550 or 562 XP?

[davex24]

I am new to this forum and seeking advice on a future saw purchase any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently own two Toys R Us saws (Pulon) they were used for basic property upkeep, I recently installed a wood burner and am finding that I need to upgrade to something better suited for my needs. I live in MI and will be most likely be burning at least 6 months a year. I don't have a lot of knowledge about chainsaw brands/models. I have been reading the past posts here and asking questions at my local dealers 3 of them being Husky and 1- Stihl
I have used a 357xp and was highly impressed, I like what I am reading about the 550 and 562xp, My local dealers didn't know of the 550's existence one said it's probably a saw made for the box stores, they don't know how to service them yet either, So that's a bit scary. the 357 I tried is about as heavy of a saw as I'd like. The 562 is more than I would like to spend but if it means I wont be kicking myself in the a$$ later I can swing it. I would like to stay with an 18" bar.
Sorry, for the long post and thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[deye223]

I am new to this forum and seeking advice on a future saw purchase any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently own two Tows R Us saws (Pulon) they were used for basic property upkeep, I recently installed a wood burner and am finding that I need to upgrade to something better suited for my needs. I live in MI and will be most likely be burning at least 6 months a year. I don't have a lot of knowledge about chainsaw brands/models. I have been reading the past posts here and asking questions at my local dealers 3 of them being Husky and 1- Stihl
I have used a 357xp and was highly impressed, I like what I am reading about the 550 and 562xp, My local dealers didn't know of the 550's existence one said it's probably a saw made for the box stores, they don't know how to service them yet either, So that's a bit scary. the 357 I tried is about as heavy of a saw as I'd like. The 562 is more than I would like to spend but if it means I wont be kicking myself in the a$$ later I can swing it. I would like to stay with an 18" bar.
Sorry, for the long post and thanks in advance for the advice.

well start swing'n and put on a 20" b&c and hang on for the ride the smile will last all week :big_smile:

 

[SkippyKtm]

You're local dealers sound a little scary!:msp_scared:

Sounds like you'd be happiest with the 562. I've owned and run a 357 for years as it was my main saw for awhile, now I use a 262 because of the improvement in power. I used a 562 at a gtg and it was a faster saw than my 357, I wish I had the 262 at the time so I could of compared them all.

 

[Ironworker]

Go for the 372xp, your either gonna, or wish you did, so you might as well do it now. good luck.

 

[Officer's Match]

Welcome.

The 562xp is probably the best one-saw-plan you could find.

 

[rullywowr]

I agree the 562xp would be a good choice for a 1-saw plan. If two saw plan I would not hesitate to get the 550xp and a 372xp.:cool2:

 

[spike60]

First off, welcome to the site. But this isn't a great place to hang out if you only plan to buy one saw.

I don't think a dealer who says he hasn't heard of the 550 would be a good choice to do business with. Might want to do a little more shopping.

Based on what you are saying about budget and being impressed with the 357, I'd say you ought to take a look at the 555. It falls between the 550 and 562 in both power and price, and it will outcut a 357 by a slight margin. It really only differs from the 562 by having a different coil and slightly different combustion chamber. It's a pretty good value based on your stated needs. And despite what some here will say, you don't have to have an "XP" decal on the saw to cut wood. :msp_smile:

 

[nmurph]

Go for the 372xp, your either gonna, or wish you did, so you might as well do it now. good luck.

That is an absurd statement to make with the limited knowledge you have about the OP's needs.

You're local dealers sound a little scary!:msp_scared:

Sounds like you'd be happiest with the 562. I've owned and run a 357 for years as it was my main saw for awhile, now I use a 262 because of the improvement in power. I used a 562 at a gtg and it was a faster saw than my 357, I wish I had the 262 at the time so I could of compared them all.

I think he needs to find a better dealer bf he gets an AT saw. A 357 is a fine saw, as is a 262!!!

 

[D&B Mack]

Welcome!

I agree the 562xp would be a good choice for a 1-saw plan. If two saw plan I would not hesitate to get the 550xp and a 372xp.:cool2:

:agree2:

Best one saw plan is a 60cc saw.

Best two saw plan is a 50cc & 70cc saw.

Best way to a two saw plan is start with a one saw plan. :msp_thumbsup:

I don't think a dealer who says he hasn't heard of the 550 would be a good choice to do business with. Might want to do a little more shopping.

I think he needs to find a better dealer bf he gets an AT saw.

:agree2:

 

[Jed1124]

First off, welcome to the site. But this isn't a great place to hang out if you only plan to buy one saw.

I don't think a dealer who says he hasn't heard of the 550 would be a good choice to do business with. Might want to do a little more shopping.

