3-series huskies

[Armedandhammered]

Wow, the responses here are outstanding! Many thanks for not shredding the new guy and giving me plenty to think about. I look forward to reporting back on what direction I go and how pleased I am with my new life choices vs grabbing an occasional use “one size fits none” saw.

 

[Stump Shot]

Wow, the responses here are outstanding! Many thanks for not shredding the new guy and giving me plenty to think about. I look forward to reporting back on what direction I go and how pleased I am with my new life choices vs grabbing an occasional use “one size fits none” saw.

Take plenty of time and do your research, ask plenty of questions as they arise, the only dumb questions are the ones that go un-asked.
There's plenty of folks around here that can help you succeed with your journey into acquiring that coveted ported saw, with answers from experience.

 

[bryanr2]

I love a OE 372 and the 346/353. Honestly I love every 2 and 3 series saws I’ve owned. 242xp, 246xp, 2 254xps (one with heat), 257, 9 262xps, 2 272xp, 2 288xps (one nos), 2100, 2153 (346 in red), 357xp, 2 359s, 2171 OE (red 372), 2171xpw, 372xp, 2188 (red 390xp) 2 395xp, and 1 3120xp. I think that’s all of them. All ported by mastermind. I’ve had 3 5 series saws as well.

My current lineup is stihl ms400 Mastermind, 288xp, and 395xp. (Although I havent received the 400 yet- I think that one will be a great do all saw.

 

[davidwyby]

80cc 28”

 

[ZERO]

5 series early saws had some issues, mainly the Autotune Gen1 starts and hot restarts. That is no longer an issue, as technology moved on, and we here through extensive knowledge sharing figured how to start the early 2012 MK1 saws. It all depends on your choice and if you have a good dealer close by for support.

I myself cannot find a big of a difference between the 3 and 5 series in the same cc class. All ported by very reputable builders. Yes we can dyno them and pick at the numbers but in day to day use all good saws.

Lastly, don't forget to check the ads, sometimes something will pop up at quite a discount that may suit your needs.

 

[Outback]

I can, 5 series are heavier...

 

[chipper1]

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

Yeah, you husky 346 fan boys .
One day you'll get over them and run a late model 550 .

I absolutely hate the GD 550xp and wouldn't pay scrap price for one.

Love it, leaves more for the guys who like them .

 

[chipper1]

OP, you'll enjoy running either the 372oe or the xtorq version, they're both great saws. I will say, the xtorq in stock or slightly modded for will have a bit more torque with a wider power band and is better on fuel. The oe can be fitted with an unlimited coil which makes them a bit easier for a new guy to tune and to hear if there's a problem; I don't recommend using an unlimited coil on the xtorq.
Another option is the red version of these, the 2171/2172 jreds, many times they go for a bit less, but chassis/cylinder wise they are identical, the big differences are the recoil angle and the top handlebars are straight on a jred vs the angled on a husky.
Look forward to seeing what you decide on and how you like it compared to the rancher. BTW, a 455/460 weighs about the same as a 372.

 

[Maintenance Chief]

Yeah, you husky 346 fan boys .
One day you'll get over them and run a late model 550 .

Love it, leaves more for the guys who like them .

I do like the 346xp! I'd probably go 562xp now if anything, lighter and improved.

 

[Woodwater]

550xpg 2015 model ported, very good saw, Throttle response is more than quick, quicker than any other saw i have, best limbing Saw i ever owned. I do not like the Mark2 of them. I also have 346 ported, has more grunt. Mostly i grab the 346's to cut wood.
but all two very good Saw's!

 

[NateSaw]

@Canadian farm boy stihl ms 400.
60cc weight class, >70cc power.
1 saw plan. Get a couple different bars.

 

[Ketchup]

Yeah, you husky 346 fan boys .
One day you'll get over them and run a late model 550 .

Love it, leaves more for the guys who like them .

I’ll trade you my 550 for a good 346 .

 

[PA Dan]

Yeah, you husky 346 fan boys .
One day you'll get over them and run a late model 550 .

Love it, leaves more for the guys who like them .

Always late to the party! Don't bet your lunch money that I'll run a late model!

 

[chipper1]

Always late to the party! Don't bet your lunch money that I'll run a late model!

Says the guy still running a 346 . Hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Nothing wrong with a 346, just needs a 455 clutch cover and they make a great saw for firewooding. But, the late model 550mk1 handles better gets better fuel economy, and has plenty of power even in stock form as a limbing saw when running 18x325.

 

[chipper1]

I’ll trade you my 550 for a good 346 .

I currently have two of each, but I'd consider that if it was a late model mk1. The 346 I'd be willing to let go of isn't my prettiest saw, but she does run well.

 

[cuinrearview]

You guys are speaking the wrong color

 

[PA Dan]

Says the guy still running a 346 . Hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Nothing wrong with a 346, just needs a 455 clutch cover and they make a great saw for firewooding. But, the late model 550mk1 handles better gets better fuel economy, and has plenty of power even in stock form as a limbing saw when running 18x325.

But it's a 5 series...

 

[ammoaddict]

You guys are speaking the wrong colorView attachment 399803

Nice

 

[SOS Ridgerider]

You guys are speaking the wrong colorView attachment 399803

Now we're talking.

 

[HumBurner]

I currently have two of each, but I'd consider that if it was a late model mk1. The 346 I'd be willing to let go of isn't my prettiest saw, but she does run well.

346s and 357s weren't meant to be pretty. They get the bulk of the work done while the big saws wait their turn.