550xp max bar size?

[Kay 9]

Hi all, I'm looking for a little info. Will a 550xp pull and oil a 20" b&c for occasional use? 99% of the time I have a 15" on it but have come on a tree today that I'm going to have to go bigger on. 36-40" is diameter of the tree approximately. Another thing. Do these huskies go so much faster than the stihl that the bar is almost untouchable with heat? Yes it is oiling. Even put pump on max setting. Was cutting up some wind blown Ash today that's down for quite some time and it was getting really hot. No discolouration, just never noticed this on saws/bars/chains I've had before. btw... I'm definitely converted to husqvarna for sheer performance. Amazing little saw..

[Eddy_t]

What ever the book says +4" is what I'd say as max length, and yes, these saw's bars get VERY hot!

 

 

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[Kay 9]

Cheers eddy. Might just order an 18". Probably more usable than getting a 20 and it not much use. It's only one tree and I'll manage with the 18 me thinks. Yeah the bars do get really hot on these no doubt..

[Eddy_t]

Was gonna say 36-40" you don't need a bar half the size, just bore the heart out

 

 

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[wisecobandit]

You can buy 550xp off the shelf with 18" so husqy must deem it suitable.

They say 3cc per 1" of bar as a rule of thumb so on that basis 18" would need 54cc.

 

As Eddy says I think 18" is your best bet.

[Kay 9]

Yep thanks a mil lads. Will just order an 18 from chainsaw bars UK I think. Be handy to have the odd time anyway. 20 would be just too much the more I think of it even though it pulls the 15 without any hesitation. Will the same sprocket work if I order the oregon pro lite bar? It's wearing a 15" huskie bar and chain atm.

[Eddy_t]

Failing that, buy a bigger saw

 

And the sprocket isn't affected by the bar, assuming you're still on 7t .325

 

 

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[Kay 9]

Yeah I'm still on the original sprocket, it's 325 and I presume it's a 7 tooth. I can't justify a bigger saw really tbh. However, I'm considering getting a 372 down the road as then I'd consider myself covered for whatever I may come across. thanks again mate... Have couple of older saws here that may get me out of this spot. And old cs 60s even though it's slow and sluggish and a 65/70 cc mac of some sort.. Once I get past the main trunk I'll be using the 550

[SawTroll]

I see nothing wrong with using a 20" occationally - the main issue with it is that it destroys the nice handling of the saw.

[Coletti]

In my honest opinion as someone that runs a 550 with 18"bar I wouldn't go any bigger. 18" is bordering too much for the saw, don't get me wrong, it's still nicely balanced and it pulls it nicely most of the time but I do find my self wanting for more power on an odd occasion. Personally I would stick an 18 on and manage with that for as long as poss till you can afford a bigger saw

 

 

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