Husqvarna 338XP California Special

[TreeSwede]

Hi, I just wonder if somebody could give me some information about this saw.
Is it the same engine as in 346XP? Has someone tried it? Vibrations? Weight?
We don't have that version here in Sweden so I would be very thankful for all your opinions before I consider ordering it from USA. By the way, where do I find Baileys and Sherrill in USA- are they all over the country if you want to visit a real store? /Johan

 

[Stumper]

Bailey's real store is in Laytonville, California. Sherrill is in Greensboro, North Carolina. Sherril does sell things through participating Vermeer Equipment dealers throughout the U.S. but most of the Vermeer dealers don't carry much variety in their stores-they simply order for the customers and Sherrill dropships to them. I have not used the 338 California Special but am considering buying one.

 

[glens]

The Vermeer dealer in Indy stocks a large portion of the catalog.  Leastwise they did last summer.  They've even got a "tree" in the store.

 

[Stumper]

Perhaps I should have written many ,or some. I haven't been to most Vermeer Dealerships so I only have hearsay to go on. How nice that you can go examine stuff before purchase Glen!

 

[njforestfire]

As per the spec sheets that Husky provides, the saws do have the same dispalcement - 45cc and 2.7 c.i. The 338 is the newest version for late 2004 and new year of 2005. There was a 335 xp (35 cc) and a newer 335 xpt that also is 45 cc and 2.7 c.i. This newer one (335xpt) is also a 'California Special'. The horse power ratings for the 2 saws you are inquiring about ARE different. The 346 is rated at 3.4 hp and the 338 and 335xpt are 2.7 hp. I, myself, am looking to upgrade to one of these models and would be interested in any feedback from current or previous owners. I hope this info helps.

 

[rupedoggy]

My brother let me run his 346 and that is a saw. Mike

 

[geofore]

335XP Cali & 338XP Cali

If I were you I'd talk to DozerDan, he has ported the 338XP's and the 346XP's. I have the older 335XP Cali, not the newer 338XP Cali and 3 of the 346's. Dan did the 346xp's and another guy did the 335XP Cali for me. I also had Dan do 2 of the Dolmar 7900's for me. I was replacing my older saws with new saws and Dan does nice work porting them. They run and they're fun. They are a bunch more power than my old saws, less weight and less vibration. You have to be careful buying ported saws because once you run them you won't want to go back to stock saws. Rich Hoffman is a good example of what happens to you when you go for Ported saws, one is not enough. My first encounter with Ported saws was late 60's and I never went back to stock saws. I don't know what came over me but I couldn't go back to stock saws. Don't get me wrong, the 346XP and the Dolmar 7900 are strong saws right out of the box. Ported they are going to make you smile every time you use them.

 

[hooks]

Ive run 346 for 3 years. Excelent saw ,good power ,no problems. Also run 335 and new 338 great trim saws they are not the callifornia specials. Was told the 335 california special was like the 335 i bought but had california emmisions thats why the extra cc.

 

[premix]

Wouldn't the 338 California Special be a lean hot ("CARB type") running puppy? Seems like the California guys want to get their newer saws from out of state because they run so lean. Could be wrong here.

 

[Grande Dog]

The reason the "California" model was to side step emission restrictions imposed on saws under 40cc's.

Grande Dog
Master Mechanic
Discount Arborist Equipment and Tree Care Supplies