Hive Mind time: Looking to get something mid size that kicks azz. I have a Husqy 372 Xp (14.6 lb 5.5 HP) 20" bar on it thought it SHOULD have bigger I know and a 435 x torque (9.7lbs 2.2HP) 16" bar I find myself running the overpowered saw with the undersized bar ALL the time. It eats through anything, but is just plain heavy to throw around for use beyond an hour or two. Looking to add a third saw in between the two. Options I am considering Stihl 261 (10.8 lbs 4.0Hp) $569.95 Husqvarna 550XP (10.8lbs 3.75 HP) $609 RedMax GZ5000 (11.02 lbs 3.35HP) $479 The only reason the redmax is in the mix is because it is $479 including the bar/chain. They are offering a promotional price on it here locally. The shop guys (who I trust and like) are basically saying it is the same internals and setup as the 550XP for a fraction of the price. The numbers clearly have some variance though, and the brand, while owned by husqy is unknown to me beyond a leaf blower we bought from them. I have never owned a Stihl but like the numbers for the 261 and the brand is clearly reputable. The 550Xp seems super durable and feels good in the hands and I have had great luck with my Husqvarna products. What say the FHC? thanks everyone!
Shawn T. You could look for a new to you (used) ms260 / 026 or 346xp and save some coin on a lot of saw for the $$. YMMV Not that you'd be going wrong with what you listed before with the 261 or 550 (I can't speak to the RedMax). My 346 is a joy to run, all day if need be. Her big sisters do get jealous if they don't get their fair share of love and attention. FWIW, you may also want to check out the Echo lineup for a smaller saw. There are plenty of dealers around that support them too. So, you don't have to buy it from a big box store.
Hey red max is just relabeled Jonsered I was a jonsered dealer when husky bought them both they rebranded jonsered now I am a red Max dealer by default but so far I am pleased with their stuff JB
Hey I forgot to mention if your local dealer is red max they have the bag and drag program going again if you trade a junk saw in they will give you money off JB
Hard to believe the Red Max is essentially the same saw/same internals, for that big of a price difference. They had to cut cost somewhere. See if you can find the IPL's to download, compare the important parts & part numbers. main bearings/seals. Lower end of the crankcase, crankshaft etc. There have been some serious quality cuts to make saws "consumer priced". They make look the same now but will they still be running in ten years. Just to confuse things more, maybe you should throw Dolkita into the mix too. Can't beat German engineering.
I'm a Husky guy so my answer is partial. The 550 mk2 is gaining reputation. Ask dustinwilt68 as I believe he has one. Ever consider a 562?
I was looking for a saw to go between the Husky 390XP with a 34" bar and a Stihl MS 170 with a 16" bar. I was looking at the 550 XP and someone on the forum suggested the 562 XP and that's what I ended up with - the 562 XP with a 24" bar and I have really been impressed with its power and light weight. There was a time that the 390 XP with the 34" bar would have been all that I would have needed, but now I appreciate the power and light weight of the 562XP. The 562 XP with the 24" bar just walked through these logs!
I've got both a 261c and 562xp, really can't go wrong with either. I grab my 562xp exclusively when I'm bucking firewood out of my log pile, and the 261c if I'm on the go somewhere around our acreage. Both awesome saws.
Took the 562 out of my mouth. I haven’t run a 550 mk2. 550xp is the or are the funnest stock saw I own. I think a 562 would fit better in the middle. I liked mine a lot before rocket surgery. I like it more after.
Makita/ dolmar is also something you should check out. A 6421 would probably have you running that instead of the 372 though. There's a 56cc Makita for ~$440 with a 20" b&c. 4.1 hp , mag crankcase prosumer saw,or a 50cc Makita pro saw for like $530. Options...
562xp is hard to beat for an all around saw. I run mine with 20" Sugihara most of the time. I have a 24 for those times when I need a little more bar length. I ran one stock for 5 years, and it never balked at any tasked I asked of it. I did buy a new one last year and immediately had it ported. Now that is a fun saw to run. I also have a MS261C-M, and while it has been a great saw I never could warm up to it. For one thing I like the way the husky feels and handles. Not to mention the power difference 50cc vs 60cc. However that has changed some since the MS261C-M made the trip to Michigan for some extra sausage. With all this said, of the 3 you have listed the 550xp mk2 is a very nice saw. Most people claim it runs like a bigger as in more cc's saw than it is. Good luck in your quest. Keep us posted.
I have the Redmax G5300, which is supposed to be a Husqvarna 353 (IIRC) with a red hat. I bought it new about 5 years ago. It has been a great saw, absolutely no problems. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Redmax, and given the price difference, it would be my choice.
I looked at Husqvarna as I really like the other stuff I have from them but ended up buying a new Echo last year and so far I am not sorry.
The echo 590 is a good saw, but compared to the ea5600 Makita, it lags in most categories except the 5 yr warranty. Echo590 60cc 13.2 lbs 16.67 lbs w/ 20" b&c 3.9 hp Makita 5600. 56cc 12.8 lbs 4.1 hp The Makita 5600 is $40-50 more than the echo. Both can be bought at home Depot. Or you could spend $650 and get the Makita 6100 and have even more power.
Not on the shelf, for either of these makitas, but free couple day delivery to the store. Totally worth it. Chainsaws direct has the Makita 5600 for $435 on special. It says scratch and dent sale, but it could be just the box that shows damage. Makita EA5600FRGG-SD 20-Inch 55.6cc Compact Gas Chain Saw, 3/8-Inch - .050-Inch Scratch & Dent
