New Husky Husqvarna

[treefarmer87]

im gonna go buy a new husky this week that is bigger than my Jred 2171. i cant decide which one. i usually cut large poplar and oak. i want to either get the 385XP, 390XP, or the 395XP, i dont know which one to get though?

[jteneyck]

I'm sure all three saws are very good.  I know Rocky and others have posted that the 395XP has some old generation features, like the chain adjustment screw, which are annoying.  I have had a 385XP for about 5 years now.  I'm not a pro, but I use it for ripping lumber (over 3000 bf), so it has gotten many hours of hard, continuous use.  No issues except a clutch that's stuck open a few times because I over lubed the cage bearing.  Chain adjust is conveniently on the outside of the bar cover.  Maintenance has been minimal and easy.  Clean the air filter each day, blow everything out once a week, change the fuel filter every year. 
It's a pretty heavy saw, so unless you are one strong dude, and even if you are, I'd think about that as you choose which saw, because the others are probably even heavier.  I use my 385XP occassionally for bucking big logs, but use a smaller saw whenever possible just because of it's weight.  I use a 28" bar with full complement chain for ripping, and I'm sure it could handle at least a 32" if you use skip chain.  Good luck. 

[HolmenTree]

im gonna go buy a new husky this week that is bigger than my Jred 2171. i cant decide which one. i usually cut large poplar and oak. i want to either get the 385XP, 390XP, or the 395XP, i dont know which one to get though?

The 395XP is a torque monster but might be a little overkill for what you need it for. Not a 8 hr a day saw unless your just straight bucking at the landing. The 390XP would be a good choice.
But take a close look at the 576XP AutoTune,it can handle a 32" no problem buried to the nose in oak, you won't be disappointed. The Auto Tune system is amazing technology,  leaving the old school in the dust.
Willard.

[Dave Shepard]

I've got a 394XP that I really like. Never leave home without it, in fact.  Yeah, the 395 might not have some of the neat features of the newer saws, but it's pretty DanG simple. Why isn't it an all day saw? I never notice how heavy the 394 is unless I run my 036. So I just never run the 036.

[HolmenTree]

I don't have alot of hours of my 395XP, but I love the saw. It only sports a 32" b/c and the only jobs it does in my tree service company is a stump lowering saw, oversized block noodle splitter and some heavy bucking. Maybe fall the odd big hardwood. I don't care about the old school chain tensioner it has. When I don't have to clean the airfilter for weeks on end because of its superior air injection and its superior anti-vibe......... my hands thank me for it. I love the saw.

When I was a young logger I cut pulpwood 8 hrs a day with a 920 Jonsered, 064 and later a 066 Stihl with a 18" b/c. Small wood power buckers I called them. Actually alot of fun to work with. But add a 32"-36" b/c then those 90 degree F days seem alot more uncomfortable with those heavy saws or any day for all that goes.
I reach for my 346XP -16" alot , but the  Husky 576XP AT-22" I reach for alot more.
My 372XP is still in the shed with a inch of dust on it.
Willard.  

[Ironwood]

two 338's two 372's, two 394's. Got it all covered and love them all.

 Ironwood

[treefarmer87]

judging by what you guys have said i believe that the 395XP is overkill. im gonna take a look @ the 576XP, 385XP,and the 390XP. i like the weight of the 385XP and 390XP, they have way more power than my 2171 and only weigh 2 more pounds.

[nmurph]

i would go for the 390 over the 385. it weighs the same but has more power. i would look at the 7900 also. very close to a 390 in power, a couple of pounds lighter, a couple $200 cheaper, and every bit as robust.

[treefarmer87]

yea i like that 390XP

[HolmenTree]

I hear the 390XP is even more smoother [anti-vibe] then the 395XP.
 I don't know about the Dolmar but I know you can't beat the air injection, ergonomics and anti-vibe that Husky has.
When a guy is making a living [or even just being serious] with a saw why in the hell would he bother buying a cheaper saw to save a couple hundred bucks?
Willard.

[JHBC]

Hey Treefarmer,

Glad to hear someone back east is buying a large saw.  395xp is just an awesome saw.  You're talking Huskys here so I won't mention the alternatives, (660).  Anyway I picked up a used 3120xp powerhead for $500, It was used for a millsaw for a little over a year.  It runs like new, almost.  I use my other saws 70-95cc range for most of my work, but the big Husky with either my 32" or 42" is like nothing else in big hardwoods, Oak, Arbutus, Ash.  I recommend going as big(engine) as you can, and try to get a used one.   

[HolmenTree]

Maybe its just me but I have never purchased a used saw. When you buy new sure your out a few more bucks but in the long haul you will save money. From the 1st tank of gas you know what you got. Any bugs in a brand new saw take it back to the dealer.
You know that only you mixed the gas properly and with the best mix oil. You know the saw was never held WOT from  cold.
 You break it in the best way you can.
I quess thats why I never ever loan my saws out

By the way the 3120 has no air injection and is a boat anchor. Let the sawmill support its weight.
Willard.

[JHBC]

Don't get me wrong.  I love buying, owning, and running a new saw.  The recommendation was just for cost sake.  I have had mine worked over by an excellent  saw shop here on the island, about $250. So for that, the $500, and the couple hundred on bar and chain to get it going, I got one hell of a powerful saw for less than a 372 or a 575, and a LOT more balls.  But you are right about the weight, which is why I said I use my 385, 441, or 460, all bought new, for all day work.  But this is a chainsaw forum, 30lbs or so  wont kill you few a couple of hours.  But if you can pay the bucks go new 395, its lighter, and more power than almost everything else.

[treefarmer87]

i have never owned a husky before. i have heard they are really good. i have had a sthil and i have seen the ms 660. it is a nice saw too. the saw shop in charlottesville va wants $1200 for it. the 390XP at the saw shop 2 mi up the road fr me is cheaper than huskys website MSRP.

[Cut4fun]

Here is all 3 on paper comparison to help you out. 

http://www.husqvarna.com/us/forest/products/xp-saws/compare-xp-saws/?nid=166789,166811,166828

[treefarmer87]

thanks cut4fun

[Mark K]

I have two 385's that I use for falling. The first one I bought about 8 yrs. ago, been overhauled once but still going strong. I bought a new one recently and didn't real care for the power so I opened the muffler up and jetted it. I don't think you will go wrong with any of them.

[treefarmer87]

do you guys think a 390XP is a good all around saw for felling and limbing, or should i get a 372XP or 385XP? i want a more powerful saw than my 2171 though

[Rocky_J]

Without looking at specs or testing it in person, I think I would lean toward the 390. I own four 372's and they are awesome saws. I would not buy a 385 because it isn't a big enough step up in power from the 372. My next biggest saw is a 395xp.

The 372xp is identical to your 2171. Identical motors, even the same part numbers. Different colored covers is all.

[treefarmer87]

o ok ill go with the 390XP i guess