It doesn't tip over on flat ground either.
Husky saws
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Like Stihl's... They have a lot of history. And there are model's through out that were excellent in their time.
For example. The old L65's are collector aged saws that still are useful.
ALL advise pointing to Spike60 as a source for data and verification is good advise BTW..
For me there are a few model "lines" that stand out for either instant gratification for the hobbyist to build or "bang per buck" for the professional wanting to get a better value for the dollar spent to start a business with saws as the center piece.
So here goes..:
One of the best saw model lines for the hobbyist but are also farmer/landowner/firewood level useful is the 60-70cc Model 61 thru 272xp line. They have their roots in the late 1970's and in their final pro level form's, the 268xp and 272xp; still are capable of "modern" saw performance. Since there is parts interchangeability between model as well as a very strong aftermarket support this is probably one of the best and most useful of the older Husqvarna series....
An over view of that series:
Also of that vintage, the 234,238,42,242xp,246 series are exceptional small saws... even using today's "pro level" saw performance parameters.
Another is the 181 thru 288xp series for older large saws. The newer 385-390XP are also awesome and current. About the best "value" in larger saws on the market. They also are very easy to build and support, easier than the competition. Here is a video of how easy it is to pull a cylinder... and this pretty much applies to ALL the Husqvarna's all variations of this theme..
For the professional and Hobbyist alike, the 365/372 series are still one of the best saws ever designed. They match anything currently on the market in any kind of price performance comparison. Parts are readily available both from After market and OEM sources. Used saws are reasonable. They are in the same class as Stihl 044/046/MS440/MS460 as saws that are still useful in ANY scenario. Only they are cheaper to buy and build.
One thing common in ALL these Husqvarna model's mentioned, is the general layout of the saw and therefore how EASY it Is to work on them.
Honorable mentions?? The 340/345/350/353/346XP and 359/357xp. Perfect low cost hobby builder saws. Had some systemic issues.... WITH solutions for the mechanically inclined. The "Plastic" ones.. 3340/345/350 in particular are fun to build IF you fine one that hasn't been melted because the muffler rattled loose.... or wasn't toasted from one of MANY potential air leaks. The "Metal" 359/357/353/346 are better but also had intake issues that ARE solvable....
Then there is the Jonsered's ...... I really enjoy my 820-920 series even though they are almost impossible to support and find parts for. A totally impractical saw... but I just like them.
Why do some dislike the 7900? Well because the best running, best designed saw made in the last 20 or so years, didn't say Husqvarna or Stihl on the side cover.
This is true... might argue about the "best" design..... Stihl MS440/460 and Husqvarna 365/372 have strong cases. Boils down to personal preferences. Also around here they are really cheap. A good used one can be had for under 400 even from some of the dealers. They also have a series and with parts interchange. The 6400,7300,7900 and Makita counterparts...
spike60
Addicted to ArboristSite
You guys can argue about Husky and Stihl all day, but I'll bet nobody has anything bad to say about the car in the OP's avatar.
Popular models is a kind of regional thing, and the OP's location is unknown. As far as old stuff goes, it has a lot to do with how popular the saw was when it was still in production, and the reputation that it still carries. And in addition to that, how well received was the model that replaced it. The 357 was not as good as the 262 for instance, and the 262 maintained it's popularity. But the 562 is so sweet that the 262 is not as sought after as it used to be. It's now just another nice older saw.
One way to judge a saw's popularity after it goes out of production is whether guys will invest in rebuilds instead of buying the new model. (naturally, this would only apply to guys who actually used to onw one). In my experience there are just 2 of them. The 288XP and 242XP. The 288 was both powerful and rugged and many guys wish it was still available here in the US. (it's still produced in Brazil for the South American market). Guys bring in old 288's on a somewhat regular basis for a "trip to the spa" as we call it.
The 242XP was, and still is the best ever climbing/bucket saw with a conventional handle. You have to actually run one to "get it", but anyone who actually used to work with them will confirm this. It will run with the 346OE and is in a lighter, smaller, and handier package. They respond well to basic mods. It's supposed replacement, the new 543XP is a nice saw, but the 242 will eat it up.
The 272/670 family is a great chassis, but it's replacement, the 372/2171 family is SO good that 272's don't hold the type of popularity that they might otherwise deserve. Little interest in pro circles, so saws in that family can be found at good prices. Another sleeper is the 254XP, which kind of occupied a middle groun between the 242 and 262 in the XP range. Really nice all around saw, but not all that well known if you are looking to sell it.
The 372 is by far the leader in the more recent stuff. Any saw on this chassis is golden and used or rebuilt examples sell instantly. There's an informal waiting list for them at my store. With simple mods, a 365 can easily outcut a stock 372, so don't pass them up. The 346 is also a very good saw to grab. Very popular with both pro and homeowner users. The muffler bolt issue that affected 353's and later 350's was specific to those saws using the 45mm cylinder with the capped transfer ports, and is not a worry on 346's.
Big stuff? The 390 is finally getting the respect from the guys who used to run 288's, and is a lot smoother to boot. Early 385's has some bearing issues, and that hampered it's acceptance, which is understanable. 394/395 is always a sought after saw where ever there is a big saw market. Very stout bottom ends and gobs of torque. You do have to keep an eye on the hardware being tight on these saws, but otherwise very little goes wrong with them.
Last comment is that good Huskys aren't confined to those saws that have an XP label on them. Some of the best deals out there are on non-XP saws that share a chassis with XP models. Saws such as the 365, 555, 359, 257, 246, and such. Don't pass 'em by just because they don't have an XP sticker on them; they are real good values.
