Chainsaw Repair

By Popular Mechanics.  Take it for what it is worth.   

Testing chain saws was a tough job this year. Not because of messy oil, loud engines or spraying wood chips—we love all that stuff. The trouble was, these heavy-duty saws were just too good. It took huge amounts of cutting to tease out the distinctions, and we called in some pros for help. Luckily, last winter prepared lots of test material for us at a farm owned by contributing editor Fred Mackerodt in New York state. Storms snapped off nearly tree-size limbs, while deep in the woods whole trees had crashed down hillsides and snarled in gigantic heaps of brush. We felled, bucked or cleared sugar maple, red cedar, ­hickory, ash, pine, spruce, white birch and red oak. The test was tough, as tough as the saws themselves, but it was fair. Here's what we found.

Husqvarna 455 Rancher
Engine Size: 55.5 CC
HP: 3.5
Bar Length: 20 inches
Weight: 17.4 pounds*
Fuel: 14 ounces
Air-Filter Access: Phillips-head screws
Decompression Valve: Yes
Purge Bulb: Yes
Decibels (A-Scale): 111
Price: $400

From comments about our tests posted on the Web, we know that every time we pit a Husqvarna saw against a Stihl, we're entering a divisive political battle. The fact is, both companies make great saws. The Rancher has excellent throttle response and power thanks to well-designed airflow through the engine. Husqvarna calls its design X-Torq. It uses ducts that channel clean air to evacuate exhaust gases while ushering in a separate air–fuel mixture.

We can't say whether this also makes it easier to start, but the saw came out of the box fully assembled and it started on the second pull.

Dislikes: A woodcutter needs tool-free access to the filter—not small black screws. Luckily, the screws are captive, so they won't fall out, and Husqvarna says it's looking into alternatives. We didn't experience problems with the chain-brake lever, but it feels like it could be sturdier—added robustness is called for.

Solo 656
Engine Size: 56 CC
HP: 4.1
Bar Length: 18 inches
Weight: 16.2 pounds*
Fuel: 20 ounces
Air-Filter Access: Clips, screwdriver
Decompression Valve: Yes
Purge Bulb: Yes
Decibels (A-Scale): 114
Price: $709

Our Solo was the only saw with an 18-inch bar. While that limited its cut slightly, it magnified its impressive power-to-weight ratio. The slim body, light weight and power make it perfect for limbing and other jobs that require awkward sawing positions, such as clearing tangled knots of small-diameter downed trees. We turned to the Solo when we cut away the nasty mash of red cedars that had fallen across our logging trails.

Dislikes: Given how capable and well-engineered the Solo is, we found it odd that its throttle linkage is exposed in the gap between the front of the handle and the saw body. We didn't experience dirt or twigs hanging it up, but this linkage should be shielded, as on all the other saws.

I think I recall seeing this comparison some time back.  Is that something you found recently?  The saw lineup would make it seem to have been some time ago.