Old 346xp and New Husky questions

[sunfish]

Hi folks. Below is a shot of my old 346xp, bought new in 2001. It still runs like a scalded dog after cuttin 10-15 cords a year. The old Poulan 3400 was my main firewood saw from late 80s' to 2001, with never a problem. The little Husky cuts way faster though

Here are my questions, I want a new saw (Husky) to run a longer bar, 18-20". Firewood only, rarely over 20" logs. I don't need a larger saw but a bit more power would be OK. I also want to stay at 12 lbs or less. The old 346xp is super handy with a 16" bar, has 45cc and 2.6hp. New 346xp has more cc and hp. So, here's what I've narrowed it down to;

346xp - 50cc, 3.7hp, 11 lbs
359 - 59cc, 3.9hp, 12.1 lbs
357xp - 5.7cc, 4.4hp, 12.1 lbs

I can get the 346 and 357 without e-tech (no green gas caps). The 359 will be e-tech, is this a problem? Muff change fix it? Or run it like is?

I really like the 346 and with the extra power of the new model, it would be fine. But a bit more $ and only one pound heavier, the 359 seems a very good choice? $200 more and get a 357, what appears to be a screamer?

I know the 560xp is coming out, but who knows when? I'd like to get a new saw before this fall.

I have read mixed reviews here about the 357xp, but I really like the size and power of this saw. Any input from 357 owners here would be much appreciated. 359 owners also...

Another thing, the 346 runs a 325 chain, the 359/357 run 3/8" chain. In this size saw, is one better, or does is matter?

Please don't tell me to buy a Stihl or other, I know they are great saws, but I'm sold on Husy, at the moment

Thanks for the info and a great site! I've learned a lot here in a short time.

 

[SawTroll]

The weight specs are way off on the 357xp and 359 - the truth is more like 12.8-12.9.
Afaik, they reinforced the case very early in the production run, but failed to adjust the specs.

 

[sunfish]

Thanks for the info SawTroll. This will have me leaning to the 346xp, which has an excellent rep!

 

[SawTroll]

Thanks for the info SawTroll. This will have me leaning to the 346xp, which has an excellent rep!

Yes, but it isn't a very good option for a 20" bar!

 

[sunfish]

Yes, but it isn't a very good option for a 20" bar!

Well, I can live with an 18" bar.

I did handle a 359 and a 357xp this morning and the weight is not bad at all. I just really like the little 346xp...

 

[cooper426]

Hi i had a 357XP for 4 years, its a screamer for sure. But after getting a MS440 i noticed the weight being so close i seem to grap the Stihl instead all the time.
I have since sold the 357 and now would like a 346XP instead. I would suggest if you get only one saw get the 357 otherwise get the 346xp.

One question for you guys is. I am going to look at 3 346xp parts saws that need rebuilding. When did the 346NE come out and what should i look out for.


Thanks

 

[SawTroll]

Hi i had a 357XP for 4 years, its a screamer for sure. But after getting a MS440 i noticed the weight being so close i seem to grap the Stihl instead all the time.
I have since sold the 357 and now would like a 346XP instead. I would suggest if you get only one saw get the 357 otherwise get the 346xp.

One question for you guys is. I am going to look at 3 346xp parts saws that need rebuilding. When did the 346NE come out and what should i look out for.


Thanks

I bought the first NE that hit this area, sept 2007 - but production started earlier, like may 2007.

 

[sunfish]

Thanks Cooper! If I could find 346 part saws around here, I'd buy em.
I did run across a 2 year old 346xp for $350, not a great deal but I'm thinking about it.

 

[andrethegiant70]

I had no idea the 357 had more power than the 359. Are those specs correct?

 

[sunfish]

I had no idea the 357 had more power than the 359. Are those specs correct?

Yep, they're right. The 357 is the xp (pro) version of the 359.

 

[REJ2]

For the same $500 a few months ago the Husky 365 Special was available. A dash more weight but 4.6 hp. 18"- 20" bar is perfect for that saw, capable of 24". Dont know if there still available at that price or not. It does not however meet your criteria of 12lbs. or less. Listed at 13lbs. I believe. REJ2

 

[SawTroll]

Yep, they're right. The 357 is the xp (pro) version of the 359.

Yes, the max power specs are about true - but not the weight specs!

 

[sunfish]

For the same $500 a few months ago the Husky 365 Special was available. A dash more weight but 4.6 hp. 18"- 20" bar is perfect for that saw, capable of 24". Dont know if there still available at that price or not. It does not however meet your criteria of 12lbs. or less. Listed at 13lbs. I believe. REJ2

For that price, I would be interested, for sure. I'm willing to go 13 lbs. Any out there?

Thanks!

 

[mdavlee]

A 372 is the same weight as the 365 but will be quite a jump in price. One will cost you atleast $700 new.

 

[Zombiechopper]

For that price, I would be interested, for sure. I'm willing to go 13 lbs. Any out there?

Thanks!

13#+ is a 357XP!

I run my 357XP and MS361 both set up the same way with 16" bars. The 357 is noticeably heavier. Not a bad saw but Stihl 361 is the 60cc champ and probably always will be.

 

[SawTroll]

....
I run my 357XP and MS361 both set up the same way with 16" bars. The 357 is noticeably heavier. Not a bad saw but Stihl 361 is the 60cc champ and probably always will be.

Sure it is! :agree2:

 

[SawTroll]

A 372 is the same weight as the 365 but will be quite a jump in price. One will cost you atleast $700 new.

Not really the same - there is a small difference!

 

[sunfish]

A 372 is the same weight as the 365 but will be quite a jump in price. One will cost you atleast $700 new.

I've already decided a 372 is more saw than I want or need. But the price on the 365 caught my eye.

Still thinking 346xp. But I already have a 346, so why not a little more saw? 357xp, or 359?

Thanks folks!

 

[bowtechmadman]

I haven't run a 357xp but wasn't overly impressed w/ 359 in stock form. Those that believe the Stihl 361 is the champ of 60cc saws definately haven't run the Husky 262XP.
My suggestion would be the 357xp or watch ebay/CL for a good used 262XP.

 

[SawTroll]

The best and lightest "Husky" in the 60cc class is the MS361 , but the 560/562xp will probably be out in a few months!