I did it!

[Steve]

After many years I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a 550xp. I originally was going to get the heated handles but it felt really heavy compared to non heated and I only can think of one time that I really could have used that option. I'm super excited and can't wait till Saturday to go cut something!

I was surprised by all the extras the saw came with. Two air filters, one felt and one silk. Two screnches, the normal 13, 19, flat blade and an 8, 10 ,4mm allen. Cold weather kit, sprocket grease gun and grease. I also purchased the 3 cans of fuel for a total of 4 years of warranty.

Already impressed and I haven't even started it yet!

 

[tree monkey]

so who's gonna port it?

 

[Steve]

I need to start it first. I just assume it runs!

 

[Wolverine]

4yr is great. The 5xx series Husky that I ran was the smoothest cutting saw I've experienced. Porting will kill the warranty though.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Just don't tell'em it was ported. Just say it was a manufacturing flaw that made the saw run better.

 

[Chainsaw Jim]

Porting will kill the warranty though.

That all depends on who you buy it from and who ports it. There are several dealers on the west coast who will give it the works and the saw will still be under full warranty.
The list is very very short to non-existent when it comes to having a saw ported privately and still getting warranty coverage from the dealer.

 

[Chainganger]

Good luck with that grease gun for the chain sprocket! I almost stroked out trying to get it to work.

 

[Ryan Browne]

Good luck with that grease gun for the chain sprocket! I almost stroked out trying to get it to work.

I know there's different schools of thought on the bar grease issue, and I'm not trying to change anyone's mind here, but I've never greased a tip sprocket. A man I know who teaches a logging course advises to grease the sprocket every time you fuel up, or never. He claimed his info was from Oregon and that they were saying that bar oil does a good enough job lubing the bearings. If you grease the tip, the thick grease prevents the thinner oil from reaching the bearings, so you need to grease often. Also, greasing forces whatever junk has built up in the grease hole into the bearings.

Anyway, if you grease your sprockets and have success with that, I'm happy for you, and by no means challenging that method, just mentioning another way of going about it.


Congrats on the new 550, Steve!

 

[Mastermind]

Nice saw......

 

[dustinwilt68]

Do these have any issues with crank bearings like the 562XP randy?

 

[Steve]

I know there's different schools of thought on the bar grease issue, and I'm not trying to change anyone's mind here, but I've never greased a tip sprocket. A man I know who teaches a logging course advises to grease the sprocket every time you fuel up, or never. He claimed his info was from Oregon and that they were saying that bar oil does a good enough job lubing the bearings. If you grease the tip, the thick grease prevents the thinner oil from reaching the bearings, so you need to grease often. Also, greasing forces whatever junk has built up in the grease hole into the bearings.

Anyway, if you grease your sprockets and have success with that, I'm happy for you, and by no means challenging that method, just mentioning another way of going about it.


Congrats on the new 550, Steve!

First off, thank you. Second, in the instructions it shows the pto side of the crank is hollow and has a grease channel time the clutch sprocket bearing. I haven't taken the cover off yet to check but I thought that was a neat way to service that bearing.

 

[Landmark]

I wouldnt port it. Mine has only a MM and I love it. Congrats on your new 550. You will enjoy how smooth and fast it revs.

 

[dustinwilt68]

Cool, to know you can grease it, been thinking about 1 of these myself

 

[Wolverine]

just mentioning another way of going about it

Don't grease the tip they said, it'll be fine they said.

Lol. Not flaming here, just thought this pic I ran across today was fitting.

 

[pro94lt]

Love the 550, it's a workhorse. Smooth fast revving agile 50cc saw... One thing every new 550xp owner should know is

1. When their first ran the power is low compared to what it will be after several gallons. I don't know why some saws get so much stronger with time but the 2 550s I got got alot stronger than the average saw does... enjoy

 

[Ryan Browne]

Don't grease the tip they said, it'll be fine they said.
View attachment 48138
Lol. Not flaming here, just thought this pic I ran across today was fitting.

Yeah, I know there is not unanimous agreement on the issue on either side. I didn't read it as a flame at all.

My understanding is that most tip failures are the result of a pinch, not just from lack of lubricant. I'm not a pro, though, and I've never had one fail, so my regurgitated advice is only worth what you paid for it.

 

[dustinwilt68]

All gd things to hear about the 550xp so far, I like. Makes me want 1 more now. I have been nervous about the 5 series saws.

 

[Steve]

Love the 550, it's a workhorse. Smooth fast revving agile 50cc saw... One thing every new 550xp owner should know is

1. When their first ran the power is low compared to what it will be after several gallons. I don't know why some saws get so much stronger with time but the 2 550s I got got alot stronger than the average saw does... enjoy

I am aware thanks to you guys on this forum. You guys have also taught me that the runability on the first tank will be less than ideal till the auto tune learns itsself.

Thank you everyone that has shared your experiences with 550xp.

 

[Steve]

All gd things to hear about the 550xp so far, I like. Makes me want 1 more now. I have been nervous about the 5 series saws.

4 year warranty and a great dealer takes all my fears away

 

[Ryan Browne]

On the tip subject, Madsen's has a little blurb on this page:

http://www.madsens1.com/bnc_noses.htm