When looking for a medium-range chainsaw, you will have a wide selection to choose from, but two options will stand out the Husqvarna rancher and the Stihl farm boss.
Both saws are gas-powered and designed for light to medium farm or ranch work. However, one has to be better than the other, right? And this is what we want to know in this Husqvarna 460 rancher vs Stihl farm boss and Husqvarna 450 rancher vs stihl farm boss showdown.
The Husqvarna rancher comes in three variants, the 450 Ranchers, the 455 Rancher, and the 460 rancher. In this comparison review, we picked the 460 and 450 rancher. So let’s see how the two compare to their Stihl competitor.
Comparison of Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher
From our initial analysis, we found the Husqvarna rancher has a slight advantage over its competitor. To understand why this is the case, we need to look at each chainsaw individually first.
Overview Of The Husqvarna 460 rancher
Husqvarna is a company that has been around since the 1690s. And when you have been around for that long, you tend to know a thing or two. And Husqvarna has maintained consistency in delivering quality products since its early days.
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So what do you get with their 460 rancher model?
The chainsaw is powered by a 60 cc 2-cycle engine, which does a pretty good job of delivering enough power to fell medium-sized trees. The engine has an output of 3.60 horsepower. It is best for cutting every firewood.
There is also an automatic chain and bar oiler. Speaking of the chain and bar, though it comes with an 18-inch chain and bars, it can accommodate a 20 inch and 24-inch chain and bar.
The side-mounted chain tensioning system makes tensioning the chain easy. On the other hand, the hand to arm vibration system absorbs vibration for fatigue-free usage.
In terms of fuel consumption, it has x-torque technology built-in. So you can expect moderate fuel consumption from this model.
PROS
- Comes with quick-release air filters that help with an easy and quick release of air filters
- The x-torque technology reduces fuel consumption and improves emissions.
- Is slightly more powerful than its stihl competitor
- Features inertia activated chain brake.
CONS
- Is a bit pricey compared to its competitors?
- Some customers have complained of poor customer support from Husqvarna.
Overview Of The Husqvarna 450 Rancher
The 450 rancher is the 460 rancher’s smaller brother and features a smaller engine. However, it maintains most of the same features as is a more powerful and pricier sibling.
With the 450 rancher, you get a 50 cc engine with a 3.2 horsepower output. While it is less powerful than its sibling, it is still capable of felling medium-sized trees. This is especially since it boasts a 20-inch chain and bar.
Similar to the 460 rancher, the 450 has the x-torq feature that allows it to consume less fuel and thus be more fuel-efficient. It also features the same low vibration system as the other rancher, meaning less fatigue.
PROS
- Weighing about 11.6 pounds it is lightweight and thus portable
- There is a stop-start button that makes starting the chainsaw easy
- It can use both a 20 inch and an 18-inch chain and bar
- It is easy and comfortable to use for long hours
CONS
- Doesn’t come with a cover
- The recoil starter tends to jam after some time
Overview Of The Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Stihl was a little bit late to the chainsaw party compared to Husqvarna. The German chainsaw maker started in the 1920s and has also acquired a reputation for high-quality products.
So how does the stihl farm boss compare?
Well, for starters, it has a smaller 50.2 cc engine capable of producing 3.5 horsepower. However, this is still sufficient power to fell medium-sized trees.
As for the chain and bar, it sports the same 18-inch chain and bars as its competitor. However, this model can only accept either a 16 or 20-inch chain and bar.
This Stihl also has an anti-vibration system similar to its competitor. Also, it is lightweight and costs less compared to its Husqvarna competitor.
PROS
- It is weight is quite manageable for a medium-sized chainsaw
- Has an anti-vibration system to absorb vibration
- Offered at a cheaper price point compared to its competitor
- It does not require as much maintenance as other gas chainsaws.
CONS
- Has a smaller fuel tank compared to its competitor
- Is not as fuel-efficient compared to its competitor
Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl Farm Boss: The Comparison
Design:
In our opinion, the Stihl farm boss has a more appealing and stylish design. On the other hand, the Husqvarna rancher 460 has a basic design and is bulkier than the other two. Moreover, the Stihl is more compact and slightly less bulky than its Husqvarna counterpart 460.
Power:
The Husqvarna has a 60 cc engine with a 3.60 horsepower output. This offers more power than the 50.2 cc engine of the Stihl farm boss and its 3.06 horsepower output. Thus in terms of power, the Husqvarna 460 is the clear winner. Also, for these good reasons we tag Husqvarna 460 as one of the powerful chainsaws of milling lumber.
