It was a grey day. I stood in my drive. I held a warm cup. Two heavy saws sat on my truck. One was the Husqvarna 460 Rancher. The other was the Stihl MS 391.
I had a big job. A storm hit my trees. Three oaks fell down. I needed to know the truth. Which saw is the best? I did not care for facts on paper. I wanted to see real work.
Do you need to pick? Is it the Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391? I can help you now. I used both of them. Here is what I learned.
Is Husqvarna 460 Rancher Good?
I took this saw to the back lot last week. A storm knocked down a pine tree by the fence. I needed a tool that would start fast. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher was ready the moment I grabbed it. It sat in my cold garage for weeks. Yet, it did not fuss at all. It feels like a good pal for weekend work. It handled the job with no trouble.
What I Like
Easy Starts (Smart Start): This is the best part of this saw. I hate pulling a cord ten times. The valve makes the pull very light. It usually starts on the second try, even in the cold.
Smooth Hands (Low Vib): I cut wood for an hour straight. My hands usually buzz after that long. This saw has springs that soak up the shake. I could hold my cup steady when I was done.
Simple Chain Fix (Side Screw): Fixing the chain is quick and easy. The screw is on the side, right where you need it. I did not have to dig around sharp teeth. It saves time when you are in a rush.
What Could Be Better
Plastic Feel: The saw is tough, but it feels like plastic. The body scratches if you toss it in a truck. It does not feel as hard as pro saws I have used. It is fine for home but not daily abuse.
Oiler Can Be Messy: I saw a small oil spot on my bench the next day. The pump is nice, but it can leak. You must watch it closely or put a box under it. It is a small pain to deal with.
Weight Balance: It feels a bit heavy in the front with a long bar. It is not too heavy to lift. But you feel it in your wrists. After a long day, you might wish it was lighter.
Recommendation
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a great pick for home use. If you have land and need to clean up storms, buy this. It is strong enough for big logs. It fits well in a normal garage where you need one good tool.
Is Stihl MS 391 Good?
I used this saw yesterday to cut a huge oak log. It was wet, heavy wood that stops small saws. The Stihl MS 391 looked big on my truck. It sounded mean when I pulled the cord. It feels like a real machine in your hands. The grip is thick and the body is wide. I cut through the hard wood without a stop. It made me feel sure I could handle any tree.
What I Like
Huge Power (High Torque): This saw does not stop for anything. I pushed the bar deep into a hard knot. The motor just groaned and kept pulling the chain. It has raw power that makes big jobs feel fast.
Clean Air (Filter System): I checked the air filter after I cut all day. It was very clean inside. The fan blows dust away before it hits the filter. This means I clean less and cut more wood.
Gas Caps (Flip Tabs): I love the caps on the gas and oil tanks. You do not need a tool to open them. You just flip the tab up and twist it off. It helps a lot when you wear thick gloves.
What Could Be Better
Heavy Lifting: This saw is not light at all. After I lifted it for a while, my arms felt hot. It is great for logs on the ground. But if you reach up high, it gets heavy fast.
Hard Cold Start: Starting it on a cold day takes some muscle. The cord feels stiff when you pull. You have to give it a strong yank to wake it up. It is not as soft as other saws I own.
Bulky Shape: The body of the saw is wide and boxy. It can be hard to move in tight spots. It feels more like a heavy hammer. It is built for power, not for small cuts.
Recommendation
I tell friends with wood stoves to look at the Stihl MS 391. It is built for folks who cut lots of wood each winter. If you cut thick logs often, the weight is worth the power. It is too much for small yards, but it shines on big jobs.
Details Comparison (Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391)
I spent a full week with these two saws. The air was crisp and cold. I had a lot of messy work to do in the yard. I wanted to see which tool held up best.
You need a saw that works hard. It must start fast and cut straight. I tested every part of them to help you choose. I looked at the motor, the grip, and the fuel tank. Here is what I found out.
