Husqvarna tools

[Greenman]

Any of you use their tools? I need a 14" gas cut of saw and I'm trying to figure out if Stihl worth $400 more than a comparable Husqvarna. Everyone says Stihl is the best, except for the guys that have Husqvarna, they claim they're the equal of Stihl.

I need the saw and the floor cutting cart, the whole kit from Stihl is just under $2000 plus 9.25% tax. I can get the same thing from Husqvarna for $1500 and no tax. I'm a big believer in top quality tools, but I'm also cheap, so saving $500 would make me happy, but owning an inferior quality tool would make me very sad, and cost me far more than the $500 I'd save. It's a real conundrum for me.

 

[skyking]

I'd go with the husky no problem. I have used much more stihl but never had a negative experience with the huskys.
If it were me though I'd get a used target saw if I could make that work. so much more saw.

 

[Greenman]

I'd go with the husky no problem. I have used much more stihl but never had a negative experience with the huskys.
If it were me though I'd get a used target saw if I could make that work. so much more saw.

I looked at target, Mk, and husky floor cutters, and can get a small one that would do the job for the same price as the Husqvarna, but they're to heavy. The job I need it for is a whole bunch of small cuts totaling 1200' over the course of 3 months. Sometimes there will only be 1 man available to unload the saw, make the cuts and load it back in the truck, a floor saw is just too heavy. There are also a few places where a hand held saw is the only thing that will work.

There is also the added benefit of being able to put the saw on a shelf, I'm just about out of garage floor real estate.

 

[skyking]

True ,you need a lift gate to work those big saws by yourself.

 

[Micrornd]

As to handheld cutoff saws -
Stihls are generally heavier.
If you are doing floor cuts, this is an advantage as the weight of the saw does some of the work.
If you are doing cuts above floor level (horiz., vertical, overhead), then the Targets are generally the lightest and less fatiguing.
The Huskys fall inbetween .

If you need a walk-behind, you need a walk-behind.
A cutoff saw in a floor cutting cradle is not a substitute and will end up costing you more in time and labor than renting.
Don't buy a walk-behind unless you have the business to wear it out, resale on used ones sucks.

Rent a self-propelled walk-behind (do they still make push walk-behinds ?, I haven't seen one in years)
You can walk one up into a pickup bed on scaffold planks.
I've done it many times and yes, you do have to do some pushing to help it, but not a heck of a lot.
Or arrange for pickup and delivery to the site, rent a pickup with a hoist, if there are other contractors onsite, slip 'em a couple bucks to help you load/unload, there is always a way.


Tips -

As to uptime Stihl>Target>Husky in my 30+ years experience.

Get the highest HP in the size you choose, it will cut your work time enough to pay for itself in your first 10hrs. of use.

Change/clean secondary filters often (always after use, and during use, if it is a long session) and primaries when needed, do not scrimp on this and your saw will last a very,very long time.

Mix gas accurately, measure, don't eyeball. This also adds to the life of the saw.

Use diamond blades when you can, otherwise use Stihl abrasive cutoff blades as they have blades formulated for the material being cut.
They really work and are worth the money as the blades cut faster and last longer when formulated for the material being cut (i.e. steel, DI, CI, old concrete, new concrete, reinforced concrete, etc.)
You have to go to a Stihl construction-oriented dealer for these, the chainsaw/yard care guys will be clueless.

And remember in a pinch, you can throw a saw blade on a handheld and cut wood too :whiste:

Remember it be depreciated.

 

[Greenman]

As to handheld cutoff saws -
Stihls are generally heavier.
If you are doing floor cuts, this is an advantage as the weight of the saw does some of the work.
If you are doing cuts above floor level (horiz., vertical, overhead), then the Targets are generally the lightest and less fatiguing.
The Huskys fall inbetween .

If you need a walk-behind, you need a walk-behind.
A cutoff saw in a floor cutting cradle is not a substitute and will end up costing you more in time and labor than renting.
Don't buy a walk-behind unless you have the business to wear it out, resale on used ones sucks.

Rent a self-propelled walk-behind (do they still make push walk-behinds ?, I haven't seen one in years)
You can walk one up into a pickup bed on scaffold planks.
I've done it many times and yes, you do have to do some pushing to help it, but not a heck of a lot.
Or arrange for pickup and delivery to the site, rent a pickup with a hoist, if there are other contractors onsite, slip 'em a couple bucks to help you load/unload, there is always a way.


