I've got one saw. It's a Husky 353 I bought at Northern-equipment probably 7 years ago. I'm in a position now to get a second saw, so I'm going to. I'm thinking that if I put some love into the 353, which I need to, a 550xp will give me two of the same saws or close enough to not make sense. I'm also looking at the 562xp as a bigger, stronger machine that I can use for bigger stuff, although I'd still like to run an 18" bar. I've loved the 353, so I'm very partial to the Huskys, but I'm keeping an open mind. Can I get some opinions? I'm not averse to Stihl. I've poked at Dolmar and Jonsered, but kind of queasy on local support. I'm a fire wood hoarder, not a lumber jack. Over?!
I'd go with a 60 cc saw if I were you, like the MS362CM or 562XP. As you said, it will give you that extra power when you need it, but, it's still an easy size and weight to run all day. They are both supposed to be great saws. I think the 362 should be lighter has a slightly better record of reliability.
Or you could keep a few of those bux in your account by going for a Dolkita (Dolmar/Makita) 6100. You won't be giving anything away in the power dept., quite the opposite. My 3 y.o. 6100 is quite happy wearing a 24" bar, doing some milling in hickory, even. Stihl-fanboy bud wants one, and won't have to save up that long. That S-German saw mfg is complacently losing ground, IMO. Another good-value candidate would be Echo's 590 in one of its incarnations. I should mention that the 6100 is really simple to care for. What parts you might need are available freely online, unlike with Andreas' progeny. Haven't found need of dealer in 3 years, though I do stop by annually for GTG to see latest bike-saw from Spencer-boys, etc.
562 would be a great 2nd saw beside your 353. Keep it in the fam. If you haven't already, run a 5xx series Husky and you'll definitely buy one. They cut so smooth. Anti-vibe and handling are second to none IMO.
Im leaning real hard in 562 direction. I got some great ideas from the club, machines I wouldn't have thought of. Also did some more reading of reviews. The 562 is a little pricey I think for its intended purpose, but I can talk myself out of those guilts a dozen different ways.
There's a used one in the classifieds. They can be hooked up to a computer to find out how any hours run time are on the saw.
I have the 550xp and love it. Sort of regret not saving up a bit more for the 562xp. it's an extra lbs to lug around vs. the 550, but for the amount of cutting i do, i think the extra power would have been worth it. then again i'm in the early stages of CAD, so take my comments with a big grain of salt.
That is what my 3 saw plan is. 34cc, 50cc and 70cc. Been working well for me so far. 50cc is the workhorse with the others filling the gaps on the odd job.
The 562XP is a great saw!! I have a ported completely worked over Husky555 and it is my go to saw! Barely touch my 50cc saw anymore although my 550XP is a blast to run as it's light and fast. Did you see this one posted in the classifieds section here? It's not a bad deal at all and is right at 70cc. Mdavlee is a great guy to buy from. I have personally bought some saw from him and always found them to be true to description. For Sale - Jonsered 2166
I could give some opinions, but I'm not sure they would be applicable to your situation as I don't really understand what you are wanting to do. What do you mean put some love into the 353(porting, 346 cylinder?). What kind of wood are you cutting and what size. Would you cut bigger wood if you have a bigger saw. Why do you want to run the 18" bar, just to play. I like the 353/2152 a lot and highly recommend them, so I would say you already have a great saw. The average type and size of the wood you are cutting plays a large roll in determining what your "needs" will be, unless this is just a splurging purchase, in which case are you just wanting confirmation that you are doing "the right thing", then I would say you are LOL. Another option is to get a nice 359 which will make a great companion to the 353. Most times I would recommend going to a 70cc saw for the next saw, but the 562 is very close to most 70cc saws that I would just say to go with that before jumping to the 70cc class(I'm basing this on the fact your 353 has worked fine for 7yrs, but I would need more info to give advice). The 2166/365(xtorq) is a great saw and can be made to run like the 2172/372(xtorq) with a slight bit of work as they are all built on the same chassis with the same cylinder but have a restriction to make them run with a little less power. As RCBS said they are a great saw in stock form. I would also consider the 226(I've never ran one) with is a 562 with a small bar mount, it weighs a little less than the 562, or even a 555 as they are a great saw for a one saw plan(if your into that sort of thing LOL) I've owned and ran ever one of these saws I'm talking about, I'm only stating that because many like to advise although they have not even seen one in person. Post up a few more details and we can advise more accurately. Good luck with your search.
Well, that's a response chipper1 and truly appreciated. You've asked some great questions. Love for the 353 is getting it to run right. No upgrade. Bogs when I get a good bite with the spikes to the point I can stop the chain easily. I embaresed to say I don't remember the last time o cleaned the air filter. So I did that and the spark arrester screen this week. The filter needed it! When I started it, sounded sharp and good movement on the unit when I goosed it. I haven't cut with it yet, so stand by for test results. I really just want that saw to run like it's new. The reason for the second saw is for a back up. I'm finding myself in a position that I can get one and I'm going to take advantage of it. I'm looking at the 562 because it is bigger, but not too big. I want something I'd feel a little more comfortable felling bigger stuff if I'm cutting one. Say 18" to 24", which isn't often.
I don't have experience with most of the saws mentioned above, but I spent the day in my woods today with a full-time logger who was running a 562, and I came away quite envious. My 359 suffers from the bad carb issues, and after hearing his saw run I realized it is past time to get mine fixed. He said he has had it for 2 years and it has been a great saw. My saw is all I need, but that 562 would be high on my list as a replacement.
Not sure of exactly what this response means. Your welcome. I just like a little info before giving to much feedback, most times a few questions reveals things not seen in the original post. If I'm understanding correctly, you have been cutting for yrs with the 353 without any real "need" for a bigger saw, but you would feel more comfortable with a bigger saw cutting some of the larger trees. I would also suggest you get a fuel filter as well as a new plug, also probably some fuel lines on the 353. There is also a clamp on the intake that should probably be replaced with a metal one as the plastic ones can allow air to leak causing piston/cylinder damage. I would consider those items normal maintenance items and part of giving the old girl a little love . If you want it to run like new or a little better I can set you up with someone who can get you a 346 P&C for a very reasonable price, that would be a little more love . and a nice muffler mod would be a little more love . There is another level(porting), but a new saw is what your talking about . I do really like the 353/2152 . If you are looking for a new husky that has more power then the 562 can surely supply that. The 550 will also run a 20" B&C with more authority than the 353 pulls an 18" B&C when new. Either saw would be a nice upgrade, but I wouldn't advise a 70cc saw at this point. I believe you would really enjoy a 550, but if you want something to run a 24" bar then you will want the 562. As I was saying in the other post the 2260(this is what I meant in my last post, not a 226 lol) is basically a 562 with a small bar mount and you would be able to switch bars between the 2 saws if you were running the same gauge chain/rim drive. Another nice option and one of my favorite saws from last year is the 555. Chains could have been faster in both videos .
The 359 is also a great option for M2theB . It would be a nice step up and a lot less money, it's also a saw that can be worked on without having to take the saw to the dealer. That being said the 562 is a screamer of a 60cc saw. Here's what you need. If you don't want to do that you can order a carb for $20.
Thanks for that link - I've heard of the fix he does, but had never seen this video. With the snow up in the woods getting too deep for my farm tractor, now might be the time to get this fixed.
