Whats the difference ? Also MS361 v 357XP

[ANDY-501]

Hi, First post on this forum.

Im in the U.K. and was wondering what (if any) the difference is between the specification of European and American saws. (mainly of the models listed below).

I am interested in two models of saw to buy for my one and only (hopefully ) saw.

One is the MS361 and the other is the 357XP. I know they are both good pro quality, but leaving out the usual fanboy stuff, which would you honestly choose if you could only have one saw and why. Also which would be more reliable with the occasional use followed by a long break in storage !

Many Thanks.

Andy.

 

[ddhlakebound]

Welcome to AS Andy.

They're both great saws, so it boils down to which color you like better, or which sawshop you like better, or which place is closer or better when you need service.

No idea on the differences between the US and European models, or if there are any. I personally would choose the 357, but if you put it to a vote here, I'd imagine the 361 would win by a small margin.

 

[Ironbark]

Hi Andy, welcome to AS.

There are some variations between UK & US saws, but on the 2 you've listed I think they are virtually the same. There might me some slight carb differences, a different air filter and no CE mark, but that's about it. Were you thinking of purchasing from the US?

If you do just weigh up whether the cost savings are sufficient to offset the possible lack of dealer support back in the UK. Most of the my local saw shops sell both Stihl and Husky, so the best thing to do is go along and see which one you like better.

Don't know where you are but I did notice today that F R Jones in SE London were doing some pretty good deals.

 

[scotclayshooter]

I thought the Uk spec 361 was .2 hp more than the US version, It was at one time anyway.
A 357xp here is £450 and if you haggle hard a 361 is £600!
Welcome to AS

 

[Climbing Cutter]

The MS361 would be my choice :greenchainsaw:

 

[ANDY-501]

Thanks very much for your input guys, I took the advice and bought a UK (i hope) spec saw from ebay. 2nd hand ms361 2007 model light use for a reasonable price. I was about to bid on one from the USA but the possible problems with servicing changed my mind.

One thing I did see was that toms garden equipment have new ones for £523 including vat and delivery which seems to be a good price if anyone else is interested.

Anyway Thanks very much for all the help, it may have saved me some problems/money in the future which is always a good thing.

Cheers, Andy.

 

[scotclayshooter]

Well done!
Good price for a new one!
I have a US MS280 and any parts i have needed hasnt been a problem they just order the part no on screen and it arrives no questions asked!

 

[SawTroll]

I thought the Uk spec 361 was .2 hp more than the US version, .....

It still is, different cylinder and muffler.

 

[SawTroll]

I thought the Uk spec 361 was .2 hp more than the US version, It was at one time anyway.
A 357xp here is £450 and if you haggle hard a 361 is £600!
Welcome to AS

The 361 is about the same here, but the 357xp is way more - about 850, I believe...........:monkey: