Stihl vs. Husqvarna – The Right Brand for You

Ford or Chevy? Coke or Pepsi? No matter what you’re buying, there’s always at least two stand-out brands – brands which dominate the market and create divisions between consumers. Gather a room filled with Ford and Chevy owners, and they can easily spend all day debating amongst themselves which brand of trucks are superior. Coke and Pepsi drinkers will attest that their cola product is the superior one. While the products are similar, there are small differences between each product and brand which creates these alligances.

In the world of chainsaws, the two dominant brands are Husqvarna and Stihl. Gather a room for forresters and landscapers, and chances are that most of them will prefer one of these two brands. Fans of each brands have a legitimate case as to why their brand is better and why they prefer their Stihl or “Husky” over other saws. There’s really no way to tell which brand you’ll prefer, and which model you’ll prefer, then to try them out yourself – even within the Husqvarna and Stihl product families, there is debate as to which models have the best performance. However, there are some general guidelines to each brand that might help in assessing which brand will suit your needs best

• Stihl chainsaws tend to operate at a lower RPM with most of the power and torque delivered in the lower end of the RPM band. This makes for the most consistent cutting performance through tough pieces of wood. Husqvarna tends to use a turning pattern which runs at a higher RPM and allows for a quicker final cut, allowing them to cut out of the way fast.

• In general, Husqvarna has been more active in the consumer market – offering several models for professionals and homeowners alike. Husqvarna chainsaw parts tend to be easier to get on short notice because Husqvarna saws are commonly sold through retailers such as Sears. Stihl is limited to authorized dealers which may cause some inconvenience, but ensures a high level of service.

• Both brands have robust communities surrounding them, and there are many sources for Husqvarna and Stihl replacement parts – and there are some common issues to be aware of on each. Many Stihl models have an issue with rubber engine mounts corroding, while many Husqvarna models will eat through chains quicker than their Sithl equivalent.

Our best advice is to find a power equipment rental store, and try a few different models out before determining which product is right for you. There’s no right or wrong – it’s all personal preference. Be sure to visit us at HL Supply for small engine repair parts no matter which brand you choose!

OEM Chainsaw Parts vs. Aftermarket

When it comes to small engine repair, craftsmen have many options for sourcing the parts they need to get the job done. They can choose from two main ways of getting the parts they need – by ordering them directly from the original equipment manufacturer, i.e. from Stihl or Poulan directly; or from an aftermarket retailer. Aftermarket retailers run the gamut from general parts – simple things like gas caps and accessories that can be found at a big box retailer such as Home Depot, to very specific parts for a very specific machine – a replacement bar for a Stihl 026 chainsaw, for example. Which should you order from?

Aftermarket Suppliers vs. OEM Supplier

• Cost – Many times, aftermarket parts are cheaper than the OEM equivalent. This can be observed in the automobile parts market, too – because of the competition in the aftermarket industry, prices are often lower than if you were to order from Stihl or Poulan. Advantage: Aftermarket
• Quality – Aftermarket parts meet or exceed OEM quality standards, using the same materials as their OEM equivalents. For example, all the Stihl replacement parts offered at HL Supply are guaranteed to fit the specific Stihl equipment they are designed for. Of course, the OEM manufacturer knows the machine best, and the parts from the OEM manufacturer are going to be a 100% true replica of what originally came in the machine. Advantage: Draw
• Speed – If you need a part quickly, you’re most likely better off working with an aftermarket supplier. For example, HL Supply carries thousands of Stihl chainsaw parts and offers next-day overnight shipping. For smaller items you need to maintain your small engine equipment, it’s easier to walk into the Home Depot and buy a new gasket ring or gas cap than to order online. While the OEM company will do everything they can to get you the part quickly, their main business isn’t focused on sending replacement parts quickly – whereas at HL Supply, that’s our sole focus. Advantage: Aftermarket
   
• Selection – While HL Supply carries thousands of parts to help in your small engine repair project, nobody can match the range of the OEM manufacturer. There are specific parts and specific models that it doesn’t make sense for an aftermarket supplier to carry – they might be too specific, or parts for models that are exceptionally rare. When you order direct from Stihl or another supplier, they can provide you with basically every part that has ever existed. Advantage: OEM

No matter what the small engine repair project, HL Supply is here to help. Visit us today for a full selection of small engine replacement parts from Poulan, Stihl, Husqvarna and more; or call 855-456-4299 for help in selecting the right parts for your needs.