It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional, a hobbyist or a homeowner trying to keep the backyard clean, a chainsaw is a crucial tool that you would need. The hardware stores have a little too many collections these days – it is quite normal to feel overwhelmed between the options.
The Stihl vs Husqvarna Chainsaw
So, today we will make a head-to-head comparison between two well-known brands in the chainsaw section – Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw.
Comparing these two brands is too hard. You cannot find a clear answer from any woodworker or a logger. Some will prefer Husqvarna while some love Stihl. Without a doubt, they both are at the top of the table.
But if you think Stihl and Husqvarna are quite similar, you are wrong. They both have their preferred market, and they design their tools to serve the need of their target market.
We will compare them parameter by parameter and discuss the perfect use cases of both the chainsaw brands and, of course, the pros and cons.
You will be in the judging seat – as, at the end of the day, the choice is only yours!
Stihl Chainsaws – German Perfection!
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Stihl chainsaws have the German tag. We are all aware of the German-built quality. Are you not convinced? You must know the fame of brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, right?
So, we don’t think you should be worried about the built-quality of the Stihl chainsaws. These babies are one of the best you can find anywhere on the planet.
Stihl started their journey in 1926. Since the beginning of the journey, they became super popular among the users for being flexible and having higher torque.
Stihl designed all of its chainsaws mainly focusing on casual users. For example, if you are a homeowner and you need a light yet powerful chainsaw to cut down the branches in your backyard, you should probably get a Stihl saw.
It doesn’t mean that professionals cannot find their suitable chainsaw from the collection of Stihl chainsaws. Stihl has a wide collection of chainsaws that can fit to everyone’s needs.
Some Stihl fans love the chainsaws as the saws can deliver great power to cut through the hardest woods with the low-end torque.
Husqvarna Chainsaws – The Swedish Powerhouse
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While Germany has BMW, Audi, Porsche, Sweden has Volvo, Scania, AMG, and Koenigsegg. Husqvarna is also another big brand coming from this wonderful country.
In fact, Husqvarna is an even more popular chainsaw brand compared to Stihl among the loggers. Husqvarna has a glorifying history. The hardware manufacturing company was founded back in 1689!
In the last 330 years, they have expanded their business in over 100 countries. The company used to make many kinds of power tools. But since 1978, they focused on producing chainsaws only as Electrolux acquired them.
Why do the loggers love Husqvarna?
The answer is POWER!
Husqvarna chainsaws are bigger and typically have more powerful motors compared to other brands. As it delivers more power, it takes much less time to cut off a tree.
These saws are more robust, tougher, and more durable.
Everything Depends on the Use Purpose!
So, who wins the duel of Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw?
You cannot call it a straight-up duel, actually. There is a fine line between the professional chainsaws and the homeowner chainsaws. As the purposes of these two users are different, the designs and functionalities between the two categories of saws are different.
For example, a homeowner chainsaw comes with shorter bars, comparatively smaller engines, and plastic made crankcases. These attributes make the chainsaws lightweight. A homeowner definitely would want a light and effective chainsaw.
In that case, you should pick the Stihl saws. They have remarkable saws under the 55cc motor power and bars ranging from 18″ to 20″. In these ranges, Stihl saws are undefeatable.
On the other hand, a professional logger needs more powerful engines ranging from 55cc to 100cc. Moreover, they seek for larger bar size, the 18”-20” bar size could be too small for professional usage.
If you fall into the professional category, you might choose Husqvarna chainsaws. They have quite a reputation for being the sturdy saws.
Husqvarna has aluminum or magnesium crankcases instead of plastic cases. Most of them have rip sprockets rather than the spur sprockets.
In short, Husqvarna offers tools that meet the desires of professional users like loggers. They are perfect for cutting down large trees.
But you have to keep in mind that both of the brands have a wide collection of chainsaws. Even Stihl has more powerful engines and can handle professional jobs quite effectively. And there are a lot of homeowners who Husqvarna is a better choice for them.
At the end of the day, the choice depends on operation style and personal preference.
Stihl vs Husqvarna Chainsaw – Head-to-Head
Now, let’s discuss some of the critical factors you should definitely think before you purchase a chainsaw –
How Big is the Fuel Tank?
The fuel tank should be one of the major concerns you are planning to go for a gasoline-powered chainsaw. It has a close tie to work efficiency too.
If you have a smaller fuel tank in your chainsaw, you will have to re-fuel the saw more frequently. This disrupts the workflow and makes the tasks less effective.
But there is a tradeoff between a bigger fuel tank and weight. The bigger fuel tank means heavier weight and heavier chainsaws mean less flexibility.
So, the choice is yours again – do you want a heavy saw or one with less fuel capacity?
Typically, Husqvarna tends to design saws with larger fuel tanks. On the other hand, Stihl focuses on being lightweight.
Who is More Efficient?
Both Stihl and Husqvarna have their own unique technology that makes them stand out.
For example, Stihl has an Auto-Oiler feature. The Auto-Oiler is an advanced lubrication mechanism. The chain gets lubricated with this feature.
Result? The Stihl saws have extended lifespan compared to the other chainsaws in the market.
Husqvarna, on the other hand, boasts of their X-TORQ technology. The technology makes the saws more fuel-efficient and lowers exhaust emission levels.
