There is a lot of talk about saws but noboby really mentions a Husky 385 much. I own one and like it a lot. Is it the Power to Weight or some other problem that no one really mentions them on here. iIsee posts about the 372 the 395 etc but this little rascal is always left out. Whats up with that? Just curious...
IMO it's one of those 'in-between' sizes, it tries to fill two categories but cannot excell in either.
The 372 is an excellent 5 cube saw and is tops in it's class (I own four). If you already have a 372 and want a bigger saw for milling or big stumps, the 385 isn't a big enough step up to justify the cost. Especially when you can get the 395 for a few dollars more.
The market for the 385 is for somebody who wants both a firewood saw and a big stump saw, but doesn't want to buy two saws. It's an excellent saw, but it's a bit heavy for all day firewooding and slightly underpowered for milling.
Rocky hit it right on the head. I don't mind the weight, so I use mine every day of the week cutting and limbing spruce, fir, and just about every tree species in Maine. I had a 575xp before my 372, so that "conditioned" me to the weight. ;D
Yep Rocky said it all IMO.
I have a 372 and 395 and did not hesitate to opt for the 395 over the 385 when it was time to get a bigger saw. The 395 is so much fun to use, I look for reasons to go logging. ;D
I mill with it also, and would actually prefer an 090 for milling. Not because the 395 can't handle it, but because i don't want to tear it up.
I am working on the 090 Stihl still. :)
TexasTimbers- You guys must pronounce Stihl "still" down there as well?? I was watching a Logosol video once, they pronounced it "steel". I feel the "still" pronunciation lends itself more readily to jokes, like "still working on it" or "still wouldn't want one" :) Actually, I picked one up on a landing I was hauling off last winter, I think it was an 090, saw was brand new. Nice and smooth, lots of power. I'd never ran a Stihl before that.
Most everyone around here pronounces it like . . . . "huska-varna" ;D
But yeah, I pronounce it "still". I always thought that's how it was pronounced. I think I have heard a few say steel, but they are "not from around here". ;)
Gizmo, I was not knocking the 385 I know it is a fine saw. Just wasn't my choice but I am sure it will cut like a banshee.
You didn't hurt my feelings. I just thought I'd throw that question out there. Thanks for the opinions.........Makes sense now that I think of it....
I have 3 Huskys . My most used for firewood and general trimming is my Rancher 55. I have the 385xp and I love it. Lots of power and easy to handle. I got it new for free, so cost wasn't an issue. ;D (Free Chainsaw (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,22311.0.html)) I also have a 335xp for pruning .
All you need to know about how to pronounce Stihl (http://www.stihlusa.com/faq.html)
I'm not saying that you have to say it that way, but that's the way it is. I thought it was a vernacular thing, but it is pronounced both ways by people in the same area.
Maybe in TX they pronounce "steel" as "still" ::) ::) ::)
Quote from: beenthere on January 07, 2009, 12:20:05 AM
Maybe in TX they pronounce "steel" as "still" ::) ::) ::)
No, we pronounce it "Arn."
:D :D :D :D
Quote from: Dave Shepard on January 06, 2009, 11:56:10 PM
All you need to know about how to pronounce Stihl (http://www.stihlusa.com/faq.html)
thanks dave!
Your welcome. I try not to bring it up, because it usually starts a fight, but that's undeniable evidence. ;D You'd think being German, it would be properly pronounced "Schtill" or "Schteel", but it isn't. :D
The 385 works fine for me for milling, but I am almost always using a 24" bar. I've run the 36" in hardwood. It's not the fastest, but if I'm running that big of bar in hardwood - I really want the wood for something and lightning speed isn't an issue. That being said, I've been eyeing up Husky's biggest saw for a few years now.
FS,
Not knocking the 3120XP, never owned one, but I have read in more than one place where they have a tendency to blow and not because of long hours. I understand a person can read anything on the internet.
I am poking around for a clutch driven 090, or an 070 and get the 090 jug and piston from Bailey's. I am mostly a Husky man but the 090/070 upgrade is a better milling saw than a 3120 IMHO.
Unfortunately Husqvarna is just not a popular saw in these parts other than the small ones sold a Lowes . There is just no dealer support in this area.
A few years back Husky made a very bad business decision and tried to muscle the dealers that sold Stihl .One of those us or them deals .Obviously Stihl carried the day .I don't think those dealers would let Husky back in if they were paid to because they got stuck with thousands of dollars in parts inventory for saws they no longer sold .
Having said that the 181 ,281 and 2100 are classics in their own rights .Older but very well powered saws . I own a 2100 and it does just dandy for it's size group .
I have operated the 372's and they also are little power houses for a 70 cc plus sized saw .
Our local ( 30 miles away) saw shop is an all in one stop. He carries the full line of Husky, Stihl, and Jonsered saws, parts, and accesories all under one roof. It doesn't matter what you buy, you have good support and good rates. A lot of guys around here will have 2-3 saws of differnet brands, depending on needs/ wants/ pricing.
I don't see the point with the 385xp, when the 390xp is an improved version + more cc and power...... ;)
Could be gizmo bought his 385 before the 390 was available.
I bought mine before the 390, it's a decent saw, a little heavy. I'd rather be running a 7900 Dolmar, same power and a lot lighter. Steve
Go Stihl.
