357XP or 365 to replace 55?

[ChevyDealer]

This is my 1st post. I have poured through the archives and have read about everything I can find on this forum about the 357XP,359, & 365 but still not sure .

I just sold my 55 (not Rancher) with 18" bar I bought new in 1998-still in great shape. I ran 4 tanks through it last Sunday afternoon.

I had another one before it that got stolen. It has been an excellent saw. I've never replaced anything on it except spark plug, filter, bar and chain. It's three uses in order are down & cut firewood (Oak, Hickory, Hedge aka=Osage Orange...very hard), clean out brush from overgrown fence rows, cut ice on the frozen ponds during extreme winters, and other general around the farm use. A couple of years back the ice was 14" thick.

I need the same nimble and light feel of my 55 but more power. 18" or 20" max bar size. I would like the same balance and weight I've had, but with more power. I have a lot of trees down that need cut up.

I can purchase both the 357XP 18" for $540 and the 365 18" or 20" for $529 locally. I don't want to step up in weight and dependablilty/saw life is a high priority. I don't plan on modifying it. I'm straying away from the 359 E-Tech ($430) because of the emmisions and the saw I purchase will remain stock. Any recommendation from those of you that have operated these saws is greatly appreciated given the above information and the following specs:

Model 55 357XP 365
CC's 53 57 65
HP 3.2 4.4 4.6
Weight 11.4 12.1 13.5

 

[jokers]

Hi ChevyDealer, welcome to the forum.

It looks like the obvious choice for you would be the 357. The 365 will seem much heavier when you`re clearing fence rows and it doesn`t offer much more power however it will be torquier than the 357.

Russ

 

[asb151]

I have a mid 1990s model 51 that is very similar to the 55 (3.1 vs 3.2 hp) so I know what you are used to. I like the 365 with a 20 inch bar. It has a nice wide forgiving torque band. It has much more power than a 55. However, since you are looking for a lighter weight & more nimble saw the 357XP might be a better choice for you. It’s a higher reving saw than the 365 and a little lighter as you know. Just a bit less HP but not significant. In my opinion the 357 will feel more like the 55.

 

[tonka]

Have you ruled out a 372xp? Great saw. I haven't check lately,but a couple weeks ago Bailey's still had some. I think they were 520.00. If you want more power than a 372 (about 1 more hp) take a look at the 7900. Check with TonyM on the 7900.

 

[spacemule]

Hi Chevy Dealer. I grew up about a half hour from the south Missouri border. What town are you in?

 

[ChevyDealer]

spacemule: Bolivar. Where are you in Northern AR?

 

[ChevyDealer]

tonka: Ruled out the 372 due to weight.

 

[ChevyDealer]

How is the power different? Does the 357 start the cut at a higher rpm and end at a lower rpm? More draw down so to speak. Ceteris Paribus of course.

 

[pbtree]

tonka: Ruled out the 372 due to weight.

372 weighs negligibly more than a 365, so that is not a sensible point.

I prefer the 365 - I have run one for years, and it is a good saw. However...

Judging by your criteria, I would recommend the 357. My only concern is I personally feel that the 365 will last a bit longer, but it is only my personal opinion

The 357 uses the smaller Husky mount bar, which I believe the 55 uses also. So, if you have any bars floating around from your old 55 you shuold be able to use them on the 357...

Just my 2 cents...

 

[HiOctane]

You are left with one choice,the 357 if you look for same weight and feeling.And like someone said,your 55 blade and chain will fit on 357.And its reliable like a Chevy...and more.

 

[jokers]

Ruled out the 372 due to weight.

Since the 365 and 372 are built on the same platform, I saw the 357 as the only choice of these two for you.

How is the power different? Does the 357 start the cut at a higher rpm and end at a lower rpm? More draw down so to speak.

It depends on the size of the wood and how hamfisted you are. Unless you really like to horse on the saw, either of these saws with an 18"er should sing through pretty much anything you put it into. Given that you are accustomed to running the 55, you shouldn`t be too overbearing with your saw. The 365 does have more torque and a wider powerband, but it`s not like the 357 is a weak saw.

Limbing, cutting doghair and the small stuff in the fencerows, the 357 will be slightly faster or more productive in a day.

Russ

 

[spacemule]

spacemule: Bolivar. Where are you in Northern AR?

I've been through Bolivar. I went to a truck/tractor pull there several years ago.

I originally come from the Harrison area, but am living in Conway right now near Little Rock while going to school.

 

[SawTroll]

Model 55 357XP 365
CC's 53 57 65
HP 3.2 4.4 4.6
Weight 11.4 12.1 13.5

The adverticed weights of Husky saws are on the low side, and the 357xp is probably the worst case in that respect. This according to the German DLG/KWF tests.
I would not expect the weight difference between the 55 and 357 to be just .7 lbs.