Thread: 372XP vs. Efco 181

I am interested in complementing my Husqvarns 55 Rancher with a more powerful saw for my personal firewood needs. I cut mainly locus, maple, and oak and have been very pleased with the performance of my Husqvarna saw. After exploring many posts, I see the 372xp deserves my consideration.
I do have a local dealer who carries the Efco (old Olympic) line. I found the below internet sale for a new 181 (80cc) saw w/ 5 warrenty.
Would the cost savings of the 181 ($475) be worth the reputation of the 372xp saw? Thoughts?

Thanks


Efco 181 20" Gas Powered Professional Chainsaw
$475.00
A heavy-duty, gasoline chainsaw with low vibration levels and fuel consumption.
Product DescriptionDetailed SpecsAccessoriesHigh linear torque at all engine speeds means the Efco 181 20" Gas Powered Professional Chainsaw will perform under the toughest conditions.
Excellent for agricultural clearing, firewood gathering and the removal of medium to large trees.
Engine Specifications: 5-7/10 hp, 80-7/10 cc, Gasoline.
Bar Length: 20".
Chain Pitch: 3/8".
Features an ultra-durable steel crankshaft and 2-ring piston.
Two-stage sponge/nylon air filter enhances engine performance.
Rubber anti-vibration mounts on handles and fuel tank for more comfortable operation.
Engine is outfitted with a 2-speed limiter and compression relief system for easier starting.
5 year warranty.

That sounds like a good saw. It's always nice to buy locally. Will that same dealer carry parts and offer service?

don't know anything about efco, . . .other than both bailey's and northern tool are carrying them now in their catalogues and online after losing Husqvarna. the horsepower specs for the 181 seem pretty low to me for an 80cc saw . . 5.7 hp versus the 71 cc 372 with 5.4 hp. but i suppose the only way to really determine if it is satisfactory would be to visit two local dealers and clutch the things in.

There is no replacement for displacement. ( 'cept boost).

Hmmm lessee , both are pro saws, one has more displacement , about the same weight and it is cheaper ?
Sounds like a deal to me, even if the rated power is low, I bet it cuts wood.

My question is if you buy online who honors the warranty?

The Efco is an excellent saw, but only buy one if there is a dealer fairly close to you. Same for the Husqvarna

Originally Posted by bore_pig

That sounds like a good saw. It's always nice to buy locally. Will that same dealer carry parts and offer service?

Good point.

The 181 will do you just fine. I don't own one...but I do own and run a Olympyk 970 (71cc) and I like it. I know there are at least 3 AS members that run that same saw under different labels. One runs a modded version and he loves it. Do a search on "981" "980" and "John Deere saws".

Kevin

One thing to consider(I may be wrong here, if so please correct me)but I believe the Efco uses a different fuel/oil mixture than the husky. If it does, you are going to not only carry two different cans along cutting, but keep track as which one is for what.
Somebody know what the Efco runs for mixture?I read it somewhere a while back, and remember thinking that it would suck to have two different fuels along. I was considering a top handle for limbing and looked at the Efco.

I dont know about 2 separate cans for fuel ? If I am going to be running anything that day that likes a richer mixture, I keep an empty quart container and add more oil to my 32:1 sawgas. IMHO Running the oil a little richer hurts things less than not enough. The lawn mower never even complains with sawgas in it.

Originally Posted by avalancher

One thing to consider(I may be wrong here, if so please correct me)but I believe the Efco uses a different fuel/oil mixture than the husky. If it does, you are going to not only carry two different cans along cutting, but keep track as which one is for what.
Somebody know what the Efco runs for mixture?I read it somewhere a while back, and remember thinking that it would suck to have two different fuels along. I was considering a top handle for limbing and looked at the Efco.

My 970 owners manual says 50:1 with special Oleo-mac oil (and 25:1 with other brand oils), but I've been using 50:1 Stihl High Performance oil since I got the saw (used) in March 2006 and haven't had a problem. I don't know what the former owner used. I'll be switching to Stihl Ultra when I run out of the other stuff.

Kevin

Originally Posted by KsWoodsMan

I dont know about 2 separate cans for fuel ? If I am going to be running anything that day that likes a richer mixture, I keep an empty quart container and add more oil to my 32:1 sawgas. IMHO Running the oil a little richer hurts things less than not enough. The lawn mower never even complains with sawgas in it.

works for me!
I know that I get in far too much of a hurry when I am out cutting, especially when I am running longer than what I think it should take me to fill my trailer and get out of there. I know that in the end I would grab the wrong can and fill the saw and back to the wood.
Yep, I have dumped a bit of 2 stroke in a four to get rid of it. My favorite dump spot for stale 2 stroke is my rototiller. It seems to run on just about anything.

I run 32:1 w/Avgas in everything 2 stroke at my place. Never seen a problem yet.

Originally Posted by avalancher

One thing to consider(I may be wrong here, if so please correct me)but I believe the Efco uses a different fuel/oil mixture than the husky. If it does, you are going to not only carry two different cans along cutting, but keep track as which one is for what.
Somebody know what the Efco runs for mixture?I read it somewhere a while back, and remember thinking that it would suck to have two different fuels along. I was considering a top handle for limbing and looked at the Efco.

They use the same oil mix, I ran my Oly 970 and JohnnyReds and Huskys all on the same mix for years. Use a good oil and fogedaboutit

I have the 55 (used it today) and a 372xp. I usually run an 18" bar on the 372 as well as the 55. Both are 3/8" pitch. I run the same fuel and the same chains on both---it makes it really easy to be able to take both saws. 1 fuel can and an extra chain for which ever saw may need it. I run 10 loops for both saws so I always have sharp saws. The 372xp came with a 24" bar and pulls it well. With the 18" bar this thing is a beast....good luck with whatever you choose.

efco--the new oly--good saws---