Three Husqvarna 562xp builds, How do they stack up?

[Termitebuffet]

Well there's nothing better than a nice, crisp running saw when your cutting......but...... how much difference does a modded saw actually make? I lean a bit more towards Simon's thinking. And my 2 cents is the same as anybody elses, just an opinion.

Modded saws are a LOT of fun, and much of that is what brings us together here. But I honestly don't think they really bring that much to the table other than that, (and I'm not suggesting that they need to.) I enjoy doing them just for the fun factor, but I kinda stop short of saying that they make any tangiblle difference in the work that I do with them. Which for me is firewood cutting which I suspect is the case with most of us.

I cut a pick up load of firewood on Sat after I closed the store. Some small stuff, but also some 18" hard maple. Grabbed a not too pretty, but well running Jonsered 630 with a 50mm 266 top end that has a gasket delete but is otherwise stock. (my Jonsered "636") The big blocks easily exceeded 100 lbs and needed to be ripped so I could lift them into the truck. The "work" in cutting that load of wood was rolling the logs, loading them into the truck, unloading when I got home, and they will have to be handled again when I split them. A couple seconds quicker cut time doesn't make a meaningful difference in the overall job for me.

I got plenty of saws to pick from, modded, stock, new and old. Most times it's just "I feel like running that one." They all get it done for me.

You know you're gonna get banished to the island of misfit toys........lol......hey buddy

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I got plenty of saws to pick from, modded, stock, new and old. Most times it's just "I feel like running that one." They all get it done for me.

^^^This right here^^^

Yeah, that's me too. Except I'm sure my range of choices falls waaaaaay short of yours Bob

 

[Spike60]

You know you're gonna get banished to the island of misfit toys........lol......hey buddy

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

Yup, I'd fit in there just fine.

 

[MG2186]

The newer 2253/550 with the AT12 carb do run better than the early saws.

BTW, you still need that 390 crank? It wasn't where it was supposed to be, but I found it over the weekend.

Yes if you have a good one

 

[Termitebuffet]

Yup, I'd fit in there just fine.

If he ^^^ don't need that 390 xp crank ,shoot me a price please sir

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

 

[Termitebuffet]

Yes if you have a good one

Whoops ...my bad

Sawhawgz, ruining the internet since 2012...

 

[kingOFgEEEks]

I would bet that it does.

The newer 2253/550 with the AT12 carb do run better than the early saws.

Sounds like the Dolly got weaker and the Husky got stronger over time.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I'd say Dolly got temporarily neutered by the EPA till they get things sorted out...

 

[XP_Slinger]

I'd say Dolly got temporarily neutered by the EPA till they get things sorted out...

No EPA talk Joe lol

 

[afleetcommand]

I go back and forth on the mod vs. no mod question. I think it depends on the mood, the work / job, and the saw. BUT sometimes I just want to grind on things & be all technical. So the degree wheel gets the dust blown off, ports get bigger, timing get altered and all that stuff. Especially if its an "underdog" saw. I really enjoy building those at times . Justs its time consuming. I have so little spare time anymore, so when time pressured the fun goes away. Not worth spending money for either when I can pick from the saws I already have. Sometimes the right saw stock with the right B&C is all I want, witness the 2260/560 with a light B&C. Ok almost stock. But Ultimately I usually end up splitting the difference on the subject on most of the saws I actually run if you add them up spanning the last 10 years. To me a "wind to the moon" race tune on a work saw isn't where I want to be anymore. Light weight, easy to start, crisp throttle response....and ALWAY looking for more torque is where I go. So after going back and forth on my own saws I've kinda always end up with doing what ever it takes to get a flat squish band and to .018-.020 squish for a bit more compression, sometimes even a dreaded popup; than an as delivered stock saw, and depending on the saw, blended intake filter holders and a muffler mod too. Doesn't take a lot of time. Gives me a reason to run my lathe..another hobby. Definitely adds snap to the saws and sometimes fuel usage improves....but more and more simply the saw size and weight are the bigger factors, but adding that little twist just enhances the "experience" for most of the saws I've build and run. Almost all the ones I've put in the extra few hours to time and port have been cool...but .. many times not enough "cooler" when I'm out in the woods for a few hours to make it worth my effort to repeat. So now only do those type builds when I have nothing better to do with my time or there are other outside motivators. I guess its a point of diminishing returns for me. Some want the dentist drill power band and will pay what ever it takes in time or money, Me? other things in my life have made other saw characteristics more important. These Husqvarna 60cc saw seem to have enough displacement to where when a little compression tweak is done they do the trick for me. Enough power, light enough, real easy starting hot or cold, very fuel efficient....so I've gravitated to them for most of what I do...

