Debating between a Stihl 362 and a Husqvarna 372XP

[mikefunaro]

TSC house brand bar and chain oil is pretty good stuff. For $6 when its on sale in the summer, it's a no brainer. If it's close to $8 or 9 keep shopping, you should be able to get stihl or husky for that price.

I do not believe TSC two stroke is anything to write home about. It would serve you well to stick with big name stuff (Stihl, Husky, etc). Stihl Ultra, Husky XP, Redmax, Echo Powerblend, etc etc it's all good stuff.

 

[brncreeper]

372 is all you need. It's bullet proof.

 

[Anthony_Va.]

I would say it's a no brainer. 372! It's just a bigger saw than the 362 Stihl.

It is a little heavier but it has more engine and more power. I would look at a 441. Did you? More comparible to a 372.

Quality between the two is'nt of any concern. They will both last.

 

[catbuster]

Husky 576XP. Much more forgiving power band, and it shouldn't cost any more than a thirty-seven deuce.

 

[matt33]

I would say it's a no brainer. 372! It's just a bigger saw than the 362 Stihl.

It is a little heavier but it has more engine and more power. I would look at a 441. Did you? More comparible to a 372.

Quality between the two is'nt of any concern. They will both last.

I did look at the 441. It was really nice, but the dealer wouldn't come off the $849 price very much (I think he said $820). Just as much of a factor was the weight, the 441 was well over a pound heavier than either the MS362 or the 372XP. It's also only .2 HP more than the Husky. $750 for the 372XP is already really stretching my budget, but if it means buying a substantially better saw for my needs, I'm fine with that. $625ish for the MS362 seemed like a reasonable step up from the MS391 I was initially considering. I'm willing to spend another $125 to jump up to a 372XP but I have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[mikefunaro]

Husky 576XP. Much more forgiving power band, and it shouldn't cost any more than a thirty-seven deuce.

I have to disagree a little bit. Sure its torquier and more forgiving, but it's not way more forgiving, and it doesnt take 10 years experience to run a 372 without stopping the chain every 20 seconds...

If he wants the saw to be alittle bit more nimble, i say372. Less nimble more torque he can look at a 576, but a 576 is a bigger feeling saw, no doubt.

 

[SkippyKtm]

There's a TSS nearby (30 minutes). Is the oil you recommend their house brand?

Here's the stuff:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/outdoo...upply-co-reg-bar-and-chain-oil-1-gal--4469010
wait 'til its $6.

 

[Anthony_Va.]

I did look at the 441. It was really nice, but the dealer wouldn't come off the $849 price very much (I think he said $820). Just as much of a factor was the weight, the 441 was well over a pound heavier than either the MS362 or the 372XP. It's also only .2 HP more than the Husky. $750 for the 372XP is already really stretching my budget, but if it means buying a substantially better saw for my needs, I'm fine with that. $625ish for the MS362 seemed like a reasonable step up from the MS391 I was initially considering. I'm willing to spend another $125 to jump up to a 372XP but I have to draw the line somewhere.

Thats understandable.

The 372 is a nice saw. But it won't run away from a 362 like everyone on here exxagerates. Prolly 1 1-5 seconds faster thru a 20" log to a cookie cutter.

IMO, I would take a 361 over both of your choices. About 200 cheaper than a 372 and a bit cheaper than the 362. If you could still find one new. They are out there. Even lighter than the 362.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you need the extra money, go for the 362.Would be plenty for your needs It would make a great saw for cutting up logs into firewood and it's really light enough to limb.

If you think you need the bigger saw and can afford it, the 372 will cut a little faster.

 

[RAMROD48]

Yep, I'd go with the 372XP as well, even at that price difference. That saw is nearly legendary and the 362 is new and unproven. But did you also have a look at the Husky 576XP. It's new as well, but has an electronic carb. (the first one ever, I believe) and is generally very well thought of. Might be even more money, however.

I will just say it....your out of your mind....and have no clue

To the OP

That said, I would go 372....

Also my reg price on Husky Bar oil is 7.99...where are you guys buying oil that its THAT expensive...?

