Difference in a 350 vs 346xp

[big4runr]

I've got a husky 350, and have been dying to try a 346xp. How much better is a 346xp than 350? Also how does a 026 cut compared to a 350?
thanks

 

[Ryan Willock]

either the 026 or the 346xp will kick the crap out of the 350!!:Eye:

 

[Tony Snyder]

Full pro, the best available, vs pretty good semi pro; It depends on if you can afford the best. But, both are good saws.

If you like to try to get your chain to run until it pulls powder, get the broad power band saw; If you maintaun your chain carefully get the 346.

This is a high speed peak power saw vs a broader power band saw thing.

I'll go with carefull chain care vs torque in most cases.

 

[jokers]

Hi Big4runr, an important difference that many Husky sales people seem blissfully unaware of is that the 350 and 351 are substantially different in construction, the 350 has an integral jug and crankcase half with a composite cap on the other side of the crank, while the 351 has a seperate jug and full metal crankcase. For a variety of reasons including the noted, the better quality saw of these two seemingly identical saws is the 351. It should last a person significantly longer under the same use conditions. It also has a better crank and bearings. This relates to your question about the differences between the 350 and 346 because it illustrates the different platforms they are built on, the 351 and 346 are built on the same bottom end, the differences being in the displacement and porting and transfers of the cylinders. This isn`t to say that the 350 is not a good saw. Husky has sold about a zillion of the 340s, 345s, and 350s which all share a platform and they have performed well and been reliable saws for people who don`t use them professionally or everyday. The peak powerband of the 346 is at 9900 rpms vs 9000 rpm for the 350, so as you can see, if your cutting technique is excellent and your chain sharp, you will blast through cuts 10% faster with the 346 in an ideal world. It may not be a reliable 10% but it is apparent. Tony made excellent points about the width of the powerband and chain maintenance, bar and sprocket maintenance is just as important. You might as well wear out what you`ve got and be happy and next time you will know a few of the diferences. Russ