chain saw - husky 350 vs. husky 346 xp vs. dolmar 5100s
njrookie
16 years ago
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canguy
16 years agonjrookie
16 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (18)They do cut comparable to a 40cc saw. I don't doubt they cut well for smaller jobs. I've recommended electrics to plenty of folks that have seen me cutting and think they might want one to help maintain their <.5 acre plots. if you are going to work in an area with easy access power outlets and not alot of obstacles moving a cord about then electric could be just the ticket. but almost all that will use chainsaw monthly want take it where running more hassle than gas engine.>Electrics can be more dangerous than their gas brethren. Most electrics do not have chain brakes or clutches. If you read warning labels on chaps, they specifically mention that they are not rated for electrics. Not because electric is so much more powerful it is because how chaps work that is not as effective with electrics as with gas saws. In addition to the Amazon reviews, read some reviews in Trade magazines and chainsaw enthusiast websites. Electric chainsaw 2 The recommendation is not based on the cutting ability of the saw for the OP's question but on portability. Add in the potential for firewood usage assuming 16" plus rounds and you can't even consider an electric....See MoreAppropriate chain saw size
Comments (24)The 250 is a decent saw. Where I am coming from is that I had a 250 for a little over a year as my only saw. I have since sold that to a neighbor and now have have the 026 for my general use saw, a Stihl 200T for climbing and the Makita 6401/Dolmar 6400 for larger diameter. The 250 does well. You can run that saw pretty hard for what it is. You can climb with although it is a little bit heavy for extended climbing. You can put an 18" on it but it will definitely perform better with a 16". I'd strongly vote for you getting a saw larger than the 40-50cc you are looing at. Something in the 60-70cc range. I say this because you have your Wild Thing that is not the greatest saw but it is running and cutting well. Why pay money to buy something the same size but better built and stronger unless you have to get rid of the other one? Keep that Wild Thang and get a saw that will compliment it. And I will guarantee that if you get a 60-70cc Pro or at least mid-range Husky, Stihl or Dolmar, you may find yourself barely ever picking up the Wild Thang except when you need the lighter weight, when your bigger one is down or if a buddy is over helping you cut. I am not well versed in the Husky's but I know the 1xx series are not Husky made, I think they are Poulan made. The 3xx series I think is there pro grade, especially XP models. I also think the 4xx series is there mid range. The 346 I think is equivalent to the Stihl 260. By many accounts the 346 is a better saw. On the other hand, the 260 design has been around for 20 years and is tried and true. You can get Husky parts mailorder. I assume shop manuals are available. The mid-range Stihl's are very reliable. They are also heavy and harder to work on. Shop manuals are not easily available for Stihl. You can find them though if you know where to look. Although I don't know if it would be harder to get a manual for a mid-range saw, I just don't see the calls for them and therefore don't know if they are as readily available. Parts are only through Stihl dealers, but they are plentiful enough for most. That 360 is a very, very nice saw. The 440 is a great saw too. The Dolmar/Makita line is not a widely known brand but they really rock. Their biggest downfall is dealer support. Their pro models are xx00/xx01. You can get parts mail order. There are a couple dealers that are great to work with for them. With your engine experience, you're a great candidate for a used saw. In person is better than over the net for these purchases as you know. But if your model is harder to find, you may have to do the net thing. There are some specific tools you will have to either make or buy if you want to be able to do full engine breakdowns. As far as I know, some of the tools are chainsaw and even manufacturer specific. If you get a chance, rent a chainsaw from your HD. I have not heard of there being anything but Makita 6401s, but make sure you get one of those. Try that sucker out and see if you can live without a saw that size :). Post a way I can send you a note offline....See MoreHusky 268xp replacement
