New 545/550xp saws

[Spike60]

I don't notice much difference. The weights and measures guys can fuss over all that silly stuff.

 

[LOMartin]

I don't notice much difference. The weights and measures guys can fuss over all that silly stuff.

Nice. That’s what I wanted to hear.

A pound on paper is one thing, but how it handles in real life is what counts. Thanks.

 

[Spike60]

Guys are done out back. Brought the saw down and we plugged it in. Put about 2 hours on it; now on it's 3rd tank of fuel. Saw is running at 14,000. But the number I wanted to see was the carb temp, which showed just 73.5 degrees for it's last run. (weather here today is sunny and mid 40's) Old 550 would have been over 100. Started on one pull all day.

Took it back up the hill to see if I could notice any power change, but Lordy did Jeremy hit those depth gauges with the file! Lotta chatter in that dry ash, vs the smooth cuts I was making yesterday with the chain being new. So, I can't really compare yet myself. But he did say he noticed it getting better through the second tank. He also said he's gonna buy one, so I guess he likes it. And he's a 346 guy through and through. Bought the last "stashed" 346 I had in my private stock. His opinion carries some weight.

 

[dustinwilt68]

Always value the opinion of a trusted professional, especially one that loves a 346, if this saw is in that class, Husqvarna has hit a home run

 

[Spike60]

It's early yet. But off to a good start.

First 550 was maybe a double, then got thrown out stealing 3rd. LOL

 

[MG2186]

It's early yet. But off to a good start.

First 550 was maybe a double, then got thrown out stealing 3rd. LOL

I’m not sure you call it an out Bob?

 

[Derf]

It's early yet. But off to a good start.

First 550 was maybe a double, then got thrown out stealing 3rd. LOL

If the 550xp improved on the 346xp, but was only a double, what was the 346xp, a single? If the new 550xp mark II is a home run, what's left to improve?

As I heard, only internet stuff, the size of the new mark II (cant we just agree to call it a 552xp?) is halfway between a 550xp gen 1 and a 562xp. The weight is almost a pound heavier than a 550xp. Seems Husqvarna is setting the stage to bring back a "little" 42(ish)cc saw that hasn't been in the lineup since the 242.

 

[dustinwilt68]

Fred seems you are leaving out the 543 xp. I don't think weight matters as much as balance and reliability, the 346 was deffinately a home run, but the EPA took that away from us, so I feel like they had to start over with a new design.

 

[huskyboy]

Homerun? The 346 oe and ne are legends.

 

[ferris]

I would like to see a new 43 cc pro saw from husky.
For me weight matters, for all the small stuff i love a 40cc saw with around 10 punds.
12 punds is a lot more:/

 

[dustinwilt68]

I do believe if there is a big enough market for it husky will make a 40cc pro saw, I think it just comes down to numbers for them of what makes sense. I hope everyone gets the saws they have been dreaming of, for me this new 550 was the one in have been waiting for.

 

[pavel408]

I do believe if there is a big enough market for it husky will make a 40cc pro saw, I think it just comes down to numbers for them of what makes sense.

Yes. And since Stihl discontinues their 40cc pro saw line (MS 241), I guess the market is not big enough for HQ as well.

 

[dustinwilt68]

I think the market could be there but the price point will have to be right or the consumer may just overlook it. I know a lot of other markets in Europe and such a 40cc saw is a very desirable size.

 

[Spike60]

Yes. And since Stihl discontinues their 40cc pro saw line (MS 241), I guess the market is not big enough for HQ as well.

It's such a niche, and a pricey one. 543XP isn't selling either, and makes you wonder if it will go the same way as the MS241. 543 price is around $500; imagine the Stihl was similar.

So, for all the guys who think these companies should offer these models, how many of you got one?

 

[ferris]

I have a 241

 

[dustinwilt68]

I ran a 241, it was a zippy saw, had good power. It was stock but ran really well, the Dolmar 421 is another good saw in that class. Never ran a 543 so I can't comment on them.

 

[Johnmn]

Don't want to mess up a husky thread but to me the dolmar 421 is tough to beat.
The weight, power and build quality is there plus it has a great price.

 

[chipper1]

It's such a niche, and a pricey one. 543XP isn't selling either, and makes you wonder if it will go the same way as the MS241. 543 price is around $500; imagine the Stihl was similar.

So, for all the guys who think these companies should offer these models, how many of you got one?

If you think that's pricey check out an ms201 rear handle , I run two of them and have a 200 rear handle $$$$.
I've got more than one baby saw(40cc), and would have another if husky made a 40cc Swedish screamer .
But I think it's a small percentage of the market as you said. Most guys who have a tree business aren't cutting real small because the wood just goes in a chipper so 50 is the small saw on the job other than a top handle, and the climber goes right to a 50 after the 35 also. With the release of the 525(2511 has done well) maybe that will change a few guys lineups, overall I still see it as a small market percentage, but if it was a great saw it could become the legend the 242 is in some markets maybe not as much so here in the states.

I'm excited about the 550 mark II myself, the extra weight means little to me if it handles well, the 261 vrs II feels heavier in hand to me than the original 550 and it doesn't handle as well.

@dustinwilt68 did you run that saw yet .

 

[Mastermind]

Don't want to mess up a husky thread but to me the dolmar 421 is tough to beat.
The weight, power and build quality is there plus it has a great price.

This whole "Husky Thread" VS "Stihl Thread" stuff is not good for the forum, or for the members of the forum. If the "men" on this forum can't take a little ribbing, we are doomed. Have we become so thin skinned that we are unable to joke around or pick at each other?

 

[pro94lt]

It's such a niche, and a pricey one. 543XP isn't selling either, and makes you wonder if it will go the same way as the MS241. 543 price is around $500; imagine the Stihl was similar.

So, for all the guys who think these companies should offer these models, how many of you got one?

Got a 241 Stihl, 543xp, and a Dolmar 421. Doing residential tree work I’m not picking up a 550, 261 or 346 all day if I’m just cutting 6” limbs for 5 hours... I’d pay whatever the price for a scaled down 40cc gen one 550 with rev boost lol.