Question about 353, 357XP and/or MS361?

[NYH1]

I've been pretty much sold on getting a 353 with a 16 inch b&c this spring. I was talking a to a guy I work with that owns a residential tree removal company as a side business. He also cuts and sells some firewood too. I told him I was planning on getting a 353. He told me I might be better off going with a 357XP or a MS361 with an 18 inch b&c then the 353 for what I'm going to use it for. I told him I like the lighter weight of the 353. He understands that. He said the 357XP and MS361 are heavier especially when full of mix and bar oil but they'll probably cut almost twice as fast as the 353. I'll be cutting "mostly" 10 to 14 inch cherry with "some" larger cherry in there as well with this saw. I was actually thinking about getting the 353 this spring and getting either a 357XP or a MS361 next year. Do you think I might be better off getting a 357XP or a MS361 with a 18 inch b&c this year (I kind of like the Husky) and then maybe get a 353 or a 346XP next year, if I even get the smaller saw at all? How much faster will a 357XP and a MS361 cut then the 353? Is he right by saying almost twice as fast? Thanks!

 

[SawTroll]

MS361 this year, and a 346xp next year, if you find out that you need a limbing saw.......:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Hired Gun]

Opt for the bigger saw now. You can always cut smaller wood with a bigger saw. Now try cutting big wood with a small saw and this is what you are going to be doing :bang: It will do it, however it probably will not be as fast or as powerful as you wanted. You will be working the saw harder when you get into the bigger stuff. Get the larger model that suits you best 361/357 both are excellent saws. Run it, get some time on it and evaluate what kind of a small saw is going to suit you. You may feel more comfortable just putting a shorter bar on the 361/357 when cutting the little stuff. A 16" bar can give a bigger saw a new feel.

 

[SawTroll]

... You may feel more comfortable just putting a shorter bar on the 361/357 when cutting the little stuff. A 16" bar can give a bigger saw a new feel.

Yep, my 361 is a very efficient and nimble limbing saw with a 15" bar and
3/8x8 sprocket.

I hardly use the 353 any more in the woods, just for tops and thinning and back-up.....

 

[TDunk]

You can't go wrong w/ either saw. I like husky's but the 361 is one of the most versitile saws you can buy.

 

[SawTroll]

You can't go wrong w/ either saw. I like husky's but the 361 is one of the most versitile saws you can buy.

The MS361 sure is versatile, it works well for rip-cutting also, because of the inboard clutch, and the clean space under the clutch cover.

 

[Just Mow]

Take SawTroll's advice and purchase the MS361 first then a lighter saw second. The weight of the 361 is not noticeable in the cut and it sure is nice to get done sooner than later.

 

[Pablo26]

If you were to get the 353 this year, you would likely end up like SawTroll and not use it much once you get the 361 or 357. I can say the 357 makes cutting extremely fun, and I'm sure that is the same for the 361, just have not run one. You have other saws which can take the back-up role (029). I have not had problems with noodle clogging on mine, and am impressed with it's noodling ability. My old 026 does not like to make noodles at all.

 

[TDunk]

i really like my 361CQ, when limbing trees, it's nice to have that extra brake while trying to manuver through the limbs, and it also save on the chaps.

 

[pbuehning]

X2 - on the 361CQ!!

 

[IchWarriorMkII]

For a one saw set up, the 361 would rock.


When I sit down and think about my saws, the 353 is a pure back up saw... and sometimes I wish it was a 372xp or a 2171... because my 361 can handle the limbing/light cutting duty really easy... but I'd like that extra power to pull through the bigger stumps and drive the longer bars in cotton wood.

I can guarantee if you get the 353 first, you will end up with a 361... I know, I did.

 

[SawTroll]

...

I can guarantee if you get the 353 first, you will end up with a 361... I know, I did.

So did I, but I definately would avoid a "C" version, with QSS and/or QCA.......

 

[bytehoven]

If your 021 is a solid running saw, you already have a nice small saw.

Get the MS361 and consider a smaller saw when your 021 starts giving you trouble and is beyond repair.

Also, if the 029 is a solid running saw, you're kinda clear for getting something even a little bigger than the 361.

However, based on what you've described, a 361 with a couple of bars would be your go to saw most of the time.

 

[TDunk]

Hey Sawtroll. What exactly is bad with the "c" version of the 361. I've logged alot of hours one mine and never had a problem. Is there a mechanical problem with them or just a preference. I'm not trying to be a :censored: , i was just curious.

 

[SawTroll]

It is mostly personal opinion, but;

The QSS adds unnecessary weight, and wear to the brake band of the saw. It could also be a safety liability when you get used to it, and it suddenly doesn't work, because a wood chip has blocked its function (has been reported to happen).

The QCA is totally unnecessary, and makes normal bar and sprocket maintenance more of an hassle than it need - but that is really up to the user.

 

[TDunk]

It is mostly personal opinion, but;

The QSS adds unnecessary weight, and wear to the brake band of the saw. It could also be a safety liability when you get used to it, and it suddenly doesn't work, because a wood chip has blocked its function (has been reported to happen).

The QCA is totally unnecessary, and makes normal bar and sprocket maintenance more of an hassle than it need - but that is really up to the user.

I do have to admit that when i use the 361 first thing, and the jump to my 575, it takes a little bit to get use to not having it. So i can see how it would be a liability.

 

[SawTroll]

From another tread;

Thanks guys. I also thought about the 8 pin sprocket, but I don't think I can get that on the CQ(quick stop) - it seems that the drum has a larger ID and I have fitment issues. The IPL does not show that the 8 pin will work - it will on all the other versions. I can not fit the chain and bar on 325 - 9 pin I bought. Any thoughts besides adding a link. I too, like the added safety of the QS, but it has caused these fitment issues.

Another reason to avoid the "C" versions!!!!!!!opcorn: :censored:

 

[A. Stanton]

I ran a Farm Boss for years with a 16" bar and did fine as a home owner. Moved up to a 440 with a 20" bar; just got a 361 with a 18". I love the 361 it's nice and light and burns thru the logs like they are butter.

 

[dnhll]

Do you guys think the the 361 makes sense if you are going to run 2 saws? I would be inclined to have a 5100 or a 346xp for the smaller saw and a 372xp/7900/441 for the larger saw. It seems to me the 361 is a great saw if you are going to own 1 but it is caught in the middle if you are going to own 2 saws. Love to hear ppl's thoughts...

 

[zzrcanuck]

Do you guys think the the 361 makes sense if you are going to run 2 saws? I would be inclined to have a 5100 or a 346xp for the smaller saw and a 372xp/7900/441 for the larger saw. It seems to me the 361 is a great saw if you are going to own 1 but it is caught in the middle if you are going to own 2 saws. Love to hear ppl's thoughts...

That's why I have more than two saws