254XP or 257XP?

[XP_Slinger]

My local dealer has a 254 & 257 for sale that are both in respectable used condition for nearly the same price. I'm not all that familiar with either model except that both models informed the later 357XP which I love. So which one should I go after? Is one stronger than the other or are they pretty well even with each other? This saw will be my brothers replacement for his CP 55 so I think either saw would be a win. Thanks for the help....

 

[Simondo]

If you cant get both and then move 1 on to help fund the one you keep then.....254 xp all the way for me. 254 is a full pro saw..257 is sorta semi pro. Like 357 V 359.

 

[XP_Slinger]

If you cant get both and then move 1 on to help fund the one you keep then.....254 xp all the way for me. 254 is a full pro saw..257 is sorta semi pro. Like 357 V 359.

Thanks for the info....had no idea there was a difference like that between them being that they're both XP saws. How does the 257 respond to port work? In case I grab that one for myself

 

[Simondo]

Thanks for the info....had no idea there was a difference like that between them being that they're both XP saws. How does the 257 respond to port work? In case I grab that one for myself

Cant say as iv never run a ported one . There the same case with a slightly different cylinder and carb... HDA 35b (254) HDA 120 (257) mostly . The 257 has more width in the bore to get the CC but the same stroke as the 254. The 257 is by no means a slouch ..its just that the 254 is a little peach and even better with even a basic opening of the muffler. Its 3.9 hp as standard , not heavy or big and was a bit of a class act in the day. The 257 isnt a xp by the way, in the same way as the 357 is and the 359 isnt. The 200 group are good to work on ...pics of a 254 i went through so you get a feel for the lay out.

 

[SawTroll]

If you cant get both and then move 1 on to help fund the one you keep then.....254 xp all the way for me. 254 is a full pro saw..257 is sorta semi pro. Like 357 V 359.

Yes, the 257 certainly wasn't an xp, it was a semi-pro with an open port top end and a rather low power to weight ratio. To add insult to injury it was based on the 262xp, not on the (lighter) 254xp. It still cuts wood rather nicely, but is a bit large and heavy for the performance.

This means that a 257 is a better candidate for upgrading to a 262xp though, than a 254/254xp is - it just is a matter of the top end, muffler and clutch.

 

[Dub11]

Yes, the 257 certainly wasn't an xp, it was a semi-pro with an open port top end and a rather low power to weight ratio. To add insult to injury it was based on the 262xp, not on the (lighter) 254xp. It still cuts wood rather nicely, but is a bit large and heavy for the performance.

So is there a difference between a 254/254 xp ?

This means that a 257 is a better candidate for upgrading to a 262xp though, than a 254/254xp is - it just is a matter of the top end, muffler and clutch.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Thanks for the replies...learn something every day

 

[Simondo]

Yes, the 257 certainly wasn't an xp, it was a semi-pro with an open port top end and a rather low power to weight ratio. To add insult to injury it was based on the 262xp, not on the (lighter) 254xp. It still cuts wood rather nicely, but is a bit large and heavy for the performance.

This means that a 257 is a better candidate for upgrading to a 262xp though, than a 254/254xp is - it just is a matter of the top end, muffler and clutch.

Well Nico I didnt know the case was not the same as the 254 ...so your saying it has the 262 case?
That would mean the 254 is a case design on its own ?

 

[Simondo]

Thanks for the replies...learn something every day

Me to

 

[Simondo]

@Dub11 254 was the early saws (sometimes with the mettle chain brake ), then they were given the xp logo as they were upgraded .They still are a closed port cylinder without the XP on the tag.

 

[Dub11]

So p/c wise there the same I jist pick up a 254xp need some work was just trying to find a little more info.

 

[SawTroll]

Well Nico I didnt know the case was not the same as the 254 ...so your saying it is has the 262 case?
That would mean the 254 is a case design on its own ?

As far as I know, it isn't about the case, but about the crank - or more specifically the con rod (and the top cover). The case was the same, but the con rod was longer on anything in that "family" but the 154SE/254/254xp (the 154 was the first saw in the "family"), and the top cover higher.

There is something I don't quite understand with that saw "family" though, and that is why the 262xp etc needs a higher top cover, when the deck height and stroke is the same? The length of the con rod shouldn't really matter, as long as the deck height and the stroke is the same, that's just a matter on how high on the piston the wrist pin is.
Of course it could be as simple as the angle of the spark plug, as with the 266 vs. 268, but I don't know that as a fact.

 

[Simondo]

So p/c wise there the same I jist pick up a 254xp need some work was just trying to find a little more info.

I "Think so" Iv never been inside a real early one to see first hand . Spec shows no difference on the bore or stroke from the start to finish . The cylinders can be KS or Mahle and later ones had a de comp.

 

[Dub11]

Thanks Ill post more next time I go outside

 

[Simondo]

It isn't about the case, but about the crank - or more specifically the con rod (and the top cover).

With you now....

 

[rattler]

I got a 254 and a 154 have had a few 262,s and a couple 257,s the all very nice saws a ported 254 makes a strong saw I have a 254 ported by zoo city saws that's is one stout saw he sent it for me to have some fun with

 

[Onan18]

I am going to say it depends on what you are wanting to do with it. If it's primary duty is limbing then 254 all the way, it is lighter and faster. If you are looking for a more "all around" firewood saw then the 257 would be my choice. And I personally like the open port cylinder for a firewood saw, it has a broader torque curve and lugs better than the closed port cylinder.

Joe

 

[Dub11]

Maybe I should just put a 55 head on mine Because the 254 oem p/c is way to much. am around 120

 

[Simondo]

As far as I know, it isn't about the case, but about the crank - or more specifically the con rod (and the top cover). The case was the same, but the con rod was longer on anything in that "family" but the 154SE/254/254xp (the 154 was the first saw in the "family"), and the top cover higher.

There is something I don't quite understand with that saw "family" though, and that is why the 262xp etc needs a higher top cover, when the deck height and stroke is the same? The length of the con rod shouldn't really matter, as long as the deck height and the stroke is the same, that's just a matter on how high on the piston the wrist pin is.
Of course it could be as simple as the angle of the spark plug, as with the 266 vs. 268, but I don't know that as a fact.

I put some of the lift in cover down to the muffler being a little taller up front and the back end needing to make room for the filter pack.

 

[Stump Shot]

@XP_Slinger , this is a no brainer, buy both saws, one for your brother and one for yourself. If you don't you'll be kicking yourself later.