550 or 562 XP?

[TK]

Bob, can you clarify this: I was thinking I saw you post that the 550 (might have been 562) ignition and carb had to be replaced as a unit? Tom says no, and I certainly defer to what a dealer says.

I meant not everytime, depending on updates etc. If you have a current carb and a current coil and one fails, you only replace what failed.

I've always been bad with words and descriptions lol so ill let bob take it from here

 

[Philip Wheelock]

First I must say thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge and the great advice.
I am 41 6'4" and around 210#
Tree size will vary, in the last year I haven't cut anything over 12" mostly because of availability. Most of my cutting is done after work I would say 3 hrs max.
I do go up in trees with them from time to time and like the lighter saws for that. I will be keeping my other saws so they can be used as needed. What I have been cutting in the last year is as follows: Red oak, ash, elm, mulberry, cherry, walnut and Osage orange.
I found a dealer in my area today that has the 550 and 562 in stock and he didn't try to sell me a $1000+ saw like the other dealers, his price on the 550 is aprox $85 more than what I have seen them for online and not far from what I can get the 560 for online, alt hoe I do feel better about getting it from a local dealer.
I am kind a leaning toward the 550 but I am going to take a look at the other saws brought up in my under $700 price range. I like the multi saw plan but my problem is how do I explain to my wife that the wood burner I put in is saving us all this $$$ when I am spending more than we will save on gas in 3 yrs on 2-3 saws?
Thank's once again for sharing your knowledge.
Dave

Hi Dave,

If you're typically not seeing trees more than 18" in diameter, the 550xp w/16" bar is definitely your ticket. Go with the local dealer. Every time you sharpen the chain, you'll thank yourself that you only have to deal with a 16" bar. You'll be super efficient with your cutting, and, most importantly, your wife will think you made a brilliant choice. Good luck.

 

[spike60]

Bob, can you clarify this: I was thinking I saw you post that the 550 (might have been 562) ignition and carb had to be replaced as a unit? Tom says no, and I certainly defer to what a dealer says.

It was the 555/560/562. We're both right. The old carb only matches up with the old coil, and the new carb must be installed with the new coil. You just can't mix and match new with old. So, you could only replace a carb, if that's what was needed.

The original carb, Zama EL44, was common to the 555, 560, and 562. With the update, both of the XP's will now use a Zama EL46, while the 555 gets a Zama EL47. Both new carbs now have the autotune module as part of the carb. Previously, the AT module was avaiable as a separate part. The main improvement with the carbs is that they have a separate service connector for the diagnostic tool. So, there's no need to dig in there and unplug the other one, which can be a bit of a pain.

 

[sunfish]

The 346,351 and 353 in stock form I wasn't impressed with. It is a high revving limbing saw IMO. It lacked the torque for a useable saw again, IMO. once ported it is a strong saw. But I still prefered the Dolmar with a 13"-16" bar. If I needed anything bigger I grabbed the 440 or 372. Now, I'm used to a 65cc saw for firewood duties, so I was disappointed after reading how great it was here. With that said, I loved the 5100. The 550xp is hard to explain. It runs like a modded 365 special with a bar buried oak, but weighs just a touch more than a top handle saw. There is no doubt im my mind that it would still be fanominal with an 18" bar as well. The rev boost is pretty cool when limbing. It goes from idle to full wot it half millisecond. Had I never run it, I would still think the Dolmar was a more user friendly, more versatile saw than the 346/353.

From the power and weight standpoint, I seriously will grab the modded 372 a lot less from now on. I've been a bit of a saw snob. I've been fortunate enough to be able to try a bunch of saws that most people wouldn't dream of owning. This 550 would do everything I NEEDED for firewood use. I can't praise this saw enough. It is by far the strongest 50-65cc stock saw (mine is muffler modded though) that I have ever run. It doesn't need to be ported. I don't do stock saws, haven't in years... Now the original poster is used to running small box store throw away saws. There isn't a doubt in my mind that he would be thoroughly impressed with this saw. Im confident it would do anything that he would need it too. I ripped (noodled) a bunch of 36" oak rounds with it the other night. Bar buried and then some. Still absolutely amazed by the power and performance of this little gem. And, it SIPS fuel.. That's just an added bonus to me

Dang Stangman, you got to stop this! I'm trying to hold off on getting a 550xp. I don't need, or even want another 50cc saw. What I have works just fine!

But these posts of yours are hammering on me to get one! :msp_sneaky: :msp_smile:

Oh and I was a Stang head back in the day, had a 67 and 68 fastback. Built 289 and 351C. I always wanted a 65/66 fastback...

 

[D&B Mack]

One thing I don't think has been asked yet, or maybe I just missed it; is the OP doing the felling and limbing, or is this more of just bucking delivered logs?

:msp_biggrin: There are absolutely Zero reason to look at any Stihl or Dolmar between about 43 and 75cc - I believe most of us know that much! :msp_wink:

Come on Troll, at least keep your pro Husky comments within reason...

I like the multi saw plan but my problem is how do I explain to my wife that the wood burner I put in is saving us all this $$$ when I am spending more than we will save on gas in 3 yrs on 2-3 saws?

