Need some advice on a Husky or Stihl purchase

[SawTroll]

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. ....

That sums it up pretty good!



The 260 is a much older design, and it shows in a couple of ways......

 

[SawTroll]

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. .....

Why are you considering heated handles on the Husky, but not on the Stihl?

 

[DaddyRabbit]

I'm thinking Stihl doesn't have it does it? After reading here I didn't know the Stihl was so much of an older design. I may should have considered the Dolmar as opposed to the Stihl like previously mentioned.

Why are you considering heated handles on the Husky, but not on the Stihl?

 

[ropensaddle]

The famed 346xp grasshopper

 

[bcorradi]

I'm not aware of the arctic version of the MS260 being available in the US.

I've heard the Dolmar heating system isn't as warm as a husky or stihl. Does anyone else have any experience to share about them?

 

[rbtree]

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

I'd steer clear of the first link. The second-- does good work, and cheap, but not as extensive as good builders like Dave Neiger, Dan Henry, Ed Heard, and others..

 

[DaddyRabbit]

I guess I could always wrap the handle w/some heating tape and bring along my e/g to hook it up to, then again theres always the inverter :hmm3grin2orange: . Ahh, decisions, decisions.

I'm not aware of the arctic version of the MS260 being available in the US.

I've heard the Dolmar heating system isn't as warm as a husky or stihl. Does anyone else have any experience to share about them?

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Well guys, its down in the books. I am the soon to be proud owner of the highly acclaimed Husky 346 xpg. I placed the order w/my dealer a few minutes ago. There are so many nice saws out there that it made me realize that its very easy to get off on a tangent. Anywho, thanks for the help and pictures shall arrive subsequently.

 

[SawTroll]

I'm thinking Stihl doesn't have it does it? After reading here I didn't know the Stihl was so much of an older design. I may should have considered the Dolmar as opposed to the Stihl like previously mentioned.

The 260 is made in at least two different heated handled versions, but they are not offered everywhere.......

The one with heated handles and carb is called the "Arctic" in NA, and VW (or is it WV ?) elsewhere. I don't remember the designation on the other one, but CW comes to mind......

For a heated Dolmar 5100, look at the bottom of my signature - my wife has one........

 

[2000ssm6]

Well guys, its down in the books. I am the soon to be proud owner of the highly acclaimed Husky 346 xpg. I placed the order w/my dealer a few minutes ago. There are so many nice saws out there that it made me realize that its very easy to get off on a tangent. Anywho, thanks for the help and pictures shall arrive subsequently.

Good deal!! Give us a report after it eats some wood:chainsawguy:

 

[snaggletooth999]

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.

Personally I would think the 395 would be the obvious choice, already having mid range stuff, go for the top end.