new saw stihl v Husqvarna

[g1xer]

Hi all
Looking to add a new saw as my 041 is getting to be hard work in big timber (getting  much more vibes from it ) so its gonna be a stihl ms362
 https://robertkee.ie/product/stihl-chainsaw-ms-362-c-m#
 or a husqvarna 560xp 
https://www.gplshop.co.uk/husqvarna-forest-garden-products/chainsaws/husqvarna-professional-saws/husqvarna-560-xp-g.php
as i already have a stihl im going in favor of stihl but the husqvarna is a bit cheaper.I think these saws are about the same spec wise. Is one nicer to use than the other? which is best? any pros or cons for both? interested in views from anyone with experience of either also wondering if anyone has used www.gplshop.co.uk in the past, they will ship anywhere
Thanks for any information
                 G1xer

[DelawhereJoe]

I was in the same boat a few years ago, my 041 was a non-av saw, I decided on the Stihl ms 362 c-m as all my bars and chains would fit the saw. Even the bars from my 024 & 026 would fit the saw also, the pnly think the saw would need to run the .325 was a different rim sprocket.

[lxskllr]

I have a 362cm, and a 362 that I haven't yet started. No complaints about the 362cm. Starts easily, and runs with good power. Never ran a Husky for comparison, but the 362cm is a solid saw.

[HolmenTree]

g1xer, being in the UK you have the MS462 available.
Unless you don't want to spend the little extra money I wouldn't even consider the 362, the 462 is the same weight  give or take a few grams and over 10 more cc displacement then the 362.

[John Mc]

g1xer, being in the UK you have the MS462 available.
Unless you don't want to spend the little extra money I wouldn't even consider the 362, the 462 is the same weight and over 10 more cc displacement then the 362.

when the heck is that darn saw going to be available in the US?

[HolmenTree]

Soon I hope John, mean while my old tired 562XP -20" is doing the 60-70cc chores in my fleet.

[John Mc]

Soon I hope John, mean while my old tired 562XP -20" is doing the 60-70cc chores in my fleet.

That looks like it's been around the block a few times.

[HolmenTree]

Soon I hope John, mean while my old tired 562XP -20" is doing the 60-70cc chores in my fleet.

That looks like it's been around the block a few times.

Yes it does, bought it new in 2012. Was my main go to saw ever since with only 2 broken spring mounts.
Other then it doesn't like hot weather it has been mechanically perfect running without any breakdowns or repairs.
Still lots of compression and strong power for a stock 60cc saw with a muffler mod.

[HolmenTree]

But now it is time for a more powerful 72cc saw that likes hot weather and weighs the same as the 60cc 562XP.
The 562 will then back up the 462 as a spare when there is no time to sharpen or swap out a chain.

[teakwood]

g1xer, being in the UK you have the MS462 available.
Unless you don't want to spend the little extra money I wouldn't even consider the 362, the 462 is the same weight and over 10 more cc displacement then the 362.

when the heck is that darn saw going to be available in the US?

we are all waiting for that thing!!

[g1xer]

g1xer, being in the UK you have the MS462 available

Love a 462 but for what i do its overkill and out side my budget. im just trying to find which is the best option and most easy to use and the smoothest for long days. Dont want to regret getting the wrong one

[btulloh]

I bought a 362cm a couple years ago.  Really like it.  Runs good.  No issues.  Good feel and balance. Good mid-size saw.  Just my experience.  Probably get the same story from Husky users too.  

A good dealer is important.  That may make a difference in your choice.

MS462 sounds intriguing, but . . . not one of the choices when I bought the 362.  Sounds like it's not a choice right now in the US.

[FloridaMike]

I think the Stihl MS500i will beat the MS462cm to the US (this spring per Stihl's web site).  So I plan to buy the first of the two that actually hits the shelf.

[teakwood]

I don't think that the 500i will be available in America in the spring. Sale starts in spring in Europe and i would be amazed if they open the market in the US at the same time.

Look what happened to the 462, it was released in spring 2018 in Europe and we are still waiting for the dang thing 

[g1xer]

Just been doing research on saws and im wondering if because of my use for the saw might a 365 be a better option?
I can cut for a week and the nothing for a month then for 2 to 3 days and leave it for 2 months, This is because of other jobs that i do that take me away for times.The 560 being a pro saw might not like being letft up for long periods but the 365 a semi pro and without autotune might be a better option?v Iknow its a bit heavier but it also has a few more cc?

[DelawhereJoe]

With some work you can turn that 365 into a 372 and get more power out of it. Are you set on Stihl or Husqvarna, Echo puts put some good saws at fair prices there cs 800p an 80cc saw runs about $850 and there 60cc pro saws run about $550 .

[Skeans1]

Just been doing research on saws and im wondering if because of my use for the saw might a 365 be a better option?
I can cut for a week and the nothing for a month then for 2 to 3 days and leave it for 2 months, This is because of other jobs that i do that take me away for times.The 560 being a pro saw might not like being letft up for long periods but the 365 a semi pro and without autotune might be a better option?v Iknow its a bit heavier but it also has a few more cc?

I have a 562 I use in production falling when I hand fall, there's times I can run it 6 months straight and like this year it hasn't been started at all but when it has set for stretches it's never given me an issue. The 372 is a fine saw I've just never cared for them that much unless they're hopped up. A Stihl is a no go for me I like my hands and not shaking at the end of the day who needs a shook up beer before you open it or no feeling in their hands?

[maple flats]

I can't address which brand to go with. I run all Huskys but that is because when I got my first non homeowner saw the local Stihl dealer was someone I did not trust. Once I had a Husky, I stayed with them even though the Husky dealer later also started carrying both brands.
To that, my suggestion is to go with the dealer you like best and if both brands are carried by that dealer, flip a coin. I do see advantages with sticking with one brand but I can't tell which brand is better. Personally I think both are likely good brands. Just go with a better saw rather than a throwaway model. Better does not mean it needs to be bigger, get the size you need in a quality saw.
As for Husky saws, I own 4 and all work well. Before I got my first Husky back in 2004 I went thru one Poulan Wildthing (their homeowner saw) every 12-14 months and got tired of needing a new saw that often. I bought them for $129-139 US dollars. I then bought a Husky 359 for $375 and it still works like new, as do my others, the best being a 543XP with a 20" bar and a 365 with a 20" and a 34" bar.

[sawguy21]

I don't know where you get the idea a 365 is a 'semi' pro saw, it is virtually identical to the 372 but has a smaller bore. Properly cared for it will work with the best of them. Sounds like your experience with Stihl is limited to the old 'laydowns', the current crop are as smooth as any. At any rate go with what you are comfortable with.

[Skeans1]

I don't know where you get the idea a 365 is a 'semi' pro saw, it is virtually identical to the 372 but has a smaller bore. Properly cared for it will work with the best of them. Sounds like your experience with Stihl is limited to the old 'laydowns', the current crop are as smooth as any. At any rate go with what you are comfortable with.

If you mean the current as the 441 and 661 I have yes they are better then the 66 and 44 were but they still vibrate too much for my hands. Take a 395 your hands will not bug you near as fast as a 661 or 66 will.

[barbender]

The only Stihl I have run for a significant amount of time is the ms261cm I got last winter. It is as vibration free as any of my "Electrolux" saws, and I'm becoming quite fond of it.