That's a problem most of have had, and we're here to "help". We'll get you through it though. Sometimes, it is just easier to ask for forgiveness. Just start using words like "capital investment" and "long-term ROI"; that worked for me. Heck, after being out of the clearing business for a few years, I started a firewood business just to justify the spending.

 

[SawTroll]

....


Come on Troll, at least keep your pro Husky comments within reason...



.....

It isn't really "pro Husky", I am open to several brands, if they get things right - it just is how the situation on the market is right now!

I haven't said it always was that way (it wasn't), or always will be that way - but there are no indication that the situation will change anytime soon - however, there are indications that it will be consolidated in the upper part of that cc span (70cc class).

 

[nmurph]

It isn't really "pro Husky", I am open to several brands, if they get things right - it just is how the situation on the market is right now!

I haven't said it always was that way (it wasn't), or always will be that way - but there are no indication that the situation will change anytime soon - however, there are indications that it will be consolidated in the upper part of that cc span (70cc class).

Niko, is the the 560 Coming to America?

 

[D&B Mack]

It isn't really "pro Husky", I am open to several brands, if they get things right - it just is how the situation on the market is right now!

I haven't said it always was that way (it wasn't), or always will be that way - but there are no indication that the situation will change anytime soon - however, there are indications that it will be consolidated in the upper part of that cc span (70cc class).

But you said zero reasons, not even zero performance reasons. But there are reasons outside of spec sheet. Like cost and dealer to name a few.

 

[davex24]

I have given a lot of thought to a 16" bar on the 550 I would like the saw I purchase to perform to it's full potential. The dealer that has the 550 in stock told me that a longer bar won't make any noticeable difference if it isn't buried in wood. I think a 16" would be fine at this time for the wood I am cutting, if I need more bar I can always buy an extra 18 or 20" I usually cut dead or dying trees and down trees same goes for limbs, I cut them on sight to a manageable length usually 4-10' and do the rest in front of my wood shed. I am wondering if I would appreciate a longer bar when cutting wood on the ground?

I did ask the dealer if that was the best he was able to do on the 550 and he won't budge also told him I would pay cash, and no luck there. He does throw in a free chain and a hat. I was surprised when he told me that they only had a 6 month warranty.
You guys should of seen the look on his face when I asked him about a mm ( I didn't know what that was a week ago) He asked me why in the hell would you want to do a thing like that and then proceeded to tell me that if I take off the screen or do a mm and I catch the woods on fire or my neighbors property I would be in a lot of trouble. I just wanted to know if it voided the 6 mo warranty. After the lecture he told me he had done it to some of his saws but there is no good reason for me to do it.
Didn't mean to get him all fired up I don't even own a welder, probably a good chance I'd set the woods & neighbors property on fire with that too.

Kind leaning toward the 550 main reasons being 1)so far it sounds like everyone that has one doesn't regret purchasing it a bit. 2) price&weight, 3) Auto Tune


Thanks again everyone for taking the time to share all the good advice.
How many more days till Christmas? Dave.

 

[Philip Wheelock]

I have given a lot of thought to a 16" bar on the 550 I would like the saw I purchase to perform to it's full potential. ... I am wondering if I would appreciate a longer bar when cutting wood on the ground?

Hi Dave,

I know some prefer a longer bar so they don't have to bend over as much when limbing & cutting smaller wood on the ground. But for me, a longer bar would take away from the handling when working around branches & ground cover, and would be just that much more bar to keep my eye on.

 

[deepsouth]

Either will be great.

I have 3 saws, 1 is the 576xp at and the auto tune is great, just works to keep the saw running smooth. Another is a ported and mm 261 which is great, but needs a little finessing on the tuning as it wants to stall at idle right now. The third is a 340, a decent homeowner saw but it doesn't do so well in larger dead dry Aussie hardwood and the 325 chain isn't as forgiving for getting an edge on it.

The 576 is also strong and fast, would love to have it ported but too exxy to send to and from US.

 

[Termite]

Have I said how much I like my 576AT, even more since Mastermind went through it.
Too bad shipping would cost you so much.

 

[Freakingstang]

Ran my 550xp last night with a 20" bar. Was amazed
With 3/8 chain how strong this thing is. Bar buried and it pulled
It extremely Well. It was a touch nose heavy when carrying it but was plenty acceptable. I do believe an 18" bar would be the perfect one only saw.

 

[spike60]

Ran my 550xp last night with a 20" bar. Was amazed
With 3/8 chain how strong this thing is. Bar buried and it pulled
It extremely Well. It was a touch nose heavy when carrying it but was plenty acceptable. I do believe an 18" bar would be the perfect one only saw.

I haven't tried that yet, but I know they ran a bunch with 20's before the release, but I think it was .325. I respect your opinion, so this is a pretty good report.

They were actually testing some 550's @ 16,000rpm, and they ran all day with no issues. Wouldn't it be great to get our hands on that software? :msp_biggrin:

 

[SawTroll]

But you said zero reasons, not even zero performance reasons. But there are reasons outside of spec sheet. Like cost and dealer to name a few.

