Is a 346xp enough of a saw?

[paperdesk]

Hi! I've been reviewing this site for a while and I have found many invaluable tips. Now I have a question.

I have been using a friends Stihl 29 for a couple of years to cut about 5 cords of firewood a year, and now I'm ready to buy my own saw. I'm a little dissapointed with the 29's performance. It seems to bog really easily.

When I lived in Virginia I used to use a larger Husqvarna saw (don't remember the model) and it really cut through oak etc. like butter. Now the 29 seems to bog just cutting pine here in Washington! (The 29 was brand new when I started cutting so it's performance wasn't due to poor maintenance.)

I'm looking for something that will last many years and be enough of a saw to cut these 5 cords of wood a year. Stump size is usually less then 24 inch.

Here's the problem: The local dealers here are not very good, and their prices are sky high. I can only spend about $350, and with that I can only get a 55 Rancher ($292) or a 346xp ($364) at online prices. Any suggestions? I'm afraid I'll be dissapointed in the 346xp's performance to, esp since it's only 3.4 horse. Can you help me convince my wife that a 359 for about $400 or 357xp ($470) is worth the extra money?

Thank you for your advice!

 

[tundraotto]

a sharp chain and cutting technique to not press the saw should result in no bogging with the saws mentioned. The 346 is one mean little machine but it has a high rpm band so you need to keep it at a sweet spot. When you do this it blasts through any softwood with a 20" bar beating the competition hands down. You must remember though that the 029 has 10cc advantage and 346 is not going to solve your bog down problems.

The 357 might suit your cutting style better as it has more "low end grunt" (I hate to use this term as 2 strokes really dont produce torque to speak of) if you can spare the extra $$$. Getting a sharp chain and re-evaluate would be a good thing to do.

 

[paperdesk]

Thank's Otto. I know I need to let the saw do more of the work. I tend to push it too much. Also, I'm still perfection my sharpening skills.

Do you guys think the 359 is worth the step up from a 346xp?

 

[Crofter]

You say you want that saw to last for many years and if that is so, the 357xp would only cost you $10 more a year than some of the others you mentioned and you won't wear it out in ten years. If you ever want to sell or trade it will hold its value well, being considered a professional quality saw. The 346 is an excellent little saw, but you have to keep the chain really sharp to use its high revving potential. No saw should be run dull for a lot of reasons, but a larger saw is a bit more forgiving in this respect. Remember you seldom hear some say "I should have bought the cheaper one"

 

[Lobo]

Hi paperdesk,

A 346 xp has 3.4 hp and an 029 has 3.8 hp so you would be at a lost in power here.

The 029 is delivered at the dealer with one of those darn RM series chains "Real reduced kickback type don't you know", now put an RS type chain or a 3/8" Oregon chain on that sucker and you will have a completely different saw, it will cut 2 to 3 times faster.

You did not mention how often you would be using your saw.

 

[treeclimber165]

The Husky saws with the XP designation are the pro line. They are the best saws Husky makes. For the size wood you are cutting, I believe that the 346XP is more than enough saw. NO saw will cut well if it is dull, and a bigger dull saw will just be heavier.
Whatever saw you get, simple muffler modifications will allow it to run as well as the older, pre-EPA saws.

 

[StIhL MaGnUm]

I think you will be very pleased with a 346XP with a sharp chain I really don't thing you'll be dissapointed with it,here's a link from where I bought my 385XP and Ryan I think got his 346XP from as well check it out..


http://www.powermadeeasy.com/husqvarna/chainsaw/chainsaw.htm#contents

Later Rob...

 

[Ryan Willock]

sorry lobo but the 029 sucks anyway you cut it paperdesk, i have a stock 346xp and love it!!!! awsome saw!!! i regularly cut 16'' oak with it and it has more than enough power to pull through it!!! i run a 16'' bar and semi chisel chain although you can run a 20'' bar on it. i absolutly love that saw because it is very light and has a ton of power for its size!!!:Eye: i highly recomend it!!

