346XP Durability

[logbutcher]

The holy grail 346XP. It's used here in Maine but loggers replace the thing every year. More like the 260 as a mid pro saw, since it is said :deadhorse: it's more reliable long term, and not finiky.
How many of you work an unmodded 346 hard ? How long have you had it without any repairs (not sprockets, plug, etc...) ?
Now flame ...Here we go...............

 

[blis]

Atleast here in finland lumberjacks change saw every year and they mostly use 346xp's and 357xp's around here...

But to answer the question, 346xp is just as reliable as other saws...

 

[tree_beard]

the thing about the 026/260 is that its been around for 20 years, people see the same saw being passed around that long it gets a reputation for being solid and reliable.

the 346xp is for many purposes a better saw, but it doesnt have the service history of the old stihl workhorse.


but the main thing to remember is, machine reliability is directly proportional to the care and maintenance given to it.

 

[SawTroll]

the thing about the 026/260 is that its been around for 20 years, people see the same saw being passed around that long it gets a reputation for being solid and reliable.

the 346xp is for many purposes a better saw, but it doesnt have the service history of the old stihl workhorse.


but the main thing to remember is, machine reliability is directly proportional to the care and maintenance given to it.

8 years or 20 years - how much differense does it make......

...the 346xp has proved itself as a reliable saw.

 

[bwalker]

Its been my observation that loggers run a saw for about a year then replace it with new and use the old for backup. This is regardless if the saw is wore out or not.
I dont think the 260 is any more reliable than the 346. My 260 ate 2 ignition modules and the AV mounts sacked out often. My 346 so far doesnt have as much time on it, but the only thing it has required is gas and oil.
Of course this is just one users report of two saws and statisticly means nothing.
The 346 does perform to a higher level than the 346 and has some features that are better. It also typicly cost less than the 260.

 

[16:1mix]

The 346 does perform to a higher level than the 346 and has some features that are better. It also typicly cost less than the 260.

'Scuse me for being a critic, but methinks you didn't mean that quite like it says! I'm guessing ya meant 'than the 260' (!)

Best...
dave

 

[Lakeside53]

My 260 ate 2 ignition modules and the AV mounts sacked out often. My 346 so far doesnt have as much time on it, but the only thing it has required is gas and oil.
Of course this is just one users report of two saws and statisticly means nothing.
.

Just as well your ignition modules have a life time warranty.. rare though to replace one... never mind two.

 

[geofore]

346xp & 346xpg

I liked them enough I got a dozen of them and had em modded while waiting for dolmar to start selling the 5100 here in the states. Needless to say I didn't buy the 5100's when they finally started selling them in the states because I'm happy with the 346's Nice saws and they stand up well to abuse. I did however buy a few of the Dolmar 7900's to go with my 346's, nice pairs of saws to have. One is not enough, if you really like the saws you ought to buy a few of them so you'll have backup saws and spares.

 

[441_Stihl]

I like my 346 very happy with it

 

[drunkenredneck]

Experience with the 346xp

I have been into a couple 346xp saws and have to say that they are very well put together and a stout saw. I know you didn't ask for modded info but they can really scream if you want them to. They are in my opinion just a downsized version of husky's larger pro saws with just as durable construction. I only have one gripe about them and that is the clamp for the intake boot can be a real pain in the *** sometimes.

 

[bwalker]

Just as well your ignition modules have a life time warranty

Which didnt do me any good as I was in Canada both times they failed. The dealer up here would not warranty them.
In all fairness the first module failed shortly after the saw fell into the lake, so the water might have killed it. The other died under normal use.

 

[04ultra]

In all fairness the first module failed shortly after the saw fell into the lake, so the water might have killed it.

Ben why were you using the saw for an anchor.......................





Just kidding

.

 

[blis]

Ben why were you using the saw for an anchor.......................





Just kidding

.

Old huskies dont even die when submerged, now thats quality...

 

[bwalker]

Ben why were you using the saw for an anchor.......................

I had a storm damaged tree that was right on the water. Sliced and diced it then set the saw down on a rock while I removed brush and logs. The saw was left running and it managed to vibrate itself off the rock and into the drink. After I changed out the gas and cleared the cylinder of water it started right up. The module died a few days latter.
The module failure may or may not have been related to getting soaked.

 

[Poley4]

Ben why were you using the saw for an anchor.......................

Because there isn't enough metal in a Husky to serve as an anchor so he had to use his Stihl.:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[HiOctane]

I have been into a couple 346xp saws and have to say that they are very well put together and a stout saw. I know you didn't ask for modded info but they can really scream if you want them to. They are in my opinion just a downsized version of husky's larger pro saws with just as durable construction. I only have one gripe about them and that is the clamp for the intake boot can be a real pain in the *** sometimes.

The latest one have a steel clamp that you can tighten with a screwdriver instead of the plastic one.You need to buy only the clamp.

 

[Gypo Logger]

All the Husky's are great saws as are the Stihls in the hands of of the right operator and the right wood. It's all in the chain and keeping the saw up to snuff with at least a muffler mod. Nothing worse than a saw and an operator working against themselves.
I chose a KD 346 on my last venture to the Yukon, but I sure missed my 372 and my 044 etc., etc. Whatever you're strong enough to pack is the right saw. So being an old cull limits me to the 346, but I can still outcut the run of the mill woodtick with a stock 3120 when it comes to blocking wood.
John

 

[RiverRat2]

All the Husky's are great saws as are the Stihls in the hands of of the right operator and the right wood. It's all in the chain and keeping the saw up to snuff with at least a muffler mod. Nothing worse than a saw and an operator working against themselves.
I chose a KD 346 on my last venture to the Yukon, but I sure missed my 372 and my 044 etc., etc. Whatever you're strong enough to pack is the right saw. So being an old cull limits me to the 346, but I can still outcut the run of the mill woodtick with a stock 3120 when it comes to blocking wood.
John

John I noticed that you had that 303 with you @ all times in you pics,,, I suppose those bears are pretty hungry in that spring Ehhh???

More Pics please,,,,

You too Dennis!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[2000ssm6]

Because there isn't enough metal in a Husky to serve as an anchor so he had to use his Stihl.:hmm3grin2orange:

A pile of crap will always sink faster than a Stihl....