Tips -

As to uptime Stihl>Target>Husky in my 30+ years experience.

Get the highest HP in the size you choose, it will cut your work time enough to pay for itself in your first 10hrs. of use.

Change/clean secondary filters often (always after use, and during use, if it is a long session) and primaries when needed, do not scrimp on this and your saw will last a very,very long time.

Mix gas accurately, measure, don't eyeball. This also adds to the life of the saw.

Use diamond blades when you can, otherwise use Stihl abrasive cutoff blades as they have blades formulated for the material being cut.
They really work and are worth the money as the blades cut faster and last longer when formulated for the material being cut (i.e. steel, DI, CI, old concrete, new concrete, reinforced concrete, etc.)
You have to go to a Stihl construction-oriented dealer for these, the chainsaw/yard care guys will be clueless.

And remember in a pinch, you can throw a saw blade on a handheld and cut wood too :whiste:

Remember it be depreciated.

You're the first negative opinion of the cradle system I've run across. I've never used one, and I'd really like to test the system before purchasing. I don't need a two thousand dollar paper weight.

Resale isn't a consideration, performance/price are the criteria.

Renting is out as it's far and away the most expensive option, and a self propelled saw is simply to large to fit where I need it. I could make a small target saw work if it turns out the cradle system sucks.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

The professional level product for each company should be fine. In trees the Stihl 200T was the top saw for a serious climber for a long stretch while the Husky ruled the ground duties

 

[Micrornd]

You're the first negative opinion of the cradle system I've run across. I've never used one, and I'd really like to test the system before purchasing. I don't need a two thousand dollar paper weight.

Just so you don't misunderstand -
There is nothing wrong with the cradle system if you have to use it.
It is just that if you can use a walk behind it is always faster, so you save money and can cut deeper (in most cases).

Renting is out as it's far and away the most expensive option, and a self propelled saw is simply to large to fit where I need it. I could make a small target saw work if it turns out the cradle system sucks.

You didn't mention size was an issue, so in that case, yes, a cradle system will fit into a smaller space, but using the saw handheld will fit into an even smaller space.
If space is really tight, you might consider a chainsaw. (also rentable)

As to renting, prices must be outrageous in your area, I can rent a 20" walk-behind here for well over 2 months for $2000.
Is there an reason you can't make all the cuts at once, and only remove the concrete when you get to it?
It would save a lot of money that way.

You do realize prices/day go down the longer you rent - week<3.5days, month<2.5weeks
Generally on a long term (2 weeks+) you can get at least pickup thrown in, sometimes delivery too, depending on hold slow their business is.
Of course I have been dealing with most rental companies in the area for a long time and a walk-behind is considered a small rental.

Have you considered having it cut for you?
I have concrete cutting companies that cut for me, when needed or in hard to do areas.
They quote/work for a fixed price.
Sometimes it is cheaper to use someone that does cutting and cutting only every day and has already made the capital investment in equipment, as they are more efficient than someone that doesn't do it as their only means of making a living.
Quotes are free, and there is nothing wrong with subbing it out

 

[skyking]

^That's why I recommended a walk behind. I have rented them and they make short work of any cutting job. If you need small then you need it.

 

[Greenman]

Just so you don't misunderstand -
There is nothing wrong with the cradle system if you have to use it.
It is just that if you can use a walk behind it is always faster, so you save money and can cut deeper (in most cases).
You didn't mention size was an issue, so in that case, yes, a cradle system will fit into a smaller space, but using the saw handheld will fit into an even smaller space.
If space is really tight, you might consider a chainsaw. (also rentable)

As to renting, prices must be outrageous in your area, I can rent a 20" walk-behind here for well over 2 months for $2000.
Is there an reason you can't make all the cuts at once, and only remove the concrete when you get to it?
It would save a lot of money that way.

You do realize prices/day go down the longer you rent - week<3.5days, month<2.5weeks
Generally on a long term (2 weeks+) you can get at least pickup thrown in, sometimes delivery too, depending on hold slow their business is.
Of course I have been dealing with most rental companies in the area for a long time and a walk-behind is considered a small rental.

