I remember the specific Tuesday it hit me. I was standing in my back lot, breath fogging in the cold air, staring at a fallen oak tree. It was a monster. My old saw was just not going to cut it. I needed something real.
That led me to a tough choice: the Husqvarna 455 Rancher vs Stihl MS 311. I have spent time with both now. I want to share exactly how they feel, work, and hold up, so you don’t have to guess.
The First Pick Up: Weight Matters
When you pick a saw off the shelf, weight is the first thing you notice.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher felt friendly right away. It sits nicely in your hands. It is not light, but it is not a burden. I walked a half-mile back to the woodline with it and didn’t mind.
The Stihl MS 311 is different. You pick it up, and you know it is heavy. It feels dense. It reminded me of holding a cinder block compared to a brick. It feels tough, but I knew my back would feel it later.
| Feature | Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Stihl MS 311 |
| Weight (Dry) | ~13.2 lbs | ~13.7 lbs |
| Balance | Center heavy, easy to pivot | Front heavy, feels planted |
| Grip Feel | Soft rubber, comfortable | Hard plastic, firm grip |
In The Wood: Power and Feel
I fired them up to buck that oak log. The smell of 2-stroke mix filled the air—my favorite scent.
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher cut smooth. It was fast on the smaller branches. But when I got to the thick trunk, I had to be patient. If I leaned on it too hard, the chain slowed down. It taught me to let the saw do the work.
The Stihl MS 311 was a beast. I buried the bar in the hard wood and leaned on it. It just kept eating. It has this low-end grunt that the Rancher lacks. It pulls through knots without complaining. But, the vibration was stronger. My hands felt a bit buzzy after the second tank of gas.
Power and Cutting Speed
Here is the raw truth about how they cut. The Stihl is stronger, but the Husky is smoother.
| Comparison | Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Stihl MS 311 |
| Engine Size | 55.5 cc | 59.0 cc |
| Torque Feel | Good for softwood, fair for hardwood | Excellent, pulls hard in oak |
| Chain Speed | Fast in small wood | Consistent in big wood |
| Bogging Down | Will stop if you push too hard | Rare, keeps spinning under load |
Build Quality
I took a close look at the plastic and parts. I wanted to see what would break first.
| Feature | Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Stihl MS 311 |
| Casing | Plastic feels a bit thin | Thick, rigid polymer |
| Air Filter | Quick release, stays clean long | Heavy duty, easy to swap |
| Bar Nuts | Standard, easy to lose | Captive (on newer models) |
| Durability | Good for weekends | Built for daily farm abuse |
Reliability & Starting
Nothing ruins a day like a saw that won’t start. Here is my experience on cold mornings.
| Condition | Husqvarna 455 Rancher | Stihl MS 311 |
| Cold Start | Easy. Smart Start® valve helps. | Stiff. Takes a strong arm. |
| Warm Start | Usually one pull. | Usually one pull. |
| Flooding | Rare if you follow steps. | Can happen if you choke too long. |
| Idle | Smooth, rarely stalls. | tough, reliable idle. |
Pros and Cons: My Honest View
After running tanks of gas through both, here is the breakdown.
Husqvarna 455 Rancher
Pros:
- Easy on the Body: The anti-vibe springs are amazing. I can cut longer without pain.
- Wallet Friendly: You save a good chunk of cash compared to the Stihl.
- Simple Start: The decompression valve makes pulling the cord easy.
Cons:
- Less Grunt: It struggles a bit in truly massive hardwood logs.
- Chain Adjuster: The side tensioner is okay, but feels a little cheap.
Stihl MS 311
Pros:
- Pure Power: It cuts like a pro saw. Great for big felling jobs.
- Air Filtration: The filter system keeps sawdust out of the carb very well.
- Resale Value: People always want to buy a used Stihl.
Cons:
- Heavy: You will feel every ounce of it by the end of the day.
- Pricey: It is a big investment for a non-pro saw.
Final Thoughts
If I have a mix of work—some storm cleanup, some firewood, some trimming—I grab the Husqvarna 455 Rancher. It is just easier to live with.
But if I wake up knowing I have to cut three cords of hickory before sunset, I take the Stihl MS 311. It is the heavy hammer for the heavy nails.
FAQs – Husqvarna 455 Rancher vs Stihl MS 311
Which saw is better for home use, the Husqvarna or Stihl?
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is great for home use. It is light and costs less. It handles yard work well. The Stihl MS 311 is heavier and costs more. It is for big jobs.
Can the Husqvarna 455 Rancher cut down big trees?
Yes, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher cuts big trees well. It has a strong motor. The Stihl MS 311 has even more power for hard wood. It is much faster in thick, tough logs.
Is the Stihl MS 311 worth the extra money?
If you cut lots of wood, yes. The Stihl MS 311 is very strong. It cuts hard oak fast. For small jobs, the Husqvarna 455 Rancher is a better deal. It saves you cash.
Which chainsaw is easier to start on a cold day?
The Husqvarna 455 Rancher is often easier. It has a smart start part. You pull the cord, and it goes. The Stihl MS 311 is stiff. It takes a strong arm to start it up.
What size bar fits on these chainsaws?
Both saws fit a 20-inch bar. This size is great for most trees. The Stihl MS 311 can take a longer bar if you need it. Check your manual to be sure of the right fit.