okay, so I had a husky 346xp. I don't have it anymore. I'm looking for a comparable Stihl. I liked the weight. I was almost happy with the power. It was stock, no mods. It let the wood win more often than I would prefer. I have a Husky 390 and 385 for the big needs.
Just kidding huckleberry.. The MS 261 would be about the 346 equivalent. If your looking to replace the 346xp. Then it's your choice. But if your looking for bigger (and obviously Pro saw because that's all you own?) then the MS 362 or MS 441 would be the next top choices. (362 - 60cc class / 441 - 70cc class) To step up from your 50cc saw, they will have more weight. But pull in big wood much harder. Welcome to the Forum.
26 and 28 what? The 026 and 028? Those are older series (nothing wrong with them). But of you had a 346xp? You may be looking for more??
They are about the same on power but the 026/260 will be a lot lighter. Also the MS280 and the 028 are two different saws, not really related but similar in function.
The 028 is an old design and has an engine and cases like the 026/260 or the 346 pro type saws, whereas the 280 is a clamshell engine (completely different beast). The 028 is a lot heavier and they have some odd oiler gear parts and a weak clutch spring in some of the early ones. There are three models of 028 with variable HP and about the same weight (WB, AV, and Super). The 026 is not quite as old a design, has a better oiler on the PRO models, and the design has been around for a long time. Both the 026 and 028 are fairly easy to modify and port, as well as work on. The 026/260 saws rev higher at 14,000 and they are lighter. The 026 has the same power as the 028 AV, the mid-range saw of the 028 line. There were a lot of fixed H jet carbs on the mid to later 026 model saws though, and you do not want them. The 260 has flippy caps and a slightly larger engine than the 026 but it actually has less power (choked up carb), but they are essentially the same saws. I have owned several of both, including a hybrid 026 with a 260 engine (best of both worlds). For the way better power to weight ratio, the 026 is the better saw, IMO. Stihl 028 WB 3.2 HP 14.3 lb. Stihl 028 AV 3.5 HP 14.3 lb. (14.5 lb. for the AVQ model) Stihl 028 Super 3.8 HP 14.3 lb. Stihl 026 3.5 HP 10.6 lb. (smogged models had less HP) Stihl 260 3.2 HP 10.6 lb. Stihl 261 3.75 HP, 11.6 lb. (smoother spring-loaded saw) 346xp 3.4 HP, 10.6 lb.
If you were not satisfied with the power of a 346, then stay away from an 026 or an 028. I have owned both of them and the 346 has more power. Was there a problem with your other 346 where it was down on power? Mine has a conservative muffler mod and it pulled a buried 18" bar impressively in hard maple last weekend.
I've had both as well but sold the ne346xp. But the Husqvarna 254/262 would probably be a good choice as well. Just harder to find.
Different preferences I guess....... I sold a woods ported 260 to get the 346 and couldn't be happier with the decision
Probably had more to do with the bar and chain. The 026 wears a .325 16". And the 346 had a 3/8 18". Only had the 346 for a few days and used it for one oak tree and was totally unimpressed.
On sharp chains I had to hold it back. And when it was burried it didn't spit the chips enough and it would accumulate muck under the cover. Im sure that had something to do with it. When compare to the 268xp, 385xp and 390xp I had I just couldn't go to work all day with it. I realize those are bigger saws, but the 346 just needed more attention on maintenance throughout the day. Please note, I am not comparing the amount of wood I could cut, but the amount of time I was at work with it. I also despised the round chisel chain that was the stock option. The square chisel was always my choice. It didn't dull as easily. It has better grab, in my opinion and maybe that has something to do with my opinions of the saw. The chain seemed to heat up because of the clogging as well. And it very well could have been that the particular saw I bought had some minor production fluke that didn't make it as good a saw as other people have. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the saw. On a good day it was just great. But it was never awesome all day every day. But I don't have it anymore. And since I'm looking for something in that range to replace it, I'm exploring my options. I'm looking for a stihl because I want to get a stihl.
Sounds like you want an 036 or 360 saw which is a 60 class CC if you don't want an 044 which is 70 CC class.
026 with the fully adjustable carb would be my pick. And I fully agree with your reasoning as far as not looking for another 346.
