Husqvarna Chain Saw - 20 in. Bar, 3.9 HP, Model# 359

I already owned a 55 Rancher and the Husqvarna arborist chain saws, when I purchased this saw. It is a very powerful saw. The de-compression feature does make starting easier. It is a high quality saw with significant improvements over earlier models. The chain/bar tension control is much easier to adjust on my 18" 55. The 359 has a new metal chain guard (for safety when a chain jumps off of the bar). The metal guard has one drawback. I had a chain jump and it severly chaffed the chain (metal on metal) resulting in a damaged and therefore lost chain. The older design (with plastic) was less damaging to chains (but probably not as safe). Still like all Husqvarna saws, a reliable and powerful tool.

The Husqvarna 359 was first chainsaw I learned to operate. While working for an outdoor and wilderness program, I used this saw exclusively (we had several of them).

The layout and ergonomics are good. Picking the saw up, it is well balanced and comfortable. I like the suspension on both the control handle and wrap around handle. The wrap around handle allows for many cutting angles and positions.

The 359 starts reliably. The decompression valve helps with this. Under the extremely heavy use of the outdoor program, these saws were sometimes running all day for days on end and I rarely had any mechanical problems. Overheating was never an issue. Even though the engine sometimes was incredibly hot, it ran smoothly and continuously.

Power is ample for forestry and professional applications. After using a similar Stihl model (440), I discovered how I like the positive response of the Husky's clutch. The single cylinder engine has loads of torque...Read more

Great saw, but buy from your local Husky dealer. If you have any problems you will be very happy you did.