550XP vs 545

[AmateurSawer]

I have a Stihl 026 which may need replacing.I planned on replacing t with a MS261 but would also think about a 550XP or Jonsered 2253.The 026s rated around 3.2hp(I think).The 545 Husq and 2252 Jonsered are rated the same but at a lower price.The others around 3.8hp.I would look at a MS291 or 450 @3.8 but I am trying to stay away from the extra weight.Price may be a factor given cattle prices. Have dealers for all three in the same town 30 miles away.
I have an MS 362 with 20" bar for bigger stuff.This will just be a handy saw for cutting small daed trees or limbing fencelines.

 

[Jet47]

I am probably not the one that should be answering.
My vote is 550 xp. ( I have one and am biased)

 

[cuttinman]

I am no expert, but I couldn't really tell much difference in 6-8 inch wood when I test drove a 2252 and 2253 at the dealer. That's the vast majority of what I cut. A 2252 / 16in is at the very top of my want list. That's one thing I really like what Husky does and why I have bought Dolmars in the past. XP quality without the XP price tag for a home heater who doesn't need top performance but wants quality equipment.

 

[mark2496]

Isn't the ms261cm 4 hp?
I'm a husqvarna fan but a 10.8 (?) pound 4hp saw is pretty appealing.

 

[bigtuna]

I usta have a 545, loved it , but I'd say you'd be happy w/either one

 

[Big Block]

346xp your search ends here

 

[barton174]

I'm just a home heater, but for me, I got the 550XP. I could see getting the 555 over the 562xp, because while the 555 is down a little on power, it's also down a little on weight. The 545 weighs exactly the same as the 550XP, but it's down around 1/2 a horsepower. List price is $100 more on the XP, but as far as the best prices I could get, the XP was only like $40 more.

Mike

 

[7sleeper]

My vote, get a Stihl 241. I find a 40 & 60cc saw fit much better together than 50 & 60cc.

7

 

[barton174]

IMO, I like a 50cc and a 70cc saw... Well... Technically, I guess I like a 40cc and a 50cc and a 60cc and a 70cc, and at some point, a 90cc saw.

In all seriousness, the 241 is supposed to be a really awesome saw for its size. I have a 40cc saw, though, so I got the 550xp. I find that I basically don't use the 40cc saw any more, because the weight is so close and the 50cc saw cuts better. 50cc for stuff up to 12-14" (+/-) and 70cc saw for anything above that.

Mike