A buddy recently had two saws stolen. He is needing to buy a replacement. Talked him into the 60cc range. He is interested in the 362, but has limited knowledge of current saws. I have recommended a 555. If he's willing to spend the coin on a 362, I am leaning towards recommending a 562, which is still slightly cheaper than the 362. He will most likely leave the saw in stock trim for its life. He originally balked at the cost of a new saw, so I recommended the Echo CS590, which he turned his nose up at. lol This will be basically a firewood saw with an occasional tree felled here and there. I lean towards the Swedish saws personally, but know that the Germans make a great saw also. (Limited experience with the creamsickles) What say the members of FHC?
I'd go 362 personally... I had a 562 which is a good saw, but could not get use to the clutch system... inboard vs. outboard clutch... so I traded it off.
Does it have to be a Husky/Stihl? He's not going to be disappointed with any of these choices, other than perhaps the 590 if he's expecting 362/562 performance levels. Others that are more familiar with the 562 would know more, but has Husky addressed some of the issues it had? Piston ring end pins coming loose, and the hot re-start issues in particular. I did love the assembly engineering on that saw though as they are one of the easiest saws to wrench on that I've ever seen. I'd lean hard on the 555 option if he's looking for brandy new with a warranty. I'll also toss the Dolmar/Makita 6100 and 6400 out there as options. Priced at or less than the 555, and the 6400 leaves the upgrade option to 79cc open as well. The 6400 is still available used from HD Tool Rental centers on a regular basis if he's looking for a deal. The 6100 offers easy starting, world class filtration, and great performance too. I might be persuaded to part with my nearly new 6100 if that interests him.
I have both types of clutches on saws. Never really cared for one more than the other I guess? I know some folks don't like outboard.
No local Makita/Dolmar support. Multiple Husq & Stihl dealers. I've ran a 6400 and was impressed. When he told me he needed a new saw, I immediately thought of the 555. I think he may be convinced he *needs a "pro" saw though. Husq recently dropped MSRP on the 562 to $699. The 555 is still at $639. $60?...yeah....I'd go ahead and spend it if it were me to get a little extra power and the crank stuffers. From what I understand, the 562 was updated in 2016 to address the above issues? He's ran my 550 before and knows that the 562 is just a bigger version....literally, I think. I am pushing him to buy the fuel and get the extended warranty with a Husky. 4 years opposed to 2 years with Stihl. Great input all, keep it coming.
Had luck with Stihl products which has made me loyal to them. My only husky was a BBS 235 which has been a POA.
The ring pin issue was fixed. It seems some are plagued with the hot start & some are fine. I'm not sold on the cheesy fix with the extra vent hole. They need to better insulate the carb like how it appears they did on the 572.
I traded the 562 off to cnice_37 for a 044mm that got a little ... if the 562 would have had the outboard clutch, I'd still probably own it.... loved the weight to power ratio...
That saw moved on from me as well, traded for a ported 372xp which then got sold to fund my Mike Lee 385xp. It was nice, ran awesome for me (2 cords max). No starting issues at all. It was so close in weight to a 372xp, which is pretty much my favorite saw ever, especially when given extra bananas.
. its pretty much a case where he should go to the saw shops and handle both. Sometimes a Stihl feels like a box with handles on it , sometimes they feel good. Husky's usually feel good in the hands. How much of what size and species will he be cutting ??
We did that today. Checked both out at the shop. They were having a 10% off deal on some Husky saws, the 562 happening to be one of them. He ended up buying it. Took it back to his place so he could try it out and I believe he was impressed. A Stihl ms310 had been his most powerful saw previously. He likes the ergonomics on the XP. It will be cutting mainly hardwood in varying diameter on up to mid 20s and an occasional big trunk. Right now, he has this to deal with. 90% ash.
