***killer combo***

[stihlgreenman]

I just bought my first pro saw. So im a rookie in the saw biz. I got a Husqvarna 550xp and I love it. I want to upgrade my bar and chain. Im running a 16 inch stock bar/chain. I would like to know what works best for ya'll. I'd also like it to be light weight. Thanks. Post awaya

 

[blsnelling]

What's wrong with the B&C that's on it?

 

[stihlgreenman]

Like I said im a rookie is it good? It seems good to me... I just wonderd if there was better. I want it to cut even faster. Time = money.

 

[expy]

Wear out your stock bar first. By that time I bet you will have a good idea yourself what you would like to replace the stock bar with. Having several sharp chains on site is always a good idea. Just to get you thinking though , I'd like to have to have a Sugihara for my 550 but I think they are tough to find. I just haven't looked that hard lately.

 

[moody]

Like I said im a rookie is it good? It seems good to me... I just wonderd if there was better. I want it to cut even faster. Time = money.

Smaller bar= less rotating mass = faster chain speed fewer teeth to sharpen more speed.

 

[stihl023/5]

Like I said im a rookie is it good? It seems good to me... I just wonderd if there was better. I want it to cut even faster. Time = money.

Yes time is money, but remember fast is dangerous and deadly.

 

[stihlgreenman]

You say a few sharp chains would be nice. Okay what chains should I have if and when I need 2 swap in the woods and don't have have time to sharpen at that time. What good I mean great chains are out there?

 

[stihlgreenman]

Like Rickey Bobby says drive fast and take chances

 

[expy]

Like Rickey Bobby says drive fast and take chances

He also ran around in his underwear asking Tom Cruise and Oprah to save him. I don't think Ricky Bobby would last long in the woods.:msp_tongue:

There are chain gurus on here that I'm sure will give out some good info soon.

 

[expy]

Forgot to say congrats on a getting a great saw! New saw rep.

 

[moody]

Depends on what you refer to as your hardwood. Stihl makes great chain, but Carlton chains are what I use when cutting Hedge and Locust.

 

[dl5205]

It only takes MiliSeconds to turn a great chain to a worthless series of links, even for a "pro". You probably need a couple of spares. Think non-safety, full chisel. Your dealer can help.

The biggest favor you can do yourself is to 'brush up' on your sharpening skills, and learn about depth gauges, and bar maintenance.

Your 'stock' bar will be fine, you'll hopefully wear it out soon enough.

 

[dl5205]

Forgot to say, on a 50cc saw I like a 16" .325x.050. Sounds like that's what you have. My own 'favorite' bar for small pro saws has been the Windsor SpeedTip. They are now Carlton SpeedTip, I believe.

West coast sawyers like longer bars. That has to do with terrain and species cut.

Tsumara, Sugihara, Oregon, and others are some other ArboristSite faves.

 

[dl5205]

Oregon 20LPX is a nice chain. I like it. There is also a very good Stihl .325, but I don't have the # in front of me. Woodland Pro 20RC looks OK.

 

[john taliaferro]

Before getting a new bar or more chains get some chaps ,and eye protection with ear muffs .Then do a muffler mod after 1/2 gallon of mix or so and adjust the carb . Then lower the rakers till it starts to pull down and cut hard :msp_biggrin: if you dont want to spend money on chaps then carry a pair of small pair of needle nose vice grips to clamp the vein off .

 

[expy]

Before getting a new bar or more chains get some chaps ,and eye protection with ear muffs .Then do a muffler mod after 1/2 gallon of mix or so and adjust the carb . Then lower the rakers till it starts to pull down and cut hard :msp_biggrin:

His 550xp should handle the carb adjust all by itself.

 

[srb08]

Stihl RM would be a good chain choice. It's not as fast as RS, but it doesn't dull as easily.
RM is semi chisel and RS is full chisel chain.
Any Stihl dealer should be able to make up loops to fit your saw.

Before you spend any money on extra bars and chains, spend some money on protective gear, especially chaps, and wear them whenever you cut.

 

[Andyshine77]

His 550xp should handle the carb adjust all by itself.

It better!!

I like Stihl RS .325 .050 on my 346. You could run 3/8 if you'd like, it may cut a little faster with 3/8, but you'd have to time the cuts to notice.

 

[bcorradi]

I think the general consensus is that stihl chain is the best imo and I personally believe so. Carlton is a close second...oregon is farther down the list. The same goes for bars imo.

 

[7sleeper]

It only takes MiliSeconds to turn a great chain to a worthless series of links, even for a "pro". You probably need a couple of spares. Think non-safety, full chisel. Your dealer can help.

The biggest favor you can do yourself is to 'brush up' on your sharpening skills, and learn about depth gauges, and bar maintenance.

Your 'stock' bar will be fine, you'll hopefully wear it out soon enough.

This is bad advice and we are not doing beginners a favor recommending full chisel chain!
This is the typical ignorance we are showing when beginners come here for help. Very often their needs are ignored and we just confuse our needs and their needs!

I just bought my first pro saw. So im a rookie in the saw biz. I got a Husqvarna 550xp and I love it. I want to upgrade my bar and chain. Im running a 16 inch stock bar/chain. I would like to know what works best for ya'll. I'd also like it to be light weight. Thanks. Post awaya

Even a semi chisel will cut truckloads of wood fast if your sharpening skills are up to date!

Before getting a new bar or more chains get some chaps ,and eye protection with ear muffs .Then do a muffler mod after 1/2 gallon of mix or so and adjust the carb . Then lower the rakers till it starts to pull down and cut hard :msp_biggrin: if you dont want to spend money on chaps then carry a pair of small pair of needle nose vice grips to clamp the vein/artery off .

This is the best advice sofar! The veins are usually not a problem, it is the artery and it's high pressure that makes it quick!

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