394xp opinions

[barbender]

  I came across a well used Husky 394xp for sale. Were these a good big bore saw? I am not familiar with these bigger machines, northern MN doesn't see much other than 65-70cc saws. Is the anti-vibe springs or rubber?

[celliott]

The 394 was the precursor to the 395 in production today. A great deal of the parts interchange, I believe only the intake system is model specific (394 uses a block, 395 uses an intake boot) and the cylinder on the 394 is different, but pistons interchange, I think. So parts will not be an issue, don't let that deter you.
It's a proven model with power to pull and oil a 36" bar no problem. Some guys run up to 42" on them. I would have no issue buying a used one as long as it was mechanically sound (or the price was right for a repair)
I have a 395 I use for milling and have a 394 in a bucket under my bench awaiting assembly.
The antivibe is spring.i believe a "soft" and hard set I springs is available, for if you were running  36" or bigger all the time.

[ZeroJunk]

I have worked on them for a local tree service guy and he likes them. The usual problems. Fuel lines and throttle cable as they are not exactly a spring chicken. I would certainly buy one if I found a decent deal.

[Dave Shepard]

394/395= 8) I've had both, and they are my favorite saw. The spring anti vibe is great on these saws.

[barbender]

They're asking 250 obo. I may have to go look at it in person ;)

[celliott]

$250 would be a pretty good price if it was all there and didn't need any work.
Bar and chain come with it? Big bars are expensive, so if it's got a 36" already, that adds to the good deal.

[barbender]

It's only wearing a 24" bar and chain, supposed to be new. That's still, $70 I suppose.

[bandmiller2]

Many of the large older saw have seen very little use. Every arborests truck had one for big butts and stumping. Stumping is tough duty and makes a saw bar and chain look old but most have many years left. Frank C.

[celliott]

It's only wearing a 24" bar and chain, supposed to be new. That's still, $70 I suppose.

If the powerhead is all good, it's still a real good deal.

Why are you wanting a 394? Allure of a big saw? Milling? Just cuz?

[Native Cutter]

In the PNW the big saws go pretty fast and a 394 in decent using condition would get 500 easily just the powerhead!  If I was there it woulda been gone in a flash! lol.   I say get it, you can always get ur money back later if you sell it.

[barbender]

Hmm...you guys are really tempting me ;)  Celliot, yeah, I just want one cause I think they're cool- I don't really need it. Don't get me wrong, I could put it to work, but I do have a Jred 2171 that can do anything I need to, but you can't have too many saws, right ;D

[celliott]

Hmm...you guys are really tempting me ;)  Celliot, yeah, I just want one cause I think they're cool- I don't really need it. Don't get me wrong, I could put it to work, but I do have a Jred 2171 that can do anything I need to, but you can't have too many saws, right ;D

You are perfectly justified
And you never know, when you have a big torquey saw, you will surely find reasons to use and keep it!
My 395 is awesome at splitting/noodling big hardwood chunks down to size. Where can you buy a wood splitter for $250?