Husqvarna 257 vs 359: Which Saw Excels in Woodcutting? (Pro Insights)

Having helped countless individuals transform raw timber into cozy warmth for their homes, I’ve garnered a reputation as a go-to resource for all things chainsaw, wood processing, and firewood. Today, I’m diving deep into a question I hear constantly: Husqvarna 257 vs 359 – which saw excels in woodcutting? This isn’t just a specs comparison; it’s a pro’s insight gleaned from years of hands-on experience, trials, errors, and ultimately, successful wood-cutting endeavors.

The State of Wood: A Global Perspective

Before we even touch a chainsaw, let’s acknowledge the wood processing landscape. Globally, the firewood industry is experiencing a resurgence, driven by both sustainable heating initiatives and a desire for energy independence. The logging industry, while facing challenges related to environmental regulations, remains a vital sector, providing raw materials for construction, furniture, and countless other applications. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global roundwood production reached approximately 2.03 billion cubic meters in 2022. This figure underscores the continued importance of efficient and sustainable wood processing practices. In the US alone, the firewood industry contributes billions of dollars to the economy annually, with a growing demand for seasoned firewood. These trends highlight the need for reliable and efficient tools, like the Husqvarna 257 and 359, to meet the demands of both hobbyists and professionals.

Defining the Terms: A Woodcutter’s Lexicon

To ensure we’re all on the same page, let’s clarify some key concepts:

• Green Wood vs. Seasoned Wood: Green wood is freshly cut and has a high moisture content (often 50% or higher). Seasoned wood has been dried to a moisture content of 20% or less, making it ideal for burning. Burning green wood is inefficient, produces more smoke, and can lead to creosote buildup in chimneys.
• Logging Tools: This encompasses a wide range of equipment, from basic axes and wedges to sophisticated forestry machinery. Chainsaws, of course, are a central component.
• Firewood Processing: This includes felling trees (if necessary), bucking (cutting logs into shorter lengths), splitting, and stacking for drying.
• Bucking: Cutting a felled tree into manageable sections.
• Felling: Safely cutting down a tree.
• Limbing: Removing branches from a felled tree.

Husqvarna 257 vs 359: The Main Event

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. The Husqvarna 257 and 359 are both professional-grade chainsaws, but they cater to slightly different needs.

Husqvarna 257: The Reliable Workhorse

The Husqvarna 257 is a mid-range chainsaw known for its reliability and robust construction. It’s a solid choice for homeowners, farmers, and occasional users who need a dependable saw for firewood cutting, tree trimming, and general property maintenance.

• Engine: Typically powered by a 50.2cc engine.
• Power Output: Around 3.5 horsepower.
• Weight: Approximately 11.5 pounds (without bar and chain).
• Bar Length: Usually runs a 16-20 inch bar.
• Pros: Easier to start, lighter weight, simpler design.
• Cons: Less powerful than the 359, may struggle with larger diameter logs.

Husqvarna 359: The Powerhouse

The Husqvarna 359 is a more powerful and versatile chainsaw designed for professional users and those who demand more performance. It’s well-suited for felling larger trees, bucking thick logs, and tackling demanding woodcutting tasks.

• Engine: Typically powered by a 59cc engine.
• Power Output: Around 3.9 horsepower.
• Weight: Approximately 12.8 pounds (without bar and chain).
• Bar Length: Can handle 16-24 inch bars.
• Pros: More power, faster cutting speed, better suited for larger trees and harder wood.
• Cons: Heavier than the 257, can be more tiring to use for extended periods, slightly more complex to maintain.

Choosing the Right Saw: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, which saw is right for you? Here’s a structured approach to help you decide:

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

• Frequency of Use: How often will you be using the chainsaw? If it’s only a few times a year for light tasks, the 257 might suffice. If you’re a frequent user or professional, the 359 is a better investment.
• Type of Wood: What kind of wood will you be cutting? Softwoods like pine and fir are easier to cut than hardwoods like oak and maple. If you primarily cut hardwoods, the 359 will be more efficient.
• Log Diameter: What is the average diameter of the logs you’ll be cutting? If you frequently encounter logs larger than 12 inches in diameter, the 359 is the better choice.
• Physical Strength and Stamina: The 359 is heavier and more powerful, which can be tiring for extended use. If you’re not accustomed to using chainsaws, the lighter 257 might be a more manageable option.
• Budget: Consider your budget. The 359 is generally more expensive than the 257.

