What are the overall merits of the above three 50 cc class saws , in a nutshell , which saw is the current Overall King of the Hill !
You can become a Supporting Member which comes with a decal or just click here to donate.
This plus I'll add a couple things. The AV on the Dolmars is smoother. The easy start works pretty well if you have shoulder or arm issues, but with a primer bulb and decomp the Huskies start pretty easily too. The Dolmar is the only 50 I feel comfortable running 3/8 chain with. Both the 545 and 550 are "snappier" out of the box, but in the cut the Dolmars shine. A lot of this can be made up with a muffler mod on the Dollys. If you have carburetor issues with the Husky you're heading to the dealer. All of these saws enjoy good on-line parts support if needed.That’s a nuanced answer.
Do you need dealer support? Husqvarna has a larger presence than Dolmar, which is now owned by Makita. The 5105 has more torque, so if you push the saw into 18-20” bar territory, the 5105 will probably pull a longer bar in wood better. But, it’s a little chubby, heavy, and if you have a bigger saw already you can keep a 16” bar on your 50cc saw, and the 550xp will rev faster, be lighter and maneuver better, plus have auto tune.
The 545 will save you some money since it doesn’t have turbo boost, which allows the saw to spin up to 15K RPM for ~6 seconds to laser through tiny branches while delimbing a tree. The newest 550xp mark II is a little heavier than the previous v.1, but has more power. I’m not sure how it compares to the 5105, but I suspect it is as strong if not stronger.
That’s a nuanced answer.
Do you need dealer support? Husqvarna has a larger presence than Dolmar, which is now owned by Makita. The 5105 has more torque, so if you push the saw into 18-20” bar territory, the 5105 will probably pull a longer bar in wood better. But, it’s a little chubby, heavy, and if you have a bigger saw already you can keep a 16” bar on your 50cc saw, and the 550xp will rev faster, be lighter and maneuver better, plus have auto tune.
The 545 will save you some money since it doesn’t have turbo boost, which allows the saw to spin up to 15K RPM for ~6 seconds to laser through tiny branches while delimbing a tree. The newest 550xp mark II is a little heavier than the previous v.1, but has more power. I’m not sure how it compares to the 5105, but I suspect it is as strong if not stronger.
This plus I'll add a couple things. The AV on the Dolmars is smoother. The easy start works pretty well if you have shoulder or arm issues, but with a primer bulb and decomp the Huskies start pretty easily too. The Dolmar is the only 50 I feel comfortable running 3/8 chain with. Both the 545 and 550 are "snappier" out of the box, but in the cut the Dolmars shine. A lot of this can be made up with a muffler mod on the Dollys. If you have carburetor issues with the Husky you're heading to the dealer. All of these saws enjoy good on-line parts support if needed.
For me, the decision would come down to budget and what the intended use is. Having owned all three, there is no way you would ever convince me the Huskies are hundreds of dollars better. If it's mainly smaller wood I would go with either Husky with a 16" .325 bar and chain. If I needed a saw to do firewood duty with full bar bucking, or if it were my only saw, I'd get the Dolmar with an 18" 3/8 setup.
There is also the Dolmar/Makita 4300 I don't have one but have heard very good reports on it.Thanks guys for the input , as I have advised previously both of my Son,s have been eyeballing my slightly been used 346 xp that I have just recently purchased . Unfortunately being Irish , just a little protective of personal saws lol . So I have been narrowing down a choice for a limbing saw backup for light bushing and cutting for Moosee Camp in November . I purchased a used 543 xp from a friend of a friend recently and rather disappointed in its overall performance , good for cedar and pine but not much in any hardwood . My bad lol . So I thought I would just get some perspective from some educated individuals within the matter , since good conditioned 346 xp,s are rare ... Cheers !
It's a matter of standards .Don't let the fact that HE calls it "dirty" and "old" worry you, that 346 that @chipper1 has in the post would do exactly what you're looking for a saw to do.
I agree sort of, if you add needing dealer support into the picture that will have to be a big part of the decision.For me, the decision would come down to budget and what the intended use is. Having owned all three, there is no way you would ever convince me the Huskies are hundreds of dollars better.
Great little saws, but the 543 is only rated slightly less than the 4300 at 2.95hp(543) vs 3hp for the 4300. That being said I have no problem running the 4300 in smaller wood, but I'd rather run a 241 in that size, but the 4300 is a good substitute if you don't want the mtronic saw or the extra expense. I've never personally ran a 543 so I can't say other than what the specs say and that's not the best assessment.There is also the Dolmar/Makita 4300 I don't have one but have heard very good reports on it.
You've proven my point exactly, it even kinda looks like a dolly .
So are you buying a saw, or just gathering info?Brett , the 543 is already in the cold steel hands of my daughter , she is the Cedar kindling specialist @ Deer & Moose Camp , good luck with prying that little screamer from her ....Joe ! lmao .
Fast, but the handling takes some getting used to. I'm guessing the Dolly rides a lot smoother too.You've proven my point exactly, it even kinda looks like a dolly .
The nice part is if you change your mind both models will be available for a little while. I'm guessing you'll still be able to find OE 550s a year from now.Rearview don,t get me wrong , I appreciate what you and Chipper 1 have within 346,s . I however polish and wax my work saws . I paid up for my 2014 346 , $ 480 us , it still had the Husquarna on the original bar . I have a tough decision , I am a former diesel mechanic and 3rd Class stationary engineer , so the mechanical amplitude has not been lost within this oldtimer . I have to decide whether I stay a traditional Husquarna owner 550 vs 545 or a New Mikita Owner lol. Decisions , Decisions ...Joe !
Don't mistaken Tim for a husky fan, he likes those Dollys. Also I like the 346 a lot for firewooding, it's one of my favorites, but for work I'll take a 545/550. They are two different jobs and when making the decisions on which saw is the right one for you this needs to be considered. I could cut most all my firewood with a 291 or a 455, I just prefer running/owning pro saws.Rearview don,t get me wrong , I appreciate what you and Chipper 1 have within 346,s . I however polish and wax my work saws . I paid up for my 2014 346 , $ 480 us , it still had the Husquarna on the original bar . I have a tough decision , I am a former diesel mechanic and 3rd Class stationary engineer , so the mechanical amplitude has not been lost within this oldtimer . I have to decide whether I stay a traditional Husquarna owner 550 vs 545 or a New Mikita Owner lol. Decisions , Decisions ...Joe !
I thought it was 2171/2This reminds me, I need to start thinking about a "cabin saw"
Enter your email address to join: