Shopping for new Husqvarna!

[exploder]

Hello all i'm a long time lurker first time poster! This is such a great site!... Ok I am starting to do a little shopping for a new saw. I currently am running a Husky 350 18" and would like to purchase a larger saw. I have access to cut in about 120 acres that is loaded with big ash ash! I have narrowed my selections down to the 357xp and 372xp. I would like to run a 24" bar to cut down on the amount of bending over I do (i'm just a little over 5' tall!). With the size of the rounds that I cut a 24" bar would be really handy, and I was just looking for some good comparative opinions between the two saws. I know that they are doing away with the 372xp, and I seem to be leaning this direction but would like some opinions. How will the 357xp run a 24" compared to the 372xp? I have had the chance to run a 372xp and really liked it, but I have zero experience with the 357xp. Ok I will quit rambling... thanks in advance for the help!
exploder-

 

[KarlP]

I've never used a 357, but I have a 353 and 385. I got my dad a 372 since he was borrowing my 385 a lot and he'd get worn out pretty quickly using it. I love it.

Based on that my guess would be, a 357 would make a better "only" saw. If you are keeping the 350 for cutting up the limbs, get the 372 for felling/bucking the trunks. The 372 isn't exactly heavy, but its heavier than I like for limbing. The 357 isn't wimpy, but you'd need a lighter touch with a 24" bar than you'd need with a 372. The 372 will pull a 28" bar with skip chain OK if you have some bigger trees or like to leave a flat 2" tall stump.

If you haven't checked them out, read the opinions on the ArboristSite and ForestyForum chainsaw forums. They have enough information there to keep you busy for days...

 

[raven]

If it were me i would grab the 372 and not look back.They are a rock solid saw that i know that i would have no trouble selling in the future if need be.

 

[maxed_out]

i'd go 394 xp, but I'm biased...94cc and over 7hp of pure power!

 

[timberr]

If money isn't an object you probably should go with the 372 as long as the weight difference isn't a concern. I have run a 357XP, nice saw, I was cutting 20" red oak with a 20" bar and it screamed. Personally I recently purchased a 346XPG and love it. I try to stick to the smaller trees for firewood. Less work all around.

Good Luck

 

[HittinSteel]

Grab the 372XP if you can find one, as they are no longer being produced. If they're gone go with the 576XP. These saws will run the 24" with authority were as the 357XP is better suited to a 20".

 

[fyrwoodguy]

I tell all my customers when buying a new saw,that it comes down to how much you wanna carry.if bucking firewood exclusivly bigger is better.limbing the 346xp is king. 372xp is a good workhorse and the latest version is bug free. remember your lfting the saw when not in the cut!

 

[smokinj]

I tell all my customers when buying a new saw,that it comes down to how much you wanna carry.if bucking firewood exclusivly bigger is better.limbing the 346xp is king. 372xp is a good workhorse and the latest version is bug free. remember your lfting the saw when not in the cut!

I like your thinking but that 372 only needs moved about 18in. at a time stright down the trunk bigger is better!

 

[exploder]

Thanks for all of the thoughts! I was getting ready to grab some cash out of the slush fund this morning to head to the saw guy and pick up the 372, and was nearly castrated by the boss... I guess I will be waiting till summer... GRRR! At least I am up on my wood for a couple of years!
exploder-