390XP VS 394XP

[jmssaws]

I had to bring my 394 in to watch that video and tell her she was slacking. She told me GFY, that she was tired and wanted to go on vacation to Missouri.

I got 5 394's in the shop now so yours would make it a half dozen
Come on with it.

 

[huskyboy]

Even stock I'm impressed by how a 394 runs. Now a ported one...

 

[Derf]

The 394xp was a more "raw" power feeling saw than the updated 395xp, which felt a little smoother if not a hair down on power. The 394xp had a solid intake block that was prone to cracking and leaking, the 395xp changed that to a rubber intake, but also changed port timing a little, and later changed the Tillotson carb to a more EPA compliant Walbro carb. Both would be excellent milling heads if you want to get into CSM. However, they'll benefit you the most in a CSM if you plan to run a longer bar, in harder wood, more frequently.

If you wood is softwood species, and/or smaller diameter, and/or you only plan to occasionally mill or use the saw for felling/bucking, or don't have any long bars, the 390xp starts looking like a better fit for your needs.

Any more info to help the forum make a decision for you?

 

[jmssaws]

Am I the only guy who has had a 390 and a 394/5 at the same time and noticed that in my hands there's very little weight difference?

The only saw I can ever remember getting out of the truck and thinking it was heavy was a 390,I tried to sell it to the fallers here that run 395's but nobody would buy it,everyone of the guys who run 395's all day long told me it was to heavy and I agree.
If they were as close in power as they are in weight they could have sold a few more I think.

 

[huskyboy]

The 394/95 looks giant, but it's not that heavy, your right Jason. I noticed my 385 holds a lot of gas and oil. Probably more than any of other saws I have. Lasts longest on a tank as well despite being "hacked up" by Mike. Depends about how heavy your bars are as well, my 385 isn't too bad with a 24" power match. I think the 394 balances better with longer bars for sure. I don't have a whole lot of experience but just what I noticed with my own stuff.

 

[jmssaws]

The first saw I ever ported was my 385,I liked that old saw

 

[huskyboy]

I like this 385 too, has a lot of character. Just a mean saw.

 

[Wolverine]

Am I the only guy who has had a 390 and a 394/5 at the same time and noticed that in my hands there's very little weight difference?
The only saw I can ever remember getting out of the truck and thinking it was heavy was a 390,I tried to sell it to the fallers here that run 395's but nobody would buy it,everyone of the guys who run 395's all day long told me it was to heavy and I agree.
If they were as close in power as they are in weight they could have sold a few more I think.

I agree. I've run a 390 and a few 385's and to me there wasn't enough difference in weight to warrant wanting a "lighter" saw. I think both are too heavy for their power. I'd rather have the extra muscle to get through the job quicker.

 

[jmssaws]

I don't mind how heavy it is as long as it's powerful enough to be that heavy.
Heavy and under powered ? No thanks

 

[awol]

It's kinda funny that this topic came up right now; I sent a brand new 390 to Wisconsin this week, for use as a full time milling saw. And its not the first.

Also one of my steady customers runs three of my 395's as falling saws, but last night dropped off a new 390 for a tune and muff mod. I told him If could have my way with it for a week, he will retire the 395's so we'll see how it develops!

 

[Fairways_and_Greens]

That little leg kick on startup reminds me of Chi Chi's nut shot kick:

 

[jacob j.]

The advantage that the 394/395 has over the 385/390 is the larger and heavier crankcase and crank. This allows them to take and dissipate more heat, which is the killer in milling. The 394/395 also has more of its' stroke length out-of-the-case which is also an advantage in heat dissipation.

The advantage that the 385/390 has is a more compact frame which is better for felling and working in the brush. They're all very well designed saws.

 

[jmssaws]

That little leg kick on startup reminds me of Chi Chi's nut shot kick:

It's 235lb of compression

 

[awol]

The advantage that the 394/395 has over the 385/390 is the larger and heavier crankcase and crank. This allows them to take and dissipate more heat, which is the killer in milling. The 394/395 also has more of its' stroke length out-of-the-case which is also an advantage in heat dissipation.

The advantage that the 385/390 has is a more compact frame which is better for felling and working in the brush. They're all very well designed saws.

Yes, and another advantage, strength-wise anyway, is the outboard clutch of the big saws.

 

[angelo c]

Yes, and another advantage, strength-wise anyway, is the outboard clutch of the big saws.

Which many of us think makes them super sucky...specially when it comes to doin anything related to the chain...or bar....IMO outboard clutches blow when it comes to "servicing"

But hey....the balancing thing....woah....that really makes the super sucky go away....

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

When did the 394 have a Tilly carb? My 394 has a Wally and it's a '93 model

 

[huskyboy]

my dad's '96 has a walbro wj39

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

I'm not sure if the 394 came with the tilly but the 395 did.

 

[huskyboy]

What's bigger the tilly or walbro?

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

The RWJ4 is. Not that it ever came on either one, but it's definitely an upgrade.