I still see zero reasons that has to do with the saw, and price differense isn't a reason either - but OK, the dealer could be one, in an extreme case...

 

[Locust Cutter]

That being said start with the 550, and when you decide that you want bigger than a 18" bar for the 26" oak that you find on your neighbors property (standing dead) 3 of them, then get a 372! Or a 575 or a 288, or a Stihl 441.......whatever 70cc+ saw you get tickled about.

Absolutely! I'm currently on the 50/60/70cc plan myself with the 261/6401/Stumpbroke 372xp, but the 6401 oiler is D.O.A. currently, so it's the 50/70cc saw plan for me. There WILL be a 395xp in my future though...

:hmm3grin2orange:

What's need got to do with this.:hmm3grin2orange:

There's always a need for the correct tool for the given application. Few of life's problems can't be fixed with a 1911 or some Semtex, but they're not ALWAYS the right choice!
To Dave,
Don't let the size thing fool you. my father and I bucked about 2 cords of white Oak and Hackleberry push-downs today in a neighbors wheat field. As much as I love my Stumpbroke 372, I mostly ran the MM'd 261 w/a 16" bar running 3/8" round chisel chain. I had the bar buried in some 20" trunks and it just kept pulling. If my saw will do this, and from ll accounts, the 550xp has more grunt, then you'll be quite happy both from a weight and performance standpoint. I haven't had the opportunity to run any of the auto-tunes, but know a few fellas on here and their individual thought processes. I trust them on their word and if they are this enamored with these saws, there's a reason for it. There very well may be a 550 or 562xp (or both) in my future as well. I still love Stihl and am very impressed with the Dolmars, but the Huskies continue to grow on me. I know the $$$ thing is hard to swallow ( you should have been next to me while I watched my '01 F-350 holding a MS660, 039 Sthil, 346xp and 55 huskies and much support equipment for fire wooding go up in smoke), but it really is a long term investment towards energy independence and self-sustainment. Any hard-working Man, Father or Husband should be able to appreciate that, it's just the communication of these principles to the "better half" that can be a bit confounding. Good Luck!

You're not in the mid-west are you?

 

[davex24]

Absolutely! I'm currently on the 50/60/70cc plan myself with the 261/6401/Stumpbroke 372xp, but the 6401 oiler is D.O.A. currently, so it's the 50/70cc saw plan for me. There WILL be a 395xp in my future though...



There's always a need for the correct tool for the given application. Few of life's problems can't be fixed with a 1911 or some Semtex, but they're not ALWAYS the right choice!
To Dave,
Don't let the size thing fool you. my father and I bucked about 2 cords of white Oak and Hackleberry push-downs today in a neighbors wheat field. As much as I love my Stumpbroke 372, I mostly ran the MM'd 261 w/a 16" bar running 3/8" round chisel chain. I had the bar buried in some 20" trunks and it just kept pulling. If my saw will do this, and from ll accounts, the 550xp has more grunt, then you'll be quite happy both from a weight and performance standpoint. I haven't had the opportunity to run any of the auto-tunes, but know a few fellas on here and their individual thought processes. I trust them on their word and if they are this enamored with these saws, there's a reason for it. There very well may be a 550 or 562xp (or both) in my future as well. I still love Stihl and am very impressed with the Dolmars, but the Huskies continue to grow on me. I know the $$$ thing is hard to swallow ( you should have been next to me while I watched my '01 F-350 holding a MS660, 039 Sthil, 346xp and 55 huskies and much support equipment for fire wooding go up in smoke), but it really is a long term investment towards energy independence and self-sustainment. Any hard-working Man, Father or Husband should be able to appreciate that, it's just the communication of these principles to the "better half" that can be a bit confounding. Good Luck!

You're not in the mid-west are you?

I am in MI.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Did you get any help from your insurance company?
I'm going to tell Santa I want the 550xp, just have to decide what bar length.
Dave.

 

[SawTroll]

I am in MI.
Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Did you get any help from your insurance company?
I'm going to tell Santa I want the 550xp, just have to decide what bar length.
Dave.

Start at 16", and add whatever you need when you need it.

 

[davex24]

Start at 16", and add whatever you need when you need it.

Ok SawTroll you talked me into it. If I get another bar I'll probably get a 20" but that's down the road.
I'll let you guys know what I think of it after Xmas. Unless a tree falls down across the driveway blocking my wife in, that could mean an early Xmas.
Thanks again.
Dave

 

[Hermann]

Ok SawTroll you talked me into it. If I get another bar I'll probably get a 20" but that's down the road.
I'll let you guys know what I think of it after Xmas. Unless a tree falls down across the driveway blocking my wife in, that could mean an early Xmas.
Thanks again.
Dave

I vote for the 550xp with 16 or 18 inch bar, get a second bar when you can, in case the first gets pinched - that is almost as good as a backup saw.

I would look around at other dealers too - maybe you kind find a better one in terms of price and/or service..

I do own a 550xp w/ 16 inch bar- and can support the claims of power/weight/fuel efficiency, and think smaller saws are typically used more than bigger ones especially if you are usually cutting under 18 inch.