Husqvarna 359 Problem Solved .... MS361

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djauto

ArboristSite Member
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Feb 15, 2008
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Location
Bellingham, WA
For those that read my previous posts about my 359 with a crack in the case...

I was able to get credit from the dealer that I purchased the saw from. He spent another 20 minutes on the phone with Husqvarna trying to get them to tell him he could get his money back on the saw and was still on the phone with them when I left.

Thanks to Four Paws for the comment about the possibility of the piece breaking off and falling into the flywheel. They did agree that was possible and that it would not be pretty if it flew back out into the operator. This being the 3rd trip back to the dealer in 3 days for this problem, I just wanted my money back. Husqvarna and the dealer were sending a strong message on how they handle warranty and safety issues on a new saw. All parties agreed it was a manufacturer defect in the case. Funny thing is, in all the times I went to the dealer, before buying, when I bought, when I went back with the problem 2 times, and when I went back to request a refund, they we nicest when I went back for the refund.

About the saw, I did like the 359. It started easy and ran very well. It really picked up after about 5 tanks of fuel. Performance wise I think anyone stepping up from a 50cc saw would be happy with it. As long as it comes with good dealer and mfg support in case of a problem. Being a small business owner, I have expectations of receiving the service I try to provide in my business, sometimes that means I lose money on a job to do the right thing.

So in replacement of the 359 I was looking for something of the same size, similar or better power, with good dealer support. For $100 more and after talking with the 4 dealers withing 30 miles I picked up an MS361. I paid more than I would have by driving 30 miles but bought from someone that I think will take care of me. When I asked them if they could do better on the price they told me very nicely that they are not the cheapest but explained why they are the best. That is how I sell and stand behind my business as well.

I have run the 361 less that 5 minutes but initial feedback compared to the 359, the 361 runs waaay smoother. Not that the 359 was bad but the 361 engine runs way smoother. I have the green stock chain on the stihl and for the first cut it was comparable to the 359 after 10 tanks and Oregon non safety chisel on the 361. The 361 felt much more comfortable on the first couple cuts. I am looking forward to getting it broke in and running some different chain. The trees are shakin outside my shop right now!

The 361 may not keep me from getting cancer but my blood pressure is definitely lower that when I owned a cracked 359.
 
Now you have a great saw make it even better by muffler modding it!:cheers:

You really don't know what you're missing if you don't do this. Just a muffler mod really wakes these saws up. Go buy yourself another muffler off eBay and keep the original should you need to warranty the saw. There are several threads about modding a 361 muffler.
 
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