Summary:
Excellent chord wood and limbing saw. Always starts and runs all day if you keep it clean. Great saw, but if your a big guy I might recommend the next model up! No parts replaced so far even running 10% ethanol

Strengths:
Very powerful saw for its size. I would recommend running it with a 18" bar to keep the drag reduced. A great saw for somebody who is cutting firewood up to 20" inches in diameter. My advice is let this saw do the work and don't push it when cutting 14" and greater diameters. The saw is very light and manueverable. I have cut between 30-35 chords and so far no problems. Keep the saw clean before every outing to maximize its performance.

Weaknesses:
It can bind if the chain is not allowed enough space to clear the sawdust. Keep the blade out of the snow:) a no brainer. I am 6'4" and would not recommend this saw for a tall person there is a lot of bending over b/c you can't run a longer bar/chain. When felling it lacks acceleration when you get to 18" diameter or greater.

Summary:
Sharp chain and pressing the decompression button on the side is the key to making this saw work well for you. If you've used a 51 in the past you'll like the weight of this but it won't feel as thoug it has as much power. Press the decompression. Find a good chain that isn't a saftey anti kick chain and keep it sharp, and you'll be fine.

Strengths:
Good weight and good power. Runs well. Can take a beating, and keep going.

Weaknesses:
If you forget to press the decompression button on the side the saw becomes a bit moody and may or may not start. When the chain becomes somewhat dull it does bog down.

Summary:
I just cut wood for personal use and this saw has been fantastic. Starts easily even after sitting all summer.

Strengths:
Reliable saw that runs strong. I've been running mine for 5 years now and it's still going strong. Still starts easily, idles well, and rips through wood. Easy to maintain.

Weaknesses:
Must buy only Husquvarna parts. I needed a new bar and chain and bought the Oregon brand which claimed to be the same. I had all sorts of trouble keeping the chain tight and the saw running well. I switched back to Husquvarna parts and it's worked great ever since.

Summary:
You won't find a better 52cc saw for under $400.00....I tried. Run only 92 octane gas and synthetic oil(40 to 1) and this saw will never let you down. I own 5 Husqvarna saws, this one is the smallest, and gets used the most!

Strengths:
I own several Husqvarna saws, and this one has been an excellent saw. It's lightweight, high reving, reliable, and with an 18" 325 chain will out cut my 359 with a 3/8 chain (both semi-chisel profiles) After 100 face cords of wood, it still hasn't missed a beat....Not a better saw on the market for less than $400.00 I bought a new Stihl MS290 last year (57cc 18" 325 chain)looking for a saw with a little more blocking speed, but it's performance wasn't even on par with this 353, and it weighed more, was wider, and even after tuning, didn't cut as fast(needless to say, sold it and bought a 359) Keep the chain sharp and tight, and you will not find a better saw for firewood cutting. Run only semi-chisel 325 chains.. The square tooth chisels get dull after 1/2 tank of gas, and then you try to use the saw for a lever. This saw always starts in 4-5 pulls cold, & 1 hot.

Weaknesses:
Jetted lean from factory, so cut off the limiters on the fuel fixture adjustment screws to richen them up....Thats it!!!

Summary:
great saw

Strengths:
very powerful saw, replaced a 025 sthil saw and the difference is very clear! Starts good hot or cold!

Weaknesses:
none found yet

Summary:
FxStVK Author, keep doing in the same way..!

Strengths:
FxStVK Author, keep doing in the same way..!

Weaknesses:
FxStVK Author, keep doing in the same way..!

Summary:
tough as a coffin nail and havent seen anything close to its size that can out cut it

Strengths:
fast fast fast keep a sharp chisel or semi chisel chain on it and let it eat wood

Weaknesses:
limiters on idle adjustment screws wont let it be richened up enough to idle more than about 3 seconds (i cut the limiter off) wish it had a little larger fule tank