Step 2: Compare Specifications

Create a simple table comparing the key specifications of each saw:

Step 3: Consider User Reviews

Read online reviews and forums to get feedback from other users who have experience with both saws. Pay attention to comments about reliability, ease of use, and performance in different conditions.

Step 4: Test Drive (If Possible)

If possible, try out both saws before making a decision. Many Husqvarna dealers will allow you to test the saws on a log or piece of wood. This will give you a feel for the weight, balance, and power of each saw.

Step 5: Make Your Decision

Based on your needs, specifications, user reviews, and test drive (if applicable), choose the saw that best fits your requirements.

Beyond the Chainsaw: Essential Wood Processing Tools

While the chainsaw is the star of the show, it’s not the only tool you’ll need for effective wood processing. Here’s a rundown of other essential equipment:

• Axes: For splitting logs, felling small trees, and limbing branches. A good splitting axe is a must-have for firewood preparation.
• Wedges: To help split stubborn logs. Steel wedges are more durable, but wooden wedges are less likely to damage your chainsaw chain if you accidentally hit them.
• Sledgehammer: To drive wedges into logs.
• Cant Hook: To roll logs for easier cutting. This is especially useful for larger logs.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure consistent log lengths when bucking firewood.
• Safety Gear: This is non-negotiable. Always wear a helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
• First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor cuts and scrapes.
• File and Filing Guide: To sharpen your chainsaw chain. A sharp chain is essential for efficient and safe cutting.
• Chainsaw Maintenance Kit: Includes spare parts, oil, and grease for maintaining your chainsaw.

The Art of Felling: A Detailed Guide

Felling a tree is a serious undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely felling a tree:

Step 1: Assess the Tree and Surroundings

• Lean: Determine the natural lean of the tree. This will influence the direction it will fall.
• Wind: Pay attention to the wind direction. Wind can significantly alter the tree’s trajectory.
• Obstacles: Identify any obstacles in the area, such as power lines, buildings, roads, or other trees.
• Escape Route: Plan a clear escape route away from the falling tree at a 45-degree angle to the intended felling direction.

Step 2: Clear the Area

• Remove any brush, debris, or obstacles that could impede your movement or escape route.
• Create a clear area around the base of the tree.

Step 3: Make the Notch Cut

• The notch cut is a wedge-shaped cut that determines the direction of the fall.
• Make the upper cut of the notch at a 45-degree angle, penetrating about one-third of the tree’s diameter.
• Make the lower cut of the notch horizontally, meeting the upper cut to create a clean wedge.
• Remove the wedge.

Step 4: Make the Back Cut

• The back cut is made on the opposite side of the tree from the notch.
• Start the back cut slightly above the bottom of the notch.
• Leave a hinge of wood (about 10% of the tree’s diameter) between the back cut and the notch. This hinge will help control the fall of the tree.
• As you approach the hinge, monitor the tree for any signs of movement.
• If necessary, use wedges to help push the tree over in the desired direction.

Step 5: Retreat and Observe

• As the tree begins to fall, retreat quickly along your planned escape route.
• Keep your eye on the tree until it has completely fallen.

Important Safety Considerations:

• Never fell a tree alone. Always have a spotter present.
• Never fell a tree in high winds or during inclement weather.
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
• If you are not comfortable felling a tree, hire a professional arborist.

Limbing and Bucking: Transforming Trees into Usable Logs

Once the tree is on the ground, the next step is to limb it and buck it into manageable logs.

Limbing:

• Start at the base of the tree and work your way up, removing branches as you go.
• Use caution when limbing branches that are under tension. They can spring back unexpectedly.
• Cut branches close to the trunk to avoid leaving stubs.

Bucking:

• Determine the desired length of your logs. For firewood, a common length is 16 inches.
• Use a measuring tape to mark the log at the desired intervals.
• Use your chainsaw to cut the log into sections at the marked points.
• When bucking logs that are resting on the ground, be careful not to let the chainsaw chain hit the dirt. This can dull the chain quickly.

Splitting Logs: From Rounds to Ready-to-Burn Firewood

Splitting logs is a necessary step in firewood preparation. Here’s how to split logs safely and efficiently:

Step 1: Choose Your Splitting Method

• Axe: A traditional method that requires strength and technique. Use a splitting axe with a heavy head and a long handle.
• Wedges and Sledgehammer: Useful for splitting tough or knotty logs.
• Log Splitter: A hydraulic machine that makes splitting logs much easier and faster. Log splitters are available in both electric and gas-powered models.

