Picking a Chainsaw

blgoodbrand1 · #1 01-08-2018, 10:14 AM

Looking to replace my 357xpg.
I want a husky between 50 and 60 cc, a 24” bar and 3/8 chain. Anyone guide me to the right saw as they no longer make the 357.

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dmcbride · #2 01-08-2018, 11:27 AM

I have the 562xp and like it.

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/product...-xp/966570302/

John d · #3 01-08-2018, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmcbride

I have the 562xp and like it.

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/product...-xp/966570302/

X2

calgarygringo · #4 01-08-2018, 01:08 PM

You realize thats like asking who makes the best pickup? I have a Husky 55 and would buy another in a minute. It has cut many cords of wood and keeps on cutting. I have put a Stihl chain on it recommended by old parts guy at dealer as it is more aggressive than Husky chains in that size. One of the better upgrades.

Cant beat Stihl either as they make good stuff.

Stay away from the box stores unless you only want a low end or cheap quality saw. Even Husky at Ctire is a cut back unit so do not be fooled.

antlercarver · #5 01-08-2018, 01:48 PM

With the Huskys those with a XP are a professional saw, they have bearings where others have bushings, they also have up-grades at critical places. I have a 254xp for about 30+ years, it still works but is getting tired. It has built 6 scribed log homes and cut all our firewood untll 3 years ago. I no longer use a saw that much but bought a Husky 543xp , it is only 43 cc but it thinks its a
big saw. Light enough for a older guys but still has the jam to be useful.

sjr · #6 01-08-2018, 04:21 PM

Have a Husky 550XP with 20" bar excellent saw well worth the $$$$

Maxwell78 · #7 01-08-2018, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjr

Have a Husky 550XP with 20" bar excellent saw well worth the $$$$

I agree with the 550XP. Powerful little saw

Norwest Alta · #8 01-08-2018, 06:43 PM

Have you talked to that guy just north of Emerson trail on the beaver Valhalla hwy. I'm unsure if he sells huskies or not. Might take your old saw on trade.

Guide5689 · #9 01-08-2018, 07:55 PM

Can't beat the 365 husky. Go to for most fallers. Depending on your price range it isn't cheap but the most reliable and powerful saw in its class. If i used it more I would still have it but downgraded to a lighter stihl 180. Shy away from the easy start system, at first I thought it be a good idea. More of a headache I find trying to feather a start then just pull the dam cord. Broke one recoil on it already doing so.

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Norwest Alta · #10 01-08-2018, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guide5689

Can't beat the 365 husky. Go to for most fallers. Depending on your price range it isn't cheap but the most reliable and powerful saw in its class. If i used it more I would still have it but downgraded to a lighter stihl 180. Shy away from the easy start system, at first I thought it be a good idea. More of a headache I find trying to feather a start then just pull the dam cord. Broke one recoil on it already doing so.

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I know about the stihl ez start too. Bought one for the wife and sometimes I forget that I don't have to throw the ol haymaker like i do with my 038. Lol

Guide5689 · #11 01-08-2018, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norwest Alta

I know about the stihl ez start too. Bought one for the wife and sometimes I forget that I don't have to throw the ol haymaker like i do with my 038. Lol

You've obviously pulled one apart also! Won't be buying another that's for sure

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wildbill · #12 01-08-2018, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blgoodbrand1

Looking to replace my 357xpg.
I want a husky between 50 and 60 cc, a 24” bar and 3/8 chain. Anyone guide me to the right saw as they no longer make the 357.

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pick sthil

.264 Win Mag · #13 01-09-2018, 08:21 AM

I’m a stihl fan also! Have 2 of them.

Norwest Alta · #14 01-09-2018, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guide5689

You've obviously pulled one apart also! Won't be buying another that's for sure

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No I haven't. Don't think that I will either lol.

Coiloil37 · #15 01-09-2018, 11:39 AM

Another vote for the 365 special. Best saw I've ever owned.

raab · #16 01-09-2018, 12:00 PM

Look for one with a magnesium case and stay away from the Clam shell design. Echo makes a good saw for the money, but they dont run as hot as the Huskies without some mods. Also if you want a 24" bar you need to go with the 60cc. Max Id go on a 50cc is 20", and they do better with a 16-18" bar.

blgoodbrand1 · #17 01-09-2018, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the replies. As said I’m looking for a husky.
I’ve got a 372xpg so a 365 would be redundant. I ran a 24 on my 357 and it performed well, just not familiar with the new models.

