Husky 359 Problem

[djauto]

Hello all,

Before I start, I know I should have bought a 5100s and an MS361 so you don't have to tell me.

This question is mainly for input from saw dealers. specifically Husky dealers.

I have a problem with a Husky 359 that my wife bought me for our anniversary about a month ago, she now claims my MS210 is her saw. As a local business owner I like to support local business so we bought the saw from an independant dealer a few blocks from my office for close to retail price. As recommended, I was looking for that elusive "Dealer Support" that is so highly recommended on the site here. Overall I have been happy with the saw, use for cutting 12" to 30" fir, cottonwood, maple, birch, and alder.

The problem is a crack I found when cleaning the saw. I have run about 3 gallons of fuel through the saw and it has not seen a huge amount of use. The crack is clean though and is in the brace that runs from the front of the case to the rear, just above the recoil assembly and below the top cover. This brace is actually part of the left half of the crank case. I know it is not mission critical at this point but does give me concern about the quality of the entire casting on that half and you can see flaws in the casting all along the brace. The saw has not beed dropped or taken ANY blows at all.

When I took it in to the dealer they said "it's no big deal and won't hurt the operation of the saw." After giving them the "new saw" side of the story and the explaining that it didn't seem right they agreed to call tech support who would probably just tell them "to note it and see if it causes any problems." I don't feel good about it but will be taking back in the morning when they call Husky tech support. I know that if I had bought it at Lowes the would have apologized and handed me a NEW saw on the spot, but again I wanted to support local.

So for the questions.....

1. What can I expect from Husky tech support?

2. What should I expect from my Husky dealer?

3. Is it unreasonable to expect a new powerhead instead of them tearing this thing down and replacing a crank case half? I am not excited about having it stripped, I didn't buy a rebuilt saw. If it was a year and a half old I could understand but it is a month old.

View attachment 66803

View attachment 66804

View attachment 66805

Thanks in advance for your advice and input.

Brian

 

[Uwharrie]

Thanks for buying from a dealer instead of the box store. That said, Husqvarna should give you a new saw. I don't believe it would ever cause you any problems but as you stated you bought a new saw and there is a defect in a major part. Husqvarna should ask for the saw back and give your dealer a new one. Of course this is only my opinion not Husqvarna's. Hope it works out for you. Tony

 

[PB]

Under warranty, shouldn't have any problems getting a replacement. Good thing you take care of your stuff and caught it now. Not a dealer, but just my .02. Good luck.

 

[Urbicide]

I would think that the proper thing to do would be to either replace the crankcase or to simply replace the whole saw with a new one.

 

[Four Paws]

Well, if your dealer was a good dealer, he would have got on the phone right there, and got the saw warrantied. Husky seems to be a PITA when it comes to warranty work - Stihl on the other hand, seems to be pretty good.

That said, it sure looks like something was dropped on the saw, or it was dropped while being assembled. Look at the dent where the crack is! I would demand a new saw -good luck!

 

[djauto]

Four paws,

The brace is drooped, I think the crack was there when it was new and actually covered by paint and after running the saw the paint cracked. Before I cleaned it there was black residue along the crack that I suspect is magnesium powder from the crack vibrating. There really aren't any marks in the paint to show any impact on the brace or the plastic cover.

Thanks for the input,
Brian

 

[huskydave]

unacceptable. I would use the warranty. If he gives you trouble ask him to call Husqvarna and let you speak with a rep. I bet he will change his tune and give you a new saw.

 

[handyhelper]

Brian,
You have a great saw! (and I have a 361). However, the case crack issue you're having should be corrected by the dealer. When I had an issue with one of my 353's (vapor locking) shortly after purchase (1 year!), I took it in and they gave me a new one (bar chain and all!). A crack in the case should definitely warrant such treatment, especially when it's a major (>$200) repair!

 

[djauto]

So the answer from the dealer after talking to Husqvarna Technical support is that the damage was probably done during manufacture or assembly as there is no sign of impact on the saw anywhere.

They say it does not affect the running of the saw, to note it on the invoice and let it go without addressing the problem. If something else happens they will 'evaluate' again. I have to say I don't really find that acceptable at all.

Are there any Husky dealers that would like to help with a warranty or trade up to a 357xp?

