Making a switch

[Osagebndr]

I'll start off by saying that I have been a diehard Stihl man for a long time. Owned a few new saws but mostly used as I live around some good horse traders. My current keeper is an ms361 . Work horse of a saw I've ever owned , but I was browsing CL and came across a husky 365 for a great price ($ 350) and after reading some posts in this saw I'm thinking hard about buying it. Just want to hear some feedback in its realiability. Thanks for your replies

 

[Jon1270]

My only personal experience with the model is that I bought one, started and revved it a couple of times, looked it over thoroughly and sold it to an enthusiastic buyer the next day.

What I think I know of them is that they're a small step down from a 372, and a great value in a medium-largish saw. The older versions had slightly smaller displacement than a 372, but shared a lot of parts. The newer X-torq version is almost identical to a 372, and can actually be turned into a 372 at near-zero cost with minimal work.

That said, $350 may not be a great price unless the saw is in really excellent condition. I'd equate a $350 Craigslist price to roughly $465 on eBay, and the ones that go for that much on eBay are sometimes (broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Husqvarna-365-x-torg-65cc-Gauge-Gas-Powered-Chain-Saw-Chainsaw-/321602095131?pt=US_Chainsaws&hash=item4ae0fa881b) new. Husqvarnas generally don't hold their resale value as well as Stihls do.

 

[Osagebndr]

From the pics I've seen of it it looks really nice. Better shape than my 361 when I bought it

 

[D8Chumley]

My only question would be why have 2 saws essentially the same size? Not that I'm against having several saws but mine are 30ish, 45, 60 and 76 cc. Just curious, if it's a good deal why not?

 

[jeffesonm]

No experience with the husky but I would also question buying another saw so close in size. Why not save the money and put it towards something in the 90cc range?

 

[Adios Pantalones]

My Stihl 260 puts up with amazing abuse. If I was going to get another saw it would have to be bigger.

I'd like to only manage one recommended fuel mix ratio, as well.

 

[Osagebndr]

I have been looking for a good used 288xp come to think if it. Hard to find one that hasn't been abused tho. I'm mainly after something similar in size because it's a good all around size for anything is be doing and to give the 361 a break now again from the abuse that I put it thru

 

[D8Chumley]

I have been looking for a good used 288xp come to think if it. Hard to find one that hasn't been abused tho. I'm mainly after something similar in size because it's a good all around size for anything is be doing and to give the 361 a break now again from the abuse that I put it thru

Maybe Firewood Bandit would be willing to part with his 288XP Lite

 

[Osagebndr]

I wouldn't place a dime on that bet lol. There's a gentleman here that rebuilds them tho I just may give him a shout and see if he has one... Or two

 

[Jon1270]

85cc (064) is the biggest saw I've had, and it was more saw than I needed. How big do the trees have to be before a 288 makes practical sense?

 

[D8Chumley]

I will admit I don't use my MS460 much but it's there if I need some muscle. That thing is a blast to run! It's paid for and I have a 20 & 25" bar for big stuff. Like Joful says he gets a lot of big wood that nobody else wants to be bothered with. I mostly use my 025 and now my Echo 590 but it's nice to have a big boy for back-up

 

[Osagebndr]

I get a lot if big stuff myself. I average 20" and up . Bucked a maple that was 48" for a friend but don't like messing with anything bigger than 40"

 

[jeffesonm]

I get a lot if big stuff myself. I average 20" and up . Bucked a maple that was 48" for a friend but don't like messing with anything bigger than 40"

I would definitely save that money and put it towards a big saw, something in the 90cc range. Probably 80% of the time I use my 036/20" but when I have a big trunk to cut up, it's way easier to use the 90cc MS660 w/32" bar and just rip through it vs attacking from both sides with the 036.

 

[Jon1270]

Another possibility is a 79cc Dolmar/Makita. Not as powerful as an 066, but not as heavy either. Most people seem to feel the oiler can only keep up with a 28" bar, but some push it to 32".