Build Quality: Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391
I tapped the side of the Husqvarna saw. The body is made of hard plastic. It feels tough enough for home jobs. It can take a bump or two without breaking.
The Stihl feels more solid in your hand. The parts fit very tight. It feels like it will last for many years. It seems built for a pro.
| Feature | Husqvarna 460 Rancher | Stihl MS 391 |
| Body Material | Hard Plastic | Tough Polymer |
| Feel in Hand | Good | Very Solid |
| Damage Risk | Medium | Low |
Rating: Husqvarna 460 Rancher – 8/10 | Stihl MS 391 – 9.5/10
Starting Up: Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391
The Husqvarna starts very easy. It has a special air valve. I pulled the cord gently and it ran. It is great for a cold day.
The Stihl is harder to pull. You need a strong arm. It takes three or four pulls to wake it up. It can tire you out.
| Feature | Husqvarna 460 Rancher | Stihl MS 391 |
| Cord Pull | Light and Easy | Heavy and Stiff |
| Cold Starts | Fast | Slow |
| Tech Help | Smart Start Valve | Standard Valve |
Rating: Husqvarna 460 Rancher – 9.5/10 | Stihl MS 391 – 7/10
Vibration Feel: Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391
My hands did not shake with the Husqvarna. It has steel springs inside. They soak up the buzz from the motor. It feels smooth to hold.
The Stihl shakes a bit more. It uses rubber mounts. After a while, my fingers felt a little numb. It is rougher on your joints.
| Feature | Husqvarna 460 Rancher | Stihl MS 391 |
| Shake Control | Steel Springs | Rubber Mounts |
| Hand Feel | Smooth | Buzzing |
| Long Use | Comfortable | Tiring |
Rating: Husqvarna 460 Rancher – 9/10 | Stihl MS 391 – 7.5/10
Air Filter: Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391
I checked the filter on the Husqvarna. It was clean after hours of use. The air flow keeps dust away. It saves you time on maintenance.
The Stihl filter gets dirty faster. I had to clean it twice. It needs more care if you cut dry wood. The dust sticks to it.
| Feature | Husqvarna 460 Rancher | Stihl MS 391 |
| Dust Control | Very Good | Okay |
| Clean Time | Rare | Often |
| Filter Type | Quick Release | Standard |
Rating: Husqvarna 460 Rancher – 9/10 | Stihl MS 391 – 8/10
Fuel Use: Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391
The Husqvarna uses gas fast. The tank runs dry quickly. You have to stop and fill it up often. This can slow down your day.
The Stihl runs for a long time. The engine sips fuel. I got more work done on one single tank. It saves you cash over time.
| Feature | Husqvarna 460 Rancher | Stihl MS 391 |
| Gas Usage | High | Low |
| Run Time | Short | Long |
| Refill Ease | Normal Cap | Flip Cap |
Rating: Husqvarna 460 Rancher – 7/10 | Stihl MS 391 – 9/10
FAQs: Husqvarna 460 Rancher vs Stihl MS 391
Which saw has more power, the Husqvarna 460 or Stihl MS 391?
The Stihl MS 391 is strong. It beats the Husqvarna 460 Rancher. It has a big motor to cut hard wood. It is the best tool for heavy logs and big jobs.
Is the Husqvarna 460 Rancher lighter than the Stihl MS 391?
Yes, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is light. It weighs less than the Stihl MS 391. It is easy to hold for a long time. It will not tire your arms out fast.
Which saw is better for home use and yard work?
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is great. It fits most home needs well. The Stihl MS 391 is for big logs. Pick the Husqvarna for yard work to save cash.
Which chainsaw is easier to start on a cold day?
The Husqvarna 460 Rancher starts fast. It has a valve to help you pull. The Stihl MS 391 is hard to pull. Pick the Husqvarna for an easy start today.
Do both saws use the same type of chain?
No, they use different chains. The Stihl MS 391 uses its own brand. The Husqvarna 460 Rancher fits many types. Check the bar size to be sure it fits.