Buying used. 372 XP or Stihl equivalent?

[rustyb]

What would the Stihl equivalent of the 372 be?

When buying used, is one better than the other? If so, why?

I'm only interested in Husky or Stihl because of parts availability. 70cc, 24" bar....maybe, at the very most 28" bar.

Don't think I'll be using the saw much. However, I'd like one that is reliable, has good anti vibe and a good power to weight ratio.

The 372 appeals to me but I'm open to other suggestions within the parameters above.

 

[TK]

Sounds like the 372 is exactly what you want/need. A Stihl 440 would probably do the trick as well.

 

[sawfun9]

The 044/440 is Stihl's 70cc saw. I own both and the Husky has way better antivibe but is harder to feel where you are in the cut. My 044 weighs about 1/2lb lighter than my 372xp, both having half wrap and dual dogs. The 044 with a factory dual port muffler cover will spank my stock 372 since it only has one exhaust outlet. The 044's have torque and can be pushed harder in a cut where the 372's have the rpm's and should be fed in the cut. The 372 sounds more like a high performance engine but I just prefer the 044 myself. Either one are great saws.

 

[avalancher]

What would the Stihl equivalent of the 372 be?

When buying used, is one better than the other? If so, why?

I'm only interested in Husky or Stihl because of parts availability. 70cc, 24" bar....maybe, at the very most 28" bar.

Don't think I'll be using the saw much. However, I'd like one that is reliable, has good anti vibe and a good power to weight ratio.

The 372 appeals to me but I'm open to other suggestions within the parameters above.

Well, if you are looking for a saw with excellent power to weight ratio, reliable as any other, and is a legend all in itself, then why look any further than the 372? I have used em for years, and have no complaints.powerful enough to pull a 32 inch bar, yet balances well with even a 20 inch bar, you cant ask for anything more. If I had to own only one saw, the 372 would win hands down.By far the most reliable saw I have ever had, and they also hold their resale value well. I sold an old worn out 372 before Christmas on fleabay, and ended up getting $500 for it, almost $200 more than I paid for it seven years ago.Cant beat that with a stick!

 

[Hedgerow]

Both are great saws... I like the 372 personally, but you may just have to get both and settle it for yourself...:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Mad Professor]

Jonserd is an option too, if you have a nearby dealer

 

[eat a peach]

372xp

I really do like the reliability of stihl saws,own several but my 372xp is as sweet a running saw as I have ever run. This includes 440 and 660 stihl . I don't own a bunch of pro model stihls now but have ran them extensively and the 372 is as good or better all round saw. imho:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[NORMZILLA44]

Either one, hate to live on the difference. I won both love both, use both, and wont part with either, can't say one is better than the other myself, because they are different saw's, but similar too. Both awesome!

 

[indiansprings]

Stihl just brought back the 440 for this year only due to they had some epa credits. Prolly the best saw Stihl has ever made, they have added a better air filter on this saw compared to the saw that was discontinued 4 or 5 years ago. Stihl listened to the pro's screaming for the return of this saw. I've had two on order at my dealer for a while, he claims he is having difficulty getting them here in the mid-west, the west coast dealers already have them in stock. The 372 is a great saw as well. I just prefer the the feeling of the 440 better.
You buy one and you'll find yourself using it a heck of a lot more than you would have ever imagined. You won't find yourself using that lil 346xp much at all, just for light limb work. It is just one solid saw, the typical stihl. It's a saw that will last a lifetime, own the legend.

 

[nmurph]

Rusty, I know you asked for Stihl and I have resisted chipping in on this thread all day, but the best saw is the one you haven't mentioned, the 7900. It will soundly trounce either the 372 or 440, all for not much weight penalty and it is cheaper at the check-out stand.
Between the two you mentioned, close your eyes and throw a dart.

 

[old cookie]

I got my 372 a year ago May. I cut firewood for us and inlaws.My old saw is a 50cc echo i thought i would limb with it it stays in the truck. 372 is a grate saw not to heavy all the power i need. 24" bar i havnt ran 440 friend has 460 i would like to run it

 

[spike60]

Ya know, it would be a shame if this thread devolves into the usual argument, because these are two of the best saws ever made by anyone. Any fan of one who won't concede that the other is an equally great saw is revealing himself to be ignorant IMO.

