If you burn firewood to heat your home, it’s critical to have a reliable firewood cutting chainsaw like the Husqvarna 455 Rancher or the STIHL MS 271 Farm Boss. How do these two chainsaws compare? Both are 20” residential saws known for their excellent cutting performance and durability. They are similar in price, weight and horsepower but there are a few differences that may help you decide which one to buy.
Let’s dive into the power, design and performance of these two chainsaws to give you some background so you can decide which is best for your needs.
Safety
First things, first. No matter which chainsaw you choose, having the right safety gear is critical for protecting your own safety and the safety of those around you. Make sure to wear long pants with a pair of properly fitting protective chainsaw chaps designed to stop the chain if the blade hits your leg. Wear long sleeves, sturdy boots, work gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and a helmet for head-to-toe protection. At Carl’s Mower & Saw we have the safety gear you need in store.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher Chainsaw
Let’s jump in! The 455 is slightly bigger and heavier than the MS 271 but not by much. It weighs 13.2 pounds and has a 55.5 cc engine that delivers 3.5 horsepower, perfect for cutting firewood and performing property cleanup. One of the many reasons to buy your chainsaw in person at a dealership versus online is so that you can make sure the saw is comfortable to carry. This is a machine you’ll be operating for a few hours at a time so comfort is key. People often have a preference between the Husqvarna and STIHL design based on what they’re used to. The Husqvarna’s body is a little bit wider than the STIHL and Husqvarna fans will tell you they prefer the bulkier design.
Husqvarna’s Smart Start® technology makes this saw easy to start even in cold weather. It also has a decompression valve which makes the cord easier to pull. Prime the machine five times to bring the fuel to the carburetor, turn on the choke, give it a pull or two on choke, pop the choke off and give it one more pull and your saw will be up and running.
Those with shoulder issues will want to consider the 455 over the 271 because the 271 does not have a compression release. On this note, the 455 has an ergonomic design for operator comfort and LowVib® Technology to reduce vibration so the saw can safely be in use for longer periods of time, but STIHL has similar technology for user comfort.
Fuel: The best thing you can do to extend the life of your machine and prevent unnecessary maintenance issues is to purchase premixed, non-ethanol fuel like STIHL’s MotoMix® which can be used in any two-stroke engine. Husqvarna’s X-Torq® engine is designed for increased fuel efficiency and minimal emissions.
The side mounted chain tensioner is convenient for tightening the 3/8 chain quickly and easily.
Husqvarna has a history of being a preferred chainsaw option by those who are already familiar with their equipment. Stop into a dealership and ask to go through the specs of the 455 Rancher in person so you can see the engine, air filter, chain, and get familiar with how to put the chain on and rotate the bar and talk about the warranty information. Carry the 455 around and make sure it’s a comfortable fit for bucking firewood.
Husqvarna 455 specs:
- Power Output: 3.5 hp
- Cylinder Displacement: 55.5 cm³
- Powerhead Weight: 13.2 lbs
- Maximum Power Speed: 9,000 rpm
- Max Engine/Motor RPM: 13,300 rpm
- Fuel Capacity: 14.4 oz
STIHL MS 271 Farm Boss Chainsaw
STIHL is a familiar and popular brand that has been around for nearly 100 years. Their history of saws goes back to their 1926 electric saw for bucking felled logs, and then their 1929 gasoline-powered chainsaw that kicked off their legacy as “tree-felling machine” workhorse. Weighing in at about 100 lbs. These first saws required two men to operate them.
As we know, today’s saws have come a long way in portability and power! STIHL opened a factory in the USA in 1970. The 20” STIHL MS 271 chainsaw brings forward the best design standards favored by homeowners who cut firewood.
The MS 271 weighs 12.35 pounds and has a 50.2 cc engine that delivers 3.5 horsepower— a little lighter than the 455 but both saws provide the same horsepower. STIHL understands its users will be operating this saw for hours at a time and designed this saw with many of the same benefits the 455 offers operators: compact, ergonomic design with an anti-vibration system to prevent runtime fatigue.
We have the same advice for 271 operators regarding fuel. Always use STIHL’s MotoMix non-ethanol, premixed fuel for two-stroke engines to minimize unnecessary engine damage and to extend the life of your machine.
The biggest differences with the MS 271 compared to the 455 is the design of the machine. STIHL’s chainsaw is designed for fewer operator errors. The break and clutch are built into the body of the saw which makes rotating the bar and putting the chain on less of a hassle than the 455. It’s also easier to access the air filter on the 271. The chain tensioning is also in the body of the saw and easier to tighten than the 455.
The MS 271 has flip top fuel caps but some customers have noted that they may leak. This is usually caused by dirt and sawdust getting around the O ring which prevents the cap from fully sealing so you want to make sure to keep the debris away from the fuel caps. Again, go into a dealership and take a look at the MS 271; carry it to discover how it feels. Learn how to access the chain, rotate the bar, talk about maintenance points and understand the warranty information.
STIHL MS 271 specs:
- Engine Power: 3.49 Bhp
- Displacement: 3.06 Cu. In.
- Powerhead Weight: 12.35 lbs
- Fuel Capacity: 16.9 Oz.
- Chain Oil Capacity: 8.12 Oz.
Which Chainsaw Should You Buy?
In Whatcom County, as you prepare to restock your woodpile for the colder months, either the Husqvarna 455 or the STIHL MS 271 will serve you well. Both chainsaws are designed to handle the demands of cutting large amounts of wood.
At Carl’s Mower & Saw, we believe you can’t go wrong with either saw, as long as you fully understand what you’re getting before you make your purchase. For instance, if you have a bad shoulder and want an EasyStart chainsaw, consider the 455. Bottomline, the saw you choose will come down to your dealership. If your dealer only sells Husqvarna, then the 455 is your option and vice versa. We always recommend purchasing outdoor power equipment from a dealership because we’re here to equip you with the knowledge and know-how to take care of your equipment and we’ll be here for parts and maintenance too. Further, we’ll file your warranty for you.
Watch an in-depth comparison of the Stihl MS 217 and Husqvarna 455 in this video and then stop in and put them both in your hands.
Our YouTube channel has a ton of great content to help you operate and maintain your power equipment, so check out all of our videos on mowers, blowers, trimmer and more!
About
Established in 1990 by Carl and Beth Levien, Carl’s Mower & Saw remains a family-owned and locally operated business to this day. We’re committed to providing an exceptional customer experience to both contractors and homeowners. Whether you’re looking for sales or rentals, you’ll discover top-notch outdoor power equipment brands known for their durability and dependability, including brands like Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America. For inquiries, feel free to reach out by calling 360-384-0799 or emailing info@carlsmower.com.
