Thread: 026 vs. 346xp

I know i'll get smacked for this one, but the only complaints I have on 026's is is the super sensitive carburetor, the air filter is really not that big a deal although if i had my druthers it would come with a filtration system something like on a 440 or 460.

That being said everytime I look and pick up the 346 it just does not look and feel as solid as the 026/260 and I can't stop thinking it just won't last as long. This may be false and wrong, but I can't get away from that feeling.

I can't live with a saw that gives me those feelings or doesn't feel right in my hands.

Before you all PM me, note that I am not saying it is not a good saw.

Ben, what "BS" are you saying is wrong with the 346?

IMO the outboard clutch design sucks with a capitol S. Tensioner, on/off-choke switch is really cheesy and the filter design is cheesy as well.
The 026 has a roach motor stock, has a crap AF and Choke design and as others have mentioned is hyper sensitive to adjustment. If you get one with a fixed jet crab take the carb off and through it in the trasdh as you will never get the saw to run right 100% of the time.
I just plane like the 260 for some odd reason thats why I bought one. If I had to do it again I might by a 346.

Other than the fact that it is harder to change out the sprocket, I dont see what the big deal about the outboard clutch is. Some people will say it is harder to change the chain but when done the right way it isnt. The tensioner may not be as HD as the one on the stihl but it works fine and I have yet to see one break. The controls do take a little getting used to but I dont think you can honestly say stihls master control lever is any "less cheesy". Are you saying the filter itself it cheesy or the way it attaches? The pleated filter on mine works really well and it snaps into place nicely. I dont seem to have any trouble with the filter or leaks at the connection. Im not trying to start an argument. Just wanted to give my .02. I like the 260 pretty well but you have to admit the spring av mounts on the husky are much smoother.

BTW, as ive said a million time before, my shindaiwa 488 is the most solid looking and feeling 50 cc saw ive ever had. I like the individual controls for ignition, choke, and throttle lock. Also, the gas and oil caps come off with very little effort compared to my husky's. It has a 3 shoe clutch and everything on the saw just seems built rock solid. Downfalls: it has a chrome (not nikasil) cylinder and the fixed high speed jet is a little rich. I replaced mine (on the advice of Rich Hoffman) and it now runs at about 13,200 rpms. With the fixed jet carb it only ran 12,600-12,700. Sure was an expensive switch, though.

Originally Posted by Lobo

That being said everytime I look and pick up the 346 it just does not look and feel as solid as the 026/260 and I can't stop thinking it just won't last as long. This may be false and wrong, but I can't get away from that feeling.

Having spent nearly all my "professionial" saw time with Stihls, I too can't seem to get away from the impression of the Huskies when in hand that they're not as sturdily built.  Even though they generally weigh noticeably more.

The chain tensioning mechanism on the bulk of the Stihl saws is the best one I've seen or used.

Originally Posted by bwalker

IMO the outboard clutch design sucks with a capitol S. Tensioner, on/off-choke switch is really cheesy and the filter design is cheesy as well.
The 026 has a roach motor stock, has a crap AF and Choke design and as others have mentioned is hyper sensitive to adjustment.

I need to get a couple of things clarified here on my behalf only,

1- I don't feel that my 026 has a roach motor, I have always found it to do a great job in what I want it to do could it use an extra 1/2 hp sometimes, yes, but I still love to pick it up as it is super pleasing saw to use and handle and heck at my age I don't want tohandle 3-4-5 lbs more to work 8-9 hours, so I try and spare myself whenever I can as I am sure we all do (well may be not as much when younger and we want to impress others or build up the forearms)

2- I have no problem at all with the choke design and by far prefer that choke design on it to the flimsiness on the husky.

3- The carb is sensitive while in adjustment only (use your tach) however once adjusted it does not move from there until you change it again and she purs like a kitten.

4- The Air Filter is not that bad on it, yes you do need to clean more often than on a 460 lets say, however it is efficient and does not let the crap in. It would be nice to clean it only when it has been used 2 or 3 times longer but this is not a major problem at all IMHO. I will be trying to extend the filtration period with a cheeze cloth covered with a paper filter applied to the outside orifices to see if I can't extend or double its usage between cleanings, will let you not if and when I am happy with that.

5- I will agree with Ben the outboard clutch on the 346 IMHO leaves much too be desired. the choke switch is cheap, no sorry real cheap, the filter design well that's a toss up.

To me it just doesn't feel right especially when you consider some other models from husky and Jonsered stables.

The choke mechanism overly restricts the intake on the 260. The filter also leaks like a sive around the choke mechanism. As for the motor. The husky is simply better in every way.

Brent, you must think exactly like I do because you literally took the words out of my mouth. I run a firewood business, and run 3 346xp's at the moment. The ultimate firewood saw in my opinion. With all 3 saws, I have had great luck. No probems with the tensioners. I like the way the filters turn to lock in, a good seal in my opinion. I also really like the controls. I can access them easily even with thick gloves on. Also, all 3 saws oil great! I had to replace 1 oil pump because it quit altogether but other than that, no problems! All of these saws have quite a few hours on them.
-Brad

Originally Posted by bwalker

The choke mechanism overly restricts the intake on the 260. The filter also leaks like a sive around the choke mechanism. As for the motor. The husky is simply better in every way.

Ben, I have not found that on mine, perhaps I am not demanding enough, not sure, or perhaps I clean it too often and have never noticed it.

I am not saying that the 346's engine is not good, I am simply saying that I do not feel the engine on my 026 is a roach, bare in mind i'm not out there to compete or race either.

The 346 for me just doesn't feel right, again I repeat I am not saying its a bad saw.

I guess its like a reclining chair some feel more comfortable in one model and others in different models.

I noticed my 260 filter leaking around the choke lever as well letting a bunch of fine junk inside. Grease seemed to fix that problem but like others, I don't think it's a very good filtration system.

I have tried to seal up the carburetor box to keep the crud from getting to the filter without any success. Has anyone else had any luck at this?

I'm not sure where the sawdust gets in from, I have used air cleaner porus foam stuff to seal around the handle, the switch shaft opening and have put it in the top of the cover where I figgure the air is supposed to be coming from, put new rubber grommets around the H,L & Idle screws. Haven't noticed any noticible improvement yet.

Does that saw have a shutter for winter use that allows heated air into the airbox from within the cylinder shroud?  Is it open?

Glens the issue is unrelated to the shutter. The choke linkage area is where the problem originates as the choke is actually inside the filter. A little grease helps, but doent solve the problem. IN a nutshell its just a really cheesy design.

I've recently bought my first Husky - a 346XP - after years of running 026s/ms260s. I bought the Husky mainly because I was so fed up of the local Stihl dealers and the faffing about needed to buy all but the simplest of spares. Husky dealers around here seem to know more about the products they are selling.

I didn't expect this, but I much prefer the 346 over the 026. Ergonomically, I think it's better. It seems more balanced, and the handles seem to fit my hands better. It accelerates faster - Idle to full speed is much quicker. Once started in the morning, it seems to restart easier after a short break, whereas the stihl often needs the full cold starting procedure.

Having said that, the MS260 is about a year older, and I've always felt that the MS260 lacks a little something when comparing it to the 026s

Originally Posted by alanarbor

I agree on the 346 having the power edge, but I hate, Hate, HATE the stupid on/off switch/choke setup on the 346, unless it's been redesigned, but it really left a bad taste in my mouth.

Hate is a strong word......
Anyway I like that Husky setup much better than the Stihl variant.
It is easier to both feel and see which functions is off and on. I have had no issues with it.