395xp or 390xp?

[Chad Burford]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum.
Let's talk large Husky saws. I'm currently running a 395 XP for bucking larger hardwood logs and felling large hardwood (sometimes softwoods). I run a STIHL MS 362 for most of my smaller felling because it's nice and light. I like running longer bars and I find that the 362 is a bit slow with the 24" I keep on it.
So...... I am considering trading or selling my 395 XP for 390 XP. I'm hoping that because the 390 is a few LB's lighter I can use it for most of my felling and bucking without needing to go between the two saws in the bush. I know most of you will say but a 372xp and be done with it but, I strap the mill on the saw from time to time and I don't think a 372 would be a good choice for a mill.
So my question is, should I just keep the 395xp and deal with the extra few LB's or would the 390xp be a better choice for bucking and felling.
Let's hear your thoughts.

 

[Ol' Brian]

I think you already had it right. Keep the 395 and just bite the bullet and get a 372/572. Not sure what size bar you're running on the 395, looks like a 28" maybe, but when you need a big bar, you need a big bar, and the 395 will pull one. I run a 32" on mine, and it has no problem running the 32 with full comp full chisel fully buried in big oak wood. I keep threatening to get an even longer bar like a 42+, but so far I've been able to take care of everything I've attacked with the 32. And keep the Stihl also. Always good to have a spare saw that can get the job done.

I've never been around a 390, but I think it still would be a little big and heavy for an "all day" saw. But the 372 is nearly perfect. Light and lots of power.

Or, if you have to sell one, sell the Stihl, and get a 372/572. And keep the 395.

But that's just me.

 

[Husky Man]

I’m not a professional, but from those that I have talked to, and read from here, the 390XP shines at felling, it is lighter and more nimble, and still plenty fast for quick back cuts. The 395XP is more suited to Bucking.

If it was just ONE SAW for both uses, I might suggest the 390XP, BUT (ain’t there Always a “But” in there?) you brought milling into the mix. From what I have read, most recommend the 395XP over the 390XP, not only for the extra cc’s, but because it has larger crank bearings, that hold up to milling better, sooo, if you’re doing any milling, I would accept the extra 1.3 pounds of weight with the 395XP.

My thoughts, your Money and Back


Doug

 

[rancher2]

If it were me I would sell the 362 and get a 462 Stihl. If you can afford it I would keep the 395. My 461 has been my go to saw for nine years. We fall ,buck, brush out with it. I normally run a 20 inch bar on it. When I need to fell a big tree I put a 36 inch bar on it. Had a buddy that had a 362 after he ran my 461 he bought one and sold the 362. The 462 took the place of the 461.

 

[esshup]

Since rancher2 opened the rabbit hole, I'll chime in with getting a Dolmar 7900 while you can.

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Get an adapter to run Stihl light bars on your 395. You’ll thank me later.

 

[Chad Burford]

Get an adapter to run Stihl light bars on your 395. You’ll thank me later.

I have a few of those adapters "I make them myself" they are fantastic with the Stihl light bars

 

[Chad Burford]

Close to a Cannon adapter

 

[ballisticdoughnut]

Light bars make such a big difference in how the saw handles, especially considering you’ve got a pound or more less weight hanging out the front of the saw.

 

[sean donato]

The 394/5 xp sucks to fell with. The 390xp is so much nicer in the hands. My 394xp just sits unless I want to use the Alaskan mill. Heavy box of a saw. Use the ms400 till its out of bar then jump to the 390xp.

 

[industrialsized]

395's are a bad choice for felling, don't get me wrong love mine and wouldn't swap it for anything currently on the market but a felling saw it is not. you will be much happier dropping big timber with something else. 462, 500i, 7900, 7310, 372, 572, 592, 590, all have there merits.
PS keep the 395 as a dedicated mill saw

 

[rngrchad]

I have a 390 and. 394. Both run awesome. However I grab the 390 every time over the 394. The 390 feels more refined and nimble to me than the 394.