8)
Quote from: TexasTimbers on January 08, 2009, 07:27:18 PM
Could be gizmo bought his 385 before the 390 was available.
I was thinking of new buyers......
Quote from: Al_Smith on January 08, 2009, 01:52:30 PM
I own a 2100 and it does just dandy for it's size group .
But how easy is it to start Al? (Inside joke...) :D :D :D :D :D
Gary
Quote from: GASoline71 on January 09, 2009, 07:56:54 PM
Quote from: Al_Smith on January 08, 2009, 01:52:30 PM
I own a 2100 and it does just dandy for it's size group .
But how easy is it to start Al? (Inside joke...) :D :D :D :D :D
Gary
Well right now not too bad but I'm sure it will act up again .I'll give it a good talkin to again I suppose .
Now just what bunch of yahoos would make a hundred cc saw with that much compression and not put a decomp on it .They ought to be hung from the yard arm at high noon . :D
I never used to use the decomps, until I ripped the starter out of the 394. We have a 2100 at the mill, when it runs, it really runs.
I was the same way Dave until I read it's actually easier on the saw to use them. Not just on the pull cord. Don't really remember why though.
Quote from: Dave Shepard on January 09, 2009, 08:16:11 PM
I never used to use the decomps, until I ripped the starter out of the 394. We have a 2100 at the mill, when it runs, it really runs.
A slight side track from Husqvarna but related to a decomp .
I have a 2100 Homelite ,from the days of tall timber and iron men . That old duffer has a slightly different decomp than most people are used to on a modern saw .
When I got this old thing the decomp must have been inoperable for years .Some west coast gorilla had nearly ripped the starter housing in two starting it . Who ever it was must have been bull strong because it takes me ,one foot in the handle and both arms on the rope to pull it over .Needless to say I repaired the thing .
My 056 doesn't have a decomp and it starts easier than my Husky 55.
Stonebroke
We have a 55 at the mill that pulls over harder than my 394. Must be a 55 thing.
Quote from: Al_Smith on January 10, 2009, 08:55:56 AM
Quote from: Dave Shepard on January 09, 2009, 08:16:11 PM
I never used to use the decomps, until I ripped the starter out of the 394. We have a 2100 at the mill, when it runs, it really runs.
A slight side track from Husqvarna but related to a decomp .
I have a 2100 Homelite ,from the days of tall timber and iron men . That old duffer has a slightly different decomp than most people are used to on a modern saw .
When I got this old thing the decomp must have been inoperable for years .Some west coast gorilla had nearly ripped the starter housing in two starting it . Who ever it was must have been bull strong because it takes me ,one foot in the handle and both arms on the rope to pull it over .Needless to say I repaired the thing .
I resemble that remark!!! :D :D
Starting my old Homelite 770G is like arm wrestling with an old silver back sometimes...
Gary
Sasquatch vs. Gorrilla! LIVE on PayPerView! Only $39.95! :D :D :D
Quote from: TexasTimbers on January 08, 2009, 07:27:18 PM
Could be gizmo bought his 385 before the 390 was available.
I was really new to this sawing thing and had an Alaskan mill. I guess I really didn't give it a lot of thought. My son's a school counseler close to a Husky place and i told him to buy me a 385. The dealer asked how much wood is he going to cut and my son said maybe 2 face cords a year. The store owner kind of looked at him and probably thought.........Here's a fish. Not so though. The guy threw in extra chains and I'm quite happy with my purchase. i bought it about 4 years ago. Good power, works good in my mill which I just cut special slabs for me or my neighbors. No regrets.
Quote from: GASoline71 on January 10, 2009, 02:28:05 PM
Quote from: Al_Smith on January 10, 2009, 08:55:56 AM
Quote from: Dave Shepard on January 09, 2009, 08:16:11 PM
I never used to use the decomps, until I ripped the starter out of the 394. We have a 2100 at the mill, when it runs, it really runs.
A slight side track from Husqvarna but related to a decomp .
I have a 2100 Homelite ,from the days of tall timber and iron men . That old duffer has a slightly different decomp than most people are used to on a modern saw .
When I got this old thing the decomp must have been inoperable for years .Some west coast gorilla had nearly ripped the starter housing in two starting it . Who ever it was must have been bull strong because it takes me ,one foot in the handle and both arms on the rope to pull it over .Needless to say I repaired the thing .
I resemble that remark!!! :D :D
Starting my old Homelite 770G is like arm wrestling with an old silver back sometimes...
Gary
Why yes of course .Here I am a liitle skinny old geezer of 220 pounds .Of course I have a tough time . :D
That nonsense aside ,some of those older saws were well blessed with compression .
Just last Saturday at the Ohio gtg most likely the best chain filer on the east coast showed up with a 181 Huskey ,old school . Those that have never seen one in action cannot believe how those things boogie .They will leave those larger Huskey models in the dust excluding the big boys of nearly or over 100 cc's .
It's a crying shame what the EPA mandated stuff has done to our saws , :(
Bumping an old thread, but does anyone know if you can swap the jug for one from a 390 xp ? I saw one on Craigslist for $275 but don't know its condition.
Quote from: DelawhereJoe on August 26, 2018, 12:57:27 PM
Bumping an old thread, but does anyone know if you can swap the jug for one from a 390 xp ? I saw one on Craigslist for $275 but don't know its condition.
Yep any 390 part swaps on. Same case, everything really except piston and cylinder.