Popular models is a kind of regional thing, and the OP's location is unknown. As far as old stuff goes, it has a lot to do with how popular the saw was when it was still in production, and the reputation that it still carries. And in addition to that, how well received was the model that replaced it. The 357 was not as good as the 262 for instance, and the 262 maintained it's popularity. But the 562 is so sweet that the 262 is not as sought after as it used to be. It's now just another nice older saw.
One way to judge a saw's popularity after it goes out of production is whether guys will invest in rebuilds instead of buying the new model. (naturally, this would only apply to guys who actually used to onw one). In my experience there are just 2 of them. The 288XP and 242XP. The 288 was both powerful and rugged and many guys wish it was still available here in the US. (it's still produced in Brazil for the South American market). Guys bring in old 288's on a somewhat regular basis for a "trip to the spa" as we call it.
The 242XP was, and still is the best ever climbing/bucket saw with a conventional handle. You have to actually run one to "get it", but anyone who actually used to work with them will confirm this. It will run with the 346OE and is in a lighter, smaller, and handier package. They respond well to basic mods. It's supposed replacement, the new 543XP is a nice saw, but the 242 will eat it up.
The 272/670 family is a great chassis, but it's replacement, the 372/2171 family is SO good that 272's don't hold the type of popularity that they might otherwise deserve. Little interest in pro circles, so saws in that family can be found at good prices. Another sleeper is the 254XP, which kind of occupied a middle groun between the 242 and 262 in the XP range. Really nice all around saw, but not all that well known if you are looking to sell it.
The 372 is by far the leader in the more recent stuff. Any saw on this chassis is golden and used or rebuilt examples sell instantly. There's an informal waiting list for them at my store. With simple mods, a 365 can easily outcut a stock 372, so don't pass them up. The 346 is also a very good saw to grab. Very popular with both pro and homeowner users. The muffler bolt issue that affected 353's and later 350's was specific to those saws using the 45mm cylinder with the capped transfer ports, and is not a worry on 346's.
Big stuff? The 390 is finally getting the respect from the guys who used to run 288's, and is a lot smoother to boot. Early 385's has some bearing issues, and that hampered it's acceptance, which is understanable. 394/395 is always a sought after saw where ever there is a big saw market. Very stout bottom ends and gobs of torque. You do have to keep an eye on the hardware being tight on these saws, but otherwise very little goes wrong with them.
Last comment is that good Huskys aren't confined to those saws that have an XP label on them. Some of the best deals out there are on non-XP saws that share a chassis with XP models. Saws such as the 365, 555, 359, 257, 246, and such. Don't pass 'em by just because they don't have an XP sticker on them; they are real good values.
troylee
ArboristSite Guru
Didn't see the 371xp listed......it is a 372 with a little less internal structural support. Every part is interchangeable with the 372 I believe.
Termite
Time To Launch
Nice write up Spike.
bryanr2
Addicted to ArboristSite
bryanr2
Addicted to ArboristSite
Excellent write up Spike... a couple of the models you listed.... Randy just ported for me.
this 246/242 hybrid is tached at 15600. while this cut in the video is not what this saw is designed to do... it shows it has some stones.
here is the 254xpg Randy liked this saw so much he talked me out of it.
this saw has a 254xp carb on it, luckily I have another 254 that is fingerported with a 262xp carb on it. Ran it yesterday and it is SICK!
this 246/242 hybrid is tached at 15600. while this cut in the video is not what this saw is designed to do... it shows it has some stones.
here is the 254xpg Randy liked this saw so much he talked me out of it.
this saw has a 254xp carb on it, luckily I have another 254 that is fingerported with a 262xp carb on it. Ran it yesterday and it is SICK!
Greg Perryman
ArboristSite Operative
I own nothing but Stihls, my Dad and his dad as well. My go to saw is my 038 super damn good saw. My grandpa has bought 2 echos and a jonsered within the past 4yrs. He owns a ms250, 044 magnum, 180, 029 farm boss. He has had both echos in the shop more times than I can count for the pull cord not working or the case coming apart. Both (professional grade apparently) The jonsered he bought has a scored piston. For my saws the typical tune-ups once a yr is all mine see most of the time. Id rather spend a little dough for quality than be held up in the shop. Just my perspective.
I would stay away from the Stihl 029, I had nothing but problems with mine. Sold it and purchased a 028 woodboss.
I would stay away from the Stihl 029, I had nothing but problems with mine. Sold it and purchased a 028 woodboss.
HuskStihl
Chairin'em for the sound
If you meant as investment, pretty much have to stick with Stihl. There are guys who will pay good money for a pristine 288xp, but you can sell farm bosses for the same price as a used 372xp. If you meant for use/value, keep u'r eyes open for 394xp. Typically sub-500 in perfect condition. Get it ported, and you will very likely never pick up a stronger saw in u'r life
My point exactly.... pay a lot more for a color and brand than actual performance in many cases therefore the validity in the investment comment & thought process. Of course the price of entry is higher...... so is the actual ROI better even for investment? Don't know. That's for smart folks to calculate. I worry about price per chip thought processes...
sunfish
Fish Head
Steven, is that thing running .325 chain?
sunfish
Fish Head
Everyone already knows Stihl is the most awesome...But the Op is asking about Husqvarna saw???
SawTroll
Information Collector
It has been mostly the other way around here, with the prices of pro models - but lately it has evened out a bit.
SawTroll
Information Collector
As far as I know, there was a different intake on the really early 371s, that also meant the intake side of the cylinder is different.
What kind of problems did you have with your 029? I had one for many years and never had a problem. It always started on 2-3 pulls and cut all my wood for many years. It's a bit heavy... and plasticy, but it cut lots of wood without issue, even at 50:1 on pump gas.
the long bars are for swamp walking
I do you like 650 then
