Chainsaws: Stihl ms441 vs. Hsuqvarna 372 (72cc saws)

There has always been a rivalry between the two top chainsaw manufactures, Stihl and Husqvarna. Everyone seems to have there own personal preference and it tends to go either way. However I have been doing a comparison between the two saws and obtained some information on both saws falling in the 72cc stock saw class. Let me start off by saying that Stihl has been a trusted saw of choice since 1926 when the first felling machine was created. The Stihl ms441 is a saw of its own. This saw has 70.7cc of displacement (or 4.3 cubic inches) and engine power of 5.5 bar horsepower. The dry weight of this machine is only 14.6 pounds, a fairly light saw for its class. The ms441 can hold up to 24.5 fluid ounces of gas and up to 12.2 fluid ounces of bar oil. One of the best features of this saw is that advanced engine technology allowing 10-20% lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions allowing for more power. Standard features of this saw include advanced anti-vibration system, high torque level over high rpm range, and a pre-separation air filter assembly. Stihl incorporated it’s side action chain tensioner and the toolless oil caps and retainers which makes for convenience out in the woods. The Stihl ms441 has countless five-star ratings and satisfy nearly every bigger task at hand. To top it off the low vibration of the saw allows for comfort and the ability to run the saw all day. On the other hand, Husqvarna offers the 372xp in the same class. This saw actually has 74.7cc which is a full 4cc difference between its competitor from stihl, the ms441. However, it only manages to crank out a total of 5.4 bar horsepower, which is a full tenth of the horsepower of the 441. I find this rather outrageous that a saw with more displacement cannot but out more horsepower. Now, the Husqvarna also contains it’s own low vibration system but it is up to the operators to determine which one seems to have the least amount. One great feature about the 372xp is it’s air injection system, which prevents chippings and dust from clogging up the air filter. I must say that this is one thing that the Stihl brand seems to lack as a demonstration video on Youtube.com shows. The Husqvarna 372xp can old 1.62 pints of fuel (25.95 fluid ounces) and .89pints of oil (14.24 fluid ounces). Although it has higher fuel and oil capacity, customer reviews show that this saw goes through it faster than the Stihl. This in turn causes more time filling up then cutting and as you can imagine is not good. Countless reviews later with the cutting speed in mind and the Stihl comes out on top in nearly every category. Even pricing comes out top, both including a 28” bar, the Stihl costs $819.95 whereas the Husvarna will set you back $849.95. But in the end it is always about your personal preference. My choice is Stihl and probably always will be. However I might get a Husqvarna just to give it a whirl.