Step 2: Position the Log

• Place the log on a solid, stable surface, such as a chopping block.
• Ensure that the log is positioned so that the grain is running vertically.

Step 3: Split the Log

• Axe: Position the axe head over the center of the log and swing with force. Use your legs and core muscles to generate power.
• Wedges and Sledgehammer: Drive the wedge into the log with the sledgehammer. If necessary, use multiple wedges to split the log completely.
• Log Splitter: Place the log on the log splitter and activate the hydraulic ram. The ram will push the log against a wedge, splitting it in half.

Important Safety Considerations:

• Always wear safety glasses when splitting logs.
• Keep your hands and feet clear of the axe or wedge.
• Use a log splitter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Seasoning Firewood: The Key to Efficient Burning

Seasoning firewood is crucial for efficient and clean burning. Green wood contains a high moisture content, which makes it difficult to ignite and burns inefficiently. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, has a low moisture content and burns hot and clean.

Step 1: Split the Wood

• Splitting the wood increases the surface area exposed to air, which speeds up the drying process.

Step 2: Stack the Wood Properly

• Stack the wood in a single row, with gaps between the logs to allow for air circulation.
• Orient the stack so that it is exposed to sunlight and wind.
• Elevate the stack off the ground to prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood. You can use pallets or scrap wood to create a platform.

Step 3: Allow Adequate Drying Time

• The amount of time it takes to season firewood depends on the type of wood and the climate. Generally, hardwoods like oak and maple require at least six months to a year to season properly. Softwoods like pine and fir can season in as little as three months.
• Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood. The ideal moisture content for firewood is 20% or less.

Case Study: Optimal Firewood Stacking for Drying

I once consulted with a small firewood producer struggling to meet demand due to slow drying times. Their stacks were large, dense piles that inhibited airflow. By implementing a single-row stacking system with proper spacing and elevation, we reduced drying times by nearly 40%, allowing them to increase production and meet customer orders. This simple change made a significant impact on their business.

Costs, Budgeting, and Resource Management

Wood processing and firewood preparation involve costs that need careful consideration. Here’s a breakdown:

• Equipment Costs: Chainsaws, axes, wedges, log splitters, safety gear, and maintenance tools all contribute to the initial investment.
• Fuel and Oil: Chainsaws require fuel and bar oil, while log splitters may use gasoline or electricity.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Chainsaws and other tools require regular maintenance and occasional repairs.
• Land Access: If you don’t own the land, you may need to pay for access to timber.
• Transportation: Transporting logs and firewood can involve fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear.

Budgeting Tips:

• Create a detailed budget that includes all anticipated costs.
• Consider purchasing used equipment to save money.
• Maintain your equipment properly to extend its lifespan.
• Look for free or low-cost sources of wood, such as fallen trees or storm damage.
• Sell excess firewood to offset your costs.

Resource Management:

• Practice sustainable logging practices to ensure the long-term health of the forest.
• Utilize all parts of the tree, including branches and small pieces of wood.
• Recycle or compost wood waste.
• Minimize fuel consumption by using efficient equipment and techniques.

Troubleshooting and Common Pitfalls

Even with careful planning, wood processing and firewood preparation can present challenges. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Practice: The best way to learn is by doing. Start with small projects and gradually work your way up to larger tasks.
• Seek Guidance: If you are unsure about any aspect of wood processing or firewood preparation, seek guidance from experienced professionals.
• Join a Community: Connect with other woodworkers and firewood enthusiasts online or in person. Share your experiences and learn from others.

Additional Resources:

• Husqvarna Dealers: Find a local Husqvarna dealer for chainsaw sales, service, and parts.
• Forestry Associations: Join a forestry association for access to training, resources, and networking opportunities.
• Arborists: Hire a professional arborist for tree felling and other tree care services.
• Firewood Suppliers: Find local firewood suppliers for seasoned firewood.
• Equipment Rental Services: Rent log splitters and other equipment from local rental services.

Conclusion: Embrace the Craft

Choosing between the Husqvarna 257 and 359 depends entirely on your specific needs and the type of woodcutting you’ll be doing. The 257 offers a reliable and manageable option for lighter tasks, while the 359 provides the power and versatility needed for more demanding jobs.

Wood processing and firewood preparation are rewarding activities that connect us to nature and provide a valuable resource. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this guide, you can safely and efficiently transform raw timber into usable firewood. Remember to prioritize safety, practice sustainable practices, and embrace the craft. Happy woodcutting!

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