Husky 353 or 359

[twstm]

OK, I think I have narrowed my choices down to these two saws. I am basically a weekend warrior type. Whatever saw I buy will probably get used hard for a couple of months out of the year, the rest of the time just occasional use. I don't really plan on felling any trees either. Just firewood cutting. Any suggestions on bar length would be helpful too.

 

[Adkpk]

I have a 359 with a 20" bar. I love it. Sorry, I can't compare the two.,

 

[rahtreelimbs]

For the small $$$ difference the 359 is the better choice. Plus it is a better platform if you want to mod the saw down the road!

 

[Christman]

I have ran both. You definately want 359. 20in bar 3/8. .050. I had the 359 a while ago. you WILL want to open up the muffler. I don't know how they run with that muffler on. I dual ported mine with 2 1/2 pipes. With some other modifications to the 359, it really whipped the crap out of a 372xp. I mean left it in the dust. But the 372 didn't have a lot done to it. We timed all cuts 12" piece of walnut 359 best time 4.95 or somthing like that the time for the 372 was like 6.21. But if the 372 isn't NOT MODDED. If it were the 359 wouldn't stand a chance. Both 7 sprockets. 3/8 .050 work chains.

 

[Urbicide]

359 :rockn:

 

[Rspike]

I have ran both. You definately want 359. 20in bar 3/8. .050. I had the 359 a while ago. you WILL want to open up the muffler. I don't know how they run with that muffler on. I dual ported mine with 2 1/2 pipes. With some other modifications to the 359, it really whipped the crap out of a 372xp. I mean left it in the dust. But the 372 didn't have a lot done to it. We timed all cuts 12" piece of walnut 359 best time 4.95 or somthing like that the time for the 372 was like 6.21. But if the 372 isn't NOT MODDED. If it were the 359 wouldn't stand a chance. Both 7 sprockets. 3/8 .050 work chains.

OOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo , com-mon now . The 359 is a good saw but "whipped the crap out of a 372xp" Aweeeeee , sounds like a story to me . :jester:

 

[314epw]

359

Get the 359.Mine is muffler modded and it runs real close to my 362xpg!amazing!
Ed

 

[Hired Gun]

359 :rockn: :rockn: :rockn:

 

[spike60]

Got a question for you guys who have muffler modded the 359: Did you start with the E-tech version? (Green fuel cap, cat muffler) The reason that I'm curious is that the 357 uses the same muffler as the non E-tech 359, and there isn't as much talk about modding the 357. So, I'm wondering if the problem you guys are solving is the cat muffler, or if the 359 just responds that much better.

 

[hammer0419]

I own the E-Tech 359 and can vouch the muffler sucks. It is obvious it retains a ton of heat as the top cover of the saw above the muffler is melting. I just sent a muffler out to Northwest Chainsaw for a dual port job. I will be working on taking the limiter caps off this weekend in antisipation of the dual port muffler. Can not wait to open her up.

 

[rahtreelimbs]

Here is a pic of what I did. This thread explains what I did. I did an E-tech muffler also and the mod was pretty much the same.


http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=15967

 

[trimmmed]

Never ran a 353, but I love my 359 (non E-tech)

 

[woodfarmer]

sister saws

my jonny 2159 is nowhere even close to the 2171(359vs.372)both stock, so the 359 must be on speed.

 

[trimmmed]

my jonny 2159 is nowhere even close to the 2171(359vs.372)both stock, so the 359 must be on speed.

I have that combo modded.(359/372) Stock, it was never really close, but the 359 was a little lighter and a pretty good cutter and I really liked it. Modded it gets a little closer, but the 372 is still on top by a bit. That said, the 359 is alot more fun now!!!! I have a 17" bar on it, might be my favorite saw

 

[Rspike]

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=33657

 

[314epw]

spike60

Answers are yes,and yes.After the muffler mod on the 359,the throttle response is unbelievable!I cut mostly the oak family and with 20" logs the saw doesn't bog down at all.My 362xpg when stock was just a tad faster.Now I modded that also.So now the 362xpg is still king.The 359 is still lighter and will do most of the cutting.One hell of a saw for the money!It's a keeper!
Ed

 

[SawTroll]

The 359 is the obvious choise if you're going to have only one saw.

One 16" and one 20" bar should cover most needs.

I would keep at least two chisel chains (preferably Stihl RSC) for each bar, and at least one semi-chisel (preferably Stihl RM) for dirty wood/stumpcutting.

 

[Christman]

359 vs 372

before i said the 359 out ran the 372. I didn't lie. The 359 has a modd muffler and i advance the intake and exhaust duration. The 372 was only muffler modded with ports polished. DIDN'T DO ANY THING WITH OPENING THE PORTS AT ALL. (didn't want to mess the jug up) The 359 was quicker.

But if a pro got a hold of the 372. There isn't very many saw that stand in the way of that.