PS: have a pair of dreaded Stihl 441's I'm tweaking on the bench...much maligned but I like them....has a LOT of familiar to "Husqvarna" types features......and are way lighter than I expected. Going to want to run them because I'm damn curious what all the hate is about, I just like saws. ALL of them. The "out side" motive is the desire to gain experience with those 441's SO my favorite tweaked orange saws, tweaked FT660's, big old Jonsereds...will have to wait for a little while. See?? Its not numbers and logic that drives this for me and many like me. Couldn't care less about the "measuring sticks", the mine is faster than yours mentality gets annoying regardless of the results when out in the woods, just want to enjoys the woods, the work, and if I have company, the folks. New experiences are as interesting as anything I guess as well. The old saying...different stroke for different folks, slower strokes for old folks (Thats me) and no strokes...well don't want to rush to that yet. Too many trees to cut and saws to run first.

BUT once in a while its fun to either watch the really fast saws or drag one out, dribble gas in where the choke used to be and let it wail. Doesn't matter if I built it or someone else did. Really appreciate the guys who build really nice saws. As much a testament to them as anything and that's something I just like seeing, what clever and talented folks can do.

Right? Wrong? Actually neither. Just an old farts opinion....nothing more. And just one of many opinions...all just as right as the next.

 

[Simondo]

Different strokes for Different Folks ...as true as it ever was.
More on that "Perspective" Walt makes the point about in the vid.
In choosing the 560/562 to buy.....do we get it because we are impressed with its "Potential for more" ...Or...do we get one because we are impressed with "what it is"?
Thats what the saw makers are after to make a saw popular ...known to be ..."Hot and Stock" is probably nirvana for them.

 

[afleetcommand]

Different strokes for Different Folks ...as true as it ever was.
More on that "Perspective" Walt makes the point about in the vid.
In choosing the 560/562 to buy.....do we get it because we are impressed with its "Potential for more" ...Or...do we get one because we are impressed with "what it is"?
Thats what the saw makers are after to make a saw popular ...known to be ..."Hot and Stock" is probably nirvana for them.

I think that nuance is really important. I think more and more I'm in the "get one" because we are impressed with "what it is". The 555-5562 series case and point. The "Underdog" concept are the ones for me where "as is" they are not at the top of anyones stack, sometimes not even on the radar. Those Chinese FT660's provided that case in a very big way...now just enjoying the folks who picked up on that and are re-inventing that wheel with their own twist to the puzzle as well and infact have added a whole new venue to grow and develop one's knowledge and skills..spreads the hobby and the knowledge for relatively low risk and investment. The little plastic efco did as well. THAT one needs a little more time...and the old 200 series Husqvarna's; same thing with a historical AND practical twist. Really a rehash on Hot Rodding vs. out right racing. Did the race thing until its no longer important to me in another venue. But recognize the need and attraction for those who haven't scratched that itch and bring the mentality to this venue. I do certainly appreciate the ones who focus on the organized racing with their builds, a more focused test of individual talent. All good. But that old age thing has taught me relationships are more important than inanimate objects. Sharing and appreciating creativity & talent usually is more conducive to the relationship side than a desire to beat someone for pride and self esteem. I appreciate a restoration as much as a home grown hot saw. Sort of another way to see it...I like watching "Street Outlaws" on TV, but rather go to a car show. Still follow Motocross (can't completely ignore the bulk of one's completive past), got bored to death of spec car heaven or rolling bill boards parade on the oval tracks.

