New Saw?

[Does’ Leap]

I am currently running a Husqvarna 365 that is 12 years old. Still running, but on the tired side and my back-up Jonsered just died. I am thinking about investing in Husqvarna 372 xp. Anyone have this saw? Thoughts? I guess heated grip is an option which seems extravagant since I’ve never experienced it. Any thoughts on this? Any other saw I might consider?

Thanks.

George

[Michel Boulay]

Hi George,
you are use to the 365 wich is about the same weight as the 372, and the 372 is more powerfull and more expensive. So it all depends on what your looking for. I went on the husqvarna site for the states and they give prices and all the specs, makes it easier to compare.
Chainsaws have new features that make it easier to start, tighten chain and some. Right now I’m working with a 257 about 10 years old with a decompression button on the side that makes starting easier, not to heavy but does not have the power of the 365 or 372 and weight which makes a difference at the end of the day. You probably don’t want to downsize. All depends on what your cutting. Maybe that tired 365 with new rings will give it new life and less expensive then a new one.
good luck,
Mike

[Tim Harrigan]

I have a 350 with a decompression valve and a primer bulb that I have been happy with. I looked at the XP saws and was really tempted but I just do not cut enough to justify investing in that quality of saw. I am sure some of the loggers here cut more in 2 weeks than I do all year. I work alone so it seems like I don’t cut for very long and then I start skidding and other things so I don’t think the hand warmer would be much of a benefit for me. If you cut enough, go for it.

[vthorselogger]

The 365 is a good saw. I have a 372 that I love. They are not cheap but have made a living with mine for a few years now and it hasn’t let me down yet. you can call GKS. They are suppliers for logging and would probably have a good price.

[jac]

I have a 372 husky and think its the dogs doo dahs.. Sthill and Husky are the 2 main saws over here tho I tried a Jonsred once and liked it too…
John

[TaylorJohnson]

I have had a lot of 372 and they are great saws good power to weight . Get the heated handle bar it is nice when it is bellow zero out side . Taylor Johnson

[Does’ Leap]

Thanks for the input. Ordered the 372 (w/heated grips!) today from a local dealer.

George

[Mark Cowdrey]

Hey George,
Have you gotten your new saw? Do you like it? Is it an xp?
Mark

[Does’ Leap]

Mark:

Just saw your post – sorry for the delayed response. Yes, I got the saw and have been using it for a 6 weeks or so. I got the 372 XPG. The “G” in the XPG is the heated grips and heated carburetor option. I had a number of folks recommend the heated grips (Taylor included). For an extra $20 it is well worth it. My wet gloves start steaming from those grips and they really help the hands on those cold days. The heated carburetor is also nice this time of year when snow can freeze things up.

The saw performs great. It has a lot of power (significantly more than my 365) and is a great all-purpose saw (limbing, blocking, etc.) – well worth the $. My only complaint is that it starts hard when it is cold. My 365 (albeit a little old and tired) pulls easily and starts with a couple of pulls, not so with the 372.

George

[near horse]

Hi George,

Just curious – what are you running for bar length and chain type?

FYI – I have an old (mid 80’s) Jonsered 625 (3.8 ci) w/ a 20″ bar –

[Scott G]

@Does’ Leap 23220 wrote:

My only complaint is that it starts hard when it is cold. My 365 (albeit a little old and tired) pulls easily and starts with a couple of pulls, not so with the 372. George

George, something is going on with your new 372. I have owned/own several 372s’ and they are by far one of the easiest cold-starting saws I have ever ran. You mentioned being harder to crank over; you are aware of the decompression valve on the side??

If it is still not wanting to fire easily you may need to tweek your low-end fuel inlet a bit…

[Does’ Leap]

Geoff, I run a 20″ bar with a chisel tooth single raker Oregon chain. Scott, I am aware of the decompression valve. Does the chain brake affect starting? I started pulling with the chain brake off while I have the choke in. Once it turns over, I engage the brake, disengage the choke and start her up. Seems to be starting easier. My imagination?

George

[Scott G]

@Does’ Leap 23235 wrote:

Does the chain brake affect starting? I started pulling with the chain brake off while I have the choke in. Once it turns over, I engage the brake, disengage the choke and start her up. Seems to be starting easier. My imagination?

George

George,
The chain brake being engaged has no link to ease of starting. Husky 372s – cold start: full choke 1-3 pulls till it fires (+/- dies) then 1/2 choke and it will run, immediately diengage the remainder of the choke and you’re good to go. You shouldn’t need to choke it again until after lunch…

Even though GOL, S-212, etc mandate having the chainbrake set when you fire off from a cold start, I don’t like it. You are putting full revs on a bound clutch that is cold. Too much of that and you can watch your clutch drum turn blue…

From a safety standpoint (safety seems to trump everything) it is probably a good thing, just disengage your choke immediately to avoid the full rev on the clutch.

[MuleRyder]

I have a 372XP that is my favorite saw. I was not too impressed with the factory carb settings and limiter caps. I dual ported my muffler and removed the limiter caps, reset the carb adjusments and it really woke this saw up. I think it cuts as fast as my buddy’s stock 394XP, with less weight.

[PhilG]

my two cents on 372 xp’s, they are great saws i’m on my forth one ( 7th moter), i converted all mine to run on .325 chain with the biggest sprocket i could find, and Carlton chain which to me seems to stay sharp WAY longer than anything else I’ve tried. a sharp 395 in big spruce and fir is hard to beat though, when bucking logs for the sawmill or cuting rounds for firewood I always reach for a bigger saw. ” there is no replacement for displacement” (Madsons cataloge) and I would add -Sharpness.
My only complant with the 372 is that the little spring clips around the starter pully get gumed up a lot and don’t catch when you pull, happens alot in cold weather anyone else have this problem – and maybe a remedy ?

[Author]

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