procarbine2k1
Addicted to ArboristSite
Start at 16", and add whatever you need when you need it.
Sound advice ST!
Start at 16", and add whatever you need when you need it.
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.
Very true. Most guys will choose to pick up a lighter saw, as long as it's got the power to get the job done.
Many people who own a larger saw will come in looking for something smaller with the intention of only using it for limbing and such. But they usually end up using it way more often and on much larger wood than they expected. Especially if they get one of the better small saws like a 346 or the new 550. They frequently say something along the lines of, "I hardly ever use the big saw anymore".
I would look around at other dealers too - maybe you kind find a better one in terms of price and/or service..
Very true. Most guys will choose to pick up a lighter saw, as long as it's got the power to get the job done.
Many people who own a larger saw will come in looking for something smaller with the intention of only using it for limbing and such. But they usually end up using it way more often and on much larger wood than they expected. Especially if they get one of the better small saws like a 346 or the new 550. They frequently say something along the lines of, "I hardly ever use the big saw anymore".
I have both a 550 and 562 that I use in a professional environment. The 550 xp will do fine for your use.I am using my 455 rancher and have been for seveal months . Clear cuting and spacing and junking firewood. It works awesome and great power and cheaper. If I were to go to a xp the 550 would be lighter and turn up 10200 and a wee bit more power correct.....someone? 562 is a bit heavy on the nose I find . Doe's anyone own a 550xp and is it fine for the odd or some bigger hardwood? My rancher is fine but want a pro series if there is a difference .
I am using my 455 rancher and have been for seveal months . Clear cuting and spacing and junking firewood. It works awesome and great power and cheaper. If I were to go to a xp the 550 would be lighter and turn up 10200 and a wee bit more power correct.....someone? 562 is a bit heavy on the nose I find . Doe's anyone own a 550xp and is it fine for the odd or some bigger hardwood? My rancher is fine but want a pro series if there is a difference .
Thanks man and 18" bar is my preference.Rancher 455 is 12.8lbs and 3.49hp.
550XP is 10.8lbs and 3.75hp, though some of that hp is just due to running a higher RPM, and it doesn't feel quite as torquey.
Essentially, it'll feel a little zippier than your 455, and it'll feel like you're working with a saw of half the weight, after a couple hours.
562xp is basically the same weight as your 455 (how nose heavy it is depends on how long or heavy of a bar it has. The couple I've run didn't feel nose-heavy), but has 4.7hp.
Frankly, my Grandpa has run a 50cc pro (Jonsered 490, which he gave me after he won the next saw at a tree farmer's association get together) or "landowner" (Husky 351, current, and for the last 10-15 years or so?) saw keeping up 460 acres of tree farm, since 1980. He has a BIG old John Deere saw for when something really big needs cut, once a year or something, but almost everything else is done with a good 50cc saw.
Mike
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:
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