Replacing Husky 55 Rancher with Stihl model.... which one?

[Wildo]

Get a dolmar 6100 for $525 and never look back. Equivalent husky 562xp $750, equivalent Stihl... I don't run Stihl so I couldn't tell ya

 

[Bigg_Redd]

Get a dolmar 6100 for $525 and never look back.

A 61cc saw rated for only a 20" bar?

 

[Jon1270]

every saw I've considered buying from them had those... which one doesn't?

(not doubting you, I just don't want to go check specs on all of them)

Just search ebay for "Echo cs cylinder" and look for the clamshells. There are plenty.

 

[Wildo]

Ayuh!

 

[Wildo]

If that don't flood your undies get 6400 for under $600 or a 7900 for under $800

 

[Firewood Bandit]

If that don't flood your undies get 6400 for under $600 or a 7900 for under $800

Ever run a 6400, I had one and got rid of it, big and heavy, like Stihl MS290 but with better power. I have a 7900 which is great power/weight but not what the OP needs.

 

[Firewood Bandit]

Back on track for the OP,

If money is an issue, get an $ 399 Echo CS-590, best bang for the buck.

Reasonable money, a Husky 545 or 555.

Best saw, Husky 550XP or 562XP, if you are in a cold climate get the "G" model with heated handles you won't regret it.

If you are bent on Stihl, spend big money and get the MS261.

 

[olsonbri]

Well since this has turned into a Stihl vs. Husqvarna debate I'll ad my .02 worth. I own 2 Husqvarna saws and I like them. We have Stihl saws at work (fire dept) so I have experience with them too. Both brands do the job but IMHO the Husqvarna saws seem more refined.

As for your Rancher not running well I ask, have you had a dealer look at it? It could need a carb tune or carb rebuild. Ethanol gas has wreaked havoc on many two stroke engines and yours may be one of them. Do you think Husqvarna bar studs are inferior to Stihl's or have you under/over tightened your bars? Don't get me wrong, both brands make great saws and so so saws. But if your issue's are owner/operator induced then brand does not matter

My 55 Rancher troubles may very well have been operator induced. I have switched over to no ETOH gas, but the Rancher has had the 'bad gas' in the past. Last year, I decided to dive in and rebuild the carb. I had never done this before. Much to my surprise, the saw fired right up and ran great for a while, and now it starts harder.

I certainly didn't mean to make any statements regarding Husky quality. I think it's more about getting service where I live, having a reputable business that deals Stihl. For Husky I'd have L*owes or HD. Not sure about Echo.

"replacement" in my title is somewhat misleading. Its more about having that extra backup saw around if and when the time comes I need.

I'm trying to convince my wife on a pro model. You guys made me see the boost in power/weight ratio. I'm in my mid 40s and I think I would appreciate this advantage later on.

Thanks a bunch! --Bri

 

[Firewood Bandit]

If you are going to rebuild the carb, change out the fuel and impulse line too.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

like Stihl MS290 but with better power.

Not for nuthin' but the 290 is over a pound lighter than the 6400, and the 291 is a pound lighter than the 290.

Just sayin'

 

[Bigg_Redd]

If you are bent on Stihl, spend big money and get the MS261.

You must have a different program in the Cheese State - Here in WA the difference in price between Stihl and Husqy is negligible

 

[Firewood Bandit]

Not for nuthin' but the 290 is over a pound lighter than the 6400, and the 291 is a pound lighter than the 290.

Just sayin'

Understood, but a 6400 in a pinch will pull skip chain on a 30" bar OK, think a 290 would do that satisfactorily? It's still big and bulky for a 60cc class saw.

 

[Firewood Bandit]

You must have a different program in the Cheese State - Here in WA the difference in price between Stihl and Husqy is negligible

Stihl dealers won't discount a dime, my Husky dealer is great regarding prices. For example, 20" Tsumura bars for $40, $46 for 24". I paid $529 for a 550XPG.

 

[Jon1270]

20" Tsumura bars for $40, $46 for 24"

I've got to make a trip to Wisconsin.

 

[Danno77]

What are you going to do with the 55?

 

[Halligan]

I certainly didn't mean to make any statements regarding Husky quality. I think it's more about getting service where I live, having a reputable business that deals Stihl. For Husky I'd have L*owes or HD. Not sure about Echo.



Thanks a bunch! --Bri

Having dealer support is key. I'm lucky enough to have nearby dealers for both Husqvarna, Stihl, and even Dolmar. Go with Stihl.

 

[olsonbri]

Getting closer. I like the Stihl 261 for $619. BUT: Is it really worth the extra $150 to go pro over the 291 ($469) for the above reasons already stated? Seems like a bigger discrepancy in price than other reports I've seen.

 

[olsonbri]

If you are going to rebuild the carb, change out the fuel and impulse line too.

Did that & replaced the filter too

 

[Jon1270]

Getting closer. I like the Stihl 261 for $619. BUT: Is it really worth the extra $150 to go pro over the 291 ($569) for the above reasons already stated? Seems like a bigger discrepancy in price than other reports I've seen.

Better check your math there.

 

[Firewood Bandit]

I've got to make a trip to Wisconsin.

I didn't say my pusher, errr dealer is in Wisconsin did I? I drive a ways to get prices like this.

 

[Osagebndr]

Awesome prices bandit! To the op check out the price on a new carb probably not much difference than a kit if not just get the carb and spare yourself some time and get the fuel and other lines . If you can't get good info from this post hang it up lol

 

[aansorge]

Save yourself a bunch of money and get this...(broken link removed to http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/tls/4780739143.html)

 

[olsonbri]

Better check your math there.

Sorry about that... 291 = $469 not $569. So the difference between the 2 is still $150.

 

[midwestcoast]

Sorry about that... 291 = $469 not $569. So the difference between the 2 is still $150.

"worth it" has different meanings to everyone. If you just flat can't afford it then no, it's not worth it. If you have the money then I'd say it certainly is.
Honestly I haven't run a 261 or 291, but have run a couple 290's and have plenty of time with a 260 and the difference is worth $150 if I were buying new.

 

[olsonbri]

"worth it" has different meanings to everyone. If you just flat can't afford it then no, it's not worth it. If you have the money then I'd say it certainly is.
Honestly I haven't run a 261 or 291, but have run a couple 290's and have plenty of time with a 260 and the difference is worth $150 if I were buying new.

Cool beans. Maybe that was a dumb question... it is what it is. We'll go with the 261. Dealer said he'd throw in a chain. Appreciate all the replies.