288vs390vs2100
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SawTroll
Information Collector
For starters, the 2100 is a model introduced in the mid 1970s, and the 288 appeared in the late 1980s (basic design is a bit older). The 390 is a current model, and the only one you can buy new in the US.
nmurph
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I don't know anything about the 2100...the 390 is stronger than a 288. The difference isn't huge, but it is fact. The 390 is also smoother, though the 288 certainly isn't bad. The weight of both is withing a couple of ounces..one thing the 390 can't match the 288 on is the exhaust note- a 288 is just music.
zogger
Tree Freak
Make a chart, list all the common spare parts you might ever need, then lookup online prices and availability. That will help you make a decision if you plan on owning and using the saw a long time.
Buy the 390xp and never look back. If you really want a heavy hitter get it ported. There are alot of guys here that can do a fine job with the port work. I sure do love mine thanks to Copsey.
MacLaren
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390xp. Its just a really nice big saw.
And hell on wheels when ported.
And hell on wheels when ported.
nmurph
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How much bar do you need?
nmurph
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A 288 willl certainly cover that. I service a treeco's 385 and they use it with a 36" for stumping, and have for years!
Rounder
Addicted to ArboristSite
Just bought my first 390, very smooth and plenty of power.....did have it ported straight out of the box. Weight to power is pretty impressive. Used to run 660's (and I love them), but the 390's are a really nice smooth/light package.
timmcat
ArboristSite Operative
390 or 2188 all the way, why bother buying an antique if your going to work it. I dont have anything against the 288, I have a 281 in the garage, but for all practical purposes the 390/2188 will leave you with far more productivity, and you wont have to go digging for parts if you need them.
For the bar sizes you state you will be using and the wood type, I prefer a 288 over the 2100. Lighter, better antivibes, ample power, easier to start. Never owned nor run a 390. Would probably go for the 390 as a new saw and 288 as used.
homelitejim
Full of Scrap
The 2100 will have the most power, by a lot, I never really noticed the bad vibes as the saw has a wow factor when you run it, smiles = less felt vibes. The 390 can be had anywhere and should get the job done. The 2100 is a hoot to run but parts come and go in waves, and I would run nothing less than a 30 inch bar on it, if you need a smaller bar you might as well get a smaller saw. It is my personal opinion that the 2100 is the best saw Husqvarna ever made. That being said all three should be enough saw for what you want to do.
parrisw
Tree Freak
If you're concerned with vibes, then that takes out the 288 & 2100, that only leaves one choice.
bryanr2
Addicted to ArboristSite
I wanted a 390 until I read up on a 288 and the search began. Bought a real beauty from Randy a few monthes ago. Dropped it off this past Sunday to be ported while picking up my 7901 and 250r trimmer. A nice 288 can be fround for a fraction of a 390. And Neal is right- there is nothing like the music a 288 makes... it gets in your bones.
Anthony_Va.
XPW Fan Club
That makes alot of sense to me. They are all good saws but the 390 would be the saw I'd take to work with me. It's just alot easier on you at the end of the day. I can't comment on the 2100, never ran one. The 288 is a good saw but just is'nt quite as user friendly as the 390, or quite as stout.
nmurph
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281/281 have spring AV...I believe some of the very first ones might have been rubber.