Fuel Tank:
When compared to the Rancher 460 the Stihl ms271 has a bigger fuel tank of 16.9 ounces, The Husqvarna 460 on the other hand has a fuel capacity of 14.88 Fl. Oz. While the Stihl has a fuel capacity of 16.9 oz. Clearly, the stihl is the winner. Well, not really.
It also has a larger fuel capacity than the Husqvarna 450 rancher, which has a fuel tank of 15.2 ounces.
When it comes to the oil capacity, which is what matters, the Stihl ms271 is behind its two Husqvarna competitors. The Rancher 460 leads the pack with an impressive oil capacity of 11.2 ounces.
Durability:
The Husqvarna 460 seems to have a more solid construction compared to the stihl farm boss. However, both chainsaws should last you for a long time.
Easy to use:
In terms of ease of use, the Husqvarna 460 is yet again victorious. This is thanks to features such as the automatic oiler, quick-release air filter, and side-mounted tensioning system.
Portability and weight:
The Stihl is smaller and slightly lighter than the Husqvarna. The latter weighs 20.8 pounds while the former weighs about 19 pounds. Also, due to its ability to accommodate smaller chains and bars of 16 inches, the Stihl is more portable.
Accuracy and cuts:
Between the two, Husqvarna is able to make cuts on thicker wood thanks to its ability to accommodate larger chains and bars. In regards to accuracy, both cut with good accuracy.
Anti-vibration technology:
Both chainsaws have pretty good anti-vibration systems, so we would have to call this one a tie.
Emission level:
Due to the x-torque technology present in the two Husqvarna rancher models, they perform better in terms of fuel efficiency than the Stihl farm boss.
Noise level:
The Husqvarna rancher has a noise level of 114 dB while the stihl has a noise level of 115 dB, which is at par with the Rancher 450. Thus the Husqvarna 460 again slightly edges out its two counterparts.
Maintenance:
The built-in filtering process of the Stihl means it requires less maintenance compared to the Husqvarna.
Safety:
There is an electric chain brake on the Husqvarna models that guarantees safety when used. On the other hand, stihl does not have one.
Bar size:
By default, both feature an 18-inch chain and bar. However, the Husqvarna can accommodate a chain and bar of up to 24 inches. On the other hand, the stihl can only accommodate chain and bar of up to 20 inches and 16 inches.
Similar to the Stihl Farm Boss, the Rancher 450 can only accommodate two bar and chain sizes, the 20 inch and 18-inch bar and chain sizes.
Husqvarna 450 Rancher vs Stihl Farm Boss: The Comparison
Design:
When comparing the 450 rancher and the Stihl m271 farm boss, the former comes out on top. While the stihl weighs about 12.3 pounds, the rancher 450 weighs 11.6 pounds. And talking about looks and design Husqvarna seems appealing to me.
Power:
The rancher 450 is the most underpowered of the three with its 50 cc engine and a 3.2 horsepower output. However, it is close to the Stihl 306 horsepower in terms of power output.
Fuel Tank:
The Husqvarna 450 comes in second with an oil capacity of 8.8 ounces, while the Stihl has an oil capacity of 8.2 ounces.
Thus, while it has a larger fuel capacity, the Stihl’s oil capacity is less than that of its two Husqvarna competitors.
Durability:
The Husqvarna 450 seems to have a more solid construction compared to the stihl ms 271. However, both chainsaws should last you for a long time.
Easy to use:
The 450 is also easier to use as it is largely the same as the rancher 460. While the stihl is not complicated, it is outmatched by its competitor.
Portability and weight:
However, in regards to overall weight and portability, the rancher 450 comes out on top. It weighs 11.6 pounds.
Accuracy and cuts:
Both saws can cut accurately so here is a tie.
Anti-vibration technology:
In this stihl ms 271 vs husqvarna 450 comparison both saws have high quality anti-vibration systems, so its a tie again.
Emission level:
Having the x torque technology in husqvarna rancher 450 as like the 460 it can perform great than Stihl farm boss while talking about the fuel efficiency.
Noise level:
In the battle of noise level between two both are produce same noise level so its a tie.
Maintenance:
In the maintenance section, Stihl is the clear winner.
Safety:
In the real job The electric chain brake on the Husqvarna 450 guarantees safety. On the other hand, stihl ms 271 does not have one.
Conclusion
For light to medium work such as pruning trees or felling small to medium trees, the Stihl is the chainsaw for you. It is affordable compared to the Husqvarna rancher and is lightweight and compact enough to be used on hanging branches.
The extra power you get with the Husqvarna will come in handy when you have more demanding tasks. This model is, therefore, best suited to felling medium trees and some thicker trees as well.
