homelite42
ArboristSite Lurker
So I am gonna buy a 550xp, but I dont like the felling spikes and I am going to use it mainly for felling trees, so I want some good spikes. Does anyone know where I can get some felling spikes that will fit this saw?
Felling spikes for a 550xp?
- Thread starter homelite42
- Start date
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KenJax Tree
Terraphobic
Sawtroll is the man to talk to about spikes on 50cc saws.
SawTroll
Information Collector
homelite42
ArboristSite Lurker
I need spikes
will the 346 spikes fit on the 550?
will the 346 spikes fit on the 550?
Yes, just forget about them!
Guess that's what you call asked/answered and ignored.
I am going to go out on a limb and guess that felling spikes on a 346 make about as much sense as they do on the 550.:msp_confused:
Yes, just forget about them!
I reject your reality and substitute my own. :cool2:
Here you go OP, this may be what you are looking for.
http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/215091.htm
http://www.arboristsite.com/chainsaw/215091.htm
cambl
ArboristSite Guru
The stock 545/550 spike is pretty worthless. I looked around for a larger one that would keep the muffler from getting dented and keep the paint from getting barked up, and decided to make my own based on a 268 design. The prototype was cut from 0.90" aluminum sheet using a Dremel scroll saw, so now I just need to find someone that can cut a few with a water jet or some other easy method.
MarkEagleUSA
ArboristSite Guru
The inner spike from the 562XP will fit by slightly elongating the mounting holes.
lasmacgod
ArboristSite Operative
The inner fits with a slight mod as Mark advised. The outer fits just as well. It sticks out about .250" further than the inner. I used a small square, scribed lines to match the inner, and took the outer spike points back to match. Worked well. I mounted them on a 545, should be the same for the 550xp.
Teddi
ArboristSite Member
I did the 562XP spike thing on my 550XP. Make sure you use the right dremel bit (for hard metals) to elongate the mount holes, and it will hold just fine. I still would never use the 550 for felling - it is a great limbing and bucking saw, but just not up to the task of felling.
As a noob and a firewood only cutter, I gotta add my 2 cents - I bought a 261C a few of months ago. I only have about 4 tanks through it. It came with a 20" bar with RM chain. I put double dogs ( for a 362 -thanks Stihlman) and I have used it to fell quite a few trees. Comparing the 261 and 550 side by side, if you're determined to use a 50cc saw to fell, the 261 is by far the better choice. I absolutely love the 261 -that saw just pulls like crazy and feels stronger than the 550. The standard bar on the Stihl is also much higher quality than that on the 550.
As a noob and a firewood only cutter, I gotta add my 2 cents - I bought a 261C a few of months ago. I only have about 4 tanks through it. It came with a 20" bar with RM chain. I put double dogs ( for a 362 -thanks Stihlman
) and I have used it to fell quite a few trees. Comparing the 261 and 550 side by side, if you're determined to use a 50cc saw to fell, the 261 is by far the better choice. I absolutely love the 261 -that saw just pulls like crazy and feels stronger than the 550. The standard bar on the Stihl is also much higher quality than that on the 550.I still would never use the 550 for felling - it is a great limbing and bucking saw, but just not up to the task of felling.
I have to ask, WHY? CJ
I have to ask, WHY? CJ
SawTroll
Information Collector
Yep, they simply aren't needed!
I simply remove them from my 50 and 60cc saws - they are just in the way!
How are they in the way? Do you like cutting wood under your clutch cover?
cambl
ArboristSite Guru
For falling 10"-16" pine the 545 works just fine. Why pack around a 60-70cc saw if you don't need it?
I know the guys in Europe and the East coast don't use spikes much, but it's a west coast thing and we do use them.
I know the guys in Europe and the East coast don't use spikes much, but it's a west coast thing and we do use them.
Ndigity26
ArboristSite Operative
you got the spikes on might as well take the spark arrest off.
lasmacgod
ArboristSite Operative
Have to keep the screen in place to keep the mud dobbers out. Plays heck with a saw when they build their nests in the muffler.
Yep, they simply aren't needed!
I simply remove them from my 50 and 60cc saws - they are just in the way!
Troll everyones cutting conditions vary according to the species and climatic conditions they face, l have the 362 double dawg/roller catcher kit on my two ms261's and they are totally neccesary (for my conditions). Untill l can fit something useful onto my 550xp it will sit on the shelf and not be put to work. Even my top handles get dawgs. Without them in a 10hour day l would physically be stuffed. The Husky dawg on the 550 is so pathetic its seriously not funny!
