Best Chainsaw for Every Budget (Stihl & Husqvarna Chainsaws)

For more chainsaw tutorials, reviews and vlogs, check out @OldSchoolMillennial
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Check out my reviews on several of the chainsaws in this video!
Stihl MS 180: • BEST CHAINSAW FOR HOME...
Stihl MS 261 C-M: • Stihl MS 261 CM
Stihl MS 500-i: • STIHL 500i - In A Leag...
Husqvarna 550xp Mark 2: • Husqvarna 550xp Mark 2
MY FAVORITE CHAINSAW GEAR:
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Combi Gas/Oil Can: rstyle.me/+heOotY_7DZSo_47Gdz...
50ft Loggers Tape: rstyle.me/+Sfd1VhYMD9gUu0Tbbl...
LogOx: amzn.to/2MBt8zy
Hard Hat: amzn.to/3CHMTdC
Chainsaw Chaps: rstyle.me/+a0TF5cbswiXmcdNsXr...
Husqvarna Sharpening Kit: rstyle.me/+zbEZe5tMRtRMdB9v79...
Oregon 620 Bench Grinder: rstyle.me/+4aKNoA3ihR4V-BQSIt...
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Bugz Goggles: amzn.to/3nAe6aY
(As an Amazon Associate I receive a small commission on eligible purchases.)
CHAINSAWS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
Homeowner Chainsaws
Stihl MS 170: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 180: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 210
Stihl MS 250: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Husqvarna 240: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 120: www.husqvarna.com/za/chainsaw...
Farm/Ranch Chainsaws
Husqvarna 440: www.husqvarna.com/za/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 450 Rancher: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 455 Rancher: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 460 Rancher: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 291: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 391: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Pro-Level Chainsaws
Stihl MS 261: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 362: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 400 C-M: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 500-i: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 661 C-M Magnum: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Stihl MS 880 Magnum: m.stihlusa.com/products/chain...
Husqvarna 550 XP: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 562 XP: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 572 XP: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...
Husqvarna 372 XP: www.husqvarna.com/us/chainsaw...

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I'm giving away a BRAND NEW STIHL MS 261 chainsaw! Enter now through November 23, 2023 (Thanksgiving Day). Details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHO5pmqtZ6d4oq8

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great info, Glenn. Enjoyed the entire video.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

The Echo CS-590 and 4910 are the best value for homeowners. The CS-590 blows away the Stihl and Husqvarna equivalents in ability to run a 24in bar and is a pro-style engine, not a clamshell design like the Stihl and Husqvarna farm and ranch saws use.

[@bldlightpainting]

I've run Stihl saws for the last 25 years as a landowner/developer but recently bought a Husqvarna 550 XP Mark II with 18" bar to carry in my Jeep as I help maintain logging roads in the mountains of Oregon. So far I'm totally in love with this saw in every way and plan to purchase the 572 XP or 592 XP with a 32" lightweight bar in the near future to handle the fewer 4' to 6' trees I occasionally run into.

[@ryangibson1900]

Looking to get my first saw for our property. Would you recomend the husk over the stihl?

[@Kallaus_built]

Me and dad have both stihl and husky and they wre awesome

[@Wannabearborist]

2:07 Dude, tell me about it. I got a chainsaw for my 18th birthday from my mom (who is very quickly concerned with my safety) now I got so addicted to them that I have 5 now (5 months after first running mine) and I now also wanna be a climbing arborist (what my mom REALLY doesn’t like because it’s quite dangerous 😂) So yeah, same here To all girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers… don’t give a guy a chainsaw unless you wanna get him addicted to them because that risk is fairly high 😂

[@lonnieholbert8898]

I just bought an Echo 590 and its a beast. Noticed when shopping though that comparing apples to apples was nearly impossible. I wanted 60cc and a 24 bar and the 590 offered the best overall value as well as outcutting Stihl and Husky in many compareson videos.

[@robinverbridge4900]

Jonsereds 2245 OR Solo 650 Warning: If you are one of those guys who enjoys pulling the handle 4 or 5 or 6 times to get the engine started then you might be better of with one of those OTHER saws!

[@peanutbuttersanwhich1488]

Best overall. 590 chainsaw

[@luisgodoy9315]

Do the O ring mod for the air filter helps a lot with saw dust

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

I agree that the 590 is the best saw for the dollar. I love echo saws, they are all top notch. Stihl and Husqvarna people get stuck in their head that they are the best. They discredit echo because it’s sold at home depo and they think they are Chinese junk. They have this opinion without ever using one or realize they are the Japanese Lexus of saws.

