Husqvarna 550 Mk 2 or older MS 261-CM

[Echo]

Well I planned on buying a 50cc saw, and this plan is being brought forward as a result of my CS 352

experience, that saw has me puzzled in how it is so easily effected by weather, altitude and may be even mix oil used.

I feel if a cloud comes over or you put it behind your back it changes tune, may be am listening too attentively to it.

 

So, the local dealer does not have the version 2 of the MS 261, that only leaves the new 550xp mk 2.

The Husky costs 665.00 eoro, the old 261 costs 30 more more at 695.00.

 

Still a bit timid about the AT and on a relatively untested new saw.

Whats your opinions on the new 550 mk2, not worried about the weight difference between the Husky and the Stihl

as I won't off the ground with them, and then there is the possability of a 50cc echo, if I go this way it would be my third one of them, depending of course on what my Echo dealer will allow me on the 352, which distracts me to no end, the saw cuts very well, but we have different personalities.

I like constant repeatable functionality, not a different mood every so often.

Edited April 2, 2019 by Echo

[Mark Bolam]

Also interested in feedback on the 550 mk2, although they haven't been out long, so it may be limited.

 

Especially with different bar sizes.

[Echo]

Yes, only available here in 13 or 15 inch .325, did not ask if it was 1.3 or 1.5 as I was rather taken back by the fact they did not have the latest version of the 261, and could not get it in, so I did not get into further detail.

[Echo]

Could be a while before we see a ported one, have not seen anyone dissect on either, like they did with the Stihls when they came along, have seen the innards of this new saw for what its worth. 

[The avantgardener]

The new 550 mk2 is a completely different saw from the mk1.

The reviews I have heard from users is that is performs more like a 560 than 550, new air filter derived from the 572 and cools quicker, better AT also, I have one in order, should be with me next week so will let you know what I make if it.

[Echo]

3 minutes ago, The avantgardener said:

The new 550 mk2 is a completely different saw from the mk1.

The reviews I have heard from users is that is performs more like a 560 than 550, new air filter derived from the 572 and cools quicker, better AT also, I have one in order, should be with me next week so will let you know what I make if it.

That should be interesting, either way I hope you like the saw. Did you consider the MS 261 at all.

[The avantgardener]

Absolutely not, although the newest version is apparently very good, it depends what you cut, I work in Forestry rather than Arb, Husqvarna saws produce a far superior performance which are perfect for my use.

[Echo]

Would this 550 mk 2 you are getting be doing the kind of work the few generations back 346 was made for. I only want it for firewood, thinning, and tidying up wind falls, nothing over 18 inch, with the majority being under a foot.

Edited April 2, 2019 by Echo

[The avantgardener]

16 minutes ago, Echo said:

Would this 550 mk 2 you are getting be doing the kind of work the few generations back 346 was made for. I only want it for firewood, thinning, and tidying up wind falls, nothing over 18 inch, with the majority being under a foot.

Yes, exactly, I am still running two ported 346’s at the minute.

For what you need I wouldn’t rule out a 50cc Dolmar, bombproof and non AT, ask @shavey on here what he would suggest as an option.

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, The avantgardener said:

Yes, exactly, I am still running two ported 346’s at the minute.

For what you need I wouldn’t rule out a 50cc Dolmar, bombproof and non AT, ask @shavey on here what he would suggest as an option.

I held off getting a Mk 1 550 purely as I have a Spud ported 346 from 2004 !  Now I am retired from full time cutting I won't need a MK 2 either ?