Husky 346xp

[MR.STIHL036]

I just bought a new husky 346xp 3/8'' with 16 and and 18'' bars. I had the saw converted to 3/8'' pitch so that I could have a pro chain i got a 16'' oregon lgx chain and an 18'' oregon jgx skiptooth both in .058 gauge. I set up a bore station to test the 346xp out and compare to my buddys stihl ms 260 pro with a 16'' bar and the husky destroyed the stihl. Today I went to the dealer to to pick up one of my stihls and we talked about the 346xp and he told me that the 346xp is one of the fastest stock production saw about 14,700 rpm. I think this is one of the better saws i have bought

 

[sunfish]

Congrats on a fine saw! I love my old one!

I run .325 "pro chain" on mine

 

[nmurph]

i agree. i own both and the 026 is going the way of the dodo.

 

[Chaz1]

Check my sig!!!!

 

[ChipMonger]

I have one on the way to me...modded of course. I cant wait, pics and vid will be coming of the in progress 346xp and its big brother 390xp, yes the 390 is modded too. damn mods will get ya everytime:biggrinbounce2:

 

[wendell]

I just bought a new husky 346xp 3/8'' with 16 and and 18'' bars. I had the saw converted to 3/8'' pitch so that I could have a pro chain i got a 16'' oregon lgx chain and an 18'' oregon jgx skiptooth both in .058 gauge. I set up a bore station to test the 346xp out and compare to my buddys stihl ms 260 pro with a 16'' bar and the husky destroyed the stihl. Today I went to the dealer to to pick up one of my stihls and we talked about the 346xp and he told me that the 346xp is one of the fastest stock production saw about 14,700 rpm. I think this is one of the better saws i have bought

Looks like you're gonna have to change your name!

 

[Zombiechopper]

what exactly about 3/8ths is more "pro" than .325? Just curious man. That saw will be faster with .325

 

[sunfish]

what exactly about 3/8ths is more "pro" than .325? Just curious man. That saw will be faster with .325

Thus my earlier post on the "pro chain"

 

[Zombiechopper]

well obviously the bigger the chain the more "pro" it is. Therefore, I think the best pro option on a 346 would be 1/2" pitch.

 

[sunfish]

Well dang, ya mean I been running too small a chain on my pro saw, all these years?

 

[MR.STIHL036]

well forget pro chain i just wanted 3/8'' because i am more used to it and because i like the lgx chain and thats only available in 3/8''. i still havent used the 18''

 

[SawTroll]

Congrats on a fine saw! I love my old one!

I run .325 "pro chain" on mine

:agree2:

Pro or non-pro chain basically has nothing to do with the pitch.

Also, the 14,700 rpm max specs were for the old 45cc version, and cutting performance has little to do with that number.

 

[sunfish]

It'll pull 3/8" fine. Just might cut a bit faster with .325"...

 

[blsnelling]

It'll pull 3/8" fine. Just might cut a bit faster with .325"...

Yes, it'll pull 3/8, but you significantly hurt the cutting speed of the saw. Even on a ported saw, it will cut faster with .325.

Stihl makes .325 RSC, just like your "pro" 3/8. It's about matching the chain to the power head.

It's no secret that the 346 and 5100 will cut circles around a 260. I'm anxious to check out the MS261 though.

 

[headleyj]

I run stihl .325 on my 346 with an 18" bar - it flat rips.

 

[Chaz1]

I run stihl .325 on my 346 with an 18" bar - it flat rips.

Same here!

 

[ChipMonger]

Same here!

Man i cant wait! That is going to be my combo as well!

 

[Sledcrazzy]

I have both pitch chain for my ported 346xp and i far prefer the 3/8. I do only run a 16 in bar. I think allot depends on the wood your cutting, the 325 is not much good in spongy soft wood imo , i have not tried it in skip tho. We have no hard wood and all my big saws have 3/8 so it works out well that way too.

 

[2000ssm6]

16" 3/8 is the best setup IMO, doesn't matter if it is a 260, 5100 or 346.

 

[2000ssm6]

It's no secret that the 346 and 5100 will cut circles around a 260. I'm anxious to check out the MS261 though.

Not sure on that first part, a second or two quicker. Circles? Naw.

I'm hoping the 261 will be here soon, my new IPLs has it on the list.:bang: The muffler looks like a smaller 441 unit. A "361 lake style" pipe should work great.