Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher Gas Chainsaw Review

The Stihl and Husqvarna companies are the creators of high-end machinery. They have been popular all over the world, but especially in the North American market. They are the two most popular chainsaw manufacturers and for good reason.

Some people have a preference for one over the other. This is usually due to the fact that once they buy a chainsaw from one company, they find that the components of the chainsaw are not compatible with other brands. This is normally the case with any chainsaw, so there are no surprises there. But this also means that those who buy from one company will usually not look at the other company unless they have a good reason to.

We have created this Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher comparison in order to show you what the differences are between them. We have our opinion as to which of these chainsaws is actually the best, and we will let you know why in this review.

Interested in buying a Husqvarna chainsaws? Check out our Husqvarna 440e vs 440 review.

Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher

Preview
Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Husqvarna Rancher 455
Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, Orange
Title
Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, Orange
Price
$ 419.99 - $ 429.99
$449.00
Fuel Capacity
16.9 oz.
14.88 oz
Engine Power
3.49 bhp
3.50 hp
Weight
12.3 lbs.
12.8 lbs
Displacement
3.06 cu. in.
3.4 cu. in.
Bar Length
16" to 20"
13-24 in
Features
Anti-Vibration System | Side-Access Chain Tensioner
Air Injection® | X-Torq® | Side-mounted chain tensioner | LowVib®
Power Source
Gas
Gas
More Information
-
Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Preview
Title
Stihl Farm Boss MS 271
Price
$ 419.99 - $ 429.99
Fuel Capacity
16.9 oz.
Engine Power
3.49 bhp
Weight
12.3 lbs.
Displacement
3.06 cu. in.
Bar Length
16" to 20"
Features
Anti-Vibration System | Side-Access Chain Tensioner
Power Source
Gas
More Information
-
Husqvarna Rancher 455
Preview
Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, Orange
Title
Husqvarna 450R 450 Rancher Gas Chainsaw, Orange
Price
$449.00
Fuel Capacity
14.88 oz
Engine Power
3.50 hp
Weight
12.8 lbs
Displacement
3.4 cu. in.
Bar Length
13-24 in
Features
Air Injection® | X-Torq® | Side-mounted chain tensioner | LowVib®
Power Source
Gas
More Information

Quality of the Farm Boss and the Rancher

The Farm Boss and the Rancher are both considered to be semi-pro chainsaws. They are a level above your traditional casual chainsaw. Both have more power due to their engine displacement, which makes them quicker at cutting through branches and trees.

They are both of the same quality according to most customers. The choice in deciding to buy one over the other really rests on things such as pricing and the extra features that you might want in a saw.

Which is Better: Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher

We personally prefer the Husqvarna Rancher for the fact that it is generally lighter than the Farm Boss, which has the same displacement. So for the same power, you can get a lighter chainsaw in the Husqvarna Rancher.

Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

There are a few more features that we love about the Husqvarna Rancher. But first, we want you to know that both of these chainsaws have an extra-long air filter life. They also cut exhaust emissions in half due to their modern design.

But the Husqvarna Rancher seems to offer a bit more features. Here are some of the things that you would get with the Husqvarna Rancher:

Tool-less chain tensioner:

You can easily tension the chain of the Rancher using the special side tensioner. This tensioner does not require a tool, so tensioning is super easy.

Smart Start® technology:

The Husqvarna Rancher uses a special technology that allows for the easy starting of the chainsaw. While some have had issues starting there Stihl Farm Boss, there have not been any reports of anyone having an issue starting the Husqvarna Rancher. This chainsaw is a specially-designed to reduce the amount of resistance in the starter cord so that starting is as easy as possible.

Husqvarna 24 Inch 460 Rancher Gas Chainsaw

Unique feature in the Husqvarna 450 Rancher:

The 450 Rancher has a transparent fuel level indicator that lets you know when fuel is about to run low.

Stihl Farm Boss vs Husqvarna Rancher: Price Difference

As you may already know, Amazon has competitive pricing that you may not be able to find anywhere else. It is also important to note that the Stihl is not available on Amazon, so finding a dealer will be a bit more difficult. You will get better pricing with the Husqvarna Rancher, as many of its models are available on Amazon. Prices often go down and are often on sale for these models.

For the current prices on the Husqvarna Rancher, see the link below:

Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw
  • 455 Rancher chainsaw is an ideal saw for landowners or homeowners who require a high powered and heavy duty chainsaw

The Verdict

We love the Husqvarna Rancher for the fact that it offers a few more features that the Stihl Farm Boss does not. It is also noticeably lighter than the Farm Boss, so you will be able to use it for longer without getting tired.

The Husqvarna Rancher is available on Amazon for prices that are cheaper than your usual dealer. Since the Stihl is not available on Amazon, the Husqvarna Rancher may be a better choice for those who are looking for a good deal.

Both of these chainsaws are of the same quality. Many customers have confirmed this, so the guesswork, in this case, is usually a matter of pricing for a lot of people. If you would like to know more about how these chainsaws compare, please leave your question(s) below.

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