Which mid-size Husky Should I get?

[dgarabed]

Until joining this site a few weeks ago, I had my mind made up to get a Husky 353 as my next saw. I am now second-guessing that choice and thinking that I might need a bigger saw. As background, I am not a pro and I cut 20-30 trees per year for firewood. I cut mostly lodge pole pine and doug fir at about 7500ft. Most trees are around 16" and almost nothing over 20". I rarely, if ever, cut hardwood. I am currently using a borrowed Husky 51 with a 16" bar. It is okay, but a bit under-powered at my altitude. It does not cut as fast as I would like. I also don't like the homeowner features like the screw off cover. I am worried that the 353 will not be much different than the 51 in terms of power unless I have it substantially modified. I'm wondering if I would just be better off getting a 359 or 357xp. I know the 357xp would be all the saw I would ever need, but I have some trouble justifying the price for the amount that I will be using it (about $200 more than the 353). For my needs, would the 359 be just as good? Or should I stick with my original choice of the 353? I do love the way the 353 feels. I intend for this to be my only saw for the near future. -Dave

 

[blis]

since your use will be occasional i would get 359... IMO no point in getting 357xp unless you have spare money lying around or you cut plenty of wood...

 

[SawTroll]

Until joining this site a few weeks ago, I had my mind made up to get a Husky 353 as my next saw. I am now second-guessing that choice and thinking that I might need a bigger saw. As background, I am not a pro and I cut 20-30 trees per year for firewood. I cut mostly lodge pole pine and doug fir at about 7500ft. Most trees are around 16" and almost nothing over 20". I rarely, if ever, cut hardwood. I am currently using a borrowed Husky 51 with a 16" bar. It is okay, but a bit under-powered at my altitude. It does not cut as fast as I would like. I also don't like the homeowner features like the screw off cover. I am worried that the 353 will not be much different than the 51 in terms of power unless I have it substantially modified. I'm wondering if I would just be better off getting a 359 or 357xp. I know the 357xp would be all the saw I would ever need, but I have some trouble justifying the price for the amount that I will be using it (about $200 more than the 353). For my needs, would the 359 be just as good? Or should I stick with my original choice of the 353? I do love the way the 353 feels. I intend for this to be my only saw for the near future. -Dave

Your wood seem like a perfect candidate for a MS361, with 18" bar - so the 357xp is probably right.
Avoid the 359 if you don't plan to mod it, I believe that stock it will be pretty anemic at that altitude........

 

[minkota1]

since your use will be occasional i would get 359... IMO no point in getting 357xp unless you have spare money lying around or you cut plenty of wood...

I'd have to say blis hit it right on the head! You'll really like the 359.
Be safe!

 

[DGG]

What do the local tool rental places rent? I'd give them a call and see what they have in stock for your type of need. The elevation thing probably results in a tuning tweak that the local shop knows how to do. But I'd check with the locals who are in the business.

 

[ropensaddle]

I like 372 xp for mid range saw its a perfect choice.

 

[TDunk]

i like my 362 for a good all around saw. I know it's just a down sized 372, but when i cut firewood, or have some smaller trees to do, it's the first saw i grab.

 

[HOT SAW]

I just bought the 359 and love it,Last weekend I fell 20 to 25 small oaks and cut them up they were about 12 to 20 inches in diameter it is the perfect saw

 

[Former Saw Builder]

TDunk is giving you the real scoup get the
362XP and never look back:greenchainsaw:

 

[Haywire Haywood]

DGG had an excellent idea, rent one if you can and try before you buy. That way you know what you're getting before you get it. "Mid-Sized" is subjective altho we all know what you're talking about. A saw builder told me recently that a 372XP was his favorite small felling/bucking saw...

good luck,
Ian

 

[NYH1]

I'd get the 357XP!

 

[buck futter]

I say go with the 353, and start a penny jar for a larger saw.

the 361/357/359 will wear on you when you have to do a bunch of limbing, the 50cc saw is the perfect starter saw. it accels at limbing which you will probably be doing more of than stumping or felling. A quality 50cc saw will do it all although maybe a little slower.

Like Stihl crazy has said he makes more money in softwood with a light "underpowered saw" than the guys with the 357/372. I value his opinion because he is actually a professional logger.

if you have some heavy felling/bucking maybe it would be a good day to rent a larger saw.


I bet you will be in better shape than you think or has been portrayed by the others in this thread. It real easy for them to spend your money

if you want a bigger saw later nothing compliments a 70-80 cc saw like a 50cc limber

Buck

 

[sawinredneck]

3120, 18" bar, you're done!!!:monkey:

 

[04ultra]

3120, 18" bar, you're done!!!:monkey:

20" with 10 pin........................:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange:





.

 

[Haywire Haywood]

If you do go with a 50cc saw, remember that you can stretch your usable bar length some with skip chain and a muffler mod.

Ian

 

[SawTroll]

I just bought the 359 and love it,Last weekend I fell 20 to 25 small oaks and cut them up they were about 12 to 20 inches in diameter it is the perfect saw

Was that at 7500 feet?

He need a bit more saw than for doing the same cutting at see level, as far as I know......:greenchainsaw:

 

[TDunk]

My theory is you always want to go a little bit bigger than what you nead. When i cut firewood, i mainly use only two saws, my 362 and the 5100. Both are awesome saws. The 361 is a good saw, but the 362 is more has more power and is a little bit cheaper. Out of all the saws i own, those two get the most trigger time.

 

[SawTroll]

.... The 361 is a good saw, but the 362 is more has more power and is a little bit cheaper. .....

That is true only in the US, in the rest of the world they have the same max power output, and there is just .1 or so Nm differense in low end torque.

The powerhead of the 362 is much bulkier, and over a pound heavier. I wouldn't want that differense without all the added power of the 372xp, but that's just me.....:hmm3grin2orange: :hmm3grin2orange: :greenchainsaw:

 

[dgarabed]

Was that at 7500 feet?

He need a bit more saw than for doing the same cutting at see level, as far as I know......:greenchainsaw:

That is exactly my concern. If I were at sea level, I would get the 353. My experience with the 51 at my elevation is what makes me think I need to go a little bigger. On paper, the 353 isn't much more powerful than the 51. Please correct me if I'm wrong about this.

 

[SawTroll]

You are not wrong.