Time for a new saw!

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legrandice

legrandice

Burning Hunk
Oct 5, 2006
215
South Hadley, MA
I think it's time to upgrade my Husqvarna 350. It was purchased in 2002 and has never let me down. It's currently got the following list of small issues that to me are a great excuse for an upgrade!
1.oiler not working properly
2.needs a new bar due to oiler issue
3.clutch is sticking so chain runs unless the brake is on
4. throttle linkage keeps popping out of the handle causing the saw to run at full throttle.

I have been very happy with the 50cc size, I cut random trees around my house and around 6 cords a year for my stove.

The 18 in bar has been a good size for almost everything, so I think I will stay there.

I am leaning towards going to the top of the line 550xp, hoping to finalize and pick something up this week as I have a tree that fell down at my cottage that I need to get cleaned up.

Any reasons I should look at a different saw? I am a bit nervous about autotune, but would take the risk so I don't have to adjust the carb.

Exciting to have a new tool soon!
 
From what I understand, the 550 is a fine and popular saw, balances well with a 16" B&C.

For 18" you may be better served with its big brother, the 562 XP.
 
legrandice said:
I think it's time to upgrade my Husqvarna 350. It was purchased in 2002 and has never let me down. It's currently got the following list of small issues that to me are a great excuse for an upgrade!
1.oiler not working properly
2.needs a new bar due to oiler issue
3.clutch is sticking so chain runs unless the brake is on
4. throttle linkage keeps popping out of the handle causing the saw to run at full throttle.

I have been very happy with the 50cc size, I cut random trees around my house and around 6 cords a year for my stove.

The 18 in bar has been a good size for almost everything, so I think I will stay there.

I am leaning towards going to the top of the line 550xp, hoping to finalize and pick something up this week as I have a tree that fell down at my cottage that I need to get cleaned up.

Any reasons I should look at a different saw? I am a bit nervous about autotune, but would take the risk so I don't have to adjust the carb.

Exciting to have a new tool soon!
Click to expand...

I have looked at saws recently and have taken all popular brands in consideration and was able to test some out to compare. I decided to go with Dolmar, great saw. Professional grade. Dealers all over the country and not as many plastic parts as most other brands; http://www.dolmar.com/
 
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For the $, I'd consider the 545 or Jonsered CS2252. Same platform, minus a few features the firewood cutter would probably never miss.
 
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I love my 550xp 18" bar. has close to 6 cord of hardwood under it's belt since purchase in Feb of this year. dropped, limbed, and bucked several hardwoods 12"- 20" with ease. good luck with the purchase.
 
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jeff_t said:
For the $, I'd consider the 545 or Jonsered CS2252. Same platform, minus a few features the firewood cutter would probably never miss.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info, I will look into this at the dealer tomorrow.
 
legrandice said:
I think it's time to upgrade my Husqvarna 350. It was purchased in 2002 and has never let me down. It's currently got the following list of small issues that to me are a great excuse for an upgrade!
1.oiler not working properly
2.needs a new bar due to oiler issue
3.clutch is sticking so chain runs unless the brake is on
4. throttle linkage keeps popping out of the handle causing the saw to run at full throttle.

I have been very happy with the 50cc size, I cut random trees around my house and around 6 cords a year for my stove.

The 18 in bar has been a good size for almost everything, so I think I will stay there.

I am leaning towards going to the top of the line 550xp, hoping to finalize and pick something up this week as I have a tree that fell down at my cottage that I need to get cleaned up.

Any reasons I should look at a different saw? I am a bit nervous about autotune, but would take the risk so I don't have to adjust the carb.

Exciting to have a new tool soon!
Click to expand...

I have a husky 353, which is basically the same saw. I wanted two saws for when one went down and got a echo cs600p which is a bigger saw that can take a 24 inch bar. I have been very pleased. By the way don't quit using the 350, I have put a new oiler on my 353 and your no. 3 problem needs a new clutch spring. They crack and the chain spins at idle and generally won't start. Both easy fixes that I did myself and I'm not a great mechanic. Good lluck.
 
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Hickorynut said:
I have a husky 353, which is basically the same saw. I wanted two saws for when one went down and got a echo cs600p which is a bigger saw that can take a 24 inch bar. I have been very pleased. By the way don't quit using the 350, I have put a new oiler on my 353 and your no. 3 problem needs a new clutch spring. They crack and the chain spins at idle and generally won't start. Both easy fixes that I did myself and I'm not a great mechanic. Good lluck.
Click to expand...

I put a new clutch spring in last year and also did the new oiler. Still having problems with it! I don't plan to sell it as I don't feel it's safe, but I know it's issues and it will be a good backup saw.

Heading to the dealer tomorrow or tuesday if I have time!
 
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new 545 sitting in my truck!! hope to find some time in the next few days to break it in and cut up the tree that fell at my summer camp
 
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so as a kid, I used to bring any new toys in my room for the night. for some reason, my wife was not thrilled with this....
b98b1451060d45d2802cd3aabb16e39c.jpg
 
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legrandice said:
so as a kid, I used to bring any new toys in my room for the night. for some reason, my wife was not thrilled with this....
Click to expand...

She's just jealous. To make up, you should get her a Husky 576XP for her very own.;)
 
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Very Nice saw.

I am no expert on women, but your wife may have been more happy with a pair of shoes or handbag than a new toilet seat.:eek:
 
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