346 or 550?

[Mr0zero0]

I have used and abused my reliable 346xp for about 7 years without ever having a problem (Been dropped out of hedges, into rivers, borrowed by others but only ever had routine maintenance) but it seems my old friend has finally decided to retire. I need to replace it quickly and always thought that once it had died i would simply buy another. However after reading some good reports on the new 550xp i am in two minds whether to stick with a 346 or go for the 550 with all its fancy new technology. Im concerned that being a more complicated machine there might be more to go wrong and it might not stand the test of time.

If anyone has used a 550xp for a good amount of time (and a 346xp) and can reassure me with its superiority it would help me very much with my decision.

Cheers

[Stubby]

Just a thought - - How tiered is your 346 ? If you talk to spud he could breath on it for you . He did mine . He ported it improved the squish tuned it with a taho to max out at 14400 to 14600 rpm with the plug giving the correct coloure . It is now way more efficient with more zing, more grunt and runs an 8 pin power mate sprocket on a 15" bar with no problems . Totally reliable starts every time hot or cold and dare I say it a pleasure to use . More use than my new 560xp at the moment ( another story ) - - -

[Float]

I have been using the 550xp for nearly 3 weeks now after a couple of years on the 346, felling, snedding and crosscutting hardwood. First impressions are all positive...good power (higher up than the 346), nice balance and very flickable but my saw has developed a very irritating bog when the throttle is opened. It only happens when used in anger after a good few minutes of use. I have checked all the usual - filter, fuel, plug etc, and all are OK. It gives the impression the filter is clogged, exhaust blocked, or it is very rich. When you get through the bogging it revs and runs clean. I have contacted Husky and they said it may be just running in or that a carb adjustment is necessary! I pointed out that it is autotune as well as giving them some focussed feedback particularly after the 560 recall. The jury is still out until I get this sorted. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has had a similar experience.

[Mr0zero0]

I have read some posts about this being done but i need to replace it quick as it was my main groundsaw i use on h.v work so cant really wait. I have been expecting it to die for a while now. Will probably keep it as a spare though if i can fix it as im quite attached to it but could do with the confidence of a new one for now.

Thanks for the idea. I will definitely consider getting it done in the future.

[Spruce Pirate]

I recently found myself in exactly the same position. I was advised by the dealer to go for the 346 and let others iron out any wrinkles that may appear in the 550, especially after 560 recall. I took their advice, liked the old 346, like the new one. Not sure if this helps your decision or not.

[Mr0zero0]

Thanks Float. Thats the sort of thing i am worried about. Being a new saw there might not be enough experience with them to fill me with confidence to buy one. Maybe i should stick with what i know. I have always liked the 346 as an every day saw for its power to weight ratio.

[geoff]

I recently found myself in exactly the same position. I was advised by the dealer to go for the 346 and let others iron out any wrinkles that may appear in the 550, especially after 560 recall. I took their advice, liked the old 346, like the new one. Not sure if this helps your decision or not.

 

If it is to be your main saw then the above makes a lot of sense to me,especialy if you already like the 346xp,I love mine.

[WoodED]

id stick to the 346xp as its tried and tested,, the newer 50cc version with the silver clutch cover (urs is prob orange) is a fantastic saw,,

[Mr0zero0]

Thanks for the response. Just what i needed to hear. Looks like i will be getting a shinny new 346xp this weekend. If it lasts as long as my old one i will be happy!

[geoff]

Only had my 346 for just under a year,but the saw is lovely,& has proved itself completely reliable under hard work.