Roospike, talk to me about Husky

[precaud]

You seem to be a dedicated Husky guy, and maintain your own saws, as do I. I've only owned Stihls, but I'm thinking of picking up a 353 before internet sales go away. What do you think? It's either that, or buy a MS260 locally, for quite a bit more. What do you like so much about Husky?
I read something about getting a non-"Etech" model. What's that about?
Any other input would be appreciated.

 

[Roospike]

You seem to be a dedicated Husky guy, and maintain your own saws, as do I. I've only owned Stihl, but I'm thinking of picking up a 353 before internet sales go away. What do you think? It's either that, or buy a MS260 locally, for quite a bit more. What do you like so much about Husky?
I read something about getting a non-"Etech" model. What's that about?
Any other input would be appreciated.

Husqvarna 353 is a good chainsaw , even a lot a dealers call the 353 and the 359 pro saws for how there built , no quite as fast per RPM as the XP models but a wider toqur range as the XP 's are max power in the higher RPM .

Husqvarna 353 and up are magnesium bodys ,, The saws have air injection and keeps the filter cleaner , steel body/handle springs for less vibration ( not rubber like Stihl , but Stihl is going to metal springs now with a few of there saws)

E-Tech - High power/ low weight and reduced emissions ( cat muffler ) I cut the cat out of my 359 muffler to keep it running cooler and a bit more power.

My neighbor owns a Stihl MS260 and don't like running it because his hands go numb after a short time ( rubber body / handle mounts ) He like my 346XP and 359 after a few hours in the field , tho he kept his ms260 he bought a new 346XP for his main saw.

What are you going to be using the 353 size saw for ?
I think the 353 is a great limbing , small - med small size saw for firewood. If cutting all soft wood then it would be a great mid size saw.
What size chainsaws do you own now ?

 

[precaud]

Husqvarna 353 is a good chainsaw , even a lot a dealers call the 353 and the 359 pro saws for how there built , no quite as fast per RPM as the XP models but a wider toqur range as the XP 's are max power in the higher RPM .

Since I live at 7000 ft, I like the broader torque curve because we give away alot of power up here...

Husqvarna 353 and up are magnesium bodys ,, The saws have air injection and keeps the filter cleaner , steel body/handle springs for less vibration ( not rubber like Stihl , but Stihl is going to metal springs now with a few of there saws)

More comfort is a good thing... I haven't cut with a MS260 so I don't know what it's like.

My neighbor owns a Stihl MS260 and don't like running it because his hands go numb after a short time ( rubber body / handle mounts ) He like my 346XP and 359 after a few hours in the field , tho he kept his ms260 he bought a new 346XP for his main saw.

Interesting...

What are you going to be using the 353 size saw for ?

Firewood, 2-3 cords a year.

I think the 353 is a great limbing , small - med small size saw for firewood. If cutting all soft wood then it would be a great mid size saw.

Yeah, no hardwood around here. Most of the trees I fell are standing dead, 8"-20" with most in the 12"-15" range. I know I don't need a big monster saw.

What size chainsaws do you own now ?

I bought my Stihl 011AVT w/ 16" b/c new about 20 years ago and it has performed flawlessly with nothing more than normal maintenance. I'll keep it as a backup.

Thanks for your input, I value your expertise on this matter!

 

[Roospike]

Well for soft woods and this is about the size saw your looking for i would say your best bet is the 353 and /or the 346XP but as you said you are looking for the wider power band so it look slike 353 would fit the bill. The 359 is also an awesome chainsaw at 59cc with the wide power band if your looking for a little extra oomf and use the 011 for the lite stuff.

....353 - 53cc / 3.3 hp / 11.0 lbs

....359 - 59cc / 3.9 hp / 12/1 lbs

346XP - 45cc / 3.4 hp / 10.6 lbs

357xp - 56 cc / 4.4 hp / 12.1 lbs

 

[elkimmeg]

Makita /Dolmar are also saws to consider I have the Husky 357xp an old stihl farm boss 041 and many polan / sears here
I like you not easilly impressed I cut up 2 28' by 20 ft oak rounds using the husky 357 xp and the old but excellent shape Stihl Farm boss
Made one cut with the farm boss and put it back into the truck both chains were equally sharp. That husky cut threw the oak like butter
what an impressive saw I may never use the stihl again I love the Rpms

 

[ourhouse]

I have been running Husky saws for a long time and you wont be dissapointed. If you are keeping to 011 than I say go with the bigger 359. If you take care of it you will get 20+ years out of that saw also.

 

[precaud]

OK thanks everyone for your input. I'm chewing between the 353 and 359.

 

[Elderthewelder]

ROO

What are your thoughts on the Husky 350? My friends POS Craftsman saw just went tits up, and I saw this on craiglist it is very local. Is it a little over priced?
(broken link removed to http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/268441147.html)

 

[Roospike]

ROO

What are your thoughts on the Husky 350? My friends POS Craftsman saw just went tits up, and I saw this on craiglist it is very local. Is it a little over priced?
(broken link removed to http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/268441147.html)

350 is a good saw but the 353 is a more durable and is a metal case/body saw ( 350 has a plastic body and intergraded engine harder to work on )

You can get a 350 on Ebay for just a little over $300. with a full 2 year warranty , 2 chains and free shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Chainsaws-HUSQV...8QQihZ012QQcategoryZ79666QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I would own a 350 Husqvarna over a craftsman but if was me looking for that size of saw i would get at least the Husqvarna 353