Basically with what they have told me, will probably not pick up the saw, dispute the CC charge as I was sold defective merchandise, and do what I should have done on FEBRUARY 15 when I bought this thing.

Go buy an MS361.

 

[PB]

So the answer from the dealer after talking to Husqvarna Technical support is that the damage was probably done during manufacture or assembly as there is no sign of impact on the saw anywhere.

They say it does not affect the running of the saw, to note it on the invoice and let it go without addressing the problem. If something else happens they will 'evaluate' again. I have to say I don't really find that acceptable at all.

Are there any Husky dealers that would like to help with a warranty or trade up to a 357xp?

Basically with what they have told me, will probably not pick up the saw, dispute the CC charge as I was sold defective merchandise, and do what I should have done on FEBRUARY 15 when I bought this thing.

Go buy an MS361.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's not get crazy now. That is crap from your dealer, did you talk to the rep yourself? The saw is broke and not in "new" condition. I would call Husky directly and talk to customer support. I bet your dealer is trying to sweep it under the rug for convenience.

 

[djauto]

I did call Husqvarna support before I took the saw in the second time. I understand they cannot evaluate over the phone and they said to take it in and have it checked by the dealer again and have the dealer call tech support. I waited for 15 minutes while they were on hold with tech support at the dealer. Finally I left it there and got a call 1 1/2 hours later on the tech support response. I posted that info above.

I have like 3 hours into taking the saw in 2 times, waiting in the store, calling tech support and I could spend another 5 or 10 hours calling support, arguing at the store, and writing letters. Heck, after 10 or 15 hours I could earn enough money working to by a new saw.

Seems kind of funny with the Husky vs Stihl quality post floating around.

 

[SawTroll]

Under warranty, shouldn't have any problems getting a replacement. Good thing you take care of your stuff and caught it now. Not a dealer, but just my .02. Good luck.

Ditto!

That wait an see policy is totally unacceptable when the saw has a manufacturing defrct!

 

[handyhelper]

Dispute the CC charge and drop the POS saw off at the POS dealer you're dealing with and go get yourself another saw.

PM me with the dealers phone number and contact info, I'd love to chat with him/her and congratulate them for all the great publicity they're getting on this case.

Trust me, if you decide to get a 361 you won't be disappointed!!

 

[Lou]

I did call Husqvarna support before I took the saw in the second time. I understand they cannot evaluate over the phone and they said to take it in and have it checked by the dealer again and have the dealer call tech support. I waited for 15 minutes while they were on hold with tech support at the dealer. Finally I left it there and got a call 1 1/2 hours later on the tech support response. I posted that info above.

I have like 3 hours into taking the saw in 2 times, waiting in the store, calling tech support and I could spend another 5 or 10 hours calling support, arguing at the store, and writing letters. Heck, after 10 or 15 hours I could earn enough money working to by a new saw.

Seems kind of funny with the Husky vs Stihl quality post floating around.

I think the problem is your local dealer. I'd try Husky support again and request a different dealer. Then NEVER enter the facility where you purchased it again... PLEASE tell EVERYONE you know that is interested in chainsaws about the bad treatment by your LOCAL dealer.

 

[Four Paws]

So the answer from the dealer after talking to Husqvarna Technical support is that the damage was probably done during manufacture or assembly as there is no sign of impact on the saw anywhere.

They say it does not affect the running of the saw, to note it on the invoice and let it go without addressing the problem. If something else happens they will 'evaluate' again. I have to say I don't really find that acceptable at all.

Are there any Husky dealers that would like to help with a warranty or trade up to a 357xp?

Basically with what they have told me, will probably not pick up the saw, dispute the CC charge as I was sold defective merchandise, and do what I should have done on FEBRUARY 15 when I bought this thing.

Go buy an MS361.

If plan A doesn't work, you could always make that piece crack the rest of the way off and fall down in the flywheel at 13000 RPM - then prove that it did affect the operation of the saw.

Like I said, from all my experiences and those of folks I know, including former Husky dealers, say that Husky is a PITA to deal with on warranty. Your local business man stiffed you. You could always take a radio add out on the guy, or buy a billboard slot next to his shop. HAHAHAHA. There are ways to win if you are forced to play dirty.