Husqvarna 359 Chainsaw Review: Should You Buy It Second Hand?

The Husqvarna 359 is a popular 59 cc, 3.6 hp chainsaw made between 2001 – 2010.

Those lucky enough to own one are full of praise for the chainsaw and rarely have any complaints.

You cannot buy a new Husqvarna 359, as it was discontinued—along with the 357 XP built on the same chassis—in 2011 with the release of the Husqvarna 500 series.

If you find a second-hand one for sale, it’s usually a good idea to grab it before someone else does. They sell quickly!

Husqvarna 359 Chainsaw

While the Husqvarna 359 is not technically a pro-level saw, it is at the top of Husqvarna’s non-commercial saws.

It’s perfect for home and farm use. It’s not an entry-level saw like the Husqvarna 440 or 445, so can be run for many hours a day.

It’s a great option for those processing between 5 and 10 cords of firewood per year. It has a long history of use with professional chainsaw users and is popular in the tree feller and arborist communities.

Alongside cutting firewood, it’s commonly used for:

• Pruning or limbing trees
• Felling small to medium-sized trees
• Light to medium firewood duties
• Storm clean-up
• Other farm and ranch tasks

The 359 is not a good chainsaw for milling or felling larger trees, nor for heavy use. You’d be better off with a professional logging chainsaw for that work.

Overall, the 359 is a reliable saw that can last 10+ years with proper use, care, and maintenance.

Husqvarna 359 versions

Besides the standard model, there are three other models in the 359 series:

• Husqvarna 359 E-TECH
• Husqvarna 359 G – indicates heated handles and/or carb
• And the Husqvarna 359 G E-TECH

You can find out more about the different Husqvarna designations.

The E Tech version 359 has a different muffler from the original model.

It’s a catalytic muffler that is said to make them run hotter, but it is less popular in the Husky community.

Husqvarna says, “E-TECH engines are optimized for power, environmental features, and handling. They combine high power and low weight with reduced exhaust emissions and user-friendly features.” This is different from the Husqvarna e-series designation.

Having someone who knows what they’re doing complete a Husqvarna 359 muffler mod can help here.

Husqvarna 359 reviews

A quick search for the 359 in the chainsaw forums and Facebook groups reveals that this is an extremely popular chainsaw.

One user, Edward, said:

The 359 is, in my opinion, the most underrated saw Husky makes.

Its power to weight and size ratios alone make it one of my “go to” saws.

While you will hear of needing to get it ported for maximum benefit, this isn’t necessary for the average user.

Porting a chainsaw cylinder is a modification that gives the chainsaw more power and allows it to run stronger and cooler.

If you’re considering buying a ported 359 saw, it’s best to ensure it was done correctly to have peace of mind.

Here are more user reviews from the Husqvarna Chainsaw FB group.

Colin said:

A good saw?

Indeed.

Even a great saw for starting out.

It can be made better, but if you’re learning, keep it as it is.

Harold said:

I have a 2159 and a 359. Love the saw. Nice grunt power and works well in really hard wood.

Running 20” bars on both and they cut very well, through wide stuff.

They are known to have carb issue with the accelerator pump. Swap the factory walbro out and it will run very well.

Danny said:

The original intake clamp on them were plastic.

Over time they loosened up and let extra air into the intake which caused a lean condition. Usually causing catastrophic engine damage.

A new steel clamp is now available.

I have 2 359s and love them. One has the original Walbro 199B. The other has a Zama.

Buy them and enjoy the project! Good luck.

Ryan said:

I have two, they are great saws. Do yourself a favor and buy a new intake for it with the metal clamp. Air leaks kill these saws.

Kyle said:

Good saw but go through the intake and replace the clamp with a metal one and make sure there are no leaks.

I burned mine up in about 4 tanks after the rebuild because of that stupid thing.

• Mark said: “I would go with a Husqvarna 365 that way you can use a 28″ bar.”
• Patrick said: “Good saw. Check the manifold joint has been upgraded. If it is an auto decomp, block it.”
• Dan said: “Great saw, have a few of them.”
• James said: “Good saw. Lots of torque for its size.”
• Erik said: “My favorite all-around saw.”
• Brandon said: “Good saw. Better if you swap a 357 XP top end on it. The bottom end is the same.”
• Nathan said: “She can pull a 20″ bar all day. Best saw I owned.”
• Shawn said: “Have yet to run a ported 357. Best stock saw I’ve ever run.”
• Dan said: “I have 2 etech and one older version. All 3 have never let me down.”

