For all you other Husqvarna dealers or anyone using a 353. We've never stocked this saw and I've never personally used this model, but I keep hearing a lot of good things about it and would like some feedback on it. Currently we are stocking 137-16", 142-16", 334T-14", 338XPT-14", 345-18", 350-18", 455 Rancher-20", 346XP-18", 460-20", 359-20", 357XP-20", 362XP-20", 570-20 and 24", 575XP-20", and 385XP-24". I'm leaning towards stocking it, but I'm a bit leary from the price point standpoint with it being more expensive than the rancher (often customers don't understand the differences in quality such as the magnesium crankcase isntead of plastic). Any feedback would be great:greenchainsaw:
Husky dealers/and or anyone using a 353
- Thread starter Cam501
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I've had my 353 for over four years with out any problems, IMO stock it.
spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
I don't have one in stock at the moment. I usually keep one of them or a 2152 Jonsered on the shelf, but no back up stock. Some models are OK to keep one on the shelf, but don't sell well enough to keep a bunch in the back. On the better sellers, we'll have anywhere from 4 to 12 in boxes in the back.
The 353, like the 359, is one of those "caught in the middle" models. The mag. crankcase is somewhat offset anymore by the fact that they come with the cat muffler. For most people, the 350 is a far better choice. Same cylinder, better price, regular muffler, and primer. Concerning the "plastic" issue, we really don't see any problems with these saws regarding the plastic. Just a couple of instances where the muffler bolts loosened up and exhaust gasses melted the crankcase.
And speaking of heat, we tend to shy away from the cat mufflers whenever we can. They are a stop gap until the line eventually goes to all X-torque engines.
All that being said, the 353 with a regular muffler, would be a better choice than the 455. But the 455 will sell better, as it projects an image of "more saw" for less money.
The 353, like the 359, is one of those "caught in the middle" models. The mag. crankcase is somewhat offset anymore by the fact that they come with the cat muffler. For most people, the 350 is a far better choice. Same cylinder, better price, regular muffler, and primer. Concerning the "plastic" issue, we really don't see any problems with these saws regarding the plastic. Just a couple of instances where the muffler bolts loosened up and exhaust gasses melted the crankcase.
And speaking of heat, we tend to shy away from the cat mufflers whenever we can. They are a stop gap until the line eventually goes to all X-torque engines.
All that being said, the 353 with a regular muffler, would be a better choice than the 455. But the 455 will sell better, as it projects an image of "more saw" for less money.
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oldsaw
"Been There, Milled That"
Yep. Had that talk with my local dealer. He just didn't understand why someone would pay more money for a smaller saw. Biggest saws they stock are the 455 and 350, like most places I've seen.
Mark
SawTroll
Information Collector
Very good saw, much better than the MS260 - 15" bar/95VP (H30) is my favourite cutting attachment on it.......
It does mostly all I have to do here, but it is not good for ripping, due to the outbuard sprocket.........
I have to admit that it haven't seen much use, after I got the MS361, except for bruch-cutting/thinning.....
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spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
Wow, that's interesting. For us, the bigger/pro models are where most of the business is. 346, 357, 372, 575. Over the past 5 years, the 372 has been our best seller. It has outsold the 2nd place saw, (346), buy a 2:1 margin.
Just for the heck of it, here are our top 6 sellers over the last 5 years.
372
346
350
55 rancher
357
359
Obviously, as some models come and go, these numbers will change. The 400's and 500's are doing very well now.
That's where you are supposed to step in and tell them why the vertically split , magnesium cased saw is a superior product, and how much better it will serve them. If a person is anything of a salesman, it shouldn't take much to convince people they are getting a better saw for the money, instead of simply a bigger but less well built one for the money. Not to mention, the smaller, lighter, better constructed saws often perform as well or better than the larger, poorer constructed models anyhow.
NYH1
Tacticle Chainsaw Operator.
