Husqvarna 357 XP Chainsaw Review: Specs, Features, Price, Alternatives

The Husqvarna 357 XP is a 56.5 cc pro-level chainsaw produced from 2003 to 2011.

It has a 4.4 hp engine and is built on the same chassis as the very similar, but non-professional, Husqvarna 359.

The 357 is a good saw, so if you find a tidy model for the right price, it’s usually worth grabbing.

Husqvarna 357 XP Chainsaw

The 357 XP was replaced in 2011 by the 562 XP – a saw still available for sale today.

However, despite being out of production for over ten years, plenty of used 357s are available for sale online.

More often than not, when someone tries to move on a 357, it’s in exchange for a more powerful saw, like the 372 XP.

The 357 XP is great for:

• Bucking firewood
• Felling small trees
• Limbing trees

Many described it as ‘the ultimate firewood saw.’

The plastic clamp on the intake boot commonly needs to be replaced.

Replace it with a metal intake clamp (available on Amazon) to prevent an air leak from damaging or destroying your piston and cylinder.

Husqvarna 357 reviews

The 357 pictured throughout this article belongs to a fellow who was cutting wood at our place.

He’s used it for years and never had any problems. It’s been reliable and perfectly suited for gathering his yearly firewood.

Here are more 357 XP reviews from the Husqvarna Saws FB group:

• Dan said, “I’ve had one for 10 years or more never had an issue would definitely buy another one.”
• Jason said, “Perfect firewood saw. Even at $400 a nice one is a good buy.”
• Steve said, “Love my 357xp ported & muff mod, it eats!!”
• Rich said, “Always liked the 357. Had one with heated handles back in the day.”
• Douglas said, “Best saw made!”
• Zach said, “I do love the 359 and 357, gotta say though that a 562 will spank both of them.”
• Tom said, “Had a 357 for a long time, O problems.”
• Edward said, “One of the best all-around saws you can have in your arsenal.”

Wayne said:

I bought one in 2006 and it’s still running strong.

It’s a little heavy for the hp but I’ve cut a ton of dead ash trees without a problem.

I have a 20” and a 16” bar for mine.

Nelson said:

They are in my opinion the best saw husky produced.

I would pay $3-400 all day, even for a rough one. Parts aren’t cheap but you’ll barely need any.

Dale said:

Both the 357 and 359 are very good saws just need aftermarket mufflers to wake them up.

357xp is a little more powerful but 359 hangs with it just a tad bit slower not much though.

The 357 is the better of the 2 but both worth owning. I have a 359 currently and buying a 357 still to run a 24” on

Specs and features

Here’s how Husqvarna described the 357 when it was being sold new by dealers.

The Husqvarna 357 XP® is among our latest generation of professional saws. It’s the perfect all-around saw for everything from felling, to limbing and to cross-cutting.

High power and rapid acceleration in combination with superior ergonomics, low vibration levels, and a slim body ensure both effectiveness and less effort.

A lightweight, effective, and reliable saw for demanding professional applications.

357 XP specs:

• 56.5 cc / 3.44 cu in
• 4.4 hp / 3.2 kW
• 12.1 lbs dry weight
• 14,000 max RPMs
• 2,700 idle RPMs
• 1.81″/46 mm cylinder bore
• 1.34/34 mm piston stroke
• Centrifugal clutch
• Champion RCJ7Y spark plug
• 101 dB(A) sound pressure for operator

There is also a Husqvarna 357 XP G Chainsaw version—the G means that it has heated handles for use in cold climates (Husqvarna chainsaw designations).

357 XP features:

• Low vibe for smoother handling
• Adjustable oil pump for changing the flow in different seasons/climates
• Magnesium crankcase that withstands higher RPMs and tougher use
• Air injection and centrifugal air cleaning system improves engine life
• Three piece crankshaft makes it more durable
• Smart Start feature reduces starter cord resistance by up to 40%
• Ergonomic front handle offset at 7 degrees to reduce fatigue

The saw is recommended for use with 13 – 20″ bars. It’s common to hear of people running up to 28″ bars on ported 357s.

357 XP vs. 359 vs. 562 XP

The 357 has more power than the 359, being an XP (Extra Power), whereas the 359 is not.

The 357 is not suitable as a daily-use chainsaw for pro foresters, loggers, arborists, and others.

It was (and is) a heavy-duty chainsaw for frequent use by semi-pros, farmers, ranchers, and other large property owners with trees to clear.

Price and parts

How much did the Husqvarna 357XP cost when it was new?

In 2010, not long before it was discontinued, the Husqvarna 357XP had a ‘Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price’ of $689.95 with an 18″ bar.

Nowadays, you can see them listed for sale online for about the same price which makes sense given the ridiculous level of inflation we’re seeing.

Here’s where you can buy a 357 XP or find parts:

• On eBay here – for working saws, non-working saws, parts
• HL Supply – for OEM and aftermarket parts including carbs
• On Amazon here – aftermarket and OEM parts

Some parts can be difficult to find, so ask around in your local chainsaw groups if you can’t see what you’re looking for on these sites.

The Husky 357

Is the Husqvarna 357 any good?

We think so!

It’s an excellent chainsaw for firewood and other clearing, pruning, or felling tasks.

Let us know if you have any questions or comments down below.