And Norman said:

Horrible saw. I can dispose of it properly for you. PM me for shipping address 😁

Other popular discontinued models include the Husqvarna 51 and the Husqvarna 141, though these are far less powerful.

The best ways to get more power out of the 359:

• Porting and a muffler mod wake these saws up big time – you could see a 25% gain with no machine work.
• Lower transfers – open up the lower transfers
• Base gasket delete and port the cylinder

Specs and features

Exact features can vary between chainsaws produced at different times and locations.

Here are the standard features that you’ll find on most 359s:

• Anti-vibration dampeners absorb vibration
• Durable magnesium crankcase
• Centrifugal air cleaning system allows longer operating time between filter cleanings
• Ergonomic angled front handle
• Adjustable oil pump
• Side-mounted chain tensioner
• Compression release button for easy starting
• Easy start choke/stop control

Again, the exact specs can vary between units made at different times and in different locations.

• Displacement: 59 cc / 3.6 cu in
• Power: 3.9 hp / 2.9 kW
• Fuel capacity: 0.68 liter / 1.44 US pint
• Bar oil capacity: 0.38 liter / 0.80 US pint
• Weight: 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg (without bar)

For more information, see the Husqvarna 359 user manual.

The 359 is recommended for use with a 13-20-inch bar, though you’ll find accounts of people using larger bars as well.

Most owners of this saw run either an 18 or 20-inch bar. A new Husqvarna 359 was typically sold with a 20-inch bar.

The type of chainsaw chain you run will depend on the bar and the type of work you are doing. A 3/8 chain pitch is good, but a .325 also runs well.

Engine problems

You’ve just bought or been given one of these chainsaws and can’t get it started or are discovering some problems.

Here are some of the things to consider and check:

• Oil pump seals and hose
• Check for an air leak – the seals or intake could be leaking
• The fuel tank pickup filter could be dirty/clogged
• Check the compression
• Could have a cracked gas line (may need new carb and all new lines)
• If it has a plastic intake clamp replace the intake boot and clamp
• Check the spark-plug – they can stop sparking inside the cylinder when they get close to operating temperature

The Husqvarna 359 chainsaws came with a Walbro carb that has an accelerator pump in them that often fails.

If you change out the carb and update the intake this can solve the issue.  You must replace it with a Zama carb with no accelerator pump. These can be picked up on eBay here for around $20 or search Zama C3 El-42.

It may only need a quick fix. Are all the screws on the top plate of the carburetor secure, for example? Sometimes, that’s all that is required to get her humming.

Leaking bar oil

It’s not uncommon for chainsaws to leak bar oil. The Husqvarna 359 is somewhat known for it!

They are great saws but tend to leak where the pump attaches to the suction line from the oil tank. You can get a new replacement line and this will solve it – for a couple of years!

Inner oil feed pipes for a Husky 359 (and most other models) can be purchased for $10 or less.

They will also leak if left sitting in the sun or in a warm location. Pressure builds in the tank, and the oil finds a way out.

Many have just learned to live with it by storing them on their side or empty. You can turn the saw 90 degrees to the side and store it that way. It’s not a fix but it does stop leaking!

Here are some other ideas on how to deal with a 359 leaking oil:

• Put a fuel-resistant gasket maker around the hose that fits into the oil tank
• Use Permatex Motoseal to create a tough flexible bond if you know where it’s leaking
• Silicon, where the line goes into the tank, may also solve it
• Try an aftermarket oil pump like this one
• Consider and check if the case is cracked

A chainsaw that leaks bar oil isn’t new, nor is it the end of the world. However, it is a pain, and it’s good to get on top of it!

Price and alternatives

How much should you pay for a used Husky 359?

It’s difficult to say for sure, but expect anywhere from $200 – $400.

If you can pick one up for less than $200, it’s likely to be a good deal, especially as they have become harder to find.

As always, it will depend on the condition and whether any parts have been replaced or modifications made.

The Husqvarna 359 price was around $600 when new.

Comparable or alternative chainsaws:

• 550 XP – lighter, less vibration, and faster
• 555 – similar power/ basically a renewed 359 with a modernized engine and carb
• 372 XP – faster running professional saw

Husqvarna 359 Chain Saw

When buying a second-hand chainsaw it can be best to go with your gut.

If something tells you there might be something wrong with the saw or the seller, it might be best to pass on the offer.

If it’s at a great price then there’s not much to lose!

A 359 that has been looked after and is in good condition is worth its weight in gold. It can be purchased knowing it will be great for all work around the home and farm.

The 359 is no 562 XP, and cannot be compared to the new 585, but it’s great in its class and will always have a strong fanbase.