Husky dealer threw me a curve, need advice.

[edelen]

Finally decided to pull the trigger and get a Husky 350 to handle the ice-damaged trees on my property (I'd posted here before about this a few weeks back.) My local dealer has competitive prices and was the one I got my Kubota tractor from, so they are nice to deal with.

Unfortunately, they threw me a curve right away when I thought I knew what I wanted in the 350 (with a 20" blade.) The guy said I should consider the new Rancher 455 instead for $60 more. I did a search here about the 455 and not much has been said except that people are leery of the new emission controls. I'm not sure I'm keen on the two pound difference either.

Any thoughts? The sales guy thought for the amount of trees I was felling and cutting (about fifteen) that I would like the better power of the 455. If that is true, would I be better off getting the 353 rather than the 350 or 455? After this job, most of my use for the saw would be maybe an hour or two once every couple years.

Thanks in advance!

[Old_Town]

Hello,
I have a Husky 55R with a 20" bar and it cuts well. I keep the chain very sharp and I have never had a problem with it even cutting dry hardwoods. I think the 350 will pull a 20" bar just fine. Some of the best Husky prices can be found here:

http://www.toolsineed.com/productsHusqChainsaw.htm

I have bought two saws ans a pruner from"SS" and they have always done me right.

[rebocardo]

Two pounds is a big difference if you are holding the saw for three to four hours in a row.

Since this saw is being purchased for these 15 trees and then only occasional use, I would stick with a tried and true saw that is 2 pounds lighter.

Let everyone else work out the bugs and problems in the newer models. I do the same thing with cars. Let everyone else work on the national recalls, bugs, electricals, and design mistakes. Once it is a solid product, then I spend my money. Only once did I buy a new product model car (81 Camaro) and it ended up being one of the worse purchases ever.

I do the same with computers and networking products where customers do not "need" the newest stuff (want is always another story).

[tony_marks]

possibilities...ishe getting benefits to promote the new model..hes in buisiness .. the best way to do it  imo...
 always do whats  bst for the customer ..
   is he really trying to do that.. well you know him ,its always possible he really thinks that saw is best for you..then its posible hes not able to get 55 saws as easily..judgement call. buy the one you really want ,but demo the 455..mite be heckof a saw..

[Woodcarver]

I've put the 353 I bought a couple of weeks ago to daily use cutting and bucking up aspen for pulp. I'm happy with it.

It's a smooth running saw and relatively light. A couple of pounds is a significant difference if you use a saw for any lenght of time.       

[lucky_cutter]

I do not think either saw would make a difference for as little and as often as you are cutting. The 350 and 353 are proven saws and either would serve you well. The 455 is still unknown as it is new.

[J_T]

Problulmo solved get a Sthil MS310

[edelen]

Problulmo solved get a Sthil MS310

Their dealer network in my area is really poor or else I would consider a Stihl. The only guy anywhere near me I don't think is all that great a dealer. Other people have mentioned he's not great to work with, too.

[Larry]

I bought a 350 right after they came out.  No problems but I would have to guess with a 20" bar it is going to be pretty wimpy. 

I run a 16" bar on my saw and that is about all it wants.

[edelen]

I bought a 350 right after they came out.  No problems but I would have to guess with a 20" bar it is going to be pretty wimpy. 

I run a 16" bar on my saw and that is about all it wants.

Thanks for the advice. I was told I really need a 20" bar, but don't want to break the bank. I also called a dealer for another brand of saw and he says he now carries Stihl and he's very close to me, too.  I saw that the Stihl's are a bit more power for the money when compared with the Huskies.

Oh well, just trying to buy the best saw I can for $350 that will do the job with a 20" bar.

[tony_marks]

woodsjunkie eric ecopsey had an 962 for sale that would put you in another bracket ,as to how much saw you had.. i saw it run .. real mean saw..
  dont think that money would get it, but you could mabe work something out..

[J_T]

Yoy are right dealer makes a difference . I have a good dealer and I had a bunch of spare bars and chains whin I was saw shopping. I put a 24''  on that 310 and it still cuts just fine. so I would think 20'' would work fine for you .Understand your budget but don't shoot yourself in the foot to save a few bucks . I have done it before and it hurts a long time

[Ironwood]

The thought of less fumes going in my lungs sounds good after being in close quarters today with my huskies. ?? Good luck.

[sawguy21]

Is the MS310 still available down south? We flogged the last ones here last summer.

[J_T]

I'm in Tennessee if that is south of you then yep we got em 8)Last year mine was 345 a real Sthil

[Mark M]

I've got a like-new 345 I'll let go for $175 plus shipping.

Did you look at the 346? I've got one and it's a screamer. The Husky 55 has a good reputation. How big are your trees? I like as short of bar as possible

[Stephen_Wiley]

Considering the amount of use you are talking about.  Might  I suggest that you consider a used saw. Of course some discretion will be necessary, however if your local shop mechanic truly wants your business *he/she will direct you to a good purchase.

I have many older model saws which outperform todays new ones and are in use daily.

*About the most political correct I ever get.  Proud Member of the M.C.C. (Male Chauvinist Club)

[leweee]

*About the most political correct I ever get.  Proud Member of the M.C.C. (Male Chauvinist Club)

Stephen..... me too ..... their a dieing breed

edelen....Throw that Husky  dealer a"Hershizer" tellem your considering a Stihl
seriously I prefer the older adjustable (no fixed jet) saws. I want a saw that is tunable by me.( not the dealer.....or the EPA) Lots of saws out there with very little use on them....If you got the time check them out . jmo....from a man that has never bought a" new" saw

[Avalancher]

I have a Husky 350 that I run with a 20 inch bar, and I have no complaints. I use it for bucking and limbing prior to milling, and I couldnt be happier with that saw. Now, on really big stuff I will drag out the 372 but it had better be really big before it comes out. The 350 has never given me any problem, has power to spare with a 20 inch bar, and is light enough to carry around all day. Starts on the third pull every time except when its really cold, which we dont see much of down here in Alabama.

[Sparkkky]

Mark is that 345 still for sale?