Husqvarna 550xp Mk 2 feed back wanted

[Jamie Jones]

Interested on some feed back on the Husqvarna 550xp Mk 2, 50cc chainsaw.
Thinking of getting one with an 18" bar.
I have bigger saws, 60cc & 80cc as well as top handle chainsaws.... The main reason for getting this saw is that it can be used on the ground, and also from a rope and harness for the limbs and stems that the top handles can't deal with, while still remaining light enough to not be as awkward as the 60cc and above saws.
So I am Interested in peoples feed back on the 550xp Mk 2 who are using it for the aspects I plan on using it for.

[Stubby]

14 minutes ago, Jamie Jones said:

Interested on some feed back on the Husqvarna 550xp Mk 2, 50cc chainsaw.
Thinking of getting one with an 18" bar.
I have bigger saws, 60cc & 80cc as well as top handle chainsaws.... The main reason for getting this saw is that it can be used on the ground, and also from a rope and harness for the limbs and stems that the top handles can't deal with, while still remaining light enough to not be as awkward as the 60cc and above saws.
So I am Interested in peoples feed back on the 550xp Mk 2 who are using it for the aspects I plan on using it for.

Not tried one myself but , most people on here rate it highly over the older Mk one .  I think it will pull an 18" bar but instinct tells me it would be better balance on a 15" but that would limit what you want it for in a tree .

[Retired Climber]

I have one, it replaced an ms261. It feels modern, is quite light, and is nice and revvy, but it lacks the grunt of the Stihl. If you treat it nicely and keep the revs up its fine. It bogs down in a cut if you are too enthusiastic though. 

[Jamie Jones]

6 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Not tried one myself but , most people on here rate it highly over the older Mk one .  I think it will pull an 18" bar but instinct tells me it would be better balance on a 15" but that would limit what you want it for in a tree .

It comes with a 15" as standard, but states 18" bar is an option. Mosts dealers offer it with a 15" or 18" set up.

[Retired Climber]

16 minutes ago, Jamie Jones said:

It comes with a 15" as standard, but states 18" bar is an option. Mosts dealers offer it with a 15" or 18" set up.

Ive got a 15 and an 18 and it makes no difference. If you are careful it will pull the 18; if you push it, you'll bog down on a 15. 

[IronMike]

I've got one. Absolutely fantastic saw. I run an 18 inch bar on mine, it doesn't even notice. Used hard in forestry, first thinnings especially, and it's been phenomenonal. Stump up the extra for heated handles too. Buy one, you won't regret it! 

[IronMike]

Just read your initial post properly.... 

 

Sorry I can't advise on what it's like up a tree! The only time mine is near the top of a tree is after I've felled it!

[lux]

Good saw. For aerial work the echo 501 sx is the best of the bunch. For me as an all rounder the 501 is the best 50cc saw.

[Mick Dempsey]

550 is the best saw on the market, a modern classic.

 

All saws bigger than a topper are going to be a pita up a tree in comparison (to a topper)

 

Edited October 28, 2021 by Mick Dempsey

[Mick Dempsey]

Coincidentally using one today aloft.