Based on what you are saying about budget and being impressed with the 357, I'd say you ought to take a look at the 555. It falls between the 550 and 562 in both power and price, and it will outcut a 357 by a slight margin. It really only differs from the 562 by having a different coil and slightly different combustion chamber. It's a pretty good value based on your stated needs. And despite what some here will say, you don't have to have an "XP" decal on the saw to cut wood. :msp_smile:

A 18 inch bar on a 555 would be a awesome little set up.

 

[sunfish]

I took care of 400 acres with a oe 346xp (logging, thinning, firewood for a large shop and two homes) for 9 years before I was told it was too small a saw.

Still logging, firewood, thinning on same 400 acres. But Now I have too many saws thanks to this site. The old 346 is still my favorite saw!!!

You'd do good with either 346xp, 357xp, 359, 550xp, 555, 562xp.

 

[tpope]

Welcome to the site.

I would go with a 20 inch bar on the 562. I would also try to find a dealer that knows a bit about the line they carry.

 

[Abflyboy]

562XP absolutely RIPS with 18" bar and full comp chain. I never got a chance to bury the 24" bar and skip chain with one but I think it would do just fine.

 

[Jet47]

It's unfortunate that your local dealer sounds like someone I wouldn't want to rely on. That being said the 550 or 562 are both fine choices. If it's strictly for firewood I would choose the 562XP.

 

[WACutter]

I took care of 400 acres with a oe 346xp (logging, thinning, firewood for a large shop and two homes) for 9 years before I was told it was too small a saw.

Still logging, firewood, thinning on same 400 acres. But Now I have too many saws thanks to this site. The old 346 is still my favorite saw!!!

You'd do good with either 346xp, 357xp, 359, 550xp, 555, 562xp.

The old 346XP is such a great saw. For small wood and limbing it is still my favorite. I bought one new about 6 years ago and it has never let me down. If I could find a cherry one for sale I would pick it up.

 

[SawTroll]

First off, welcome to the site. But this isn't a great place to hang out if you only plan to buy one saw.

I don't think a dealer who says he hasn't heard of the 550 would be a good choice to do business with. Might want to do a little more shopping.

Based on what you are saying about budget and being impressed with the 357, I'd say you ought to take a look at the 555. It falls between the 550 and 562 in both power and price, and it will outcut a 357 by a slight margin. It really only differs from the 562 by having a different coil and slightly different combustion chamber. It's a pretty good value based on your stated needs. And despite what some here will say, you don't have to have an "XP" decal on the saw to cut wood. :msp_smile:

Good advice, but of course the saw has to have a xp decale on it! :msp_smile:

 

[sunfish]

The old 346XP is such a great saw. For small wood and limbing it is still my favorite. I bought one new about 6 years ago and it has never let me down. If I could find a cherry one for sale I would pick it up.

I keep hearing it's a great saw for small wood and limbing? I use mine for everything, including 150+ cords of rather large oak.

 

[3fordasho]

Have to agree.. use mine for 90% of my cutting. I'll break out the 6401/20" bar or the 372xpw/24" bar if the diameter of the log calls for it...

I keep hearing it's a great saw for small wood and limbing? I use mine for everything, including 150+ cords of rather large oak.

 

[SawTroll]

I am new to this forum and seeking advice on a future saw purchase any advice would be greatly appreciated. I currently own two Tows R Us saws (Pulon) they were used for basic property upkeep, I recently installed a wood burner and am finding that I need to upgrade to something better suited for my needs. I live in MI and will be most likely be burning at least 6 months a year. I don't have a lot of knowledge about chainsaw brands/models. I have been reading the past posts here and asking questions at my local dealers 3 of them being Husky and 1- Stihl
I have used a 357xp and was highly impressed, I like what I am reading about the 550 and 562xp, My local dealers didn't know of the 550's existence one said it's probably a saw made for the box stores, they don't know how to service them yet either, So that's a bit scary. the 357 I tried is about as heavy of a saw as I'd like. The 562 is more than I would like to spend but if it means I wont be kicking myself in the a$$ later I can swing it. I would like to stay with an 18" bar.
Sorry, for the long post and thanks in advance for the advice.

Welcome to the site! :msp_smile:

The first thing you have to do is find a different Husky dealer, that knows what he is talking about!

 

[SawTroll]

I took care of 400 acres with a oe 346xp (logging, thinning, firewood for a large shop and two homes) for 9 years before I was told it was too small a saw.

Still logging, firewood, thinning on same 400 acres. But Now I have too many saws thanks to this site. The old 346 is still my favorite saw!!!

You'd do good with either 346xp, 357xp, 359, 550xp, 555, 562xp.

Surely, but I would narrow the choise down to the 550xp and 562xp, that he originally asked about.

What it boils down to is if he needs a 60cc saw, or if a 50cc one is enough. Even though both are light for their cc and power, there still is a weight difference to consider.