This is a question for the saw builders on the forum. I'm wondering if the price for Stihl and Husky is justified ,considering that some aftermarket parts are 1/3 to 1/2 the price of OEM parts. Is there that much cost difference in the quality of the OEM parts compared to aftermarket.
I wouldn't consider myself a saw builder but I'll throw in my $0.02 so take it with a huge grain of salt. Concerning aftermarket parts, that's a bit of a broad question. In my mind that depends on the particular part. I've bought Archer sprockets and Oregon clutch kits and had good luck. With carburetors I would try like hell to stick with OEM carburetor replacements or rebuild kits. The same goes for fuel lines/filters. For aftermarket pistons, Meteor is a good option and Caber rings have a good reputation. If the brand new OEM part you're looking for is too expensive to justify, try searching eBay for a used one. Cheap aftermarket parts (the kind you find on Amazon) can be hit or miss so I've learned to avoid them when practical. And... just because it says Stihl or Husqvarna on it, doesn't mean it wasn't sourced from China anyway, so that heated argument is kind of moot.
I too am not a builder per se, but I’ve wrenched on quite a few over the years, bringing back many from the burnt piston/scored cylinder death. To me, depends on the part. Cylinders I wouldn’t stray from oem. Mufflers and brackets, aftermarket does fine. Carbs, rubber parts, filters I all keep OE. Pistons I prefer Meteor.
Eric and Jason thanks for your input. Those aftermarket parts are cheaper for a reason. We cannot view at what standards those parts are manufactured. Hopefully those OEM parts are held the original specifications depending as to where there are outsourced. That’s why I was seeking the advice of those builders with the experience with OEM and aftermarket parts. Thanks again for your input.
I’m not a professional by far for sure, however certain saws/certain parts are just fine. I’m kinda into the 2 series husky ala, 61/266/268/272 chassis. Everything Hyway but the carb gaskets and cylinders (they leak, not stamped correctly, port work is atrocious) works just fine. Some of the aftermarket Stihl stuff for the 044/066 is pretty decent as well, but I’m not much into them, just what I have seen/read.
