I prefer stihl but I only run pro models. The guys saying echo or whatever Brands are equal to stihl or husky are not comparing them to the pro models from stihl or husky.

X2

My dad really likes husqvarna

Stihl 170 with 16” bar. Around $150. Cut about 4 cords per year, 170 handles 95%.

Still have and use my Stihl 028 Wood Boss, that I bought in the Eighties.

Here is the salesman pitch. I have a couple questions you need to answer.

How much firewood do you cut per year?
How big is the diameter of the trees you are dropping?
How many cc is your current saw?
How heavy is your current saw?
What dealers do you have?

You don't want too small of a saw, and you don't want one that will wear you out cause it's too big.

Get one without a computer, I made that mistake 6-7 years ago on a Husky 372, only trouble I have had was when a year old or so was a carb issue which was fixed under warranty, but I know the day is coming when I will not be able to fix it and will have to go to a dealer, and that warranty work was the only time I ever took a saw in.

If I had it to do over I would get an echo

get a stihl 261 its pro grade, its great

When my old Husky died...I bought an echo...very pleased

261cm

Or 372xp

Most of the saws that everyone are suggesting are discontinued models.

What he said!

I have had several saws in the last 50 plus years. The last one I bought was an Echo. I was a bit skeptical but a good friend that cuts a lot more wood than I do recommended the brand.
It is the best saw I have owned. I really like. I do not wood for a living but cut 7 to 9 cords a year. I do not buy tree length but go out and cut them down, limb and cut them up.

Mac

Ok so a couple of you have mentioned Jonsered. THEY ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SAWS. But they don't make them any more. Huskvarna bought out Red Max and discontinued the Jreds at that time replacing them with the Red Max. I haven't heard anything but it appears that they are now getting rid of the Red max.

Those that say Stihl and Huskvarna have lost quality likely have been using homeowner saws. In my opinion they are junk and the only way to go is to buy the Pro series models. Chances are if it was sold at a box store or chain store of any kind it is most likely a homeowner grade saw. Best bet is to go to a local saw shop.

I have heard nothing but praise about the newer echo stuff

Stihl Pro series stuff is great but in my experience they can be hard starting saws, run great once going.

Huskvarna, Jonsered, Red Max. All the same company and most of the saws in their model lines have twins in the other colors. But again there is a significant difference between the homeowners models and the Pro models.

Stihl 261c. You won’t regret it.

How old are you? I have a Husky 455 Rancher but I'm also 66 and I only want to run the 455 for so long. I also have a Stihl 250 which is much more user-friendly for me. 455 for the big diameter stuff and the 250 for smaller wood. I gave $300 for the Stihl a few years ago.

A lot of the saws we are mentioning you couldn’t even buy used for $350 - $400

Point to remember. A lot of problems with saws come down to maintenance. Hard to start - carbon deposits on the cylinder head, plus others. Loss of power - carbon buildup on spark arrester, plus others. You have received some good suggestions, buy enough engine for the bar size you need for your workload.

I just went from the Husky 455 Rancher and switched to an Echo 620. I cut mainly dead juniper and oak. The Husky bogged down in the big rounds. My Echo rips through the dead wood.