3-series huskies

[Armedandhammered]

I’ve been an occasional user of a 460 rancher to the tune of 4-5 tanks a year for 10 years, and I’m ready to upgrade as I get more time at home and have acquired a property with ample opportunity for tree work. I have at least a dozen 30”+ red and white oak that have succumbed to oak wilt and it’s plain I need a more serious saw to make better use of my limited time. I’ve become keenly aware of the limitations of the rancher, and think a 372OE tended to by a quality porter would be my dream saw. Is there an appreciable difference between an OE and x-torq if it’s going to be ported? Bonus question, where could a guy find a NOS or similar 346 for lighter duty tasks?

 

[ammoaddict]

In a haystack right beside the needle.

 

[cuinrearview]

I’ve been an occasional user of a 460 rancher to the tune of 4-5 tanks a year for 10 years, and I’m ready to upgrade as I get more time at home and have acquired a property with ample opportunity for tree work. I have at least a dozen 30”+ red and white oak that have succumbed to oak wilt and it’s plain I need a more serious saw to make better use of my limited time. I’ve become keenly aware of the limitations of the rancher, and think a 372OE tended to by a quality porter would be my dream saw. Is there an appreciable difference between an OE and x-torq if it’s going to be ported? Bonus question, where could a guy find a NOS or similar 346 for lighter duty tasks?

In the long run, the (much) heavier x-torq piston wears out the bottom end more quickly. That would be the thing to consider for me. If I wanted a new 346, I'd hit @NightRogue up about a new 353 and get a 346 top end for it. He could also get you a new OE 372 if that's what you decide. Or, just press the easy button and PM @huskihl about making it all happen. Good luck. You wouldn't know what to do with yourself if you went from a rancher to a ported 346/372 combo.

 

[PA Dan]

In the long run, the (much) heavier x-torq piston wears out the bottom end more quickly. That would be the thing to consider for me. If I wanted a new 346, I'd hit @NightRogue up about a new 353 and get a 346 top end for it. He could also get you a new OE 372 if that's what you decide. Or, just press the easy button and PM @huskihl about making it all happen. Good luck. You wouldn't know what to do with yourself if you went from a rancher to a ported 346/372 combo.

What he said!

 

[davidwyby]

How much 30” oak are you gonna buck into firewood? Almost sounds like 80cc.

 

[PA Dan]

How much 30” oak are you gonna buck into firewood? Almost sounds like 80cc.

If you go 80 you should probably go 90...no?

 

[davidwyby]

If you go 80 you should probably go 90...no?

Absolutely

 

[davidwyby]

…32” bar with authority.

 

[redneckhillbilly]

does a 346xp outperform a 550xp?
captured bar nuts and flop top caps are a nice feature of the 5 series saws

 

[PA Dan]

does a 346xp outperform a 550xp?
captured bar nuts and flop top caps are a nice feature of the 5 series saws

Some people love the 346 and hate the 550xp! Ask @chipper1

 

[quattro.pilot]

Get the X-torque, it's a fantastic variant and it's a little more fuel-efficient than the OG. It's a turn-key solution, ready right out of the "box"... no messing around with machinist or porting and wait-times and chasing people and R&R'ing parts and of course the extra expenses incurred. Use 40:1 and I'm sure the crank bearings will last incredibly long.

X-torque is spec'd a little heavier which for me is about the most pertinent argument against it. who cares...

There's always plenty available for sale. OG's are not as readily common

 

[davidwyby]

I have an XT that @huskihl ported for me. It's my light felling saw. Good grunt. Since the heavy piston is hard on the bottom end, I don't wring it out bucking a lot.

 

[huskihl]

I have an XT that @huskihl ported for me. It's my light felling saw. Good grunt. Since the heavy piston is hard on the bottom end, I don't wring it out bucking a lot.

So far the added oil I have been suggesting has possibly prevented any from coming back. Run it

 

[Stump Shot]

I’ve been an occasional user of a 460 rancher to the tune of 4-5 tanks a year for 10 years, and I’m ready to upgrade as I get more time at home and have acquired a property with ample opportunity for tree work. I have at least a dozen 30”+ red and white oak that have succumbed to oak wilt and it’s plain I need a more serious saw to make better use of my limited time. I’ve become keenly aware of the limitations of the rancher, and think a 372OE tended to by a quality porter would be my dream saw. Is there an appreciable difference between an OE and x-torq if it’s going to be ported? Bonus question, where could a guy find a NOS or similar 346 for lighter duty tasks?

NightRogue sale thread
The X-Torque when ported can hang pretty close to the OE. NightRogue can now also get you a new 272xp if you want to go even more old school cool. As mentioned, a new 353 can be had from him as well, either convert to 346xp or port as is both run well.
Just did an OE 372xp not too long ago and it comes as a low top, with jungle type muffler, HD12 carburetor has no limiters on it and the P&C is a Kolben Schmit. The tag on the saw said made in Sweden.

 

[davidwyby]

So far the added oil I have been suggesting has prevented any from coming back. Run it

26.96:1?

 

[huskihl]

26.96:1?

Better than 25 or 6 to 4

 

[Maintenance Chief]

The 372xp oe and the 395xp really sold me on Husqvarna saws, after running those I knew husqvarna could make a quality product. I absolutely hate the GD 550xp and wouldn't pay scrap price for one.

 

[Ketchup]

We beat our 372xt’s like redheaded step children. 8 years, 3 saws, 1 bad coil. All three still going strong on 50:1 red armor. I don’t have much bad to say about them. Kinda heavy I guess.

However, 372OE will be better ported.
Ported 346NE is the best 50cc on earth.

 

[huskihl]

We beat our 372xt’s like redheaded step children. 8 years, 3 saws, 1 bad coil. All three still going strong on 50:1 red armor. I don’t have much bad to say about them. Kinda heavy I guess.

However, 372OE will be better ported.
Ported 346NE is the best 50cc on earth.

The naphtha (or whatever is used to dilute the thinner oils) evaporates just like the fuel and leaves less behind. Red armor, 800, H1r are higher viscosity oils. At 50:1 there’s a lot more oil deposited into the case than what thinner oils leave behind.

 

[ZERO]

3 series have all been good performers.
346 and 357 from @Mastermind have done some good work over the years.

This is where it pays to have a good coversation with a builder if you want to go ported. They can tailor your saw for your specific needs.