Husqvarna 262xp vs 365

[2rod511]

I am looking for a new saw. Right now I own a Husky340 and a 55 rancher ( planning on selling the rancher). I have found 2 saws one is a 262xp and the other is a 365 the specs on both saws are similar and I can get them both for relatively the same price. I am just going to use the saw for my firewood needs. Just wondering if someone more knowledgable than myself had any suggestions on which I should choose. Thanks.

 

[zogger]

pro grade

I am looking for a new saw. Right now I own a Husky340 and a 55 rancher ( planning on selling the rancher). I have found 2 saws one is a 262xp and the other is a 365 the specs on both saws are similar and I can get them both for relatively the same price. I am just going to use the saw for my firewood needs. Just wondering if someone more knowledgable than myself had any suggestions on which I should choose. Thanks.

I have never used either, but just from what I understand, an xp prefix husky saw is considered pro grade. As in, better materials, built stronger, etc. That's the theory anyway. I really don't know about either saw from using them, I used a 55 rancher for a long time, and currently run a 137, which is a fine little saw, I have cut gobs of firewood with that little thing just by keeping the chain real sharp and not really trying to kill it, just using it properly.

If the 55 is working for you, why sell it? Just getting real old now? I guess just to help offset a new saw purchase that makes sense, especially since you will getting a new warranty.

With that said, echos have five year warranties now for homeowner use, and tanakas have seven years.

 

[Oldsawnut]

Both are great saws that I have owned.. I would go with the 365 if they are in similar condition... Power is fairly close and the 262 is lighter but the 365 is more durable..

 

[andrethegiant70]

Excellent saws both, but if it's a work (regular use) saw, I'd recommend the 365. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AGAINST THE 262, they are fabulous machines!! But... they are getting long in the tooth, and the 365 can be seriously upgraded if you end up wanting more power.

Once you get a 365, and you're getting your work done, THEN go for the Sunday sports car.

 

[HUSKYMAN]

If you are going to be cutting firewood with an 18" bar all the time and weight is an issue, get the 262xp. If you plan on running 24" bars often then get the 365. The 365 is NOT more durable than the 262, there are many out there that have been running for 15 years. Also the 365 has been out for a good 10 years at least so these saws could be very similar in age.

262xp is faster in smaller wood, the 365 with its large bar mount handles longer bars better.

 

[D_Sully]

I own a 365 special and it is a great saw. Im not really a husky fan but i got this one on trade and i have come to depend on it. with a 20" bar it is unstoppable. Ive slowed it down on a big ol ash stump, but it finished the job. even with the crazy drags for husky. Just use that depth file and hit em a few times. Theres my opinion, hope it helps ya. Be safe

 

[Sledcrazzy]

I really like the 365, i had a 262 and it was a tough old saw but now i have a ported 365 that will out cut my stock 372 and do it smoother. If you want alot of saw for your buck i would get the 365 and mod it up abit, cut faster than the 372 and save 300 bucks.

 

[fawncreekranch]

I love my 365. Sorry never tried the 262

 

[spike60]

Excellent saws both, but if it's a work (regular use) saw, I'd recommend the 365. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AGAINST THE 262, they are fabulous machines!! But... they are getting long in the tooth, and the 365 can be seriously upgraded if you end up wanting more power.

Once you get a 365, and you're getting your work done, THEN go for the Sunday sports car.

This is sensable advice. The saws are very close, and assuming they are in equal condition, the 365 has a slight advantage. It has a bit more power in bigger wood due to a more efficient cylinder design. Just like the 372, it is a closed port affair with the transfers open to the bottom. In fact it only differs from a 372 by having a 2mm smaller bore. In the case of the 365, the lack of an "XP" decal is only due to a marketing decision.

262's are really nice, and they are a little lighter than the 365. In average firewood sized wood, you won't notice a difference in power, but you will notice the weight difference after working a while. The 262 is a bit of a legend around here, but like the MS361, it's kind of overated. Both are very good, but neither are way out in front of the other saws in the 60cc class as many believe. I'd pick a Jonsered 630 over either of them.

But again, you're comparing two saws that are really very close. So, IMO the choice should come down to which ever of the two seems to be in better condition.

 

[The Count]

as I see it, 262 is no longer in production while 365 still is on the shelves.

I`m thinking that is nearly impossible for the two saws to be in equal shape and therefore a deeper analysis of the two should decide the winer.

but if you need a saw for bigger wood, lean towards the 365.
I know a guy who cries still about his stolen 262XP. a hek of a saw.

better yet, if the saws are dirt cheap, get them both, restore what`s needed, give them a spin and the decision should come by itself.

 

[nmurph]

unless you plan to upgrade the 365 to a 70cc saw, i would def go with the 262. they are a great saw and are close to 2 lbs lighter than a 365. a 262 will pull a 20" with great ease and a 24" with a lighter hand. if you are consistantly needing a 24" bar i would go with the 365, otherwise, it's the 262 all the way to the woodshed.

 

[SawTroll]

This is sensable advice. The saws are very close, and assuming they are in equal condition, the 365 has a slight advantage. It has a bit more power in bigger wood due to a more efficient cylinder design. Just like the 372, it is a closed port affair with the transfers open to the bottom. In fact it only differs from a 372 by having a 2mm smaller bore. In the case of the 365, the lack of an "XP" decal is only due to a marketing decision.

262's are really nice, and they are a little lighter than the 365. In average firewood sized wood, you won't notice a difference in power, but you will notice the weight difference after working a while. The 262 is a bit of a legend around here, but like the MS361, it's kind of overated. Both are very good, but neither are way out in front of the other saws in the 60cc class as many believe. I'd pick a Jonsered 630 over either of them.

