New saw owner

[crabster]

Hi,

I'd been looking for a new cs to replace my aging Mac Cat. I stumbled across this site and after reading through the forums, decided to go and look at the Stihl ms250 and Husky 350. I looked online and saw that Alaima had the 350 with 18" bar for 273.00 and free shipping. I printed the ad.

I went to a dealer that sold both and looked at them side by side. I really liked the Husky. I then spied the 346xp but it was priced out of my wallets reach at 419.99 The 350 was 299.99 and the ms250 was 279.99. the dealer also made mention of the 55R but said it was back ordered. I remembered that Lowes had the 55R and took a drive out there.

Nope-they were sold out too but they did have the 350 w/18" bar also priced at 299.99. Hmm, I went to customer service with the saw and Alaima ad and asked if they would price match. After checking with their manager, the girl said yes they would plus give another 10% off. SOLD!!

The only down side is that I didn't get the walk-through that a dealer would have given. On another note if I had bought from the dealer, their policy was to add 3% if I used a credit card So Lowes won in this case.

So, now I am the pround new owner of a Husky 350. Can you folks offer some tips/tricks/advice/suggestions of break-in, tuning, etc..? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!!

 

[Lawn Masters]

You break it in like you plan to use it. As for tuning, I would leave that up to a trained service technician, I also recommend you always ALWAYS use the proper safety gear and the like for how you treat the saw. It should last you for a LONG time to come if you keep the gas/oil mix right, the chain sharp, the clutch bearings greased now and again, the sprocket replaced after every 2 chains, keep the saw clean, especially the cooling fins on the engine. if you do this and maybe some other members here would post some other things you can do to take care of the saw I promise you it will work well for a LONG LONG time.

 

[Crofter]

That saw will give a lot of service if you look after it. Always run sharp chain. (there is no such thing as a little bit dull!) Keep the filter clean and keep cooling fins and evertying under the covers free of built up dust oil soak etc. There are thousands of articles to read here on the forum. Try out the search function. For instance you wont be popular with everyone if you ask a question about what is the best ratio to mix or which oil is best. Welcome to arboristsite forum.

Frank

 

[crabster]

Thanks for the input guys. Yup, safety is a given. I've been made fun of before for wearing goggles and hearing protectors-oh well on them, I plan on hearing, seeing and holding my kids as they grow up

Crofter-Been using the search button ALOT. Lotsa good stuff to read. Oh btw whats the proper mixture for fuel/oil??

Great site here! I hope to pester you all with questions as I continue to work with my new saw.

And oh yeah---Happy Easter!

 

[Newfie]

Welcome to the site crabster.

Normally I would have to agree w/ rocky on the missing out by not going through the dealer, but in this case I don't think you missed out on anything. What kind of creep tacks on his credit card costs on top of the msrp? I would have walked too.