Replacement for 346XP.

[leafcut]

Hi all, my most used saw is the 346 xp,18" bar,does what it says on the box. However: I am under the impression that the big boys at husky dont make this model anymore and that the relatively new 550 XP has replaced the 346-is this true ? and if so how does the 550 perform ? anyone using this saw-comments would be helpful, thanks in advance...Nick Pearson, Timberline-Roe Ltd.

[Brushcutter]

I have a 346 and recently upgraded to the 550. Much much better saw i have a 15" on mine although it will go down to a 13" for super cutting efficiency. I would get another one tomorrow. I feel its not far off the performance of a 357.

 

If you want to run an 18" id get a 560.

[leafcut]

I have a 346 and recently upgraded to the 550. Much much better saw i have a 15" on mine although it will go down to a 13" for super cutting efficiency. I would get another one tomorrow. I feel its not far off the performance of a 357.

 

If you want to run an 18" id get a 560.

 

Im running a 20" on my 560 XP, which is fine but a fair bit heavier than the 346, is the 550 around the same weight as the 346 without any bar/chain ?...Nick.

[Brushcutter]

the balance on my 550 with the 15" bar on feels a bit lighter than the 346.

[Chris Sheppard]

I'd agree with everything Brushcutter said in either post.

 

Weight wise, even if on paper the 550 is similar weight to the 346 (I don't know if they are) the 550 feels like it weighs less as it handles so much better - it reminds me of the old 242 huskys in how flickable it is on a short bar.

[leafcut]

I'd agree with everything Brushcutter said in either post.

 

Weight wise, even if on paper the 550 is similar weight to the 346 (I don't know if they are) the 550 feels like it weighs less as it handles so much better - it reminds me of the old 242 huskys in how flickable it is on a short bar.

 

I can feel a spend coming on. What chain/ bar combo do you use on the 550 ? >

[Chris Sheppard]

I can feel a spend coming on. What chain/ bar combo do you use on the 550 ? >

 

13 or 15. It would probably pull an 18 but I've never tried it as it would probably upset the balance and it feel awful.

[JimM]

13 or 15. It would probably pull an 18 but I've never tried it as it would probably upset the balance and it feel awful.

 

+1. My mate just bought one for the reasons above. His 560 was a mite heavy over the day. 550 is a 346 with a tad more bite.

[NI Tree]

love my 550xpg and run 15 & 13

[leafcut]

Looks like its a new 550 then chaps-thanks...