We already know that Husqvarna has a larger fuel tank. When you combine this feature with the X-TORQ technology, Husqvarna becomes the champion in fuel efficiency.
Husqvarna will be the winner for being far more efficient in this category.
Handling – Which One is Smoother?
We all know that chainsaws are tough to control mainly due to the vibration. Both Stihl and Husqvarna have special tricks under their sleeve to tackle the problem.
Stihl has special anti-vibration handles. These handles are designed to comfort the user in a sensitive situation. The special handle also ensures more flexibility that the homeowners desire.
Husqvarna comes with the LowVib technology to dampen the vibration. As the technology aims to lower the vibration, it reduces fatigue, and the users can work for a prolonged time period.
The woodworkers prefer the Husqvarna for being smoother having less vibration.
Safety and Durability
Chainsaws are extremely dangerous power tools. If the users don’t handle them with proper care, serious injuries could occur.
Stihl has QuickStop and Chain-Catcher technology. These two technologies ensure that the chainsaw doesn’t kickback. So far, we have heard only positive feedback from the users about Stihl to be safe and durable too.
Husqvarna also has its own Chain-Catcher technology. Like the QuickStop in the Stihl saws, Husqvarna has Kickback Guard. Additionally, it has an emergency stop button.
As for durability, Husqvarna has robust crankcases. Due to this crankcase, it works perfectly at a higher RPM rate.
We think Husqvarna variants are slightly more durable and safer compared to the Stihl saws. But we are not saying that Stihl less safe in away.
Winner – Husqvarna!
Is the Saw Too Heavy?
Weight is one of the critical factors for a chainsaw. With the heavier saws, it is much tougher to maneuver the saws freely. It reduces flexibility by a great extent.
Stihl wins in this category as they tend to manufacture lighter chainsaws. For example, most of the saws from Stihl weighs from 7lbs to 12 lbs.
On the other hand, Husqvarna chainsaws are slightly heavier. They have a bigger fuel tank and use metal elements for the crankcases. Due to these reasons, their chainsaws weigh between 5.7lbs to 22 lbs.
Cutting Quality
In this case, both Stihl and Husqvarna are quite similar. As both of them have powerheads, they tend to maximize the cutting efficiency. Cutting quality also has a close connection to user fatigue. If you are working for an extended period of time, you will have lesser quality cuts.
As the Stihl saws have a lower weight on average, you will find it more comfortable while working with one of them.
Maintenance
If you have to maintain a chainsaw too often, you might have bought a wrong one! Both Stihl and Husqvarna have easy to clean mechanism.
But Stihl has a better design that makes the chainsaws easier to maintain. So, the winner of this category is Stihl.
Is It Easy to Start?
Stihl comes with the Easy2Start technology. Most of the chainsaws from Stihl have a starter rope that you can pull almost effortlessly, and the engine starts almost instantly.
Husqvarna, on the other side, has SmartStart technology. This feature reduces cord resistance by 40%. To prevent flooding, they have a choke or a stop function.
So, Husqvarna is will hold the title of easier starting chainsaw.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price will always be a major factor for a product. With more money, you will definitely get better products.
But when a product costs less in spite of maintaining the quality, it stands out. The same can be said about the Stihl chainsaws.
Stihl chainsaws have outstanding quality and have all the special features you would seek from a modern chainsaw. Yet they have a much better consumer-friendly price tag compared to the Husqvarna.
Of course, Husqvarna is one of the best brands in the hardware industry and has more than 400 years of history. But they cost more than the Stihl chainsaws.
So, considering the pricing policy, Stihl is the winner in the pricing category.
So, let’s sum up the features that both the brands of chainsaws have –
| Category | Stihl Chainsaws | Husqvarna Chainsaws |
|---|
| Fuel Tank | Smaller | Larger |
| Fuel Efficiency | Average | Better, due to X-TORQ |
| Safety | QuickStop and Chain-Catcher technology | Kickback Guard and Chain-Catcher technology |
| Crank Case Material | Plastic | Aluminum or Magnesium |
| Weight | Lightweight (7lbs to 12 lbs) | Heavier (5.7lbs to 22 lbs) |
| Handling | Anti-vibration handles | LowVib technology |
| Start-up | Easy2Start technology | SmartStart technology |
| Maintenance | Comparatively easier | Comparatively harder |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Power Delivery | 1.3kW – 6.4kW | 1.4kW – 6.4kW |
| Types Availastrongle | Gas, Electric, and Patrol | Mostly Gas, some Electric |
Final Words
Both Stihl and Husqvarna are at the top of the table when it comes to chainsaws. You cannot say that any of them is bad. So, have we made you even more confused now?
We can give you a tip though. Both Stihl and Husqvarna offer a free testing session. We would suggest you use both of them for as trial. Try to analyze how it feels to work with each of them.
No matter what the reviews say, you should only pick the one that suits you. Remember, you will be the one working with the chainsaws, not the review writers.
Moreover, there is an interesting fact; we think the Husqvarna is more suitable for heavy workers. But some of the models of Husqvarna is even more light and flexible than Stihl chainsaws. So, those particular models could be better suited for the homeowners and DIYers.
The same could be said about some of the more powerful models of Stihl.
We think rather than deciding the brand; you should analyze specific models. As for Stihl vs Husqvarna chainsaw comparison, both of the brands are the best you could find.
It would be seriously demeaning for any of them if we say that they are bad.