Jamie Jones

I opted for the Husqvarna 562xp over the stihl equivalent, I like the shape and handling better

Yes it is an 18" bar on a 550xp mk2. It also has the Husqvarna Tool Strop Attachment on the handle as well, I got it mainly for when I am up in a tree on a rope and harness... I was so impresses with a mates 550xp mk1 with its lightness and power. So it is the first saw to turn to after a top handle before using a much heavier chainsaw..

Love the 550xp mk2

At this stage I would steer clear of the battery options. It is not great and won't last in a farm environment. Personally I run 46cc Brushcutters and above and use them with a harness. This puts you in to a Stihl FS460 and a Husqvarna 545rx/rxt range. I have both of these models and the bigger Husqvarna 555rxt that has the widest cut area, so it is good for dealing with brash, long grass and bigger areas and banks. The key benefit is they all have very good anti-vibe. ( Have and use all options listed here) If you want a mid range you are looking at the 35cc range. which puts you into the Stihl FS240 and a Husqvarna 535rxt. The down side is that they have a smaller cut area, so task will take longer and the reduction in power will also slow down task as it won't mulch as much. But for just straight grass they will be great to use. Out of the two I would opt for the Husky because it has much better anti-vibe. You could also look at the husqvarna 525 range and they have there option 1x 'D' handle with anti vibe, which will be good at spinning around and edging. But I wouldn't want to do more open areas with a 'D' handle strimmer. They also do 2x cow horn handle options. One with anti-Vide and one with out anti-vibe.. I would always go for the anti-vide option. (I have the Stihl FS240 and I don't use it because it does not have the anti vide and I will be selling it off for a Husqvarna 535rxt or a Husqvarna 525rxt 'D' Handle option). So what would I go for?: Big open areas of grass and brash: Husqvarna 555rxt. General all around use for grass and brash: Husqvarna 545rx/rxt or the Stihl FS460. Domestic large gardens for Grass and low grade brash: Husqvarna 535rxt. Domestic Medium to Large gardens for Grass: Husqvarna 525rxt with anti-vide. (Cow Horns). Domestic small to Medium gardens for Grass and edging: Husqvarna 525rxt 'D' Handle with anti-vide. With the Stihl and the Husqvarna cow handle strimmer/brushcutter option. They feel very different to use. The Stihl feels easier initially, but I now prefer the Husquvarna. The Still clears more inferno of you from left to right and the Husqvarna clears from front slightly left to right. As for the strimmer heads. I have never got on with the new Stihl Strimmer heads because the line keeps melting and braking in the head. I therefore use the old style heads that work out expensive. The Husky heads are far better, last longer and work out cheaper. I hope that helps..

Here is my Website: Jamie's Garden Services - For Grounds Maintenance, Tree Surgery, & Weed Control Services

Trust insurance... They have me covered for Tree Surgery, Grounds Maintenance and Weed Control work. Third Party Liability, Employers, Equipment (Some New for Old and some at normal cover).

Stop over thinking it, just crack on and use it. It is a great chainsaw

The design is very similar to some other makes. It does come down to checking your gear regularly, and making sure that it is working correctly when in use. I had a similar issue with a triple lock / 3 way carabiner on a lanyard. It was operator error as I got it caught in my top.

I tried a couple of the cheap Chinese chipper that look like a Greenmech CS100 copy and they were utter rubbish. I have had the Greenmech CS100 with the 18hp engine with electric start. It was a fantastic chipper and I rate it highly. I part exchanged it in towards a newvGreenmech Evo165D in the end. But I do still miss not having a Small CS100 and I am often on a job where I wish I still had it as well as my bigger chipper. I am sure that in the future I will buy another CS100. Yes they do cost more, but it is worth it IMHO.

If you are turning out on your own or with a crew. You need to price it all as day rate and call out fee, because you might have to cancel another job to do the call out

550xp or 562xp... I have an 18" bar on both and I have been very pleased with them.

