Chainsaw; Husqvarna question

13 lbs is light enough if it gets the job done....Way to much concern about weight. When bucking it should be from one cut to the next cut not carrying it around all day long!

I would have two saws, a light one for limbing and the heaver one for cutting large trees. I made the mistake of taking my 365 (13lbs) over to a friends last week to help trim up some trees and I was sore for the rest of the weekend. Next time I will bring my poulan 42cc saw also, a lot lighter.

mywaynow,
Couple things:
1. If you've been using a Wild Thing, any of the better brands will be an improvement.
2. 13.2 pounds is the rating, WITHOUT bar, chain, oil, gas.
3. What size wood you cutting?
4. If #3 allows the use of a 16-18" bar (I'm in NH and have never needed longer than 18) look at the Husky 346. It sells around $475, but would be almost two pounds lighter, a pro saw, and gets very, very good reviews.
5. If you'd like a bit more punch and the ability to run larger than 18" bar, seek out a used Stihl 361 or steal some kid's money for a 362.
6. If you are around the Nashua area and want some dealer suggestions, shoot me a PM.

S

If you're gonna use a 20" most often, you want to move to a bigger size and/or pricepoint. The 346 is fine with an 18, but I wouldn't want to run a 20" in the hard oak we have up here. Prob'ly should suck up the weight of the 455 or look for a 361.

S

thinkxingu said:

If you're gonna use a 20" most often, you want to move to a bigger size and/or pricepoint. The 346 is fine with an 18, but I wouldn't want to run a 20" in the hard oak we have up here. Prob'ly should suck up the weight of the 455 or look for a 361.

S

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Argee the price of a 346 50cc and need a 20 inch bar.......I would look at 60-70 cc and rock and roll!

I do like my Husky but I'd get a MS-290 @ $389 over a husky 455.
If you can get to the 5 bill mark I agree the husky 346 is currently the best in the class, and will run circles around the both saws mentioned above
Also look at the Dolmar 6401/6421 @ $475 over the ms361 or ms362 @ $600
Have a good time in the search for your new saw!!

Weight for me is rarely an issue . . . and I am just a fat, out-of-shape desk jockey . . . I wouldn't worry too much about the weight of the saw . . . but I would be more concerned about the engine size.

I never notice a saws weight really.
Vibration bothers me, gutless saws bother me, but not weight.
If anything i feel a heavy saws kicks less, making it easier to control if anything.

firefighterjake said:

Weight for me is rarely an issue . . . and I am just a fat, out-of-shape desk jockey . . . I wouldn't worry too much about the weight of the saw . . . but I would be more concerned about the engine size.

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I have to agree here. I have a 20lb (ok, 18.3lbs), 20", 55cc saw that I use for firewood cutting. Will spend most of the day out cutting and finding and never had a problem with the weight honestly. Little sore the next day? sure, maybe, but par for the course with all the lifting etc.

I like the power of the saw and it will fell, buck, limb like a light saber, and it's a "POS" McCulloch too!

Anyway, I just wanted to echo the "weight" issue, not an issue for me. I'm a big guy though...

I love my 346 Husky. I had it and my Stihl 360 pro out in the woods yesterday. I used them both but always grab the 346 first because its lighter and cuts faster. I pulled out 10 trees, birch, maple and popple and cut them all into rounds. I was going to haul them home today but it is pouring rain.
Doug

I liked the 455 that I sold recently. The weight was not really an issue. I did want more power, though. In 30" oak, the 20" bar would really bog down, even with a freshly sharpened chain. I think an 18" bar would be a better bet on this saw. You should be able to find them all day long for about $300 NIB on fleabay or sales at Lowes.

It's heresy, but dealer support is highly overrated. Saws are pretty simple; learn the basics and keep them happy yourself. If you buy one at a big box store, and it disappoints, then exercise the generous return policy!

Cheers,

B

I love my 455s,I have two of them. have a 16 on one and a 20 on the other. Never a problem w weight. I dont get too many logs I cant sawrite thru. A good sharp chain on each is the way to go. Good luck w your decision.

I just purchased the 450...did not want the 455 because it was a lot heavier. The 450 can take a 20" bar and it has a 50cc engine which can handle the demand. Great saw and not as large as the 455 which comes with the 20" bar. You can get it for $369 vs. $400.