372XP or 357XP

Paul Toivonen

Hi all,
My first post is a question on saws.
As many of you have used the following two saws;Husky 372XP and 357XP.
Which is better all round/all day use and what are the pros/cons of each?
I am in the market for one and the choice has been narrowed down to the two.
Thanks in advance

Paul Toivonen

Is this a bad question?
I know they are both good saws, but making a choice either way is doing my head in.
Maybe I should get both just so I can compare?

KevinE

IMO both are very good saws, the only drawback with the 357 is that you are limited to a shorter bar. But if that's not an issue just pick the saw you feel most comfortable with. Or, if you don't need to rush your purchase, why not wait till the replacement for the 357xp hits our shelves in Aust (not sure if they'll call it the 562xp or 560xp here in Aust) It's already on the shelves in the US as the 562xp. It looks like a major step up from the 357!

ScottyAFoster

If your a smart critter you buy the most comfortable saw with the most cc's you can afford

Paul Toivonen

Thanks guys,
Use will be mostly firewood and small dia. tree work.
The 340 is getting a bit small for both those jobs.

KevinE

Then the 357 will be fine

Ranga

I have a similar question but want to include the Stihl range. I currently use a Husky 346 XP NE, it has been a great saw and been able to handle most of what I do however I need a bigger saw. Is the 357XP soon to be the 562XP or MS362 considered a all round saw where as the 372XP 576XP and MS441 are more powerful and mainly for felling and bucking?

I am looking for a Bucking saw so is the increase in power from the 346 xp to an all rounder a waste and should I go straight to a Bigger saw?

Steve

KevinE

G'day Steve the 357 isn't that much of a jump up from a 346. The Makita 7901/Dolmar 7900 is what I think you're looking for mate.

Cheers,

Kevin

Ranga

Thanks Kevin, the 7901 looks good plenty of power at good price as well. How does it handle, any different to the Stihl or Husky?


Steve

KevinE

Hi Steve, I bought my 7901 14-15 months ago on the advice of members of this forum. I was having the same issues as you describe, only my 50cc range saw was an MS260C, rather than a 346xp.

To me, the 7901 feels very balanced. It is extremely powerful for its weight & punches well above its 78cc capacity. I run a 24" bar when blocking down & I've never timed it, but I reckon 10-15 seconds + wedging time sees it through most of the stumps. The anti vibe is pretty good & it always "pops" 2nd pull with the choke on. The air filtration stays clean.

When bucking smaller stuff, I run a 17" bar with .050 3/8 semi chisel on it & it goes like you wouldn't believe!

If I had my time again, I'd buy a 6401 (same saw, but in 64cc) for <$800 & stick the 85cc after market kit on it ($125) after the warranty was out.

Cheers,

Kevin

Ranga

That sounds like a better plan. Is the 6401 the same saw with just a smaller cylinder, are there any other differences?

What is the Makita/Dolmar support like in Australia? Do you need much support?

Just discovered these little suckers

Paul Toivonen

Actually ,I was hoping to wrack you're brains over vibration levels, weight differences, noise and power etc.
I have only used the 357 briefly.
Someone who has used one all day would know better what a particular saw is like.

Ranga

The saw I use all day is a 346XP and I have found it adequate for all but the bigger bucking jobs (can do but takes more time). I have used a 357XP and found it has a little more vibration , weight was not that noticable noise was the same. For an all round saw I would say the 357XP, it has more power than the 346 but not that much heavier. The 372 is geting into that bigger saw category and though I have not used one alot the weight will wear you down when a lighter saw will do.

If you are looking to combine with your 340 then the 372 may be better.


The 562 looks good as an all rounder, it is in an aussie Husqvarna catelog i got the other day. My dealer told me available in Jan 2012.

Steve

Bluegill

I just used my 357xp today. Seems like the more I use it, the more I like it. Plenty of power and very smooth. Pulls a 20" bar just fine. But if you need a 24"+ bar, get a 372xp. Both great saws!

Paul Toivonen

I will go for the 357xp then.
I wont need over 20" bar ATM.
As stated previously, if the 372 is in the bigger saw cat. the extra weight is not worth it.
Those 562xp look really good, just cant find anyone selling it yet!

Bluegill

The 357xp will do ya fine.

The 562xp is not available yet, but soon.

KevinE

Sorry for the late reply; The 6401 is a 7901 with a smaller capacity, but with better porting from the factory. This makes it a very good 64cc saw.

No idea about support from Makita as I've never needed it. I've heard that parts are slow to arrive, but as yet haven't needed any for my 2 Makitas & they work hard.

Ranga

Thanks Kevin. Sounds good, I have found a dealer nearby that supports them and carries the smaller range. I like the look of the 7901.

Steve

SawTroll

My 560xpg arrived a week ago, but that's in Norway. I consider it a major step in the right direction!

Bluegill

Yeah, as much as I like my 357xp, I know the the 560xp is better.

Paul Toivonen

Maybe I get one (560XPG) next year, if/when they become available to here.