Husky 346 a "non-pro"? And, a rehash of 346 vs 260.

[rustyb]

For everyone who has been following all my silly questions, I have decided against the new 280 in favor of a "pro" saw. In the 280's place against the 260, I thought I'd add the Husky 346XP. My question however relates to the 346 being advertised on Madsen's site as being a "non-pro light/medium duty saw" http://www.madsens1.com/husqcon.htm . Based on all I've read on this site, I thought the 346 WAS a "pro" saw. Does Madsen have any specific reasons for advertising it differently?

Also, from what I have read here, it sounds as though I could do no wrong with either the 346 or 260. If anyone has any opinions (other than what has already been posted) one way or the other, I'd really appreciate hearing them. I must say though that I'm leaning towards the 260 for the simple fact that all the dealers seem to have them. No one seems to have a 346 in stock that I can look at. I hate to rule it out for that reason but....

And one more question. How many of you out there have dealers who will let you try a saw behind the shop on a piece of wood? I've asked all that I have talked to so far (12+) and they more or less just laughed at me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ryan Willock]

The 346xp IS a pro saw and while mine cuts good I've been having ignition problems with it. when I replace it, it'll be with a ms260.

 

[sritzau]

The 346xp is a pro saw and a strong contender. I can't think of a reason of why Madsen's would list it the way they did and I don't think you will be disappointed with either saw. The 346 can be had for less $. I would ask others here to compare the power bands. I think the Husky is perhaps more effective in the right hands, while the 026 may be more forgiving for non-pro cutters like yours truly.

Also, if you're not Mr. Pro Mechanic, you may want to consider dealer support. If you've visited a number of dealers and they're not stocking the 346, how big of pain to get parts/service? I was headed to buy a 346 and ended up with an 026 based on personal taste and a strong preference for the dealer. Just me. I didn't care as much about the $40.

Steve

PS - In truth, for the amount of cutting you're talking about you're unlikely to need a lot of dealer work unless you've got problems "out of the box" like Ryan Willock has mentioned. It sucks to get a lemon.

 

[WRW]

I believe that OSHA has set the size of the professional saw at 4.1 cubic inches. That's close to 70cc. My local dealer goes by those guidelines also.

 

[jokers]

Hi Rusty, sritzau pretty much nailed it in my opinion. I have a 346, two 026s and and ms260 Pro so I may be one of the few guys here that can honestly say I know what I`m talking about in regard to this comparison. Rocky is another. The difference is subtle however. Your reason for leaning toward Stihl is the best one going, better support in your area, although I wouldn`t expect you to have any trouble with either of these models and consumables are easily procured online.

Why Madesn`s classify the 346 as non-pro is anybody`s guess but it may be as WRW has stated, I know that the ansi class rating for chaps is based on saw motor displacement, or it could be as others have stated that it`s based on what they sell in their market, 50cc range being puny.

Russ

 

[rustyb]

Thanks to all again.

And Rocky, no I haven't tried those saws. As I stated in my post, when I have asked local dealers about this, they more or less laughed. The ONLY dealer who didn't act as though I was some what of a loon for asking said that I could start & run thier Husky's but not cut. But, they didn't even have a 346 & wanted to charge me shipping to get one in! And that "local" dealer is 1.5 hrs from me. Needless to say, I didn't pursue that one any further.

With that said, I've always been a big advocate of "trying before buying" with my other interests. It just isn't an option for me here with saws. If it was, I'm certain it would be very obvious to which saw was for me. Even if I could just handle both back-to-back without running them would be helpful.

To some, the answer then may seem to be obvious...."just buy the stinking 260". But, I guess you could say I'm anal about purchasing things which cost this much money. So, here I am trying to gain as much insight about both. I've got one more area in which to look. Though it is a 2 hr drive (Boise), I can do other things while there. I suppose if I can't find a 346 to at least look at there, then the answer will be obvious........"just buy the stinking 260".

Thanks to all again and keep the posts coming. I enjoy reading what you folks have to say.

 

[WRW]

Sorry. It's 3.8 cubic inches in the ANSI standard. The ANSI standards are referenced by OSHA.

