Homelite XL-123 replacement

[albngore]

I have owned my XL-123 for 30 years (20" bar, about 3.5 c.i., round chisel chain) and it has just been a marvelous saw. I've taken down some very large trees with this saw and am amazed how well it has performed. In all these years I have only had to replace a coil, and recently had the carb rebuilt. It still runs and starts great. Now, one of these days I will have to retire this saw and I'm wondering what would be a proper replacement? I have been looking at this forum and have read good things about the Husky 357XP, about the same displacement as the Homelite. I am primarily a firewood cutter, softwood generally, 10" to 30". Given that the technology I have been working with is 30 years old, what difference will I see if I buy a 357XP? Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Marco]

You will find the bar oil tank easier to fill and less vibration in operation. Toss up on power, Homey is more of a lugger, Huskie is abit of a runner.

 

[lesorubcheek]

Hi albngore,

I also have a XL-123 and love the way it performs. Newer saws have a lot going for them in respect to reduced vibrations and weight per power output. They are also quieter than older models in most cases.

Unless you're a professional who cuts all day / everyday, the old saws do have some advantages. Most new saws only come with an automatic oiler. The 123 has a manual as well as auto which is convenient. Most newer saws have an abundance of plastic whereas your 123 is virtually all magnesium and aluminum. Plastic reduces weight, but I personally prefer metal. It is getting tougher to find parts for the older saws, so this is another definite advantage of newer ones, even though parts are by no means less expensive. Its not too hard to find parts saws and keep the old ones running if you enjoy working on them yourself as I do. I can't speak personally in regards to the Husky, but unless your 123 has a terminal problem, with proper maintenance and good oil, it may just last another 30 years. If you want to get rid of it, please send me a PM.

Dan

 

[albngore]

Old Homelite lives on

Thank you Dan and Marco for your replies. Dan, I wondered if my experience with this great old saw was an anomaly, but your report tells me others have been mightily satisfied over years of faithful service from the XL-123. True, I do take good care of this saw, but nothing that everyone shouldn't do as a matter of normal care and maintenance. And, although over the years I have used both Homelite branded 32:1 oil and just Penzoil general-use 2-cycle oil, I have never had any engine problems from the "poorer" oil. I'm just worried that the newer saws, even with all the modern improvements, will never hold up the way the Homelite has. I do have a large Husqvarna string trimmer that I use on the ranch all summer and it has also been reliable in spite or hard and frequent use, so perhaps my concerns are just embedded in fondness for my saw.

Thanks again,
Brad