I have found that much of the training I have received has been very good and the instructors have often gone above and beyond in what they have taught in the time available. But I do think that the NPTC City and Guilds Trainig does have one major failing. At the moment the majority of the training is all about: 1) Health and Safety 2) The safe use of the equipment training 3) Doing the correct cuts But there is in my opinion a needs for a separate module where they teach more of the basics about the Bio-mechanic, decay, fungus issues, Strengths and weaknesses of different species and the effect of these factors when working or climbing them, dealing with problems like trees with Die-Ash Back and other problems. There is a lot that is taught, but I do feel that there is a lot that is also not taught.

Hi Yes I can do you a LOLER examinations/inspection and I am based in Mid Wales. In fact I am just down the road from you in Llandrindod Wells.... I will message you. Click Here for more information

If you have Makita 18v tools it is worth having a look at their touches. DML812

Anyone visit the Saltex Show at the NEC and get a straight answer out of Husquvana as to when they will be getting the new 592xp in to the dealers?

Just have a concern the the carabiner could lock the trigger on. For what little it. Costs, it seems a no brainer as long as it fits 😏

Thanks 👍

I have seen the Husqvarna arborist's tools eyelet and wondered if any could tell me if it will fit on the following Husqvarna chainsaws: Husqvarna 550 XP Mk2 Husqvarna 550 XP Mk1 Husqvarna 562 XP Mk2 The reason for asking is because it doesn't say which chainsaws it fits, and I would guess that different models will have different size and shape rear handles.

Does the heated grip make much of a difference in the UK? none of my other saws have a heated grip

Hi Mark what size bar are you using 15” or 18”.

It comes with a 15" as standard, but states 18" bar is an option. Mosts dealers offer it with a 15" or 18" set up.

Interested on some feed back on the Husqvarna 550xp Mk 2, 50cc chainsaw. Thinking of getting one with an 18" bar. I have bigger saws, 60cc & 80cc as well as top handle chainsaws.... The main reason for getting this saw is that it can be used on the ground, and also from a rope and harness for the limbs and stems that the top handles can't deal with, while still remaining light enough to not be as awkward as the 60cc and above saws. So I am Interested in peoples feed back on the 550xp Mk 2 who are using it for the aspects I plan on using it for.

Depends on what is on the surface of the Furnature. Traditionally it would have been bees wax. Then it became varnishes, now it has become a Lacquer. You can get aerosol cans of lacquer in gloss or satin sheen. We have a large oak sinning room table that has been damaged twice by guests and to sort it out I have had to wire wool the surface and the spray lacquer it in very light coats. on once occasion I had to fill a small hole in the table with French polishing coloured bees wax before acquiring the table. I got the spray lacquer and Liberian bees wax from the Axminster company

It might be worth talking to both: 1. Your accountant. It might be a bit of a shock to actually make it pay financially. My accountant view was, if I was looking to pay the employee £ 10.00 an hour. As a minimum I need to be charging him out at a minimum of £ 30.00 and hour, and it would be more advisable to charge him out at £ 40.00 and hour. You also need to make sure that he works for all the hours that you are paying him, because it can easily become a lost leader. This is because of the extra costs you have to cover, Insurances, Employers NI, Holidays, Sick Pay, Pensions, PPE, Other expenses, Accountancy Costs dealing with his pay and tax, etc. It is very easy to under estimate the real costs involved of having staff. 2. Your Regional Enterprise Board... I did a day seminar on becoming an employer with the Welsh Government Enterprise Agency. It was a real eye opener when they explained all the legalities, pro's & con's, liabilities, what can work and also what can go wrong. It is a very hard step to make from going from just yourself to having your first or a couple of members of staff. They also explained a number of schemes that were also available for taking on youngster that was an incentive if you could find a good trainee to take on.

I pay my sub-contractors within 24hrs of receiving the invoice. But generally it is 7x days from receipt of an invoice.