Chainsaw mishap

Wlmedley · August 13, 2022, 08:10:26 PM

I've had my Husqvana 372xp for 21 years.It's cut a lot of wood with no problems except for a carburetor kit I put in a few years ago.Yesterday I miscalculated while cutting a dead white oak and had to abandon saw which was pinched and run.I got lucky and only parts damaged were the handle and chain break.Wondering whether I should buy OEM parts or would aftermarket parts be okay.Saw has been good to me and I hate to short change it but price difference is quite a bit .

Southside · August 13, 2022, 08:33:23 PM

If it were a plastic side cover I would say but the aftermarket, but the handle and chain brake are safety components. What is the cost of a severe kickback and the handle or brake fails? A leg, shoulder, or face cut? The difference in parts cost won't cover your medical deductable.

Wlmedley · August 13, 2022, 09:01:50 PM

You're probably right.I know for a fact that the original handle is tough to be as light as it is.No way of knowing if after market would be as good. I'll probably just buy oem parts and count my blessings that I don't have to buy a new saw. I think the last one I saw at dealer was around $1000.I'm looking at over $100 for both parts.

Wlmedley · August 13, 2022, 09:31:05 PM

Also I learned not to trust a hinge on a dead tree 🙂

chet · August 13, 2022, 09:38:35 PM

My local saw shop keeps a fairly good supply of 'basket case saws'. I've gotten some good OEM used parts at a decent savings. Might be worth a check.

caveman · August 14, 2022, 06:07:05 AM

I bought a used case half for a Husqvarna 359 several years ago from Chainsawr (FF sponsor seen on the banner to the left) at what I felt was a fair price. That may be an option to get used, OEM parts.

I could also use a 365/372 parts saw to replace a bunch of parts that were broken or smooshed on our 365 when a log rolled of a stump it was balancing on and landed on the saw.

Spike60 · August 14, 2022, 07:33:41 AM

AM brake handle probably not a big deal, but AM top handles are typically inaccurate and often torque the mounts a bit. Plus the OEM handle comes with a new top mount and hardware. I'm assuming your saw is the original 372, and you should be OK with it being available. The taller handle for the new 372XT is backordered till the Fall.

bluthum · August 14, 2022, 11:25:25 AM

Most of the plastic imported parts I've bought have been junk, imhop. For sure the chain brake part would be advised against. Gas tanks and handles maybe a little better since they are not a safety concern so much.

Used OEM would likely be the best but used 372 parts are probably among the most commonly sought hence harder to source, at least in these parts.

Al_Smith · August 14, 2022, 01:12:33 PM

You could most likely find good used parts from E-Bay or one of the forums plus places like Chainsawr .Should not be that difficult to find as it was a popular saw .Now the prices might vary a lot so don't be surprised .

Al_Smith · August 14, 2022, 01:19:46 PM

I'm not an expert on Husqvarna as I only have few but some of these folks are .That said if you get the IPL of that saw which you can on Chainsawr it would help finding what you need .

rusticretreater · August 14, 2022, 01:30:56 PM

You might try viewing craigslist and local parts trading sites for a donor saw.

Wlmedley · August 14, 2022, 06:07:48 PM

I tried chainsawr.No luck.I've got a dealer nearby who I bought saw from 21years ago.He's a pretty good fellow.I guess I should support him.I'll check with him tomorrow.He may even have a parts saw.

Real1shepherd · August 15, 2022, 10:22:15 AM

When a saw gives you that kinda service, it doesn't seem reasonable to me to use AM parts. If you amortize the difference in the cost of parts over the yrs between AM and OE, you're talking pennies or at most, a few dollars.

If you can't get it new, like they said, buy it used. Your 21yr old saw isn't going to know the difference between a good used OE part and a new OE part... :D

Kevin

chet · August 15, 2022, 08:36:57 PM

Then again, ya never know. Yer old saw parts might be insulted if ya attach a shiny new and untested part. ;D

Wlmedley · August 15, 2022, 09:18:47 PM

I bit the bullet and went over to the dealer today.He had to order both pieces.$135 total but I agree that a saw that has given me this good of service deserves good parts.Maybe teach me to be more careful in the future.

Southside · August 15, 2022, 11:13:04 PM

We are discussing the saw needing some spare parts, not you - you did fine. Gravity always wins.

Wlmedley · August 18, 2022, 08:59:45 PM

Parts came in today.Spike60 you were right,handle came with new mounting hardware.If I get another 21years out of this saw I'll be doing pretty good 😊.

Al_Smith · August 19, 2022, 09:36:49 AM

There's no reason why you can't get another 21 years out of it .Just don't get stingy with the mix oil and don't run over it with a bull dozer and it will do just fine .I've got some that are 60 years old that do just fine albeit they are a tad bit heavy .

Acem · August 22, 2022, 05:06:11 PM

I'm glad you're OK.

Saws can be replaced.

Wlmedley · August 25, 2022, 09:25:43 PM

Kinda hot today but couldn't wait any longer to try out new handle and chain brake.Saw seems to like new parts.Saw seems a little bit heavier.Must be my imagination :laugh: