Anyone run both a 353 and 346xp?

[johnha]

Okay guys, 4 years ago I bought my 372xp based on information gleaned here and have enjoyed every day of it.

Now I have the dosh to spring for something mid-range and I've decided I want one of these two saws.

I know that owners of either of these saws like them a lot based on all I've read here. So....anyone who has run both of these saws care to comment on which one they prefer and why?

Thanks.

 

[Jonny Quest]

It is my understanding that the 353 and 346XP are sisters, with the 346 being the wild one of the pair. I run a 353 and it has proved to be my most used saw. It is quite handy, nimble and has plenty of power for the small to medium size jobs. I try to stay with a 16" or 18" bar on mine.

If you have the ca$h - then go with the 346XP. Can't go wrong with the XP series saws. You would then have one of the best 2-saw line ups in the industry with your 372XP. If you want to save a little, the 353 is a great little saw. It gets some good reviews here on A/S. Either way, you would be OK.

JQ

 

[Andyshine77]

I have both saws. The 353 is a good reliable saw that has never let me down, but it's no 346. The 346 is a much stronger, faster cutting saw. If you have the $$$ buy the 346.

 

[SawTroll]

I have both saws. The 353 is a good reliable saw that has never let me down, but it's no 346. The 346 is a much stronger, faster cutting saw. If you have the $$$ buy the 346.

:agree2:

I have both, and the differense in power seem larger than the specs tell you.

Weight and handling is exactly the same these days, the old 45cc 346 was a tad lighter.

 

[excess650]

I have both and like both, but the 50cc 346xp definitely makes more power. I think the MSRP difference these days is about $80.

 

[MAG58]

I have both in Red and Black, and like both .....

Muffler modded 2152

2153

 

[SawTroll]

What is that 13" NK bar doing on that 2153.....:greenchainsaw:

 

[MAG58]

What is that 13" NK bar doing on that 2153.....:greenchainsaw:

It's 13" bar but no NK, and I use 13" and 15" bar on small saw's :wave: :greenchainsaw:

 

[Zero Gravity]

I have the 353 and love it. It runs so good. The differences between the 353 and 346 are few but important. The 353 clutch is a spur gear type. The 353 coil is a different. The 353 is a different carb model. The 353 piston is a different part number. The two saw shares cases and plastic, but I think they are different projects. My honest opinion is the 346 is worth the small increase i price.
ZG

 

[SawTroll]

I have the 353 and love it. It runs so good. The differences between the 353 and 346 are few but important. The 353 clutch is a spur gear type. The 353 coil is a different. The 353 is a different carb model. The 353 piston is a different part number. The two saw shares cases and plastic, but I think they are different projects. My honest opinion is the 346 is worth the small increase i price.
ZG

No spurs on the 353s here, rim and drum as on the 346....

Piston and cylinder is all that is different between saws made at the same time (+labels, including top cover).

Forgot about the coil - it sure is different as well (rev limited on the 346xp)!

 

[Zero Gravity]

No spurs on the 353s here, rim and drum as on the 346....

Piston and cylinder is all that is different between saws made at the same time (+labels).

There appears to be a quite a difference is the parts lists. The spur gear is fom physical inspection (503.89 21-02)

I wish it had a RIM.
ZG

 

[Urbicide]

There appears to be a quite a difference is the parts lists. The spur gear is fom physical inspection (503.89 21-02)

I wish it had a RIM.
ZG

Are you running .325 or 3/8 low pro chain? Spur sprockets are used primarily with the low pro chain.

 

[Urbicide]

Get a 346XP NE. They are a great saw to run. I am wanting to pick up a second one to put away for the future, to go along with my 372XPW.

 

[SawTroll]

There appears to be a quite a difference is the parts lists. The spur gear is fom physical inspection (503.89 21-02)

I wish it had a RIM.
ZG

I have heard of 353s with a spur before in the US, but don't know if it is the rule or the exception....

 

[johnha]

Many thanks, folks. Spot on info and appreciated opinions as always.

Pat yourselves on the back for me.

 

[Zero Gravity]

Are you running .325 or 3/8 low pro chain? Spur sprockets are used primarily with the low pro chain.

I am running the stock H-30/ 95VP NK chain. I am very pleased with the narrow kerf chain. I is great until the bar is buried. I beginning to think the NK chain dosen't move saw dust well. I am not running out of power until the bar is loaded with dust.
ZG

 

[blis]

I am running the stock H-30/ 95VP NK chain. I am very pleased with the narrow kerf chain. I is great until the bar is buried. I beginning to think the NK chain dosen't move saw dust well. I am not running out of power until the bar is loaded with dust.
ZG

You just need a sharper chain, or perhaps shorter bar...

 

[Brian S]

My US model saw is a rim drive.

 

[Urbicide]

I am running the stock H-30/ 95VP NK chain. I am very pleased with the narrow kerf chain. I is great until the bar is buried. I beginning to think the NK chain dosen't move saw dust well. I am not running out of power until the bar is loaded with dust.
ZG

I run 20NK from Bailey's. I was bucking up part of a blown down sugar maple the other day and the 18" bar was just barely long enough to cut through the trunk with one pass. I could still lean on her a bit.

 

[Zero Gravity]

I run 20NK from Bailey's. I was bucking up part of a blown down sugar maple the other day and the 18" bar was just barely long enough to cut through the trunk with one pass. I could still lean on her a bit.

How is the Bailey's 20NK chain holding up. It looks really cheap. What is your opinion on the teeth hardness and are the tie straps wearing on the bar?
I am thinking about tring some or 95R
ZG