But again, you're comparing two saws that are really very close. So, IMO the choice should come down to which ever of the two seems to be in better condition.

I see that point, but imo you disregard the weight issue a bit too easily.

The 365 and the 630 are very close to some very good 70cc saws in weight - the 361 and 262 aren't. 60-65cc saws that weight like a 70cc one makes little sence to me!

 

[MS460WOODCHUCK]

I see that point, but imo you disregard the weight issue a bit too easily.

The 365 and the 630 are very close to some very good 70cc saws in weight - the 361 and 262 aren't. 60-65cc saws that weight like a 70cc one makes little sence to me!

The 365 makes alot of sense to me, it's a 60ish cc saw patiently waiting to be upgraded to a 70cc saw. That is something that the 262 and 361 will never do!

 

[spike60]

I see that point, but imo you disregard the weight issue a bit too easily.

The 365 and the 630 are very close to some very good 70cc saws in weight - the 361 and 262 aren't. 60-65cc saws that weight like a 70cc one makes little sence to me!

I did mention the weight, and that it would be noticed after extended cutting. It's just that you and I always place different importance on saw weight. But the older I get..........:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Cliff R]

You can't go wrong with a 262XP. I have one and it is a great saw everyplace. Even with that said, I do think it's power is somewhat over-rated. It's rated about the same as a 268XP, but ratings are listed on paper, when you are bucking up big logs the 268XP pulls harder and cuts faster. The power curve isn't nearly as "smooth", and the older design isn't as "ergonomic", but the 268XP is stronger than the 262XP non-the-less.

The only thing I don't like about the 262XP is the small mount bar. As good as it is, it's best suited to an 18" bar 3/8" full chisel. Pulls 20" OK, but I wouldn't want a 24" bar on it in hardwood. Another thing to consider here, IF you have plans of running a 24" bar, the 365 is more attractive.

The 365 also makes more sense as it's a modern design, and probably has better parts support for it, or will have as they phase out parts for older discontinued models. The idea of putting the 372XP top end on one is also very attractive, IF you ever wear out the 65cc P/C or feel like making a real runner out of it?.....just my 02 on the whole deal......Cliff

 

[SawTroll]

....

The only thing I don't like about the 262XP is the small mount bar. As good as it is, it's best suited to an 18" bar 3/8" full chisel. Pulls 20" OK, but I wouldn't want a 24" bar on it in hardwood. Another thing to consider here, IF you have plans of running a 24" bar, the 365 is more attractive. ....

I have no problem with that - long bars negate the purpose of a light powerhead. 24" bars isn't what 60cc saws are really intended for anyway!

 

[Cliff R]

Correct.

The reason I don't like the small mount is that my 181, 480, and 268XP use the same bars. I have a good assortment of bars from 18" to 30" for those saws. I have to buy a different bar for the 262XP, making it an "oddball" in my line-up. My 55's are equipped with the same small mount bars, but are in .325, not 3/8".....Cliff

 

[Oldsawnut]

Ok troll help me out here I will elaborate on my earlier post... First the weight.. Troll will know exactly but the 262 is what 12.8lbs(from CSCC) and the 365 is 13.8(from my poor memory )? The clutch on the 262 is much smaller an outboard and a weak point on the 262.. The 262 carb choke is a little plastic tab that rocks back and forth and falls out when the cover is removed.. has a cheesy plastic clutch cover with little tabs on the back to keep it flush.. Small bar mount. Lesser filter than the 365 especially if you put a high top on.. 365 has a better chain adjuster.. 365 has a lot of potential for upgrades in the future.. 365 has tons of aftermarket and used parts. As for the durability they both run forever if you keep them up and use good fuel/mix I was refering to some of the plastics on the 262 not holding up as well.. Now I'm sure the tanks on the 365 are much larger and with the bigger bars generally on the 365 I'm sure it always feels much heavier in the field to some... But to me hands down the 365 is a far superior saw..

 

[REJ2]

Ok troll help me out here I will elaborate on my earlier post... First the weight.. Troll will know exactly but the 262 is what 12.8lbs(from CSCC) and the 365 is 13.8(from my poor memory )? The clutch on the 262 is much smaller an outboard and a weak point on the 262.. The 262 carb choke is a little plastic tab that rocks back and forth and falls out when the cover is removed.. has a cheesy plastic clutch cover with little tabs on the back to keep it flush.. Small bar mount. Lesser filter than the 365 especially if you put a high top on.. 365 has a better chain adjuster.. 365 has a lot of potential for upgrades in the future.. 365 has tons of aftermarket and used parts. As for the durability they both run forever if you keep them up and use good fuel/mix I was refering to some of the plastics on the 262 not holding up as well.. Now I'm sure the tanks on the 365 are much larger and with the bigger bars generally on the 365 I'm sure it always feels much heavier in the field to some... But to me hands down the 365 is a far superior saw..

I've seen published weights for the 365 to be 13lbs. even, not sure how accurate it is though. Never weighed mine, but that would make them real close if the 12.8 is fairly close for the 262. REJ2

 

[nmurph]

262's are just a ounce or two shy of 13lbs. the 365 specs at 13.2, but i think the street weight is a little over 14lbs. the 262 is also less bulky. again, as i have said before, if you are consistantly needing a 24" bar, i certainly think the 365 is the better option. but if a 20" will satisfy the bulk of your cutting, with the odd job needing 24", then the 262 is tough to beat. yes, the engineer that designed the choke lever should have been fired.