Husky 353 E-tech impressions...

[emr454]

So a friend of mine let me borrow his new Husky 353 E-tech saw. He got the whole kit with carrying case, file, oil, file guide, cleaning brush, etc. and said it was about $550 total.

I didn't have too much time with it, but I did cut a few pieces of 12" ash and a 24" hard maple to see how it would perform. I realize this is only a 50cc saw, so sustained cutting of larger diameter logs would not be realistic. Now, before I go further, I have to say that I have limited experience with Husky saws in general and I didn't get much time to use this one, but there are a few common things between them:

Throttle response was slow and "sticky". I've notices this on 2 Husky 142's, a 55 Rancher, and this 353. Is this how they all are? It's like a mushy pistol trigger, is the only way I can describe it...

Anti-vibe mounts were too "springy" for my liking. Of all the older saws I've used, the rubber mounts seem more sturdy and solid to me.

Overall, it cut nicely, and I'm sure it will provide him with many years of good service. I like the mag. clutch cover and crankcase and metal handlebar. It ran fine, and I'm sure it would have cut better with a better chain, but I honestly don't think I could justify $500 for this saw.

Disclaimer: I don't mean to stir the pot or get anybody's panties in a bunch, but these are my first impressions of this saw. It worked well, but for it's price and hype I was underwhelmed.

 

[w8ye]

Sounds like the mixture was a little lean?

 

[emr454]

I think it may cut better with a non-safety chain. It has the factory Husky chain with what looked like the extended drive links?

Even with this out of the way, Personally I wouldn't spend more than $300 on this saw. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations?

Eric

 

[TK]

What can you get brand new with all of the said accessories for $300???

 

[KenJax Tree]

I think it may cut better with a non-safety chain. It has the factory Husky chain with what looked like the extended drive links?

Even with this out of the way, Personally I wouldn't spend more than $300 on this saw. Maybe I have unrealistic expectations?

Eric

Very unrealistic or just never used one its considered a pro saw with aluminum handle and magnisium crankcase and has a wider power band than a 346xp this is a great saw but not quite a 346.

 

[sunfish]

346xp cost less than that here.

It will run better, more throttle response and more power when broken in.

Tell him to replace the cat muffler with a regular one.

Safety chain. :msp_confused:

It is a Very Good saw!

 

[emr454]

Very unrealistic or just never used one its considered a pro saw with aluminum handle and magnisium crankcase and has a wider power band than a 346xp this is a great saw but not quite a 346.

Maybe it is unrealistic. I'm used to old 50-60cc saws that are heavy but cut well.

Having said that, maybe this is an unusual case. I've only used a few Husky saws and they all had a sort of "delay" when you hit the throttle.Maybe it just takes some getting used to.

Eric

 

[emr454]

346xp cost less than that here.

It will run better, more throttle response and more power when broken in.

Tell him to replace the cat muffler with a regular one.

It is a Very Good saw!

Good points. If this were my saw, these would have been swapped out before I even started it lol.

Eric

 

[blsnelling]

First of all, the E-Tech has a catalytic muffler, really choking it up and hurting performance. With that said, throttle response should not be sluggish. It sounds like the saw is not tuned correctly. It should have instant throttle response.

 

[nmurph]

346xp cost less than that here.

It will run better, more throttle response and more power when broken in.

Tell him to replace the cat muffler with a regular one.

Safety chain. :msp_confused:

It is a Very Good saw!

First of all, the E-Tech has a catalytic muffler, really choking it up and hurting performance. With that said, throttle response should not be sluggish. It sounds like the saw is not tuned correctly. It should have instant throttle response.

Looks like you boys have got this covered, I'll move along to other threads!!

 

[hamish]

Looks like you boys have got this covered, I'll move along to other threads!!

I agree but as its my favourite saw but mine is red, just get your carb set up for she is most likely lean as can be as it came from the big orange, that in itself will lessen yur thoughts about the cat muffler.

 

[KenJax Tree]

I agree but as its my favourite saw but mine is red, just get your carb set up for she is most likely lean as can be as it came from the big orange, that in itself will lessen yur thoughts about the cat muffler.

Huh??:dunno:

 

[Philbert]

I really like my 353.

Philbert

<http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/140917.htm>

 

[emr454]

Sorry to stir the bees nest folks! Maybe I was a bit premature on this one. Unfortunately I cut all the wood I had left so I wont get to play with it anymore unless I want to trim the apple tree, but that seems a bit overkill.

I will say this though. It is fairly nimble compared to our old 18lb P-40!

Eric

 

[Philbert]

Sorry to stir the bees nest folks!

Not stirring a bee's nest. Just stating an opinion. That's what the site is for.

A lot of guys like the 346XP due to it's higher revs for limbing. I like the 353 as an all around 50cc saw, in a class similar to a STIHL MS260.

JMHO

Philbert

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I own both a 353 and an MS260 and I would choose the 353, much better cutting machine than the 260. That being said, it's possible my 260 isn't quite in as good a tune as the 353 plus the 353 has a new chain and bar, the Stihl doesn't. I don't think the throttle response on my 353 could be classified as "sluggish" though. It's an older version without the cat.

 

[SawTroll]

....

Throttle response was slow and "sticky". I've notices this on 2 Husky 142's, a 55 Rancher, and this 353. Is this how they all are? It's like a mushy pistol trigger, is the only way I can describe it....

That isn't a typical husky "feature" - rather the opposite!

At least the 353 really shouldn't be like that at all.

The 142ss are severely muffler restricted (in the US), and cheap Poulan made duds anyway. They are better outside the US though, more like the 141 and 41.

 

[SawTroll]

Not stirring a bee's nest. Just stating an opinion. That's what the site is for.

A lot of guys like the 346XP due to it's higher revs for limbing. I like the 353 as an all around 50cc saw, in a class similar to a STIHL MS260.

JMHO

Philbert

Yep, but the throttle responce usually is better, not worse......

 

[Homelite410]

I have a 2150 Jonsered with the 44mm flat top piston open port with a mm and no gasket and it has fantastic throttle response!! I think its a fine lil saw and it sure was easy on the wallet! I like 50cc saws and enjoy reading all of this!

 

[sunfish]

Throttle response has never been an issue with any of my Huskys.

Especially with the XPs' :msp_smile: