Stihl MS 660 Vs Husqvarna 395 XP Chainsaw – What’s the Better Option?
When it comes to professional-grade chainsaws, you can’t do much better than Husqvarna and Stihl. Both manufacturers are legends in the forestry and milling industries. But how can you tell which brand will work best for you?
You have to do your homework and you have to compare specific models. We know that can take a long time and that most people don’t have the spare time to compare specs and performance aspects of different chainsaws.
But that’s where we come in. We have reviewed two professional-grade chainsaw models from Stihl and Husqvarna. So come with us as we break down the Husqvarna 395 XP and the Stihl MS 660 chainsaws.
Overview of the Husqvarna 395 XP Vs Stihl MS 660
At the end of the day, your decision may come down to durability and handling. While the Stihl MS 660 is an extremely powerful chainsaw with a 7.0 HP engine, it is actually a bit lighter than the Husqvarna 395 XP.
On the other hand, we can imagine that the Husqvarna 395 XP with its magnesium crankcase (which is mainly what contributes to the extra weight) will actually last longer with fewer issues than the Stihl MS 660.
Stihl MS 660 Key Features
- Toolless Fuel Access – The design of the Husqvarna 395 XP allows for easy access to the fuel and oil tanks.
- 6cc Engine – The 91.6cc engine generates 7 HP which is powerful enough to tackle commercial, municipal and forestry jobs.
- Side-Access Chain Tensioner – You can easily adjust the slack of the chain with a simple bar wrench.
Stihl MS 660 Common Issues
Common issues with the Stihl mS 660 are lean conditions and erratic idling. Usually, the problem stems from leaks that start to suck in air.
Stihl MS 660 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- It’s more affordable than the Husqvarna 395 XP
- It’s suitable for cutting hardwood
- Fuel cap has a retainer
- It can take a 32” bar
Cons:
- Lacks a magnesium crankcase
- May be less durable than the Husqvarna 395 XP
Husqvarna 395 XP Key Features
- Snapping Air Filter Cover – No tools are required to access the air filter. Just flip a clasp and you’re in.
- Angled Front Handled – The front handle is angled a bit downward to improve operator comfort.
- Adjustable Oil Pump – With the Husqvarna 395 XP you can adjust the flow of chain oil depending on the cutting conditions.
Husqvarna 395 XP Common Issues
Residue buildup in the fuel tank has been a reported issue by consumers. However, this usually only happens when the saw has not been used for a long time or stored improperly.
Husqvarna 395 XP Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great for cutting hardwoods
- Even torque across all RPMs
- Starts up easily
- Safety chain break feature
Cons:
- Heavier than the MS 660
- More expensive too
Who Should Buy Each?
If you are looking for a chainsaw as an investment (i.e. for commercial work), then we would recommend the Husqvarna 395 XP. It’s simply built tougher and should stand up well to consistent, heavy-duty use.
The Stihl MS 660 is built well; but we can tell some of the constituent parts are cheaper and flimsier. It would be better suited to light commercial and heavy residential work.
Price Comparison
These days, you can find the Stihl MS 660 on sale for as low as $1,190. Meanwhile the Husqvarna 395 XP sells direct from the manufacturer for $1400.
Weight & Handling Comparison
The type of bar you put on a chainsaw will invariably affect the overall weight so we are going to compare just the powerhead weight. The Husqvarna 395 XP weighs 17.4 pounds while the MS 660 weighs 16.5 pounds. Overall, the MS 660 is easier to handle even with a long bar.
Chain & Blade Comparison
The Husqvarna 395 XP comes with a .058” gauge chain with a ⅜” pitch. It can be outfitted with a 32” bar as well. The Stihl MS 660 can also be outfitted with a bar as long as 32 inches.
Power Comparison
In terms of power, there isn’t much discernable difference between these two chainsaws. The Husqvarna 395 XP tops out at 6.6 HP while the Stihl MS 660 delivers 7.0 HP.
Efficiency Comparison
Both the Husqvarna 395 XP and the Stihl MS 660 are decently fuel-efficient. For example, the Husqvarna 395 XP burns about 5lbs of fuel for every hour of operation.
Durability Comparison
You can just feel it when you pick these chainsaws up. The Husqvarna 395 XP feels more durable and well-built than the Stihl MS 660. Though much will depend on how you treat your saw, the Husqvarna 395 XP should naturally last longer than the Stihl MS 660.
Other Chainsaws to Consider
Husqvarna 3120 XP
This is another beast of a saw with an 8.3 HP engine. You can slap a 42” bar on it with no problem so it’s a great saw for heavy felling duty.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Husqvarna 460 Rancher
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher comes with a 24 inch bar but can easily work with a 32 incher. It has a 3.6 HP engine and features felling guide marks and a three-piece crankshaft.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Echo CS 620P
This Echo saw comes with an 18” bar. It has a 59cc engine so it’s suitable for smaller jobs like delimbing small trees and cutting firewood. In terms of logs, it can handle anything up to about 3 inches in diameter.
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Final Assessment
It’s hard to argue with durability and the Husqvarna 395 XP certainly has that.
While both of these saws are equally matched in terms of power, you can feel that the Husqvarna 395 XP will stand up to years of high RPM usage better than the Stihl MS 660.
However, if you absolutely need a lighter saw that is a bit easier on the body, the MS 660 would actually be a more compatible saw.
