Janlogger

The 550XP does not even compare to an MS261 ... in my experience, the former is unreliable and flimsy. The Stihl as used by the chap I work with just keeps on keeping on with the usual maintenance required ... I use the MS291 as a mid range agricultural saw ... starts, runs, cuts, takes a bit of abuse ... all thats needed. Just my own experiences, everybody has their own I am sure.

Took my 550 back 3 times for mods, 4th occassion I got a replacement. That went back after 3 months of average use, I lost confidence in that machine (but not husky as a whole) and traded it in for a Stihl of similar size, agri spec. Starts, runs, cuts, not a problem, just how it should be.

Ok, the saw is being replaced by husky, picking up a new one at the end of the week. Touch wood that will be the end of it! My back up 440 needs a rest!!

The warm starting problem is an issue that has been recognised by husky and should be sorted out regardless of warranty ... take it to a dealer or try husky direct. I have taken my 550 back for the 3rd time, now the dealer is hoping to get authority from husky to swap the saw for another. Apparently the inherent problems dogging this saw have been ironed out with new batches of saws ... so here's hoping as when they are running they are a great saw. I use a 15" bar all the time and have an 18" on standyby which so far I have never used in the 10 months of owning it.

I have heard that they can have all the chipped crap taken out and replaced with just 'mechanical' fittings ... shall be asking if thats possible tomorrow as well ... will keep you posted.

Got a 10 month old XP550 and its going back to the dealer for the 3rd time this year ... it just won't fire this time after giving no warning signs!! I had the chain brake replaced under warranty, some new sensor jobby rearranged at the same time, that wasn't put in right so it went back again, seemed to be ok for a while and now it just won't fire ... its going in tomorrow, these XP's do not have a good rep, mine so far has proved unfit for purpose, to be fair its been s**t!

Thinking of taking on the level 4 diploma Trees and Timber Arb Pathway in the new year ... anybody have a recommend for a training establishment in the South West, the nearer to Cornwall the better ... ??

I agree, I enquired about some larch felled behind my yard, its infected so they cannot sell it to me BUT they can move it on unsheeted lorries halfway up the country on the M5!!!

Many thanks for the Eucalyptus thoughts ... I was just trying to get the thread back on track. Thanks to those also who offered advice ... Janlogger.

Ideal, thats good to hear, many thanks.

And the Eucalyptus is one for splitting, hence the choice of cut. The original query was Eucalyptus characteristics not a microscopic assassination of the felling cut ...

Vigourous and alive ...

Thats great, we got there in the end, thanks for the reply Peter ref the Eucalyptus, just a query really after all that I had heard on this tree. As for the dog tooth side shoot to the original question, I use them as a matter of course as well unless really not needed, I couldn't care less whats 'in' or 'out' of favour, it all comes down to going home with all my fingers and toes still attached as well as everybody elses .... just my opinion and outlook.

Yes, this was another option considered, still to be considered in due course before the felling operation.

Well the choice of cut is one of control more than anything whilst the winch is a belt and braces act due to the tree being within a residential area and it literally does only have one way to fall! The 'Point' after all of a dogtooth is control, was asking more about the characteristics of the tree rather than the choice of cut.