Help!! 262XP or 357XP

[Gary N Carter]

Hey Guys, as you know I have been looking at the 357XP as my next saw to be added to the fold. However, I just stumbled on a new 262XP for fifty bucks less. What do you guys think????

 

[HUSKYMAN]

Me memory is foggy but I think the 262XP has .2 more hp than the 357XP, maybe not quite the rpms though I dont think. I'd say get the 262XP, and use the other 50 bucks for a case and another bar or something.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Gary, before you make your decision I would check that the 262 has the same vibration dampening system as the 357XP does. The 357 and 372 have nil to no vibration which makes for more effortless cutting and limits nerve and circulatory damage to the operator. The 357XP has a few nice inovations such as a ratchet type side tension screw that is also the locating pin for the bar. The 357 also has a raised rubber insert in the oil outlet of the casing which keeps the oil from going nowhere except to the bar groove. The airbox can also be accessed by clips rather than screws that invariably become stripped after screwing them in and out several times if one is not careful. I dont know much about the 262 but I used one last winter for awhile and it seems alright. The saw is now in Maryland and the operator has had no problems with it from what I can gather.
I would opt for the most current model whenever buying a new saw.

 

[Dennis]

Gary, I would personally go with the 357 as John has said..it has all the newest innovations, and the vibration dampening is THAT much better...

 

[CMBetz]

A little off the topic, but it was sort of mentioned in the thread, so here goes -- What is the advantage of a rachet-type tensioner? I believe that John's reply was mainly centered on the advantages of a side tensioner versus a front tensioner, but he did specifically say "ratchet type." The 346 I acquired has this same style of tensioner, and I found it to be "cheap" feeling, since it did not move smoothly like on the Stihl's I was used to. So, what is the situation with this type of side tensioner?

That said, I agree with Dennis and John. Though there is "no replacement for displacement," the 357 is a smoother running saw in operation, and has all of the nice features, especially the clips for the air cowling, which are nearly impossible to lose, cannot strip the threads, as mentioned, and make for easier access to the air filter altogether.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Hi Christian, I like the ratchet tenion screw on the 357. When I fuel up I usually retension the chain as a small amount of stretch is inevitable. The tensioner does a nice little "click, click" when turned only slightly which kinda gauges the amount you are tightening, however I gauge the tension by lifting the chain off the bar to the point where only one driver tange is totaly revealed with a slight upward pressure. Since the tension screw also serves as the locating pin of the bar, it makes me wonder if an over exuberant cutter could tear it from the casing if they pulled hard enough when pinched in a cut.
John

 

[CMBetz]

On the 357, is the tensioner pin located on the case side or the cover side?

 

[Gypo Logger]

The tension screw is located on the clutch cover. The only misgiving I have about the 357, is that it doesnt have an outboard sprocket, but other than that it is one of the best saws you could buy in its class and is a real pleasure to use.
John