Have you considered having it cut for you?
I have concrete cutting companies that cut for me, when needed or in hard to do areas.
They quote/work for a fixed price.
Sometimes it is cheaper to use someone that does cutting and cutting only every day and has already made the capital investment in equipment, as they are more efficient than someone that doesn't do it as their only means of making a living.
Quotes are free, and there is nothing wrong with subbing it out

Size is an issue, the tool needs to be fairly small. Subbing it out would be nice, but the logistics suck. This is in a condo complex so every owner where we're working has to be notified a week in advance so they can have their cars out of the way. There is always a few who just can't make it work, or forget, or don't give a shit about how much grief they cause me. So we can't cut all at once.
Renting will cost me $900, at that point it's worth it to buy the tool. I'll also be doing it all again next year, so the investment makes a lot more sense.

Right now I'm looking at a small used MK walk behind and a Husky hand held for the places the walk behind can't reach. The net cost would be the same as a hand held and a cart, though I would have to buy a hoist for 1 man loading.

 

[Micrornd]

Size is an issue, the tool needs to be fairly small. Subbing it out would be nice, but the logistics suck. This is in a condo complex so every owner where we're working has to be notified a week in advance so they can have their cars out of the way. There is always a few who just can't make it work, or forget, or don't give a shit about how much grief they cause me. So we can't cut all at once.
Renting will cost me $900, at that point it's worth it to buy the tool. I'll also be doing it all again next year, so the investment makes a lot more sense.

Right now I'm looking at a small used MK walk behind and a Husky hand held for the places the walk behind can't reach. The net cost would be the same as a hand held and a cart, though I would have to buy a hoist for 1 man loading.

Yes, if you have future use, that pricing points at buying without a doubt.

I see your point, since you have civilians involved.
99% of my work is city, state, or fed.
Very competitive bid wise, but very co-operative (normally) when needing access (because most of what they need done would have been done years ago in the normal world)

Hoist=local Pennysaver
Don't forget to check the rental companies.
I don't know about your area, but many here are still selling "excess" rental material, even if it is not for sale, make an offer, you never know.
Several here have closed or consolidated offices, so those remaining have more stock than they can use and are eager to sell it, all the while pretending they are doing you a favor.

 

[Greenman]

I generally don't buy used equipment, and never from a rental yard. That stuff gets abused beyond belief.

 

[Micrornd]

I generally don't buy used equipment, and never from a rental yard. That stuff gets abused beyond belief.

I understand your hesitation.
There are still rental stores here that are like that, but they are the ones used by homeowners and part-timers, not frequented by the pros.
Liability and legal issues here assure that good shops, that want to stay in business, don't rent or sell stuff that is not maintained or not up to snuff (cosmetics aside).

I'm not sure how things are where you are, but here I wouldn't hesitate to buy from any of the large rental firms, they have too much liability and are required to disclose any problems on the things they sell or rent.
And, of course, you do inspect and test out anything before you buy it.

Just sayin', it's an alternative you may want to explore to help the budget.

 

[Greenman]

It looks like I'm going both ways. Just found a great deal on a new Stihl TS420, so I bought it, and it looks like I have a line on a used MK walk behind, so I'll buy that as well.

I'm going to have to stop buying tools, or build a bigger garage.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

It looks like I'm going both ways. Just found a great deal on a new Stihl TS420, so I bought it, and it looks like I have a line on a used MK walk behind, so I'll buy that as well.

I'm going to have to stop buying tools, or build a bigger garage.

You're gonna need more tools to build a bigger garage.

 

[Greenman]

You're gonna need more tools to build a bigger garage.

I have enough spare tools to build a garage with a 2000 foot house attached. A fellow who works for me has already lost part of his garage in a hostile takeover. I gota put the stuff somewhere.

 

[Micrornd]

I have enough spare tools to build a garage with a 2000 foot house attached. A fellow who works for me has already lost part of his garage in a hostile takeover. I gota put the stuff somewhere.

Your accountant is depreciating those tools at tax time , right

You never did tell us why you are cutting the concrete

 

[Greenman]

Replacing the posts on some carports. We have to cut through the slab and expose the pier head so we can bolt a new bucket to it.

 

[brianmanahan]

their chainsaws are good

 

[MongGrel]

their chainsaws are good

That is what I always knew them for.

I have no clue for other things or quality these days I guess.

 

[Greenman]

their chainsaws are good

All of their gear is very good, but you have to buy from an official dealer if you want a new one. The price premium they want had me looking very hard at husky, and I had decided to go with them when a good deal on a Stihl popped up. Stihl want's 30% more money than Husky, and I don't think their anywhere near 30% better.

 

[Greenman]

A quick update.

My new Stihl TS 420 arrived today, I thought I was getting a demo, but it's brand new. Way lighter than I expected as well. I'm pretty happy with the deal.