Cam, the Husky 353 (and even 357XP) is the main reason I'm going to get another Stihl. I have six or seven Husky dealer within about 35 minutes of me. Only one stocks a 353 (and 357XP). That dealer is the farthest dealer from me. I really like the 353. That dealer recommended the 353 over the 346XP for my use as a firewood saw. He said the 353 has a wider power band and might even cut larger wood (12 to 14 inches) better then the 346XP. He did say on smaller wood and limbs (4 to 8 inches) the 346XP would be a better choice. I have two really good Stihl dealers within ten minutes of me. So I'm going to get another Stihl. If my Husky dealer who is only 5 minutes from me stocked one and didn't lie to me I might buy one. He told me the 353 is an older design and Husky stopped making it. If I were you I would definitely stock a 353. I wish the Husky dealers that were closer to me stocked them! 
blis
Addicted to ArboristSite
Cam, the Husky 353 (and even 357XP) is the main reason I'm going to get another Stihl. I have six or seven Husky dealer within about 35 minutes of me. Only one stocks a 353 (and 357XP). That dealer is the farthest dealer from me. I really like the 353. That dealer recommended the 353 over the 346XP for my use as a firewood saw. He said the 353 has a wider power band and might even cut larger wood (12 to 14 inches) better then the 346XP. He did say on smaller wood and limbs (4 to 8 inches) the 346XP would be a better choice. I have two really good Stihl dealers within ten minutes of me. So I'm going to get another Stihl. If my Husky dealer who is only 5 minutes from me stocked one and didn't lie to me I might buy one. He told me the 353 is an older design and Husky stopped making it. If I were you I would definitely stock a 353. I wish the Husky dealers that were closer to me stocked them!
Man, your dealer is bull????ting you, 353 is by no means old design and its still made...
Huskydoggg
ArboristSite Lurker
Cam501,
Is that an e-tech or standard 353 available in your area? I would not sell or recommend an e-tech saw when better alternatives are available.
My experience is that it's bad technology added to an otherwise fine saw. Our local Husky rep denies any issues with the e-techs, but replaced my 353E without a question after a complete meltdown. The problem is heat, heat, and more heat. I guess he knows the problems, just doesn't want to admit them on the record.
Is that an e-tech or standard 353 available in your area? I would not sell or recommend an e-tech saw when better alternatives are available.
My experience is that it's bad technology added to an otherwise fine saw. Our local Husky rep denies any issues with the e-techs, but replaced my 353E without a question after a complete meltdown. The problem is heat, heat, and more heat. I guess he knows the problems, just doesn't want to admit them on the record.
husky 353
I have a 353 but was thinking long and hard about the 346 before I bought it. The reason for choosing the 353 was for the power band. I'm not a pro, just a weekend warrior and wanted something a little more flexible.
It came with the e-tech muffler and I immediately took that off, ground down the limit stops and got a new ported muffler. Had it woodsported before the warranty was even "started" and never looked back. The saw in now out of warranty but have never had a problem with it. It's not the most powerful saw out there, and maybe just going with the 5100 dolmar might be the answer, but it is a light, fast, easy to start, well balanced saw, that is a pure pleasure to use.
Did I pay too much after the porting and all that? Maybe so. But my brother in law who owns a 345 when were cutting together always seems to have my saw in his hands cutting something.
I'ts one of the most ergonomic saws I've ever used.
That's my 2cents Thanks
I have a 353 but was thinking long and hard about the 346 before I bought it. The reason for choosing the 353 was for the power band. I'm not a pro, just a weekend warrior and wanted something a little more flexible.
It came with the e-tech muffler and I immediately took that off, ground down the limit stops and got a new ported muffler. Had it woodsported before the warranty was even "started" and never looked back. The saw in now out of warranty but have never had a problem with it. It's not the most powerful saw out there, and maybe just going with the 5100 dolmar might be the answer, but it is a light, fast, easy to start, well balanced saw, that is a pure pleasure to use.
Did I pay too much after the porting and all that? Maybe so. But my brother in law who owns a 345 when were cutting together always seems to have my saw in his hands cutting something.
I'ts one of the most ergonomic saws I've ever used.
