Need some advice on a Husky or Stihl purchase

[DaddyRabbit]

Hi everyone. I have been lurking on here for a few days and finally decided to post. I have a few saws but am considering a new one, (like I need another).I am pondering over a Husqvarna 346 XPG w/a 16'' bar or a Stihl MS 260 Pro w/the same bar length. I already own a McCulloch D44 w/a 26'' bar which was my Grandads, (a true beast) :jawdrop: , Some mid evil looking silver colored saw that hits like a sledge hammer that's as heavy as a fat mans coffin, Echo 290 EVL and a Husky 359 w/a 20'' bar that cuts like theres no tomorrow. Anywho, I am a novice at best and hope you pro's can help out by guiding me in the right direction.

 

[nilzlofgren]

Both saws you have mentioned, are both excellent saws. They are almost identical, although the 346 will rev to the moon. I think the Husky is a tad cheaper as well. Welcome to the site.

 

[Tzed250]

Either saw will open a can of worms the likes of which have never been seen before...opcorn:

 

[Just Mow]

I'm not going to say which is better, because I know what I would pick.

The main thing is going to be your local dealer. Make sure they are a good one.
Welcome

 

[computeruser]

Welcome to the site!

You really can't go wrong with either saw. Seeing that you are already a Husqvarna owner, I'd probably go with the 346 as a way to prevent having to have yet another dealer to have to visit (unless you have a combo Stihl-Husqvarna dealer...).

 

[2000ssm6]

Either saw will open a can of worms the likes of which have never been seen before...opcorn:

+1000000000

Both good saws, go to the dealer and hold them

 

[PA Plumber]

Youse guys are getting soft in your old age. I can't believe someone didn't try to talk DR into a 372, 385, 441 or a 660.


Welcome to the site, DaddyRabbit.

 

[DaddyRabbit]

I have a Husky dealer no more than 3 mi from my house which does attract me to the Husky as well as those RPM's but I don't have a Stihl chainsaw either which makes me want to go that route too. Both are priced identically as well. I have been doing more research and it appears that Stihl is coming out w/a pro 261? I'm not very brand loyal but my mantra has always been, "buy the best and cry once". :bang:

 

[Just Mow]

I have a Husky dealer no more than 3 mi from my house which does attract me to the Husky as well as those RPM's but I don't have a Stihl chainsaw either which makes me want to go that route too. Both are priced identically as well. I have been doing more research and it appears that Stihl is coming out w/a pro 261? I'm not very brand loyal but my mantra has always been, "buy the best and cry once". :bang:

Don't wait on the 261. It is Stihl about 2-3 years away.

Get either the 361 or the 441. I like the powerband of the 441, and I tend to use it more than my 361.

 

[PA Plumber]

I have a Husky dealer no more than 3 mi from my house which does attract me to the Husky as well as those RPM's but I don't have a Stihl chainsaw either which makes me want to go that route too. Both are priced identically as well. I have been doing more research and it appears that Stihl is coming out w/a pro 261? I'm not very brand loyal but my mantra has always been, "buy the best and cry once". :bang:

Oh, Man. You have gotten yourself into quite a fix. Both saws have great reputations. I can't help you with the 261, though. I can say the 441 is quite a saw. But, if I had a 372 or 385, I might say the same thing.


I would love to hear an after-purchase update.

 

[rbtree]

346 all the way...smoother, more streamlined, a bit faster cutting...maybe a smaller power band. better filtration and antivib---no comparison in my book..I do prefer the inboard clutch of the 260. To get that feature, buy the less well dealer supported and 10 ounce heavier Dolmar 5100S, which smokes them both..and is so well built, that I'm sure it will be a classic in 10 years...though the coming EPA restrictions may not allow it to be made for more than a few more years.

But send that 346 off to get it fully woods modded, and it will have close to 50% more power and beat a 440 in small wood, and easily smoke a stock 361 with 18 inch bars buried.

 

[2000ssm6]

cool

But send that 346 off to get it fully woods modded, and it will have close to 50% more power and beat a 440 in small wood, and easily smoke a stock 361 with 18 inch bars buried.

Wow:jawdrop:

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Speak on this some more, where can I make this happen? Can they do 359's too?

But send that 346 off to get it fully woods modded, and it will have close to 50% more power and beat a 440 in small wood, and easily smoke a stock 361 with 18 inch bars buried.

 

[hornett22]

i agree.

I'm not going to say which is better, because I know what I would pick.

The main thing is going to be your local dealer. Make sure they are a good one.
Welcome

couldn't have said it any better.

 

[blis]

I'd pick 346xp (preferably G since warm handles rock) just for the sake that it beats 260 everyway around, it has better filtration and anti-vibe along with the facts its stronger and faster and also a tad lighter...

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Its my pleasure to be here guys and thanks for the warm welcome. I picked up a couple of semi chisel Carlton chains for my 359 the other day so I think I'll put one on when I get off of work and see if it will make me throw away my factory chain.

 

[rreidnauer]

Speak on this some more, where can I make this happen? Can they do 359's too?

See: http://www.nwchainsaw.com/ or http://www.walkerssawshop.com/walkerize.html for a few examples of who does such work.

 

[XJWoody]

Another welcome from a fellow NC ASer (Moore Co here)

If your nearby Husky shop treats you good, that's one of the most 0important things. I'm spoiled with two good shops for several brands reasonably local: Amick's for Stihl, Husky, Dolmar, + in Asheboro & Carthage Saw for Stihl, Husky, Jonsered + in Carthage.

 

[2000ssm6]

NC in da house too!!!! crappy Scotland county though

XJ has named some great shops. I go to Mcdonald Bro's in So. pines for my parts, they seem to have a good tech. Went to another dealer about 7 minutes from my house, Laurinburg. Have not dealt with him much.

 

[musch]

One more vote for the 346, (and I have BOTH)

You will not be disappointed, but you MIGHT buy more saws. :hmm3grin2orange: