550 XP Bar Size

[Jet47]

I bought my second 550 XP yesterday morning before work. It came with a 16 inch bar. Arriving at work I promptly took my modded muffler off my old saw and put it on the new one. I have to say, maybe it is my imagination, but the 16 inch bar seemed to out perform the 18 inch bar I used on my first 550 for the last 2 years.
The last time I was this impressed with a saw was when I got rid of my 61 Husky and picked up a 254XP.(at least 25 years ago).
I have said it before and I will say it again, Husqvarna hit a home run with the 550.

 

[SawTroll]

A 16" will mostly outperform an 18" one - everything else being the same. However, with how much, and if it matters, will depend on a lot of factors.

There really is only one way to find out what the change does to you, for your use.....

 

[Termite]

I use a light weight, that is laminate bar on my 2253. It is suppose to be 20" but is closer to 18". I like the extra reach. Gage is .325, a little smoother than 3/8.

 

[blsnelling]

If cutting the same size wood, I can't imagine the difference being noticeable.

 

[sunfish]

Yes, a 16" bar will outperform a 18" bar. But I do like a 18" bar on a strong 50cc for my needs.

 

[sunfish]

If cutting the same size wood, I can't imagine the difference being noticeable.

It is noticeable in the same size wood.

 

[blsnelling]

BTW, I run a 20" bar on my 346, only for the additional reach. It saves my back and the saw doesn't mind at all.

 

[sunfish]

BTW, I run a 20" bar on my 346, only for the additional reach. It saves my back and the saw doesn't mind at all.

I also like the longer reach, but the shorter bar will cut faster.

 

[erikvr]

European bar length saying: As long as needed, as short as possible.

 

[SawTroll]

I use a light weight, that is laminate bar on my 2253. It is suppose to be 20" but is closer to 18". I like the extra reach. Gage is .325, a little smoother than 3/8.

.325 and 3/8" is about pitch, not gauge.

 

[SawTroll]

European bar length saying: As long as needed, as short as possible.

That's right, but overdoing it (by using very short bars) is very common.

 

[Termite]

.325 and 3/8" is about pitch, not gauge.

I knew that.

 

[redoakneck]

Us here in Amerika say go BIG or go home, prolly some kind of confidence thing with male sectuallity???

 

[erikvr]

We'd like to go big here too, but no 24"bar needed for some tulips..

 

[redoakneck]

Style and color, fancy paint, decals, and a big bar supersede any performance or functionality factors,, kinda like shopping for shoes with the misses???

BTW, I would rather pry my teeth out with a rusted butter knife than go shopping!!!!

 

[Jet47]

I run a .325 on it. Probably should try a 3/8 sometime.
While I am loving the 16", I do miss the extra reach the 18" gives me.

 

[KenJax Tree]

I run 3/8 on my 550xp because all my other saws have 3/8 too and that keeps it simple. The smaller saws and top handles have 3/8lp

 

[c5rulz]

How big a blade can you get on one of them thare 550's?

 

[Chris-PA]

Way too much bar - should go down to a 14". You need a Wild Thing if you want to run an 18".

 

[redoakneck]

How big a blade can you get on one of them thare 550's?

24" is the biggest small mount I have, but woohw nellie, with an adapter maybe a 36"!!!