[@peanutbuttersanwhich1488]

Best chainsaw of em all is the Echo 590

[@stevanz1]

I've got a Huskey 565, it's basically a cheaper 572. I absolutely love it, it hasn't missed a beat since I've got it mid last year. It has heaps of power for hardwood but it's super fuel efficient. Only downside is the weight, I wouldn't say it's as heavy as some of the older saws but it's still noticeable.

[@davidedwards3734]

Great video to explain different levels of saws. Merry Christmas to You and Your Family. Have a Safe Day

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@jeffdutton2500]

I have been a Stihl man for years. Loved my 028's for firewood then upgraded to a 261cm. My go to saw. I believe it was about $750 one I upgraded to bigger chain and bar. Just picked up a 572XP and think it's going to replace several saws for me. I do have a few of them. I'm just a small rancher that loves my chainsaws and a signal engineer for a living. But cutting is my hobby along with rebuilding garage sale saws as long as they are orange and white

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

Echo saws are without a doubt the best bang for the buck. There is many saw guys that have put them all to the test and echo comes out on top. Echo is made in Japan, every one knows that the best stuff is Japanese. Stihl is German like a Mercedes, husqvarna is Swedish like a Volvo, and echo is Japanese the Lexus of the group.

[@gusalvarez07]

Man i always rely on youtube when ever i need to buy or start a new project and your videos are so informative and easy to understand

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, man. That's a great compliment. I'm glad you have found them helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@elinaikonen9344]

Husqvarna 545 mark2 And it was 599€ And i love it.

[@benig.3070]

Great video Glenn - keep up the good work. I recently bought my first real chainsaw which is an Stihl MS-261 and it's great. I paid just over $600 for it. I wanted a pro chainsaw because I'm waiting for the good Lord to bless my family and I with some property in the country, which has trees so we can heat our future home with a wood burning stove. God willing, we'll receive that home soon. May God bless you and your family abundantly 😊

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Beni! That is awesome that you got a 261. It is a great saw that will serve you well. Keep on praying for God to lead you and your family. His timing is perfect.

[@kg66428]

550xp has been good for cutting fired wood, and as a support saw for my larger saws. 562xp has also been really good for cutting down trees. The farm and ranch are good. But heavier when compared to their "pro" counter parts. I'm usually with my nieces and nephews when wood hauling, so a good power to wait ratio is desirable for them.

[@LeuCustomKnives]

Started with a MS 211C nov 2020 and recently graduated to a MS 462C 😂 what a difference.

[@benpreston7833]

Husky 440 is a amazing saw

[@drewr13NJ]

Good video Glenn! Hopefully this will help out novices and people who are in the market for a chainsaw. I started out just like you with a MS180C. This saw was great around the house. I cut down a decent sized maple with it at my old house along with a reciprocating saw. A few years later, I ended up buying a house that has a wood burner. After doing some research and asking opinions, I upgraded to a MS261CM with a 20" bar. It works well since I cut 3-5 cords/year. I have found myself wanting more especially if the tree service drops off some big (like 30"+) stuff, so I upgraded again to a MS500i, which I bought second hand. If I could do it over, I might have bought a 362 or 462 instead of the 261, but all are good saws. My productivity increased greatly with the MS261 over the MS180, plus my back hurts less due to the longer bar on the 261. The MS 180 gets used the least now, and I haven't put the 500i in any sizable wood yet. I'm excited to run the 500i to say the least! Prices: MS180C 16" $200 in 2016 MS261CM 20" $600 in early 2020 MS500i second hand- $1200 with new 25" bar and two chains. Looking to upgrade to a light bar at some point. (Fall 2021)

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, man! You've got a nice set of chainsaws that will cover most everything now. Thanks for sharing the story and progression of your chainsaw collection.

[@Doomzday831]

My favorite chainsaw is the husky T435 it’s the little chainsaw that could! We have it at work and it was used 7yrs ago when I started and the thing just runs cuts anything and everything. Only saw that hasn’t broke. All the others saws have been replaced and that thing fires up on the first pull every time!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That one is a keeper! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us.

[@stannelson2582]

I ve used an ms250 for 12 plus years doing 5 to 20 facecord per year. Love it. Finally stepped up this year on my limited budget for 400 bucks I purchased a husky 460. Cut 20 facecord with it and it’s a super saw for the money. I use both on every tree and love every second. If I did more than 35 face cord I think a pro saw would be the next step for me. Merry Christmas.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Stan! Hope you had a great Christmas. Happy New Year!

