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

The Husqvarna 357XP is a 56.5cc chainsaw that was produced between 2003 and 2011.

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

The 357 is known to be a good saw, so if you’ve come across a tidy model for the right price, it’s usually worth grabbing.

A couple of guys came around to cut firewood at my place the other day. One of them, Kynan, brought his 357XP which is featured throughout this post.

Husqvarna 357 XP Chainsaw

	Husqvarna 357	OEM and aftermarket parts Crackcases, cylinders, carbs Fuel tanks, starter assemblies, bars, chains	Parts On HL SupplyParts On Ebay
	Husqvarna 372XP	Higher power professional chainsaw 70cc, 5.5 hp, 16 - 28" bar Weighs 14.6 lbs	View On Acme ToolsView On Northern Tool
	Husqvarna 460 Rancher	Powerful non-pro Husky saw 60cc, 3.6 hp, 18 - 24" bar Weighs 14.5 lbs	View On AmazonView On Tractor Supply

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

However, despite being out of producted for over 10 years, there are still thousands of 357s out there, and they sometimes come up for sale on eBay and Facebook.

They don’t come up for sale all that often, as they are popular.

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

The 357XP is great for:

• Bucking firewood
• Limbing
• Felling trees

And, in fact, I’ve seen it described by many as ‘the ultimate firewood saw.’

There are plenty of better Husky saws out there – for example, most people would choose the 562 or the 371 over the 357XP – but if a 357 comes along at the right time, they’re a good buy.

Keep in mind that it can do with a few modifications and/or fixes to get it running well, but after that, it’s all go.

The most important thing that needs to be replaced on an original 357 is the plastic clamp on the intake boot.

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

Husqvarna 357XP Specs And Features:

Here’s how Husqvarna described the 357 when it was being sold new at the 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 ccs, 4.4 hp
• 3.2 Kw of power
• Dry weight of 12.1 lbs
• 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

You can see these 357 specs compared with the 359 and 562 in the table below.

The was also a Husqvarna 357 XP G Chainsaw – the G means that it has heated handles for use in cold climates (more Husqvarna chainsaw designations).

There is a 562 XP G model that replaced it.

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 357 was sold by dealers with a 16, 18, or 20″ bar, and it’s recommended for use with 13 – 20″ bars.

However, it’s not uncommon to hear of people who run 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 wasn’t sold as an extreme daily use chainsaw for pro-foresters, loggers, arborists, and so on.

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

Husqvarna 357XP 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.

Husqvarna 357 Review

You can see how the 357XP runs in this video.

This forestry worker drops a decent-sized tree with the saw and then proceeds to limb and buck up the log – he also might be one of the most efficient workers I’ve seen.

But you’ll see the saw is powerful, gutsy, and lightweight enough to throw around a bit.

Kynan, whose 357 saw is pictured in this post, really likes his saw.

We were using it for ringing up some very dense gum for firewood, and it didn’t have any trouble.

It kept up pretty well with another friend Tim’s Stihl 440 Magnum.

All in all, it’s a good chainsaw for a range of regular heavy-duty tasks.

Pros:

• Powerful
• Tough/durable
• Lightweight and maneuverable

Cons:

• Auto decompression
• Plastic intake clamp
• Parts becoming harder to find

The Husky 357

Is the Husqvarna 357 any good?

I think so!

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

I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up if I saw it for a decent price, even if it was only for the chainsaw collection. Another good example is the Husqvarna 262 XP.

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

Lastly, check out the Husqvarna Technical chainsaw chaps if you’re in need of a new pair – they’re really good!