Husqvarna 555 or 576 XP

[Ndigity26]

I have an opportunity to pick up a brand new Husqvarna 576 xp (24" bar) for $550 from a friend. I was looking at the Husqvarna 555 and 562 xp originally, as I am going to be using this saw for cutting firewood and cleaning up the woods where I hunt. There are some big oak and elm, so I want to run at least a 20" bar. I do have a Poulan 40cc saw for the smaller stuff and was using my dad's Husqvarna 257 for the last few years (20" bar).

Looking for advice on which saw would be the best fit for my needs, as there is no way for me to try them out before purchase. Is the 576 xp going to be to much saw for cutting firewood. I am 5'11" 210 lbs, so the weight isn't a huge concern.

Thanks,

Dankman

550$ for a 576 is a good price and its less than a new 555 if the 576 is in good shape that sounds pretty good

 

[Dankman]

So I am going to pull the trigger on another saw and wanted some feedback on which one to go with. I really like what I've heard about the 545, but the 550xp is $100 more and has almost half hp more. The $100 doesn't bother me, and I like the fact that is has 3.75 hp for a small saw. I plan on running a 16" or 18" b&c.

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[cory@owen]

In the real world, the difference in power is very small. I'd save the $100.

 

[rburg]

I have the Jonsered version of the 545 and it is a nice 50cc saw. If you already have a larger saw, I would go with the 545.

 

[tlandrum]

theres a ported 545 in the trading post that will give you all the power you want for a small saw.

 

[Dankman]

I actually found a 346xp w/18" b&c used at the local Stihl dealer for $300. Got an extra chain and it doesn't appear to have a ton of use on it. Seemed like a good price on a proven saw and saved some $ as well.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

 

[snoozeys]

I would get the 576xp at that price ... run it for a week.... If you don't like it resell at a profit !!!

 

[Dankman]

I would get the 576xp at that price ... run it for a week.... If you don't like it resell at a profit !!!

I love the 576xp for the big stuff. Ton of power and just chews up anything you put in front of it. I was looking to upgrade from my Poulan 2150 and went with a 346xp. Should be able to test it out tomorrow.

 

[rburg]

You will like the 346.

 

[snoozeys]

I love my big 576xp too ... 346xp would be good for the smaller stuff !!!

 

[Dankman]

The 346xp appears to be the new edition with the silver chain cover. What is the major difference between this one and the orange cover old edition?

 

[tlandrum]

ne and oe are different cc

 

[Dankman]

ne and oe are different cc

Which one is better?

 

[rburg]

I like the ne better. That is the one I own.

 

[Dankman]

I was able to run the 346xp today and the little guy rips. Ran 3 tanks of fuel through it and really liked how it performed. Great for limbing and has enough hp to get through 17" oak.
Still broke out the 576xp for the big cuts.

 

[rburg]

You have a nice 2 saw combo.

 

[snoozeys]

I find I 576xp is a bit heavy to use all the time especially when limbing

 

[2lumbarleft]

I wanted to post a photo of the scale that I also posted on the previous link regarding Husqvarna 555 weight. I will post photos of the saws earlier discussed, but added a new photo of a Redmax G5300 powerhead that I had lying around.