Husky 353 at 7500ft

[dgarabed]

I'm new to this forum so I'm sorry if this has been discussed. I live in Colorado at about 7,500ft. I am very interested in buying a Husky 353 w/ 16 inch bar as my primary saw. I really like the weight and feel of this saw, but it doesn't have a ton of horsepower and I am concerned that, with the loss of power at 7,500ft, it might be a little weak. Can anyone offer advise about this saw at higher altitudes? Are there any special modifications I should do or adjustments that I should make? Should I condider a bigger saw? As background, I cut about 20-30 trees per year for firewood. All are pine/fir and none are more than about 16" in diameter. No hardwood.

Any advise would help. Thanks. -Dave

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

I run a 353 at about 6,000 feet.

Ran an 18" bar on it for one firewood cutting winter, handled about 3 cords of juniper and an unknown amount of Russian Olive. I also ran it as a bucket saw to take down my cotton wood tree, I think this saw has earned its keep and not let me down. As far as power, it was fair... I think maybe a skip chain could have aided its performance... but I think it did just fine.

I did however send it off to get played with by Washington Pro Saws, to gain back all the power lost from the altitude gain, maybe a little more... It comes in very very soon and I'd love to tell you all about it... stay tuned!

 

[Austin1]

Should be no problem with that saw I use a 2159 or same as a 359 at about 6000ft you will find it might run a bit rich and yes they do lose power at elevation. Just set it up at the altitude you cut and it should be a great saw for your use. By set it up it may need to be leaned out a bit but don't go too far imo fat is a little better.

 

[redprospector]

You loose about 3% for every 1000' elevation, I live at almost 9000'.
I always get a saw one size bigger than I should need, but for what you're cutting you should be fine. A modification will make a noticible difference, but I don't think anything short of running nitro methane will get back all your power (and you wouldn't want to run that while working ).

Andy

 

[dgarabed]

I run a 353 at about 6,000 feet.

Ran an 18" bar on it for one firewood cutting winter, handled about 3 cords of juniper and an unknown amount of Russian Olive. I also ran it as a bucket saw to take down my cotton wood tree, I think this saw has earned its keep and not let me down. As far as power, it was fair... I think maybe a skip chain could have aided its performance... but I think it did just fine.

I did however send it off to get played with by Washington Pro Saws, to gain back all the power lost from the altitude gain, maybe a little more... It comes in very very soon and I'd love to tell you all about it... stay tuned!

Please let me know the details of the mods they do for you when you get your saw back. I might do the same thing.