Haywire Haywood
Fiscal Conservative Social Retard
I'm going to buy one or the other in the next couple of weeks for a limbing saw to go with the 372 and it's a tough decision. Here's some of the traffic that's been going through my head for the past couple days.
They're pretty much equivalent in stock form as far as power is concerned IF reports are accurate.
The 346 is a tad lighter.
The 5100S is a bit less expensive, especially after having to buy another bar, rim and chain to convert the 346xp to 3/8.
The 346 is thinner and 'feels' smaller and handier but tends to tip over on it's side when you set it down on uneven ground.
I've got a 7 y/o "small bore" 346 now so I'm already familiar with it. It's been a good saw.
My local Dolmar dealer is a hot steaming turd (I'd be buying from an AS sponsor). The closest Husky dealer is a 30 minute drive and his prices are high (Bailey's gets the nod), so dealer support isn't a real issue.
I know the new 346 is rev limited, but builder reports say that due to it's porting numbers, it doesn't need more revs to make power and bearings might last longer because it's not turning as fast as the 5100.
The 5100s has the inboard clutch so chain swaps would be easier.
Beyond that, it'll probably end up being a toss of the coin when the time comes,
Ian
They're pretty much equivalent in stock form as far as power is concerned IF reports are accurate.
The 346 is a tad lighter.
The 5100S is a bit less expensive, especially after having to buy another bar, rim and chain to convert the 346xp to 3/8.
The 346 is thinner and 'feels' smaller and handier but tends to tip over on it's side when you set it down on uneven ground.
I've got a 7 y/o "small bore" 346 now so I'm already familiar with it. It's been a good saw.
My local Dolmar dealer is a hot steaming turd (I'd be buying from an AS sponsor). The closest Husky dealer is a 30 minute drive and his prices are high (Bailey's gets the nod), so dealer support isn't a real issue.
I know the new 346 is rev limited, but builder reports say that due to it's porting numbers, it doesn't need more revs to make power and bearings might last longer because it's not turning as fast as the 5100.
The 5100s has the inboard clutch so chain swaps would be easier.
Beyond that, it'll probably end up being a toss of the coin when the time comes,
Ian