Husky 357XP opinions?

Bremen · Dec 30, 2003

OK - I'm a newbie to the forum, and a rural/farm non-pro chainsaw user. I've been using a Husky 51 for the last seven years now, and I'm curious about the 357 even though I'm not really looking to buy anything just now.

I usually run 16" on the 51, and a 20" pro-lite/21LP when it's necessary. These are .325 pitch and the 20 definitely pushes the saw's limits, but if I feed it smoothly it works OK.

My big question:

How would the 357 tolerate a 24" bar with a sharp full compliment 3/8 / .050 round-ground chisel chain?

The saw boasts high HP numbers for the weight, but it's still only 3.5 cubes...

bwalker · Dec 30, 2003

IMO it will not. The 357 is a nice saw and is really better mated with a 18 or 20" bar. I think you need 70-80cc to run 24" in hardwoods.

z4lunch · Dec 30, 2003

Me too
Steve here...IMHO I would spin the wheel on a 385XP, if you're a Husky guy.

monkeypuzzle · Dec 30, 2003

Bought a few and then I bought a few 346xp's. ''climbing saws'' but you will NEVER go wrong with a Husky.. now thats just me talkin here.

Toneman · Dec 30, 2003

I have a 357XP and run a 18 inch bar on it. When I purchased, dealer wanted to install a 20, which I thought was too big for that saw. I am really happy with this saw and bar size.