That's my 2cents Thanks
SawTroll
Information Collector
That's a great shame.......:monkey: :monkey:
I have picked them up some times at the dealer - they are heavier than my 361W, and don't feel good and nimble at all - more like a piece of concrete.......
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Uwharrie
ArboristSite Operative
We stock 353's and they sell. All you have to do is put them side by side (353 & 455) and most of your better customers will buy the 353. Lighter better feeling saw. It's got a great sound and the compression release works great. ( some models the compression release works better than other models). If you can upsell your customer $30.00 you will definitely be doing him or her a favor.
blis
Addicted to ArboristSite
when woodsported it should be on same line as 5100 AFAIK...
husky 353
blis;
Your prolly right about the hp bieng about the same as the 5100. I guess on the 353 after porting and all it's gone up to maybe 4.1hp. But it is "according to the specs" a little over a lb. lighter, which for me bieng over 50, and all day cutting is something to be considered. I'll never put larger than a 16" b/c on it and it just runs so dayuum well. I'm still glad I put the money into it.
blis;
Your prolly right about the hp bieng about the same as the 5100. I guess on the 353 after porting and all it's gone up to maybe 4.1hp. But it is "according to the specs" a little over a lb. lighter, which for me bieng over 50, and all day cutting is something to be considered. I'll never put larger than a 16" b/c on it and it just runs so dayuum well. I'm still glad I put the money into it.
NYH1
Tacticle Chainsaw Operator.
blis, that's the second Husky dealer in my area to tell me that............see why I'm leaning towards another Stihl. There is only one good Husky dealer around me. He sells Stihl, Husky and Jonsered and doesn't push any one brand over the other. Ask him a question and he gives you an honest answer. He's probably the best saw dealer around here to tell you the truth. I just wish he was closer to me that's all!
I did call my only local Dolmar dealer last week. He doesn't have any 5100's in stock and wasn't sure when he would get any in. He said hopefully in early March. He also said he hasn't sold a lot of smaller Dolmar saws. He does sell quite a few larger saw though. Maybe I'll call him back in a few weeks. I'm just worried about him sticking around. I'd hate to buy a saw from him and have him drop the Dolmar line. Dolmar dealer's don't seem to last to long around here. They do seem like pretty nice saws though.
JoeCanuck
ArboristSite Operative
353 - Cool
The 353 was my first real saw after buying a heavily wooded building lot up north. I eventually bought a 361 as well when I got into 2ft + trees but never regretted the 353 and still like it a lot.
I went through models with the local Husky dealer and had no trouble settling on the 353 (and he had no shortage of Ranchers in stock). Nicest feeling and least tiring saw I've used in my limited experience.
By the way, not having a primer should not be a drawback because the primerless choke system on the 353 makes it the easiest starting small gas engine I own - much better than the 361 for that matter.
I'm beginning to think the etech boogeyman is a little overplayed as well. It does run a little hot but not scorching and after a couple of years of moderate use it looks and runs like new.
Joe
The 353 was my first real saw after buying a heavily wooded building lot up north. I eventually bought a 361 as well when I got into 2ft + trees but never regretted the 353 and still like it a lot.
I went through models with the local Husky dealer and had no trouble settling on the 353 (and he had no shortage of Ranchers in stock). Nicest feeling and least tiring saw I've used in my limited experience.
By the way, not having a primer should not be a drawback because the primerless choke system on the 353 makes it the easiest starting small gas engine I own - much better than the 361 for that matter.
I'm beginning to think the etech boogeyman is a little overplayed as well. It does run a little hot but not scorching and after a couple of years of moderate use it looks and runs like new.
Joe
AZLOGGER
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Don't think I can say it any better, very well stated Uwharrie. I have a tendency to try and sell the 353 more than than a 455.
the swede
ArboristSite Operative
who asked about the ms260?
So troll, i guess you did not like your ms260? the 353 is even MUCH "better"!! how is it better? exept for the usual bla bla bla about the anti-wibe and the air filter!?(you told us that already a "few" times!)
viva la norway!!
