Husqvarna 50ish cc saw suggestions

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If you’re just tinkering around get a 350, if you need it to make a living 550xp. The new ranchers are good saws I had a 455, clamshell design absolutely hated the oiling system and bar combo. I had a 340 that would almost eat it’s lunch, imagine the 350 to be quite the ripper and light to boot, since it’s built on the same chassis, and parts are cheap!
 
I just bought and cleaned up an old 55 rancher today. I was surprised at the torque of the saw, and being on the 2 series frame its pretty light. I have used a 550 and its a great saw but I was taken back by the weight of the saw for 50cc. I have a 460 rancher which is heavier, so I'm guessing the 450 and 455 would weigh the same.
The 455 will be almost the same weight as the 460 and 450 lighter, the are on a totally different chassis.
 
I love my 55 ported and polished cylinder
Go to saw for mid to small tree's
 

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Id look at a 550mk2. There was a bunch of them floating around from blown heads. But you have a solid crank case, that shouldnt be spun out.
 
Believe it or not a 455 rancher will out cut a stock 346XP and is better on fuel.. Can't speak to the 550
Not the 50cc version and probably not the orginal 45cc version either. Plus the 455 is several lbs heavier.
I've ran a 455 and it's doggy. I've also owned both versions of the 346 and they both kicked ass.
 
Take a Husky 55 that has the best choke and air filter set up, then put a Partner 5000, Jonsered 490, or Jonsered 590 closed port piston and cylinder on it. I prefer this saw over the 346XP, 345, 350, 351, 353. Out of those 5, the 345 I rebuilt was my favorite. I rebuilt several of both series and sold all but my 55/5000. They are all extremely reliable. They all leak oil. Both series have intake issues. The 350/345 has a plastic bottom crankcase and the muffler screws fall out. The 346XP is more narrow than the 55 and has a tendency to fall over when you set it down in the field. The 55 starter is weak when you increase the compression, the pulley post tends to break.

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The 51s and 55s are mostly worn out, send those to me for retirement.

The latest 51 cp,
only piston I could find was a pop up. Cut the base 30, squish is 31ish.
It is running so good it's scary.
 
I guess it depends on your budget. I always liked the 50,51,55 saws I think the 55special had closed transfers. The 346 are top 5 rated saw within chainsaw lore. The 254se are super tough, strong runners. My brother in law has a 455, it’s fine but it’s not near as rugged as the 55 it replaced. If money is no concern the new 550 saws seem to be well liked, I haven’t had one on my bench or on the wood.
 
246 Golf piston boss enlarged, .045 squish with base gasket delete on the 55, compression is 150. It's ran that way for 6 years.
 
I've had a 50, 51, 55's and the 346XP NE was a much better saw. Then I bought a new 550 XP MKIII. I rarely use the 349XP NE anymore. That 550XP MKII and my new 2020 562XP are my go to saws.
 
I've had a 50, 51, 55's and the 346XP NE was a much better saw. Then I bought a new 550 XP MKIII. I rarely use the 349XP NE anymore. That 550XP MKII and my new 2020 562XP are my go to saws.
if those 550 mklll are that good I'm gonna need to get a few, that and I'd like to buy that 349xp ne, never had one of those :p.
 
Husqvarna 55 with the compression release and closed port P/C. You can identify them by the +++++++ along the bottom of the cylinder where it meets the crankcase just under the compression release.......IMG_4601.JPG
 
I have a cyl here with the +s that is open port.
It has no release port and is 45 mm.
All my closed port cyls have the +s and the port.

I ran one today, 45 mm CP. I like these old saws.
 
I rebuilt a Husky 50 with an 18" bar that I found dumped in commercial recycling bin. It needed a few parts (chain brake handle and pull cord) that I found online, but it had good compression, so I figured it was worth saving. New parts cost me about $50 and I doubt that it took more than a couple of hours to restore it. Yes, it has the old carb cover with a choke switch on the back, but dang it, this saw runs as well as my Husky 350 and might even stay with my 353. I am thus destined to use it this spring to cut firewood and give it a good workout. Here it is:
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I really like this saw, and both my 350's are jealous. Any idea when this was built? It's an anniversary edition, so I believe 1989-90. WDYT?
 
I have a Husky and I like it, but a new 50cc saw...gotta say ECHO 4910 for me!
 
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