 

[Farmchuck]

I've also found out as I'm sure most of you have that the type of chain on the saw i.e. Sharpness, angle of grind, size of cutters,depth gauges etc. can make all the difference in the world for me. I'm constantly amazed at the wood pile when I'm runny a stock or ported saw & cutting some wood with dirt on it what a difference a new filed chain makes! I get lulled into gradually pushing harder on the saw, taking longer on each cut,then when I switch or sharpen the chain it is like a completely different saw! I probably wait to long on chain touch up but the advances in speed & effciency make me feel almost like I've got a modified saw when many times I don't! I know this doesn't really have a lot to do with the modified vs non modified saw discussion but I just was thinking about it after reading this discussion. BTW Walt I really like what you did with that 560!

 

[XP_Slinger]

I think that nuance is really important. I think more and more I'm in the "get one" because we are impressed with "what it is". The 555-5562 series case and point. The "Underdog" concept are the ones for me where "as is" they are not at the top of anyones stack, sometimes not even on the radar. Those Chinese FT660's provided that case in a very big way...now just enjoying the folks who picked up on that and are re-inventing that wheel with their own twist to the puzzle as well and infact have added a whole new venue to grow and develop one's knowledge and skills..spreads the hobby and the knowledge for relatively low risk and investment. The little plastic efco did as well. THAT one needs a little more time...and the old 200 series Husqvarna's. Really a rehash on Hot Rodding vs. out right racing. Did the race thing until its no longer important to me in another venue. But recognize the need and attraction for those who haven't scratched that itch and bring the mentality to this venue. All good. But that old age thing has taught me relationships are more important than inanimate objects. Sharing and appreciating creativity & talent usually is more conducive to the relationship side than a desire to beat someone for pride and self esteem. I appreciate a restoration as much as a home grown hot saw.

I think I’m still scratching my itch. Reading these responses I find my self nodding along in agreement, I completely understand the various perspectives represented here. My modded saws make me giggle, that being said the Saw I usually grab is my near stock 288 because I just love that old beast. Makes me giggle in a different way. As with many, modding saws isn’t about chest thumping BS for Joe and I, it’s about the satisfaction of doing things ourselves and having that sweet taste of succes along the way. I think the best thing that has come of our goofing around with saws is meeting like minded folks both in this forum and in person.

 

[afleetcommand]

I think I’m still scratching my itch. Reading these responses I find my self nodding along in agreement, I completely understand the various perspectives represented here. My modded saws make me giggle, that being said the Saw I usually grab is my near stock 288 because I just love that old beast. Makes me giggle in a different way. As with many, modding saws isn’t about chest thumping BS for Joe and I, it’s about the satisfaction of doing things ourselves and having that sweet taste of succes along the way. I think the best thing that has come of our goofing around with saws is meeting like minded folks both in this forum and in person.

I'm really interested and looking forward to what you two concoct when that machine tool arrives......THAT will be fun for me to see over time. Those tools just allow you to put the ideas into form. Individual creativity enhanced. Jason Walker is another one I'm damn near motivated to donate a machine tool to see what he creates. Maybe you need to develop an informal CNY bring what you build type yearly event? I have a spot and resources. That was the cool part of Randy's FT660 GTG concept for me. The bring what you built part... AND the tangible results of how the FT Kits effected the hobby and community long term. Maybe a twist on that theme? Two classes....machined with the contestants machine and tweaked with a contestants file the second class. Thats it. has to be based on a Stock OEM saw with simply a purchase price limit...say $700 bucks. Have start from cold as part of the deal. That would allow those with developing skills to scratch the itch. Would ENCOURAGE the growth of basic skills as well. Would be fun to stand back and host something like that. I also would be interested in having folks bring "woods craft" skills into the mix some how. That could be a milling to widget type thing. Turning cookies to something other than firewood? Poplar to benches? Don't have a definite concept. But after retirement will be looking to develop something along those lines. Have a "AHRMA" race every year here...Cross Country & Motocross. Might be fun to bring some thing saw related to life. Also the historical. I personally still like bringing the old antiques to life. Just as rewarding as a work saw build on a 576 to me.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I'm really interested and looking forward to what you two concoct when that machine tool arrives......THAT will be fun for me to see over time. Those tools just allow you to put the ideas into form. Individual creativity enhanced. Jason Walker is another one I'm damn near motivated to donate a machine tool to see what he creates. Maybe we need to have an informal CNY bring what you build type race? WHEN there are enough with machining capabilities to build their idea's? That was the cool part of Randy's FT660 GTG concept for me. Bring what you built...

Sign us up! Sounds like a great time. I’m feeling the need to make it down your way in the spring again.

 

[afleetcommand]

Sign us up! Sounds like a great time. I’m feeling the need to make it down your way in the spring again.

Hoping retirement is April. But the the old bod has to go through some "mechanical" repairs mid summer so will be down&out for a couple of months mid summer. So late Spring/Early summer should work. If not latter in the year...fall time.

 

[afleetcommand]

( Reference the "stihl" remark about whats on the bench.....just looked at the channel. Hit 4441 subs this am... Is that an OMEN?? Or is it another "squirrel" ? )

 

[Simondo]

I think that nuance is really important. I think more and more I'm in the "get one" because we are impressed with "what it is". The 555-5562 series case and point. The "Underdog" concept are the ones for me where "as is" they are not at the top of anyones stack, sometimes not even on the radar. Those Chinese FT660's provided that case in a very big way...now just enjoying the folks who picked up on that and are re-inventing that wheel with their own twist to the puzzle as well and infact have added a whole new venue to grow and develop one's knowledge and skills..spreads the hobby and the knowledge for relatively low risk and investment. The little plastic efco did as well. THAT one needs a little more time...and the old 200 series Husqvarna's; same thing with a historical AND practical twist. Really a rehash on Hot Rodding vs. out right racing. Did the race thing until its no longer important to me in another venue. But recognize the need and attraction for those who haven't scratched that itch and bring the mentality to this venue. I do certainly appreciate the ones who focus on the organized racing with their builds, a more focused test of individual talent. All good. But that old age thing has taught me relationships are more important than inanimate objects. Sharing and appreciating creativity & talent usually is more conducive to the relationship side than a desire to beat someone for pride and self esteem. I appreciate a restoration as much as a home grown hot saw. Sort of another way to see it...I like watching "Street Outlaws" on TV, but rather go to a car show. Still follow Motocross (can't completely ignore the bulk of one's completive past), got bored to death of spec car heaven or rolling bill boards parade on the oval tracks.

Just by way of a personal observation Walt.
I do notice with many of the subjects on "Saw mods" the popularity of the custom /rodding /resto/....etc ...car/truck and bike scene is not very far away . I "think" there is a X over with these things that finds its way into the "Saws as a Interest/hobby" ... some members here are into the above (or were) alongside the saws.
You fellers in the US are well known for your car scene and the like for Horse Power , so i figure it just might be there when it comes to the saw seen. Could the "more power " thing be in the DNA ?? .There isnt really a "Scene" for saws here and racing is all but unheard of from what I know.
On the .."get one because your impressed with it as it is" thing.
The cost ...to buy the saw... often seems to improve the saws suitability i find with some customers (i bet you can work out which way round it is).

 

[afleetcommand]

Just by way of a personal observation Walt.
I do notice with many of the subjects on "Saw mods" the popularity of the custom /rodding /resto/....etc ...car/truck and bike scene is not very far away . I "think" there is a X over with these things that finds its way into the "Saws as a Interest/hobby" ... some members here are into the above (or were) alongside the saws.
You fellers in the US are well known for your car scene and the like for Horse Power , so i figure it just might be there when it comes to the saw seen. Could the "more power " thing be in the DNA ?? .There isnt really a "Scene" for saws here and racing is all but unheard of from what I know.
On the .."get one because your impressed with it as it is" thing.
The cost ...to buy the saw... often seems to improve the saws suitability i find with some customers (i bet you can work out which way round it is).

Sometimes around here its just "more". Doesn't matter what....my neighbor is a great person and we have learned so much about farming from him. Very important in our lives and has been for a decade. If we get a tractor or farm implement...he will get a newer one.