Husky Equivalent of 026

[Acer]

Can anyone tell me what the Husky equivalent of the stihl 026 is?
I'm guessing it's the346 XP. Does anyone here use one? Is it any good?

I'm thinking of changing when I replace my 026. I love my saw, and have had 6 years of relatively trouble free service. The problem is that the Stihl dealers round here are cr@p, they're useless, and have cost me money when my saws have broken down. The local Husky dealer looks a lot more switched on. I would change brands providing the Husky product is as good or very near. One thing I've found really good on the Stihl is the transparent fuel tank. No fiddling around having to peer inside the tank to check fuel levels before making that back cut.

 

[chainsawworld]

actually, nothings compares to the 026(not including the pro). the closest in cubes(2.97) is the 350 @ 3.0, 345 @ 2.7,351 @ 3.0 and the 346 is 2.7. marty

 

[jokers]

The 346xp is every bit as good a saw as the 026 and the performance is nearly identical although I think the 346 cuts just a hair faster. I think the 346 revs just a bit easier also, it is a very smooth saw. I realize that the 026 is rated as some fraction of a horsepower more powerful than the 346, but it doesn`t carry over to the real world. The semi transparent tank on the Husky isn`t quite as handy as the white tank of the Stihl, but once you get used to seeing what a gas level looks like through the orange plastic, you will be able to use it, besides that, don`t you develop a feel for when it is refuel time anyway? What I`m saying is that I think the semi transparent tank is as much gimmick as useful feature. These two models are perfect candidates for buying what feels best to you and has best dealer support. Since you are experienced with the 026 you know it is not a torquey saw, neither is the 346. Maintain and operate the 346 the way you took care of the 026 and you will be happy. Russ

 

[chainsawworld]

jokers,
if you have a 346 i would be interested in racing for registrations.LOL marty
p.s. your saw must be stock. mine is.

 

[jokers]

Sorry, none stock.

Hi Marty, the 346 I have now has been Walkerized, but maybe sometime I could get a stock one and run it against your stock 026. I have already tried this with a friend of mine who is a dealer for both brands, the opinion I expressed was based on those results. Not to say that an operator with a slightly different technique wouldn`t possibly draw the opposite conclusion or that two different saws of the same models wouldn`t perform differently. Russ

 

[Tony Snyder]

The 2149 Jonsered/351 Husky, same saw, are 49cc vs the 026s 48.7, they cut about equal, also in that same size range in a pro saw is the 651 Solo 50cc at about $360 street price, and they will whip up on an 026, no foolin.

 

[Acer]

Originally posted by jokers
besides that, don`t you develop a feel for when it is refuel time anyway?

Thanks for the input.

Russ, I think it's easier to get a feel for low fuel if you use your saw continuously, eg harvesting. During my day, I pick it up & use it for say 15 mins, drag brash for a while, use it again, do something else. It's intermittent use, so you forget where you are regarding fuel..I've found the see through tank really useful, especially as getting the fuel cap on and off a stihl needs the wrench or a screwdriver.

By the way, do Husky fuel caps need a wrench, or it possible/safe to tighten them by hand without fear of them coming undone?

Most times I've used Huskys, I've had a few reliability problems, things like poor starting when hot (both weather and saw). Could have been that particular saw, though.

I'd have thought there must be very little in these saws now. I tend to see arbos using stihl and forestry workers using Husky. As margins in forestry are so tight, I can't imagine any forestry cutter putting up with nonsense from his saw.

 

[tony marks]

not long ago i was told of a little cutting contest here in the charlotte nc area.. this fellow with a bigger huskey had it won. and the makita area rep was there. he ask the dealer , who was puting this thing on, if he would mind pullin a new 54 cc makita off the shelf. he then proceeds to beat the best time by couple of seconds. this was told to me by a dealer who sells stihl, husky an makita.this guy is in the process of retireing and sellin out,so it sounded credible.he wasnt trying to sell me a saw.
i have heard good things about makita.

 

[Ryan Willock]

i have a 346xp and like it. i have also had an 026 and liked it, when my 346 wears out i'm going to go back to an 026 because i like them and have a good dealer and there isn't a decent husky dealer within 20miles of me

 

[jokers]

Ryan probably has it right.

With these two saws pick what ever feels best to you and has the best support in your area. By best support I don`t mean who has the most dealers either because for example there are more Stihl dealers than convenience stores around me, but unfortunately the level of dealer competence and saw knowledge is on par with the kids who work in the convenience stores. And BTW, not having a good dealer within 20 miles is an inconvenience, but are you walking or riding a horse to get there? Most of us jump in the truck if we have to, or places like CCD will ship them to you. I got your point about the semi-transparent tank Acer, more useful to you than me, but a valid point for you. Another thing about the 346 is the outboard clutch which unduly freaks out many potential users when it comes to swapping chains, but I find it pretty easy, especially on the new Huskies where the designers used enough forethought to leave adequate clearance to make the job easy. I`ve changed many chains on saws with outboard clutches over the years that were a real PITA, including some old Stihls. Pick whatever color you like best, LOL. Russ

 

[jokers]

Blowing sunshine where the sun don`t normally shine

Hey Tony, I just read your post about the 54cc Makita whupping everybody by a couple of seconds. I don`t believe it! They are a good quality saw by by no means hi performance. I think this guy was having a little sport with you or possibly his mind is pickled. Russ

 

[tony marks]

hey russ ,u could be rite . he was sellin some stuff at the flea,and had an old mcculough their. thats what got us on the subject.its just hearsay an u know what they say about that.
so u dont think the makita is up to the husky stihl level . well it dont matter really as ive pretty much set my mind to get a 372 ,when the time is rite. if i get the rite one ,im hoping i can sell a couple o 50 cc saws and just keep the 028 an 372 for ground wk.. the 372 is starting to sound like
what i prefer. just good working saw[high performance] that holds up ,similar to the 028.

 

[Mack]

tony marks,
You may not be far off on the Dolmar 540 (Makita). For a saw that is only rated at 3.0 hp, it does cut way beyond what you expect. I have sold a couple of them after customers ran them against 2149's and 2150's. All new saws, it really surprised me.

 

[Ryan Willock]

the only thing i HATE about my 346 is the stupid out board clutch!!! it's probably enough to keep me from buying another one

 

[jokers]

Hi Ryan, not to pick on you, so don`t take it that way OK, but I guess you may be one of the guys I referred to. The trick is to set the saw up in front of you with the bar on and the adjuster all the way in, so that you in effect have the most slack in your chain possible, now with your left hand drop the chain vertically in behind the clutch drum then run the rest of the chain out with your right hand over the rest of the bar. It helps if you have your hands nearly a bar length apart as you start this, it keeps the chain from piling or kinking up and getting in your way. Using this method I have been able to easily put the 73LG chain that came with my saw from Walker`s on the bar. Hope this helps. Russ

 

[Ryan Willock]

Russ, no offense taken!! i just have gotten spoiled by stihls inboard clutch. i just don't like having to fiddle with the d@mn thing!! its still a great saw though