 

[daveb]

Originally posted by Lobo
Hi paperdesk,

A 346 xp has 3.4 hp and an 029 has 3.8 hp so you would be at a lost in power here.

Yeah, and 3 pounds heavier. I think the 55R you originally mentioned would be a good saw for for cutting 5 cord a year. It's a proven design and a good value for the money IMO

 

[Lobo]

Dave you missed my point which was not really the hp but the RM chain.

It does not matter which brand of saw your running and the hp if the chain is not adequate or sharp.

 

[Ryan Willock]

if you can spend the $$ an 036 w/20'' bar is one bad a$$ firewood saw

 

[stihltech]

029

Sounds like an 029 that is too lean on the top end. That and a SHARP RS chain will make a world of difference.

 

[ccicora]

paperdesk

Check out my thread on "Husky Deals for Arborist site friends" I have posted a 345CC that might fit your needs. This is a woods saw that looks completely stock. I should have pic of the saw in a day or two for posting.

Later,
Chris

 

[M.D. Vaden]

SAW SELECTION

Hello from Oregon !

My sharpening service guy has mentioned that fouled chains or circular saw blades perform poorly.

This guy usually is on top of things. I've received sharpened ARS hand pruning saw blades back from this guy that were sharper than the new ones.

So I trust his judgement.

Before sharpening, he soaks chains and blades in a strong lye solution - very cheap, just need to be careful.

These clean chains seem to help beyond just the idea of keeping chains sharp.

If there is crud, how can the oil lubricate the metal? And lubricating crud, pitch and resin can't be better.

I keep 3 extra chains. That way they can be soaked and cleaned without putting the saw out of commission.

By the way, I just started contracting large tree work - up until 2001, I kept mainly to small and medium work, so I had a Husky 51 at most.

Then I got a Stihl MS390 which I really like.

Then we contracted removing a Maple with 48" DBH trunk. The Stihl was not enough, so I got a Husky 385XP a couple of weeks ago.

The latter point here is, I am using these last 2 saws on other things that they are much more than adequate for, AND, I love it.

My new rule is, whatever I need for cutting - buy 1 or 2 sizes bigger and make cutting a blast, not work.

The Stihl 390 is somewhere near $500. Why not combine your saw with a holiday gift?

Mario Vaden
Landscape Designer / Arborist

M.D. Vaden Trees & Landscapes
Beaverton, Oregon

 

[paperdesk]

Thank you Stihltech, I'll try getting the 029 adjusted and get a better chain. I'm sure it is capable of doing a lot more than it has been!!!

Mario, I like your idea of buying larger then you need! It's just a matter of scrounging up the money and convincing the better half!

We'll see what happens.

 

[Ryan Willock]

paper, also i think you said that you were running a 20'' bar and chain, try a 16'' you'll have a lot more cutting power with it on that saw:angel:

 

[HUSKYMAN]

I think you really need to modify your cutting technique. Todays high speed saws feed themselves and require very little pressure to cut, as compared to Homelites from twenty years ago that you can put all your weight on and it wont hardly slow them down. You will wear out a high speed saw relatively quickly by leaning on it too much.

 

[sawracr]

Paper, darn it man who wears the pants in that family? cry, snivell, wine, do what it takes to get a good size pro. saw, 5 cord a year is serious wood cutting, and obviously you would feel more comfortable with a larger saw, the 359 is a great saw, but for me a 372 with a 24" bar is just right. If you buy the right size saw now, you will not be looking for a bigger one later. Husqvarna is a good idea, with a 15 day satisfaction guatantee, 2 year warranty, and Home Sorce financing, its hard to go wrong.
P.S. buy from a dealer, and expect good service.

 

[bwalker]

.S. buy from a dealer, and expect good service

Thats good advice sawrcr. The only problem is Home depots service stinks and all the small shopes in my area have droped husky save one a-hole That I refuse to do business with. That being said buy from a deler that gives the best support regardless of brand. Be it stihl, husky, solo, jonsered, or efco.

 

[Ryan Willock]

if you can't get parts or service then the brand of saw is unimportant!!