[@brianfreland9065]

Thanks, I've been eyeballin' that husqvarna haha

[@UA---rb9je]

Hello from Ukraine! I'm use in my work chainsaws Husqvarna - 353, 550XP mark 2, 562XP.

[@ninayuan9703]

Good job!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you!

[@vascopires2045]

i like the husqvarna 2 series saws

[@hankf616]

I actually use an Ego 16” electric chainsaw as my “homeowner” chainsaw. It’s quiet, so I can use it whenever without pissing of any neighbors, and it handles pretty much any small stuff around the house. That being said, I also have an MS261 for my chainsaw work out on our land. So if I had to do any major work around the house, like a tree got blown over in a storm or something of that nature, I could always fall back on that.

[@GWHcraig1088]

i own a husky 450 rancher with 20" . and my father has the Stihl 250 running an 18". i personally prefer my saw, and he of course prefers his on. we both cut firewood, clean up and some clearing on our land. both are what i would consider the best "do-all" saws in the 50cc class.

[@jeschreindl]

Its nice having multiple saws. We use a Stihl ms170 for the lite limbing and thinning and an Echo CS620P for lager bucking and felling. Also use and old Jonsereds 49sp and Poulan 3400 countervibe as backup saws :) I really enjoy saws too lol. How’s your Kioti tractor treating you? We’ve had our CK2610 for about a month now and it seems to be a pretty solid little machine. Hope you guys had a great Christmas celebrating our savior and a happy new year!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks for sharing what chainsaws you're using. I especially like the Jonsereds! I only have one, but it's really cool. I can tell you have a soft spot for a good chainsaw. And I love the CK2610. I have a few more implements I want to get to really get the most out of it, but it can do a lot!

[@vascopires2045]

as far as my favorite thats hard to say bu the one i use the most is a husqvarna 246

[@richardnixon9204]

You are truly blessed to have such a great wife and thanks for the good info !!! Fm. Southfield Mich.🥾💪

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thanks, Richard! That is the truth! I tell her very often how thankful I am for her. God is good!

[@richardnixon9204]

@@OldSchoolMillennial And yes you are so very right O.S.C. From the moment of conception, the two of you were in God's designed plan to further your lives together. For his future plans to carry out his words and actions in order to make the world a better place, for those who follow ... PS. Pls keep up your great knowledgeable videos, and may God continue to bless you and your family, thank you ! 💪🥾

[@itsmerob6120]

Love the channel name as I'm one myself. Keep it old school

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you! Will do.

[@aldredske6197]

Hi Glenn!!😀😀 Merry Christmas my friend!!😀😀❤ Logger Al

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Merry Christmas, Al!

[@kendallbyrne2788]

God bless you buddy stay safe brother!

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Thank you. God bless you!

[@brianpierce7114]

I have 11 saws, 9 stihl's, and 2 husqvarnas, and the funny thing is that I like the Husqvarnas the most. 3 are home/farm grade saws, which my favorite one is an older husqvarna 142, which won't die and a great all around saw. My 2nd favorite is a 562xp, and then my 3rd favorite for the bigger jobs is a stihl 660. I feel that stihl is overall better quality, but I find that the husqvarnas just run.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That's a nice collection! I understand how you feel. I like both for different reasons. Both of these companies make great saws!

[@stephenmyers3113]

Great information Glenn i enjoy your channel, I am land owner 4+ acres. Looking too expand my chainsaw collection. I currently own a Mc Coullaugh which is made my Husqvarna 30cc 14" bar gas powered 6yrs old. It is great for pruning and clearing brush. Looking to go up to 18-20" bar love to keep price under $600, any suggestions. Thanks Steve

[@peanutbuttersanwhich1488]

Get your self a Echo Cs-590 and you’ll see. It’s best overall chainsaw then any other. Check the price, check out the performance

[@cle569]

Merry Christmas to yall

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Merry Christmas!

[@michaeldelesky3024]

Ms170 for the win, lightweight and quick to grab around the property and pack to clear trails

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Great, agile saw. Just grab and go.

[@jaymartinrealtor7736]

I just purchased a Husqvarna 545 MKII and it's randed as a Pro saw. I will be mainly doing some felling and light to medium arborist work and firewood. I haven't unpacked the 545 yet, would you think moving up to a 550xp would be a justified leap, or should the 545 MKII be good enough?

[@thefirewooddoctor]

You skipped over all the great Echo brand chainsaws. The Echo CS-590 is the best value in chainsaws, smokes all comers in the farm & ranch class. It also responds very well to modifications. A local guy by the name of Gary Buxton can mod an Echo 590 to keep up with or beat the beat factory 60cc pro-saws for less money if you buy the Echo at the right price. There are also several Echo models in the homeowner and pro class that will serve most people very well. Once the Echo CS-590 breaks-in, is a really good performing saw. In anything under 12in logs I actually prefer it over my Husqvarna 572xp.

