longest bar and type of chain for Husqui 550 XP

[cjdg]

What is the longest bar that 550  XP "sensibly" can use? I have 16” and 18” bars for my 3No XP550s already and wondered if I could get away with a longer one

[Bob The Dog]

18” on my 550xp but I wouldn’t go any longer. It’s about the max you want to be I’d say. The 346xp (similar size of saw) runs a 16” and feels nicer and better balanced tbh. 

[kram]

I have 18" on a less powerful saws. 20-24" but cutting will be slower.

 

You could go bigger with a skip chain - half as many cutters in contact, will keep the chain speed and cutting performance up as if you were cutting smaller logs. With that, 24 or 28", but I would suggest a bigger saw.

[Brushcutter]

I wouldn't put bigger than an 18" on a 550. I only use a 15 on mine. I have an 18" on my 560. Using an 18" on a 550 won't kill it but it is a little slow and sad same can be said for 20. But if you use your 20 blunt it will kill it quicker. I'd be tempted to run 1.3mm guage rather than 1.5 to keep the power up.

[Stubby]

As above . I think they are best balanced on a 15" . They will run an 18" but would go no longer , unless you are American then you can put a 32" on . 🙂

[peds]

15" on my 550, 18" on a 357.

 

If I didn't have the 357 I'd stick an 18" on a 550 for a few hours, but I wouldn't run it all day.

 

This isn't America. 

[Muddy42]

I like max 15’ on a 50ish saw.

 

the 550 is a powerful professional saw. I have bigger saws and longer bars but most of the time, this is all you need.

 

Ive never got the US long bar thing either.

[peds]

13 minutes ago, Muddy42 said:

Ive never got the US long bar thing either.

 

I happened to see a few comments on American arb Facebook the other day about the benefits of going 32/1 of even 25/1 2-stroke mix, to help prevent overheating. Not sure if related. 

[Peasgood]

I put a 20" bar on mine to fell some big Leylandii earlier this year, worked a treat.

Did wonder if it might be a bit low powered but it wasn't in the slightest, I was very impressed in fact. Might not be the same story on hardwood but it wasn't like it was borderline ok with the leylands, it was very good.

 

Copy and paste of exactly what I used, bought from Sam Turner.

Husqvarna X-Force Pro Laminated Bar 0.325" 1.5mm - 20" 

Husqvarna X-Cut S35G Semi Chisel .325" 1.5 mm Saw Chain - 80DL / 20"

[Muddy42]

If you do put a 20 inch chain on a 50cc saw, make sure you keep the chain sharp and don't force the saw to cut, as this will stress and overheat the saw.

 

Personally for occasional use, Id rather cut from both sides and get more power and cutting time from each sharpening. A 15 inch bar gives about 13 inches of usable bar, which will block up a 2 ft log from both sides.