 

[Bill G]

There are 5 saw shops within 10 miles of my home. I only know of one of them that has a "test log". To be honest he is the only one that we have bought a saw from. I have never asked to demo a saw from the dealer so I cannot speak to whether they would let me. I have demo Stihl saws but that was through the company and not a local dealer. I have sold some saws here locally and I try to stress testing them first. I just think it is common sense. I think Dan should send me a modified 346 so I can test it out.

Bill

 

[reiterch]

Satisfaction guarantee

When I bought my 346xp, the dealer (Husky/Stihl) said that there was a 2 week satisfaction guarantee on the Husky, and 1 week on the Stihl. I didn't have to cash in on it, but I assume that means I could have just brought the saw back if I didn't like it. I don't know if those were manufacturer guarantees or it was him doing it. If it was manufacturer, just buy whichever saw you like better and run it. If you hate it (fat chance) take it back.

I've cut with both the 260pro and the 346xp. Both are great saws and I wouldn't sweat buying either of them. I like the 346 a bit better than the 260 due to the lowvib, the weight distribution, and it does cut faster than the 260 to me. I think you will love either saw.

If you do opt for the 260, think hard about whether to get the pro version or not. In my opinion, it is not worth the extra $40.

 

[rustyb]

Well, I did it. I purchased a 260.

Actaully, it's on order as the dealer only had the 260PRO in stock. Anyhow, she'll be in next Tues-Wed.

Thanks for the input "reiterch"....and everyone else. I seriously wanted to take a peek at the 346 but could not find anyone who stocked them. I'm not sure this was mentioned on this board or not but I noticed the Husky's come with a better warranty than the Stihl too. Oh well. Unless I'm unfortunate enough to get a lemon, as little use as I'll be putting on it, I doubt the warranty would ever come in to play any way.

r

 

[Pacific]

The 346XP is supposed tobe a PRO isn't any model in Husky line up with XP in the model name the PRO models ?

I don't know if I would try put a 20" bar on a 346XP I have a feeling there isn't enough low end jam to pull a longer bar I was told the 346XP is a good climbers saw. The local saw shop in this area sells 346XPs to guys that are gonna hot rod them for shows its pretty rare they get sold and used for bucking firewood.

I have a MS260 I use for Brushing and light limbing its too hard on a small saw tobe bucking firewood my 046 can cut a cord of wood faster.

 

[Ryan Willock]

Congrats Rustyb!!! you have a FINE saw coming!! just remember to keep the chain SHARP!!! and I do mean sharp! running a saw with a dull chain is the quickest way to kill one Did you remember to buy the appropriate safty gear as well (i.e. saw chaps, eye and ear protechtion)???

 

[jokers]

Hi Rusty, I`d like to commend you for choosing the non- Pro version, it`s my opinion that it`s just a bit better package than the Pro and you end up with a few extra bucks in your pocket.

Pacific, the 50cc range is a better fit for the average guy wanting to buck some firewood and do some small felling, wouldn`t you agree? The weight, price, and power vs the 046 make these smaller saws a more sane choice. Would you want a person who is just getting their first quality saw having the power of your 046 in their hands? I have ample occassion to cut with a varied mix of saws and experience and I routinely hear the "shock and awe" from the Poulan and small Husky and Stihl crowd when they see how fast a larger saw with a sharp chain will blast through the wood. Even a guy such as Rusty who is stepping up in performance from an Echo is going to be impressed. I`m not badmouthing Echos here, especially the older ones, they just aren`t the fastest saws around.

Russ

 

[wmthrower]

I have to agree with Jokers in that most people aren't taking down big trees. A nice saw of that size is a much better choice. A big saw like an 046 might be dangerous to someone not used to a lot of power. I know that I started with a saw about that size and I'm glad that I did.

 

[Pacific]

I guess your right but I would be concerned about a home owner using a 346 being its so high test right out of the box its one of the fastest reving saws on the market.

The size of saw depends on the size of the wood around here 12-20" diameter wood is the common firewood size a small saw like the 346 and the MS260 is pushing its limits in the 20" wood.

For me I'am in or was in the firewood bus quite a bit so the 046 was the best option I even considered the 066 but its a tad heavy.