550 xpg or 560xpg

[Capstankid!]

Alreeet? I am thinking of getting a new saw to replace my 357xpg to be honest there's nothing wrong with it I would just like a new husky because they are axing to use! The question is which one would you have because I like the 560 but am wondering if the 550 would still be the better choice because of the weight and price and tbh am sure it would cut fast enough! I would only be using it for bashing and felling small trees and for tree surgery bits like felling poles maybe even get an 18 inch bar? Cheers Joe

[Stubby]

Both !

[Petemate390xp]

550xp

[Chris Sheppard]

Compared to the 357, the 550 is lighter and more flickable and will do a similar job. The 560 feels lighter than the 357 and will knock th socks off the 357.

 

I've had a 550 since May (I think) and it's been good - handles similar to a 242 but with shedloads more grunt so is ace for thinning. Do still fancy a 560 but the 372 is still running strong.

 

Mine's been primarily on a 13" bar but had a 15" on it for a few days felling some bigger sycamore and it handled it fine. I'm sure it would pull an 18" to a point but if I needed an 18" bar I'd be reaching for a bigger saw anyway, especially a the handling would more than likely be all wrong too.

Edited August 23, 2012 by Chris Sheppard

[Charlieh]

From what you describe the 550 would be the better saw, I love my 560xpg but it lives with an 18" bar on it, if most your stuff is smaller than this then the 550 would be the way to go.

[nz paul]

We had about 5 new 560's two of them blew up and the others had to be sent back,Am now working with a guy in sweden that is on his third one in a week.Don't know if this has been rectified.Mechanic in local husq dealer warned me off 5 series husq's apparently having lots of problems.

[Logrover]

I ve been using a 560 for 3 months full time felling 8 hours a day and its been very good. Another guy i work with has had one for 21 months. They have been brilliant but have had a couple of problems rectified by warranty.

cracked inner clutch

sheared off starter pulley mount on the side case.

They run better in the cold weather as hot weather they lose a bit of power and can pop and fart a bit!

 

No saw lasts more than year in full time timber cutting so well see how it goes!