Given equal brand strength in your particular area, the 372 might be a little easier to find, and a little less expensive. Up until the recent, and perhaps limited re-issue of the 440, it would be pretty difficult, if not impossible to find a Stihl owner who would even consider parting with one.

Differences between the two are more subtle than dramatic, and you'd be happy with either one of them. I'd say if the right saw comes along at the right price, grab it regardless of which brand it is. These two saws are as good as it gets.

 

[ZeroJunk]

Any fan of one who won't concede that the other is an equally great saw is revealing himself to be ignorant IMO.

Nonsense. I wouldn't trade the box my Stihl came in for a Husqvarna.:msp_sneaky:

 

[SkippyKtm]

Ya know, it would be a shame if this thread devolves into the usual argument, because these are two of the best saws ever made by anyone. Any fan of one who won't concede that the other is an equally great saw is revealing himself to be ignorant IMO.

Given equal brand strength in your particular area, the 372 might be a little easier to find, and a little less expensive. Up until the recent, and perhaps limited re-issue of the 440, it would be pretty difficult, if not impossible to find a Stihl owner who would even consider parting with one.

Differences between the two are more subtle than dramatic, and you'd be happy with either one of them. I'd say if the right saw comes along at the right price, grab it regardless of which brand it is. These two saws are as good as it gets.

Very fair and unbiased, great post. Especially coming from the owner of a Husqvarna dealership!

 

[rustyb]

Thanks, all!

Re the 7900. I have eyeballed that saw here in the past. Looks like a winner. However, as far as I know, there's virtually no Dolmar representation around here and that makes me nervous, particularly when buying an unknown used saw.

Re the 372 vs 440. I'll go with the best used deal I can find. Honestly though, it scares me when I read comments about someone selling a worn out saw. Hope to get lucky enough to purchase from a person of integrity.

I welcome additional thoughts.

Thanks, again!

 

[ZeroJunk]

In all seriousness, either of those saws will work great for you. The challenge is going to be finding one in good shape for a fair price.

 

[Hedgerow]

Thanks, all!

Re the 7900. I have eyeballed that saw here in the past. Looks like a winner. However, as far as I know, there's virtually no Dolmar representation around here and that makes me nervous, particularly when buying an unknown used saw.

Re the 372 vs 440. I'll go with the best used deal I can find. Honestly though, it scares me when I read comments about someone selling a worn out saw. Hope to get lucky enough to purchase from a person of integrity.

I welcome additional thoughts.

Thanks, again!

Anyone with integrity would not mind you pulling the muffler and looking at the piston. Nor would they mind you putting a compression gauge on a saw. Might be the best $40 you ever spent. :msp_wink:

 

[avalancher]

I'll go with the best used deal I can find. Honestly though, it scares me when I read comments about someone selling a worn out saw. Hope to get lucky enough to purchase from a person of integrity.

I welcome additional thoughts.

Thanks, again!

I take that was aimed at me. Well, I listed that saw on ebay figuring to get at the most $200. I listed the saw as having 100lbs of compression and noted the clutch was needing replacement and that it had low power due to the low compression.I took six pictures of the saw, including one with the muffler off showing the clean piston with no major scratches. I made no effort to hide anything, but two bidders got in a war over the thing, and the buyer got exactly what was promised in the auction. I seriously doubt anyone would have turned down the final price on the auction just because two guys got in a war over the thing.

 

[nmurph]

I take that was aimed at me. Well, I listed that saw on ebay figuring to get at the most $200. I listed the saw as having 100lbs of compression and noted the clutch was needing replacement and that it had low power due to the low compression.I took six pictures of the saw, including one with the muffler off showing the clean piston with no major scratches. I made no effort to hide anything, but two bidders got in a war over the thing, and the buyer got exactly what was promised in the auction. I seriously doubt anyone would have turned down the final price on the auction just because two guys got in a war over the thing.

You greedy, capitalist pig.

 

[HILLBILLYREDNEC]

Either saw is fine for wood cutting. I prefer the Stihl 046 460 to most other pro saws, it feels light and smooth when cutting wood. The other thing that you may look at is that buying another husky reduces the amount of different bars and spare parts.