for up to 40 minutes before needing to recharge.

Besides comfort and high performance, this Stihl has a QuickStop chain brake that can be activated by inertia. That means if you’re cutting and experience a kickback, the jerk of the chainsaw triggers the brake, which can stop the chain rotation in less than a second. We also like the variable-speed trigger that gives the user precision control over how much power the tool has, allowing you to adjust on the fly.

Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss

The safest way to use a chainsaw is to keep the engine/motor (not the chain) close to your body for better balance and control.

Product Specifications

Power Source: Gasoline | Fuel Capacity: 16.9 fl oz | Bar Length: 18” | Weight: 12.3 lb | Automatic Chain Oiler: Yes

For users who have tougher tasks, the MSA 60 C-B won’t cut it. You need a gas-powered chainsaw with a longer bar to tackle storm cleanup and tree felling. The MS 271 Farm Boss has an 18-inch bar with an advanced IntelliCarb system that keeps the engine running at the proper revolutions per minute to accomplish heavy-duty cutting. The system also offers increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions to be kinder to the environment as well.

We like that a lot of thought and care went into the design of this model. It features an air-filtration system that is efficient enough to make the air filter last longer than the average filter. It also has technology that minimizes vibrations, which reduces user fatigue, allowing the operator to work more safely and for a longer period while increasing comfort.

Top Husqvarna models

To keep the models somewhat compatible, we also chose a smaller and a larger model from Husqvarna for our top picks. The Power Axe 225i is a 14-inch battery-powered chainsaw that is best for general yard maintenance, while the 460 Rancher is a 22-inch gasoline-powered chainsaw that can handle the toughest homeowner tasks.

Husqvarna Power Axe 225i

Never use a chainsaw alone. It’s essential to have a buddy nearby in case anything goes wrong.

Product Specifications

Power Source: Battery | Run Time: Up to 40 min | Bar Length: 14” | Weight: 6.83 lb | Automatic Chain Oiler: Yes

The Husqvarna Power Axe 225i is a 14-inch, battery-powered chainsaw. It’s made to be 15% lighter than the typical Husqvarna model, so the user won’t fatigue as quickly. The chainsaw offers maximum maneuverability as well as a balanced design, making it easier to hold and more comfortable to use.

Husqvarna’s active cooling system keeps the temperature consistent so the battery won’t overheat. Besides increased safety, this feature also extends the overall life of the battery. When you hit a tough spot or you’re working on harder wood, you can activate the Boost mode, which temporarily adds 25% more power to the unit. And for convenience, this model has a tool-free chain-tensioning system.

Husqvarna 460 Rancher

Be sure to read all the instructions. Some Husqvarna batteries require a cool-down period before they can be recharged.

Product Specifications

Power Source: Gasoline | Fuel Capacity: 14.88 fl oz | Bar Length: 24” | Weight: 13.2 lb | Automatic Chain Oiler: Yes

If your yard maintenance is more challenging than that of the typical yard, you need a chainsaw that can get the job done, like the Husqvarna 460 Rancher. This 24-inch ergonomic powerhouse is designed to tackle practically any woodcutting task you might encounter. The improved grip and low-vibration technology let users operate this tool for longer periods of time with reduced fatigue.

This model features Husqvarna’s Smart Start, which ensures an easy startup. The advanced engine design increases fuel efficiency by 20% while reducing emissions by as much as 60%. The centrifugal air-cleaning system keeps dust and debris from reaching the air filter, extending its life. We love that this model also has an inertia-activated chain brake to offer maximum protection against kickbacks.

Stihl MSA 60 C-B vs. Husqvarna Power Axe 225i

The Stihl MSA 60 C-B and the Husqvarna Power Axe 225i are similar in design in that they’re both smaller battery-powered chainsaws. If you can afford the higher price, the Husqvarna easily wins out between the two. It’s lighter, includes more advanced features like a Boost mode, and it has a built-in cooling system to extend the battery life. However, if you only have light-duty tasks and your budget is limited, you won’t be disappointed by Stihl’s offering.

Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss vs. Husqvarna 460 Rancher

At the heavy-hitter end of the power spectrum, Stihl offers the MS 271 Farm Boss. This popular chainsaw is a go-to for homeowners and professionals alike. It offers sufficient power to complete all routine tasks. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a beast, but for the average user, it could be overkill. It’s longer (24 inches compared to 18), heavier and more expensive. If you have massive trees or a densely wooded yard, the 460 Rancher is the better option.

Stihl vs. Husqvarna functionality

In general, we’ve established that Husqvarna is more expensive, has heavier-duty options and is a solid choice, but bigger isn’t always better in every instance. That’s why it’s beneficial to take a closer look at Stihl versus Husqvarna with regard to functionality.

Convenience comparison

Both Stihl and Husqvarna spend a lot of time making sure their chainsaws are capable, fuel-efficient machines that won’t let the operator down, but it’s that extra mile that can sway a purchasing decision. Stihl chainsaws aren’t available from big-box retailers, and while powerful, they aren’t the fastest cutters. Husqvarna designs chainsaws with the all-day user in mind, so the low vibration and comfortable, balanced grip, combined with little bonuses like Boost mode and a built-in cooling system, can nudge the needle in Husqvarna’s direction.

Weight comparison

The heavier a chainsaw, the more quickly user fatigue can set in. Once the operator is tired, a chainsaw becomes harder to control and its use becomes more dangerous. While Husqvarna tends to have heavier models, this isn’t always the case. For example, in our head-to-head matchup of the Stihl MSA 60 C-B versus the Husqvarna Power Axe 225i, the Husqvarna model is larger but almost 2 pounds lighter. Also, if you’re seeking a larger size, greater power and more fuel capacity, the tradeoff is going to be weight. It’s up to you to decide if the heavier model is worth those other benefits.

Safety feature comparison

Just like any other aspect, safety features can vary from model to model, even within the same brand. A lower-end Stihl might not have all the benefits of a higher-end Stihl. Before deciding, take a thorough look at the safety features on the model you’re considering. Ideally, you want a kickback guard, chain brake, chain catcher, right-hand guard, throttle lock and accessible stop control or deadman’s switch. Vibration reduction is also very important because constant shaking can cause damage to nerves, muscles, bones and joints. Plus, you can lose the sensation in your fingers and have diminished control over the chainsaw. If you’re going to pay extra for anything, let it be for safety features. 

Pricing

Chainsaws are available at all price points, from entry-level light-duty models to heavy-duty professional tools. The larger and more powerful the model, the more it costs.

Stihl has a broad range of chainsaws that start at a remarkably low price when compared to Husqvarna. For instance, the MS 162, an entry-level gasoline-powered chainsaw with a 16-inch chain, is available for $200. But if you want greater size and power, Stihl has the MS 881 R Magnum, the company’s largest and most powerful chainsaw. The Magnum has a 41-inch bar and retails for $2,280. For those who want something in between, there are dozens of models available to suit the user’s precise needs.

The chainsaws in Husqvarna’s line are a bit more expensive. The entry-level Husqvarna is the 120i, a brushless, battery-powered chainsaw with a 12-inch blade. Even though this tool doesn’t come with a battery or charger, it still costs $329. If you need a professional model that can perform in absolutely any and every heavy-duty situation, that would be the 3120 XP, a 42-inch gasoline-powered model that retails for $3,269. Like Stihl, Husqvarna has models at a variety of price points between the two extremes.

Bottom line

Both Stihl and Husqvarna are quality brands that have a long history of satisfying customers. Stihl has the low-torque cutting power that lets the machine chew through the toughest situations. Husqvarna is better for professional work, so the products are larger, with convenient features that can make the models more desirable and come at higher prices. If heavy-duty performance is your primary concern and you aren’t limited by cost, Husqvarna is the way to go. For homeowners who don’t always need maximum tree-felling power and would like a more budget-friendly chainsaw, Stihl is the better option. 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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