Husqvarna 346 OE 45cc Echo 490 50cc

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

Might have to keep this 45cc 346 first year 1999. I forgot how well they run.

Compared it to my hacked ported echo 490 50cc with 3/4" pipe muffler mod.

The 45cc was right there with it stock and quite as can be. Husky with coil spring antivibe was so much smoother too.

Copy paste from group post.
Husqvarna 346 OE, Echo 490 that had been hack ported with muffler mod using 3/4 pipe.
Freaking must be my day. Hadn’t started 346 since yesterday. 1st pull popped on choke and caught it pushing in quick.
I was figuring old girl might need a carb kit after 25 years.
Both saws running I could feel the vibrations John and Corey mentioned. Just by letting saws idle lifting by handles to my sides.
In the cut nothing felt on husky.
The echo I could feel the vibration in cuts but ever so slight to me still.
But I can see what others said in past.
I didn’t run same bar and chain. But swear the little 45cc stock was cutting right with the hacked on 50cc.
Might just have to keep this one for myself. Shhh dont let wife find out.

Time will tell.

I forgot how smooth the spring antivbe was on these series of saws 351 353 346 .

 

[bwalker]

The OE 346 was a about a perfect saw.
I woukd be very surprised if the 346 didn't smoke the Echo in timed cuts.
I honestly wished Husky would have made a Xtorque version Instead of discontinuing it.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

The echo is a 2021 I got in trade 2022. Maybe has 30 or so tanks through it now. For the folks asking me in pm's.

Been using it ever since then after fixing air leak created by past owner.

Hasnt missed a beat for me and my uses since.

Been fighting the urge to buy the Echo 501. One was FS in my group NIB with 18" by dealer for 425 shipped.
But I think this 346 OE cured that urge.

 

[sean donato]

346xp oe is a great little saw, should probably dig mine out and run it again here soon.

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

This OE xpG one used to put a hurting even on the 50cc ones gtg racing done by other folks. Both ported by same guy.

I ran 3/8. I will say though it needed chained right though. Running the 50cc one with same chain that was more aggressive, you could feel the difference if got heavy handed.

Both just work saws.

I always just flipped them anymore. Just because of the resell hype. Was going to do the same with this first year saw 1999. But hmmmm

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

It's getting closer. Just cant find early OE decal anymore so the later OE one.

Decals no big deal to me as it is a tool. But if I do flip it. Buyer may like having oem decals.

 

[sean donato]

I've only every had one xpg here to work on, another forum members. Can't remember who, but it is ported. Defiantly puts a hurt on his ne 346xp.

 

[damifino]

346xp is on my want list. Shoulda woulda coulda ....

 

[RedneckChainsawRepair]

I used to buy them new the NE ones. 2009

Found receipts from my local dealer for 2 not long ago.

Lets just say he didnt charge me retail list. He would even pull the b+c if I ask and sell PHO

 

[bwalker]

I used to buy them new the NE ones. 2009

Found receipts from my local dealer for 2 not long ago.

Lets just say he didnt charge me retail list. He would even pull the b+c if I ask and sell PHO

Back in the day I remember alamia.com selling them for $350. A Ms260 at the time was something like $450.