Chainsaws HUSQVARNA 353 20" bar chainsaw saw 3 chains
Free shipping! ,2 yr warranty, three (3) 20" chains included
http://cgi.ebay.com/Chainsaws-HUSQV...9530342QQihZ018QQcategoryZ79666QQcmdZViewItem

(* The linked ebay auctions seller IS a Husqvarna dealer and services what they sell , i have bought chainsaws, helmets & other from this dealer )

***************************************************************************

carpniels has his Husqvarna 359 for sale in the "Articles for Sale / Wanted" forum as another option for $300.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/6162/

 

[Elderthewelder]

Thanks for the info ROO, I know my friend is a little short on cash right now and may not be in the market for a new saw for awhile, I told him he could use my sthil if needed, he lets me use his HF splitter,so it all works out. I will take that ebay info on the 350 and try to see if I can talk the craigslist seller down a bit just to see if they bite. that 353 seems like a good deal though, wonder how it compares to the MS290?

 

[Roospike]

Thanks for the info ROO, I know my friend is a little short on cash right now and may not be in the market for a new saw for awhile, I told him he could use my sthil if needed, he lets me use his HF splitter,so it all works out. I will take that ebay info on the 350 and try to see if I can talk the craigslist seller down a bit just to see if they bite. that 353 seems like a good deal though, wonder how it compares to the MS290?

The use of the saw for the use of the splitter is a good trade off that works for both of you .

Its my understanding the MS290 is a plastic case saw like the 350 , the 353 metal cast saw is more twards the pro class built saw and the 350 gets good reviews and the 353 gets great reviews for there class / size saw .

No long term experence with the MS290 so i cant really say one way or the other.

If the 350 in Craiglist is in good shape with case i would guess $225. and maybe $250. at the most.
Again , carpniels has his Husqvarna 359 for sale in the “Articles for Sale / Wanted” forum for $300. and looks to be in good shape with some extras.

"I" would take to carpniels first and then go from there.

 

[Elderthewelder]

Again , carpniels has his Husqvarna 359 for sale in the “Articles for Sale / Wanted” forum for $300. and looks to be in good shape with some extras.

"I" would take to carpniels first and then go from there.

Yeah, I saw it. I was just thinking shipping from NY to Seattle may be a deal killer, and like I said not sure if my friend is actually ready to pull the trigger on a saw yet. i just happened to stumble across that 350 on craigslist and wanted some advice on it,

 

[carpniels]

Hi Elder,

Did you see my PM?

Let me know and we can talk.

CarpNiels

 

[precaud]

Well after weighing all my options, I ordered a Dolmar 5100S today. I was not impressed by any of the online Husky dealers I had emails with. And I just couldn't justify spending $469 + tax with the local Stihl dealer for a 260. Got the 5100 for $356 delivered from a dealer in FL, he answered all my questions and went out of his way to show me he wanted my ongoing business. Should be able to fire it up next week. Not much that needs cutting around here right now... it's first 'test' will be an easy one, a 6" dia. elm that died last summer.

 

[zzr7ky]

Hi! I'm guessing you're going to be very happy. Mine is a dream and it lives on dry hardwood.

Mike P

 

[bobo]

Well after weighing all my options, I ordered a Dolmar 5100S today. I was not impressed by any of the online Husky dealers I had emails with. And I just couldn't justify spending $469 + tax with the local Stihl dealer for a 260. Got the 5100 for $356 delivered from a dealer in FL, he answered all my questions and went out of his way to show me he wanted my ongoing business. Should be able to fire it up next week. Not much that needs cutting around here right now... it's first 'test' will be an easy one, a 6" dia. elm that died last summer.

The 5100 is a great saw.

Did you go with the .325/.050 or 3/8 - .050 ?

 

[precaud]

The 3/8 - .050 with 18" bar.

 

[bobo]

The 3/8 - .050 with 18" bar.

You will be very happy. Congrats on the new saw.

 

[elkimmeg]

I know the 5100 would have been my next saw till I stumbles acrost a 357 xp that cost me a laptop monitor replacement Labor only and .$65 for bar bolts.
I'm no lomger in the market great saw I might add the husky 357xp

Well we expect to here a full report on the Dolmar

 

[precaud]

No question, you got a helluva deal on that 357xp, elk. I'm sure you smile every time you use it.

 

[Roospike]

Good turn out on the saw precaud , I'm sure you get a lot of years a great use out of it.

now go cut some wood !

 

[precaud]

now go cut some wood !

Well it may be a couple months before I really can put it thru it's paces. I'm not much into cutting in the snow...

 

[Roospike]

now go cut some wood !

Well it may be a couple months before I really can put it thru it's paces. I'm not much into cutting in the snow...

I can understand the "snow" part. I have always had a problem with the "sun" part in the summer and 90°+ days. 30°-50° is about perfect for me.

Its always easier to go out and cut wood when you have a new toy. ( i mean tool )

 

[precaud]

I can understand the "snow" part. I have always had a problem with the "sun" part in the summer and 90°+ days.

I totally agree, it's no fun working in an oven. The wood should be cut and stacked by then to take advantage of it anyway.

30°-50° is about perfect for me.

Yup - spring and autumn are cuttin' time.

Its always easier to go out and cut wood when you have a new toy. ( i mean tool )

Too true...

 

[zzr7ky]

Hi -

I went with the 3/8 .050. Far and away the most popular. I file it a stroke or 2 each tank and rakers a stroke or so after 5-6 tanks with a dullish file. It wants more wood! I can't lug the wood out fast enough.

ATB,
Mike P