How reliable is the 346xp?

[coveforest]

Husqvarna's 346xp gets rave reviews on this forum so I asked my brother about this saw. He works (as a salesman) in a small equip shop where they sell Husky stuff exclusively. He talked to their mechanic about this saw who recommended against getting it. The mechanic said he has several in the shop each week. Something about air leaks?

Can anyone comment on how reliable this saw is? Is the NE better or worse?

Thanks for the advice!

Chris

 

[wanab]

hmmm,


i have not heard of any 346 airleak problems as of yet. stihl ms260 and dolmar 5100s, yes!

 

[SawTroll]

hmmm,


i have not heard of any 346 airleak problems as of yet. stihl ms260 and dolmar 5100s, yes!

If there were a problem, we sure would have heard of it here at the AS - and we haven't............

Pre 2004 or so saws in that "family" had a weaker clamp on the carb boot than the later ones, but problems seldom developed on those either. My 353 from 2003 has the old system, but there has been no problems.

It is a mature and dependable product.

 

[2000ssm6]

If there were a problem, we sure would have heard of it here at the AS - and we haven't............

It is a mature and dependable product.

:agree2:

If they had "said" problems, it would have been discussed here.

 

[HiOctane]

The 346 is VERY reliable,probably one of the best in the Husky lineup.They dont have any particular problems and i ive seen a lot of them.

 

[toddstreeservic]

Tell that mechanic to open a window. I have one of the older versions and I run it daily and have had no problems. I am waiting for something to happen so I can get a NE.

 

[Edge & Engine]

I have one in the shop for the second time....it's been in the Husky shop at least 3 times since the guy bought it. The owner is an older gentleman and even though it's several years old, it looks nearly brand new. Needless to say, the owner is impressed with the performance (he wins a local saw competition with it every year) but he says he's disappointed with the quality.

Seems like a nice saw to me though, if it would only run reliably.

 

[Trigger-Time]

hmmm,


i have not heard of any 346 airleak problems as of yet. stihl ms260 and dolmar 5100s, yes!

Hmmmmm.................I would say their is what, 200 or more 026/260
out their to every 346............apples to oranges

 

[SawTroll]

Hmmmmm.................I would say their is what, 200 or more 026/260
out their to every 346............apples to oranges

I don't think so......

 

[Poley4]

I don't think so......

It probably isn't 200:1, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it 10:1 or even more, or at least in this area.

 

[2000ssm6]

I don't think so......

Might want to think again, the 026/260's have been out long before the 346 was even thought of. His numbers may be a little high but you can bet there are more 026s out in use than 346s.

 

[2000ssm6]

It probably isn't 200:1, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it 10:1 or even more, or at least in this area.

Yup, 10:1 is good number. I have never seen a 346 on a tree crew here, many 026s and 260s. Hard to beat such a good saw with a great track record.

 

[SawTroll]

Might want to think again, the 026/260's have been out long before the 346 was even thought of. His numbers may be a little high but you can bet there are more 026s out in use than 346s.

Sure there are, as the has been out more than twise as long, but the 346 is no newcomer on the market either - been out since 1999.....

 

[wanab]

Yup, 10:1 is good number. I have never seen a 346 on a tree crew here, many 026s and 260s. Hard to beat such a good saw with a great track record.

Yup!



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[scotclayshooter]

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try comparing like for like

 

[bowtechmadman]

I've had 2 since 04 (sold one of them to father in law this past year). Replace impulse line is only thing on either saw. That and my dealer had me bring them both in to change out the plastic clip holding the carb boot on, to a metal one.

 

[COWBOYJAKE]

had mine for 5years with no problems I LOVE MY 346!!

 

[mini kahuna]

I used to cut everyday with 346's,clearing easements for underground cables,did for about 3 years.
the 346 is a tough little saw,we used those saws all day long,working the crap out of them.
the saws almost never gave trouble,once in a while an impluse hose,broken chain tensioners,pull cords ripped out by animal employees.
they are a pro level saw and have the history to back them up.

 

[dancan]

Husqvarna's 346xp gets rave reviews on this forum so I asked my brother about this saw. He works (as a salesman) in a small equip shop where they sell Husky stuff exclusively. He talked to their mechanic about this saw who recommended against getting it. The mechanic said he has several in the shop each week. Something about air leaks?

Can anyone comment on how reliable this saw is? Is the NE better or worse?

Thanks for the advice!

Chris

Could your brother or mechanic have misheard and thought you were asking about a 345 ?

 

[Trigger-Time]

I don't think so......

I have yet to see or talk to ANY ONE around here that has bought
or used a 346, old or new model I know of one dealer that has
the old model 346, covered with dust on the shelf that he has yet to sell.

I'm not knocking the 346, but when people find something that
works good and last a long time. (026/260).........So 200 to 1, may
not be far off in these parts