WOLF_RIVER_MIKE
ArboristSite Guru
Madsens has new Husky 288 powerheads for $599. Add a 32" Oregon bar and chain for $40. Doesn't sound like too bad a deal.
New 288's
- Thread starter WOLF_RIVER_MIKE
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<p>Howdy<p/>
<p>You buy one of those new 288s and send it off to be power ported by one of our resident saw mechanics and you'll have one of the greatest timber falling saws ever. I had a 288 that lasted 11 years and was rebuilt 3 times. It went on over 100 forest fires and probably cut more than 2mmbf logging.<p/>
<p>You buy one of those new 288s and send it off to be power ported by one of our resident saw mechanics and you'll have one of the greatest timber falling saws ever. I had a 288 that lasted 11 years and was rebuilt 3 times. It went on over 100 forest fires and probably cut more than 2mmbf logging.<p/>
StIhL MaGnUm
Addicted to ArboristSite
I agree with Jacob the 288XP is probab;y one of the best timber harvesting saws there has been in sometime,I have been thinking about calling Madsens an ordering one myself just too have one..for the price thy're letting them go for you cant beat it.
Later Rob.
Later Rob.
chainsawworld
ArboristSite Guru
it must be a good saw, husky discontiued it. i have a couple 288 lite's. i like them but for most of my work in the woods i use the 372's with 3/8x50x72. marty
YUKON 659
ArboristSite Guru
I'm suprised they still have some left. I called Madsens back in February.....they had 25 or so left and said they were probably the last of the new 288's that would be availabe. They were refered to as a "northwest" version.....full wrap handle and I think the tall air filter. Anyhow I decided not to buy one....I bought a used 394 instead. I had a tough time trying to justify $600.00 plus on a saw that would be used for mostly flush cutting stumps. So far the saw seems to be well worth the money...less than half of the new 288!!!
Jeff
Jeff
<p>Husky scrapped the 288 along with many other models due to new EPA regulations and the need to redesign many models to meet them. The 385 is basically a new version of the 288. It has several improvements though, just as the 372 does over the 272, the 362 over the 262, the 359 over the 154, etc.<p/>
YUKON 659
ArboristSite Guru
Jacob, you stated that the 385 has several improvements over the 288. In your opinion do these improvements make the 385 a "better" saw?
Jeff
Jeff
<p>Howdy Jeff-<p/>
<p>I'd say yes and no. If a faller is in an even aged stand of second and third growth and is running a 32" or 36" bar and is knocking down sticks at a steady rate but not having to do a lot limbing and brushing, then the 385 is the way to go. If you're in a mixed stand of small and big wood, having to run 28" to 42" bars with a lot of full-manufacture and boring for jacks, then the 288 rules supreme.<p/>
<p>The 288 had problems with the bottom end holding up and the two-piece ignition, which I think is documented in other posts here. The 385 however, is havign crank problems and hopped-up 385s seem to have problems with the piston breaking and/or cracking around the cylinder base or transfer port area.<p/>
<p>I'd say yes and no. If a faller is in an even aged stand of second and third growth and is running a 32" or 36" bar and is knocking down sticks at a steady rate but not having to do a lot limbing and brushing, then the 385 is the way to go. If you're in a mixed stand of small and big wood, having to run 28" to 42" bars with a lot of full-manufacture and boring for jacks, then the 288 rules supreme.<p/>
<p>The 288 had problems with the bottom end holding up and the two-piece ignition, which I think is documented in other posts here. The 385 however, is havign crank problems and hopped-up 385s seem to have problems with the piston breaking and/or cracking around the cylinder base or transfer port area.<p/>
