543xp ? 550xp? 545?
- Thread starter huskyboy
- Start date
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sunfish
Fish Head
Good saw, but it's no 550xp.
I also am curious.
I ask myself though is the 550xp 150$ better than the dolmar ? Got to stop the budget somewhere and 150$ buys a LOT of chains and extra stuff. The 545 is however in the same price range but seems to be far less powerful than both the 550 and 5105
Ironworker
Addicted to ArboristSite
Where in Ct. Are you Bob (Spike60) is just west of Kingston NY. If you can drive there he will be your best bet.
bryanr2
Addicted to ArboristSite
you specified that you want a light weight saw with a high power to weight ratio. The 550xp is what you would want for that. Off top of my head the 5105 weighs pretty close to a Triple Nickel, but would give up a lot of power. So Husq wins again. If you want to go Dolmar, look at the 6100 and contact Nate (fordf150). If you want to do Husq- good luck beating Spike 60s prices.
Need2Saw
ArboristSite Operative
I have no experience with either the 550xp or the 5105, but as i am currently kicking around the idea of upgrading my 50cc saw i am very observant of threads like this one. I have good dealers of both brands close by. Husky dealer is 6 miles, dolmar is 15 miles but Dolmar is not popular in our area. With that said, I wouldn't hesitate to buy either brand. From what ive read, i think the 550xp is worth the extra money, that may change when i run both saws tho!
I am looking forward to more info and a saw update when you do acquire your new saw! thanks.
getting back to your original post, I do not think you need a 550xp for your uses that you listed. Getting the 550 would not have any downsides but certainly not needed.
sunfish
Fish Head
Yeah, the "light weight" "high power to weight ratio" goes to the 550xp. If you want something else that's fine too.
SawTroll
Information Collector
Heavy and clumcy for a 50cc saw, much heavier than the US specs say. Like the MS261, handling suffers from the inboard clutch design.
Saw troll, you said before that the 550xp is better than the 545, do you think it would be worth the extra cash for my needs, I won't use the saw as much as a pro arborist but I want a real saw not a plastic Home Depot crap 
SO many options out there for pro saws
SO many options out there for pro saws
Yes.
zwoehr
ArboristSite Operative
I used to have a 450. It needed to be tuned just right to really work well, but it was a pretty good saw for the money. Now I have a 550xp. It doesn't need to be tuned ever and is an awesome saw for the money. Call or PM one of the site sponsor dealers and you will probably be able to get a better deal than you can find at the online retailers.
SawTroll
Information Collector
But the 5105 is the same price and has more power
More power is "paper only" - it doesn't work like that in the real world. My 346xp consistently outcuts my 5100S, despite the 5100 was rated at .2 hp more. The difference is too small to matter in practical cutting though.
Trigger response also is much better with the 50cc Huskys (346xp and 550xp), and of course handling - major difference, that makes the Dolmar a "sawbuck only" saw!
I like the idea of not having to tune the saw, I know how to adjust a saw carb but trimming limiter caps and messing around gets real old. And I agree paper specs are just numbers in the real world. I am starting to lean towards a 545/550, do you think a 545 would suit my needs well. It's just a detuned 550 right?
SawTroll
Information Collector
It is, but it also lacks the "rev-boost", so trigger response likely isn't the same (I haven't tried it, and just assume it is less responsive).
zwoehr
ArboristSite Operative
For the softwood we have here 18 inch is good. I think they both come with .325 pitch 0.050 gauge bar and chain.
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