346xp or 261 Husky

[wizzard]

Hello all, I was in process of buying a 346xp when my neighbor told me that he knows someone who has a brand newe 261 that he wants to sell. New in box never been fired. Asking 350.00for teh 261. Its about the same price as the 346xp. Which would be the better saw for the money

 

[Newfie]

261 is a pretty good saw too. My neighbor has one. Too bad he's a 'tard. He'd be better off w/ a butter knife.

 

[victorytea]

Just do a search on the 346 and you'll be enlightened as to the positives of this saw. The 261 is probably a good saw also but remember that he is "asking" $350. http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9832&highlight=261+Husky

 

[wizzard]

Thanks Ya all, I was also told that the 346 wont cut thru heavy timber well. Would be too small and overwork it easily. They say the 261 has much more displacement and torque. I dont have a lot of very large timber, but a fair ammount. Dont want to burn up the 346. Also, the 261 is n ew in the box and the distributor says it carrys same warranty as new. I really do like the 346, but probably need a more all around saw. What do ya all think.

 

[Newfie]

Originally posted by victorytea
The 261 is probably a good saw also but remember that he is "asking" $350.

If I remember correctly my buddy paid $475 for his 261, so $350 sounds pretty good to me.

 

[Toneman]

Go with the 346, you will be disappointed!

 

[wizzard]

Well i would luv to have em both, but at this time a little short of cash. Christmas coming. And I have read here that the 346xp has some oiling problems in heavy cutting. Is this true. Also in heavy cutting that the saw is overworked causing heating to the engine. I now have two smaller saws, Homelite Super and a 42cc sears, I know both junk. So i am looking for a saw that i can use for heavy cutting mainly big oaks and cherry. Also have a ton of locust. So everyone is telling me the 260 wold be the better saw as it is 60cc +, and 4 hp +. Everyone here says there is no replacement for displacement. So wouldnt you think the 261 is a better saw.???:

 

[WoodTick007]

heavy cutting mainly big oaks and cherry

It seems like a no brainer. If you already have smaller saws and the cost of the 261 is the same. Buy the 261. The 346xp is a very nice saw and without a doubt tops in its class.

But, the 261 is going to have more grunt and a wider powerband. The sentence cutting BIG OAKS AND CHERRY makes it an easy decision for me to go with the 261. All of these men posting I am sure have larger than a 46cc saw to use when BIG OAKS AND CHERRY.

If someone were to say to me, "Hey wanna cut some BIG OAKS AND CHERRY TREES". I would not grab , my 346xp...... I would grab my stihl 066 with a 32 inch bar and my stihl 044 with a 18 inch bar.

Just MHO.

 

[wizzard]

Hey thanks woodtick. Thats what i have been thinking, but you stillhave the people who recommend the 346xp. It seem there a rre a lot of threads here that say the 346xp is overworked in heavy timber. Dont want to get a saw like the 346 and burn it up. And i do have two smaller saws for limbing. So i guess i will stick to the 261. Thanx I also wanted the 3/8 pitch chain which comes on the 261.

 

[wizzard]

PS. Maybe after xmas i can pick up a 346 and dump my two other junk saws. Gotta keep the little lady happy too.

 

[WoodTick007]

Eric,

I think the 346 is an excellent piece of equipment that needs to be kept tuned like a fine instrument to perform well when push to its limits. Cutting "timber" is not what that saw was designed for. I am sure you keep you chain razur sharp, your bar in good condition, your air filter clean, your rim sprocket in good condition........ you see my point I am sure. Not all users that have a Homelite Super and Sears 42cc perform the routine maintanace on their saws that will enable them to cut timber with a 346xp.

The End.

007

 

[rahtreelimbs]

The 346 is somewhat of a "possessed" saw. It runs better than it should.


Between the 346 and the 261 depends on the work involved. The 346 is lighter and has much better anti-vibe so it gets the nod for me.

 

[wizzard]

Well thanx again ya all. I have been a harley owner, rider and builder since high school and i am now 43. Preventative maintenance is in my blood, ie owning a harley. Never had a great saw as i never really needed one. I just purchased some land and i am now in the need of a bigger saw.

 

[wizzard]

Misprint in the previous tread. Iam 53 not 43. Wish i were though.

 

[Gypo Logger]

The 362 RAH is a good choice, check it out cutting bone dry Beech.
John

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Originally posted by Gypo Logger
The 362 RAH is a good choice, check it out cutting bone dry Beech.
John

HWGA!!!

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Rich, thanks for letting me look into your 362, I am copying it the best I can on a new one.
Thanks,
John

 

[wizzard]

I really dont know the girth of the trees. But i cannot wrap my arms around the trunk of the trees. I am 6'3", and 245 so you can figure that the trees are good size. Will the 346 handle these??? Have quite a few cherry and oak like this.

 

[WRW]

wizzard,
It will handle them, but it will be slow. You're talking 2' DBH hardwoods. Go for the larger displacement now and later you can replace your older saws with the 346.

 

[WRW]

netree,
That would be sweet, but of the two listed...
Maybe get the 261 now and the 372 in the future.