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EZM · #18 01-09-2018, 01:46 PM

The one closer to what you are looking to replace would be the 576 XPG bar length in the sweet spot and 3/8" chain

https://www.husqvarna.com/ca-en/prod...p-g/966998801/

raab · #19 01-09-2018, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blgoodbrand1

Thanks for the replies. As said I’m looking for a husky.
I’ve got a 372xpg so a 365 would be redundant. I ran a 24 on my 357 and it performed well, just not familiar with the new models.

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You want the 362 XPG then, although it will be a bit heavier then your 357. If you have the 372 why not run a 24" blade on that and get a 550XPG with an 18" blade? The 550 will be lighter then your 357 by about a pound, and you shouldnt notice the power difference if your used to the 24" bar on your 357. In saying that the chain pitch on the 550 is also different then what your looking for with .325 chain pitch.

blgoodbrand1 · #20 01-09-2018, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raab

You want the 362 XPG then, although it will be a bit heavier then your 357. If you have the 372 why not run a 24" blade on that and get a 550XPG with an 18" blade? The 550 will be lighter then your 357 by about a pound, and you shouldnt notice the power difference if your used to the 24" bar on your 357. In saying that the chain pitch on the 550 is also different then what your looking for with .325 chain pitch.

I do run a 24 on my 372.
I don’t like running short bars, for a variety of reasons. And if I run the same riggin on both saws it’s easier to keep spare parts

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Big Grey Wolf · #21 01-10-2018, 10:59 AM

If your only cutting small diameter trees (6-12 inch) you do not need a 24 inch bar. If you have big BC size timber go for it, easier on the back for slashing. Shorter bar is safer for a week end warrior, chain and bar cheaper as well.

blgoodbrand1 · #22 01-10-2018, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

If your only cutting small diameter trees (6-12 inch) you do not need a 24 inch bar. If you have big BC size timber go for it, easier on the back for slashing. Shorter bar is safer for a week end warrior, chain and bar cheaper as well.

24” bar is safer and much easier on the back than an 16-18.

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Guide5689 · #23 01-10-2018, 04:50 PM

Using larger bars make for quicker and easier bucking if you spend a lot of time doing it, your back will thank you for having them extra couple inches so you don't have to bend over to cut. Like everything it be nice to own a smaller saw for in the quad and one for falling and bucking. All what you need the most and if you have deep pockets.

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ward · #24 01-10-2018, 05:14 PM

I don’t want to derail, but how does bar length relate to safety ?

blgoodbrand1 · #25 01-10-2018, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ward

I don’t want to derail, but how does bar length relate to safety ?

Long story short...
Short bar causes you to be bent over more, therefore you end up closer to the saw.
Longer bar let’s you use better posture and stay farther from the saw.

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raab · #26 01-10-2018, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blgoodbrand1

Long story short...
Short bar causes you to be bent over more, therefore you end up closer to the saw.
Longer bar let’s you use better posture and stay farther from the saw.

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Kickback comes from the tip of the blade, should be cutting right next to the motor regardless of blade length. So for me longer blades are more dangerous, as there is more threat of hitting something with the tip and have it swing back at you.

If you want better posture build a jig to throw 8 foot pieces into. Youll notice a huge difference carrying a lighter saw for 8 hours a day and using a jig to chop the logs up.

To give you an example my saw weighs 10.6 pounds. I can haul that thing around all day and its barely noticeable. Next on my list will be an even lighter saw for trimming.

bsmitty27 · #27 01-10-2018, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raab

Kickback comes from the tip of the blade, should be cutting right next to the motor regardless of blade length. So for me longer blades are more dangerous, as there is more threat of hitting something with the tip and have it swing back at you.

.

x2 dig the saw body in to the log and let the saw do the work. Less effort, more safe, no need for long bar (less weight) win win win.
Brad

blgoodbrand1 · #28 01-12-2018, 05:39 PM

Well went to pull the trigger on a saw today.....until I realized that the smallest saw I can get with a full wrap is the 562xp.
It’s a bit more cash than I was thinking so I came home to think some more.

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Big Grey Wolf · #29 01-13-2018, 09:02 AM

I forgot to mention you can have two bars and chain for same saw, heavy duty cutting of large timber use 24 inch bar. Then have 18 inch bar for quad use during hunting etc.

Norwest Alta · #30 01-13-2018, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blgoodbrand1

Well went to pull the trigger on a saw today.....until I realized that the smallest saw I can get with a full wrap is the 562xp.
It’s a bit more cash than I was thinking so I came home to think some more.

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You realize that all you’ll be doing is buying yourself more work. Lol