Upgrading My Husky 353xp, what's the next model up?

[Gdalesio]

Hi Guys I'm looking for some feedback here. I have a Husquavarna 353 xp, like/ love it, want to move on to another saw.  What would be a good upgrade? I've looked at the 545 w/auto tune .  I would like in the $600-700 range for a an xp saw that I am using to drop a lot of medium sized trees.  Are there any issues with the 545?  Is there some thing close enough in size that may be better?

[7sleeper]

1. there exists no 353 xp! It is only 353. The 353 is kind of like the detuned 346XP.
2. 353 is in the same power league as the 545, so nothing to win in an upgrade.
3. 353 count as one of the best 50cc saws out there for the homeowner. They belong to the top reliable saws. If your 353 has a cat muffler it might be time to upgrade to non cat and retune. (you can thank me later for this tip!  ;D)
4. upgrade from a 50cc saws means at least 60-70cc.
5. pricewise would be the 555 or the 365xp(which is a detuned 372xp, but can be converted in 15min, if you know what you are doing!)
6. If it doesn't have to be husqvarna, look at the echo 590/600 (~4-500$) or the Dolmar 6100


What would I buy? The Dolmar 6100 or the Husqvarna 555 or te Echo 590(and do a muffler mod and carb retune).

But to be honest I don't know what you understand as medium size trees. For me medium size trees are felled with a 50cc saw with good carb settings and a nice sharp chain. No need for a upgrade.

Good luck!

7

[Gdalesio]

Hey 7sleeper, I am still keeping the 353, just looking to add to the family.  Where would I get a a non cat muffler?  Sounds interesting, thanks for the tip. I'll look at the 555, I have to consider Canadian prices however!  Usually abit more then elsewhere in the world.

[celliott]

Good compliment to a 50cc class saw is a 70cc saw. The 60cc's are good in between, do it all saws. Although lots of people rave about the 562xp.
With the 545 i'd say you aren't really upgrading from the 353, but replacing it.
I'd look at a husqvarna 365 (can be made into a 372xp later on if so desired) OR a 6400 Dolmar, if you have a dealer.
The echo 590 is supposed to be a great value as well, but not a huge step up in power.
Or look for used saws if you can work on them and don't mind not having a warranty. Used 372xp's, 044\MS 440, 460, etc. etc.

Lots of options!

[Mac102004]

What's you budget? A 562XP is a great saw but they run $800-$1000.

[7sleeper]

Hey 7sleeper, I am still keeping the 353, just looking to add to the family.  Where would I get a a non cat muffler?  Sounds interesting, thanks for the tip. I'll look at the 555, I have to consider Canadian prices however!  Usually abit more then elsewhere in the world.

@Gdalesio,
non cat muffler you can get from a dealer or the internet.

And canadian prices are cheap compared to here and us prices are fantastic!

555 run around 850€ = 1150$ US!

7

[Mac102004]

Hey 7sleeper, I am still keeping the 353, just looking to add to the family.  Where would I get a a non cat muffler?  Sounds interesting, thanks for the tip. I'll look at the 555, I have to consider Canadian prices however!  Usually abit more then elsewhere in the world.

@Gdalesio,
non cat muffler you can get from a dealer or the internet.

And canadian prices are cheap compared to here and us prices are fantastic!

555 run around 850€ = 1150$ US!

7

What's shipping cost from the US like? I know if I was buying another new saw I'd likely get it in the US and ship it up. Even with $100 shipping your still saving money.

[mikey517]

I have / love my 353. Swapped out the CAT muffler for a NON-CAT from Baileys with excellent results.
Last fall added the 365 X-torq. For me, this 50cc & 70cc "semi-pro" combo is perfect for my firewood cutting needs.

353 runs an 18" bar, 365 a 24".

[Gdalesio]

What's you budget? A 562XP is a great saw but they run $800-$1000.

I'm trying to get the best bang for my buck, $600-700 but if another $100 get me a sweet machine I'll do it cause it's for the long run.  The 545 was certainly appealing, I was just excited as it was new shiny and clean.  I'm going to continue to research a bit more, thanks for the input.

[Maine logger88]

760 is what I paid for my 562xp here and it is a awesome little saw I have worked the crap out of mine and it still runs great I'm going to buy another in the fall

[Mac102004]

I bought my 562XPG in Ontario for $800 plus taxes (5%) and had it shipped out here to me. I would think the standard XP without the full wrap and heated handles would be even less. That's bare saw, no bar or chain. I put a 24" Cannon Superbar and 72LG chain I got at Baileys on it ($130~)

Just looking at that dealers site right now, they list the 562XP w/ 16" B/C at $879.99, 555 is $639.99 w/ 20" B/C. I don't want to list the dealer here, there is plenty of fine sponsors, but that would give you an idea of prices in Ontario....

[mikey517]

Forgot to mention I paid $700. OTD with 24" bar for the 365 X-torq.

[Gdalesio]

Forgot to mention I paid $700. OTD with 24" bar for the 365 X-torq.

That's a good price, US dollars.  I will research a little more, thanks.

[Gdalesio]

I bought my 562XPG in Ontario for $800 plus taxes (5%) and had it shipped out here to me. I would think the standard XP without the full wrap and heated handles would be even less. That's bare saw, no bar or chain. I put a 24" Cannon Superbar and 72LG chain I got at Baileys on it ($130~)

Just looking at that dealers site right now, they list the 562XP w/ 16" B/C at $879.99, 555 is $639.99 w/ 20" B/C. I don't want to list the dealer here, there is plenty of fine sponsors, but that would give you an idea of prices in Ontario....

Can you please message me the site, I'll check it out. I live in Ontario and travel it for work.

[Mac102004]

Msg sent.

[Gdalesio]

Msg sent.
[/quote
Got it thanks!

[John Mc]

I'd consider the Husky 555. A decent price, decent power to weight ratio, and pro-type construction. ( think of it as a 562 XP without the "rev-boost" feature).

I own a Jonsered 2152 (the twin sister to the Husky 353), and a 357 XP.  I like the 2152 for the light weight, and good construction (like the 353, it shares more in common with the pro saws than with the homeowner saws).  I switch to the 357XP when I need a bit more power for larger trees, or when I'm bucking up hardwoods for firewood.  When the 357 dies, I'll replace it with a 562XP (if I can justify the extra cost), or the 555.

John Mc

[Spike60]

I'd consider the Husky 555. A decent price, decent power to weight ratio, and pro-type construction. ( think of it as a 562 XP without the "rev-boost" feature).

John Mc

I agree the 555/2258 is the best choice here. "medium trees" and "upgrade" from a 353 points directly to a good medium sized saw.

Another 50cc saw is a lot of money spent with no gain in capability. A 70cc saw is more than what is needed here, and the extra weight of say a 365, means you won't be picking it up as often. A 555/2258 is so nice that the 353 is going to be the saw that sits a lot. 

[John Mc]

Spike, thanks for the cross reference for the Jonsered equivalent (2258) to the Husky 555.  I had not bothered to look that up yet. 

Not many good dealers for Jonsered left in my area. A couple of the old-timers have gone out of the business - a real loss to the area, since they really knew their stuff on repairs (and would work on just about any brand). I suspect it was a combination of the advent of "auto-tune" saws (and not wanting to learn how to reprogram them), along with Jonsered now being carried by Tractor Supply Co. (Unfortunately, TSC doesn't carry the better saws).

BTW, the Jonsered US website lists the 2258 as not having an adjustable oiler, but if you download the manual, it says it's adjustable.  Do you know which is correct?

[Spike60]

They are definitely adjustable. Uses the same exact oil pump as the 2260/562.