[@ryanclark4956]

I run Husqvarna and Stihl chainsaws. I have five Stihl chainsaws ranging from ms170 to ms460 and the Husqvarna is a 545 pro mark two

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Nice collection of saws! I'm the same way, both of these companies make good saws.

[@benjaminleslie3155]

Makita/Dolmar saws, their whole range is of the highest quality in my opinion and it breaks my heart to know that makita is discontinuing them.

[@IJLook]

I agree ! After getting a couple of Makita saws they became favorites quickly . The 6100p and 5000p both came with 20"bars and 3/8 pitch chains which gives me a lot more chain options on the 5000p over the other 50cc saws that come with.325 pitch chains and you have to buy another bar & rim sprocket to run 3/8 chain. Also the farm saws have rim sprockets and the 5600f has captured bar nuts

[@CombatFrame]

i know that ms170 its sligly cheaper than ms180 but when comes to parts how do i choose it are the price the same or???

[@williamwhite9275]

Ms261 is my everyday firewood saw gave about 550 for it and when needed I get out my 395xp for the big stuff and gave right at 1,000 for it

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

That's a good setup! Those two powerful saws got you covered!

[@williamwhite9275]

@@OldSchoolMillennial I'm very happy with it

[@davido6915]

Get a ms261 or 550xp mark2. I wouldn’t buy a saw from a big box store and I wouldn’t buy a a stihl ms271 or 291 or below except the 261 because it’s built so much better than the plastic cased saws.

[@BikerBry]

Actually, I got a MS 251, a MS 291 for felling and cutting, then lastly a MS 170 for light work like limping and small stuff.

[@tassiehandyman3090]

So... I have a stihl 181, a stihl 362CM, a husqvarna 120, a Husqvarna 340, a makita top handle, and an echo CS3400. Love them all, each is good for different tasks...👍

[@rbi1776]

I have a question, I was gifted by my father two slightly used Stihl saws. An MS/251 & MS/291. I don't think there is more than 3 hours between the two of them . My question is should I sell them both and get one of Stihl's Pro saws or keep what I have? I don't have any trees at my home in Florida but do own 200 acres in Louisiana. I would generally just keep these until worn out then buy the pro saws later but with everything going electric I was wondering if I should just keep these or get the pro. The sale of both would get me one pro saw. Is one pro saw better than two farm saws?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

For what you already have and the size saws that your dad gave you, those saws should work great for you. I would keep those two saws. It's nice to have a backup if one goes down or gets pinched. That should have you covered for many years to come.

[@AlanMolstad]

Need Advice: Im a home owner in the country. I want to have camp fires for guests. I have many down small trees. I have been thinking of getting a small Husqvarna from a local store. But then I see a lot of guys say they like the Stihl. Suggestions for a saw in the $200- 250 price range...give or take???

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

I use both brands and have had good experiences personally. One of the first saws was an MS180 and it has been a great saw and it is in that range. On the Husqvarna side I have heard good things about the 440 saws but haven't used one myself(its a little higher than the range you mentioned). This will make for a great homeowner chainsaw. If you ever want to step up from those you can start to look at the Farm/Ranch saws offered by both companies. Hopefully if that helps. If you have further questions let me know. As you can probably tell, I love chainsaws.

[@ninayuan9703]

【from Hipa】Do you like to test accessories for your equipment?thanks

[@sandsock]

Farm series should last 5/10 years. I've got almost 14 years out of my 361. I think I paid 850. Have you had any problems with auto tune or mtronik yet?

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

No problems so far!

[@zillman-mc9ld]

So technically wife can't be mad because she started it😂

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

Exactly.

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

Yeah, you said $400 and I was out.

[@OldSchoolMillennial]

They can definitely get pricey. You can find inexpensive chainsaws for much less if you don't need something that's going to last you for the long haul.

[@erickisielowski2596]

Went to the local Stihl dealership near me this weekend to pick up a 271. NONE of them worked. None of the 3 I tried in the store had the ability to turn over and was told the whole shipment is most likely bad. My next two options were the Husky 455 or Echo CS-590. I went with the Echo and was pretty blown away by not only the power but the design. It's like a blend of pro and farm saw. Echo also comes with a 5 year residential warranty. Best bang for the buck at $420.

[@gunterbecker8528]

Bullshit artist