Comments (19)Settled in on a 50cc saw and started looking hard ready to purchase. I had landed on a Dolmar 510, but pricing and dealer issues have stopped me. I've got a long-time Dolmar dealer about 25 miles from me, looks to be a good operation and I was ready to buy from them. Problem is they're selling the 510 at $399 and they won't move (throw an extra chain for some good will). After tax, I'm at $425+. I like the saw at $350-360, but at $425, it's on the heavier side and it's bumping up against their 5105 and the Husky 346XP, higher performing 50cc saws. I can get one online, but my dealer says the warranty would be void. I called Dolmar USA and they say although dealers aren't supposed to sell online, if I buy from a dealer, they will register my saw and it can be serviced at any dealer. I have a feeling though, my local Dolmar dealer won't be too happy with me bringing the saw in if I need something done under warranty. So I'm a little sour on Dolmar at the moment. I know I'm pushing it, but I'm trying to get a decent quality 50cc saw for mid to upper $300s - save me in the ballpark of $100 over a 346XP. I'm going to head to the Echo dealers and see where they will go on a 530. One other option I'm seeing out there is an Efco. One of online OPE dealers I often buy parts from sells Efco and I could get a 152 to my door for $368. 51.7cc/3.4HP/10.7 lbs with I think a magnesium crankcase. At least on paper, pretty decent specs for $368 and looks to be a higher end saw than anything I could get from Stihl or Husky at that price. If I need service, there seems to be a fair number of servicing dealers although their sales dealers are thin. I think I've read some decent reviews on the Efco's. I'll be at the Echo dealers over the next few weeks to see what I can get a 530 for, but maybe I should give the Efco 152 a hard look as well. If I'm staying at 50cc, there is also the Husky 353 which can be had for about $375. Looks to be a definite cut above the homeowner Husky saws, not sure though if it's closer to pro end, or consumer end though. I guess I'm getting close - not quite there though....See MoreStihl vs. Husqvarna Chainsaw purchase
Comments (112)Husky's and Stihls are both great saws, no doubt about it. I've been cutting firewood for 30 years and selling it for 20 years. My personal preference is Husky. I run 2 saws while cutting firewood. A Husky 350 with an 18" bar for smaller branches, trimming and slash and a Husky 460 with a 24" bar and a skip-tooth logger's chain for the bigger stuff. One of the main reasons I prefer Husky over Stihl is honestly the anti-vibration in the Husky's. It's just a little better on a Husky. When you're running a saw for 6-8 hours a day, it makes a huge difference. Both saws are great and the top saws in the world. I've got logger buddies who will swear Husky is better and others who swear Stihl is better. I honestly believe you won't know for sure until you run both. It's all about personal preference. Se people like Ford's, others like Chevy's, and still others prefer Dodge. I've cut hundreds if not thousands of cords of hardwood, (oak, maple, locust, elm, pinion), as well as softer wood, (ponderosa, fir, grey and blue pine), with my saws and never had to do more than filters and lugs in them and they both still run great. And what I'll tell everyone that thinks that because, Husky's are available at box stores like Lowe's, they are an inferior saw, you are mistaken. The biggest Husky saw I've seen at Lowes is a 350, which is about the biggest saw you'd want for small things like home landscaping. You will NOT find Husky professional saws at Lowe's. I've seen Stihl's at Home Depot, but only small home owner models. I own a small Stihl MS210 with a 14" bar that works great when I'm trimming back the trees in my yard. I actually found it in the dirt while cutting firewood in the western foothills of the Sierra's. It looked like it been there several months in the spring, which is the rainy season of the Sierra's. I primed it and pulled about 7 times and it fired right up with a little spitting and sputtering, I adjusted the high-low and now she runs great! But I only use around the yard as it's too small to cut firewood. But it is a great saw. The best advice I can give anyone looking for a new saw, find some friends that have a Husky and a Stihl and try them yourself. You'll find your personal preference and will be happier than just buying something without trying. Most people test drive a car before they buy and you should do the same with a saw as well. For those of you that don't know, Husqvarna is the parent company that manufactures McColluch, Poulon Pro (which makes saws and other small gas powered items for Sears-Craftsman), and the now defunct saw company Johnesred (which in my opinion, was one of the best saw company's ever!), as well as some other smaller brands you may or may not have heard of....See Moreladylake
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