 

[TRI955]

I did look at the 441. It was really nice, but the dealer wouldn't come off the $849 price very much (I think he said $820). Just as much of a factor was the weight, the 441 was well over a pound heavier than either the MS362 or the 372XP. It's also only .2 HP more than the Husky. $750 for the 372XP is already really stretching my budget, but if it means buying a substantially better saw for my needs, I'm fine with that. $625ish for the MS362 seemed like a reasonable step up from the MS391 I was initially considering. I'm willing to spend another $125 to jump up to a 372XP but I have to draw the line somewhere.

Look at a Husky 365, the 372's little brother. Later down the road if you need more power, a 372's top-end is a bolt on.

 

[komatsuvarna]

Another vote for the 372. 70cc saw. Capable of running a 28'' bar when needed. Cant beat the price here, 150.00 cheeper than a 441, and 250.00 better. Go with the 372 and you want be dissapointed. I know its alot of money for ''just a chainsaw''(so my wife says) but its a good investment that should last a lifetime, depending its use.

As for oil, I do what i think everone else does. Run the cheepest bar oil you can find. I like it when Tractor supply has theres 2 for 12.00, good deal. Run a good synthetic 2 stroke oil, dont mess with the cheep stuff there. Stihl or husky, and theres some more out there too. I run the husky xp oil in my 372, but thats just me.

 

[jmarheine]

The MS362 is probably an excellent saw, like so many other Stihls (I use a 361 at work), but IMHO the 372 is the best choice by far.

 

[Slamm]

I don't use Husky's so I can't comment on them, but if you are hard up against a buget, you might look at a good used 361 and have it modded. Light and very powerful for the weight, plus very good fuel economy and quite nimble. I run mine with a 25" bar and it pulls it quite nicely buried in oak.

My opinion,

Sam

 

[gixxer1237]

Get a 660 for limbing and a 880 for felling...
No I am in nearly the same debate right now since I sold my saws when my grand mother died and my aunt sold all her land. I actually got into cutting just to give her firewood. Out of the 2 you mention I would go with the husky. I like stihl tho. And my local husky dealer sucks.

 

[SawTroll]

I would say it's a no brainer. 372! It's just a bigger saw than the 362 Stihl.

It is a little heavier but it has more engine and more power. I would look at a 441. Did you? More comparible to a 372.

Quality between the two is'nt of any concern. They will both last.

The 441 will add weight and bulk, as will the 576xp.

 

[matt33]

I've pretty much decided that tomorrow I'm going to go back and get the 372XP. I'm excited to get her in my hands and cut some wood with that beast. Thanks for all the replies!

I'd like to pick up a few extra chains. I've read the Stihl RSC (Rapid Super Comfort) is a good all purpose chain for this saw. Is that true? If so, does anyone know the exact chain or part# I'll need (this will be a 20" bar)?

Also, I came across this website which lists ethanol-free gas stations in a state by state list. There are two within 30 miles of my home. Here's the link:
http://pure-gas.org/

 

[mdavlee]

Just make sure to match the chain up to the bar that comes with the saw. Some huskys come with .058 gauge chain instead of .050 like most everything else. The drive link counts are the same except 28" bars.

 

[mikefunaro]

Try to get an 050 bar rather than an 058 bar, it will make getting stihl chain easier down the line, as very few if any stihls come supplied with 058 bars.

The PN for a 20" 72 link 3/8 050 loop of rsc is 33RSC-72

 

[SawTroll]

Try to get an 050 bar rather than an 058 bar, it will make getting stihl chain easier down the line, as very few if any stihls come supplied with 058 bars.

The PN for a 20" 72 link 3/8 050 loop of rsc is 33RSC-72

The 13" and 15" .325 bars that the MS260 etc comes with here are .058. 16" and longer are .063.

Even though Stihl makes .058 chain in most configurations, I don't think that many have entered the USA.......

The 3/8" RSC sure is a very good chain!

 

[mikefunaro]

As far as I know, ST, you can order the 058 here. Just very few dealers stock it. I believe that most people just go to the dealer for the same brand of chain, rather than cross that divide.