New Husqvarna (or two).

Dang it. I've been looking for a replacement for an 026 pro. Found a deal on a Shindaiwa 446s I just could not let go... At 46cc it falls just short of the all around goodness of the 026. The 446 is a screamer for sure, just not enough balls. It'll pizz rev with the best of em though Dang thing looks new, just sits in the shed a lot.

Weeks went by, looking high and low for a nice 50cc saw. Missed a dolmar 5100 by minutes. Then a 346 ne comes along that hasn't ever seen wood. Owner had cad and ended up with a new 550 auto tune. Should arrive Wednesday. Well, today I finally heard back from a guy about a new 545 that also has never had fuel. Well... Picking it up tomorrow. So now I'm up to my chin in new 50cc Huskys. One will be ported and kept, the other sold. Opinions and reasoning appreciated. Fwiw, my 026 pro was my go to saw. I've got 40, 70, & 80cc saws. But my 026 did close to 90% of what I encounter.

Edit for clarity:
I just bought a new 545, and a "never been in wood" 346 xp ne. Seller of the 346 xp kept a 550xp.

 

The 346 is one of my favorite saws, but my 2252, the red and black 545, is about as strong going by the way it cuts. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

I would have the 550 ported since it has the most performance to begin with.

I did a MM on mine and I was impressed, didnt see a need for it to be ported.

Edit: You have a 346 and 545, my mistake.
Have the 346 ported, I love mine and you'll never use the 026 again

 

I'd like for you to port both please.

I can't see my 346xp getting better, but everyone says it will. If I can sell one more piece of equipment, I'll send it off to see for myself.

 

I've heard nothing but good about the 346, 545, or 550. A certain primate has lead me to believe differences between the 545 and 550 xp evaporate once ported.

A better question might be which saw will get the best gains for the least investment, the 346xp or the 545? Initial investment aside.

 

I

I know I got good gains from a muffler mod on my 550. There chocked up from the factory.
Here is some pics of what I did.

 

550>545>346

I never have liked any 346. They lack torque I want for a work saw. Sure they cut 2" limbs lightning fast.

 

How about performance limitations? Which one will mod best? For instance, I've often read that to get the most from a 346 you need to change the coil, possibly the carb and intake? What's it take to build a serious 545? Assuming each was headed to Cottle lane, which makes most sense? Or which should I flip to finance the other?

Might have to clear out some projects and other saws to make room for and finance porting both Huskys.

 

Yeah my 550 looks a little rough from the gray paint going away. It's ok for a baby saw.

 

I don't wanna put words in his mouth... But he mentioned that the rev boost didn't impress him so much. And that what counts is "grunt". And once ported the 545 and 550 were too close to matter. I'm pretty much going with that. (Thus I just bought the 545.) now what to do with this spanking new 346xp?...

 

Sell it before people realize how over hyped they are. For real the 545/550 is better in every way for me.

 

Id say mod the 545...for all the above reasons !! I might get an argument started here....but the 550xp on my shelf thats stock...with outcut a stock 346 anyday of the week !! Plus the new Husky (545,550xp,555,562xp) are better balanced in my opinion....and AT is good..no matter what you hear !!! Either way..if you decide to sell on either saw on this site...it will create a lot of attention !!

 

Amen

 

I still haven't got to run an AT.

I'll race ya.

 

They are nice..really nice !!!

Ive never ran away from a good challenge !!!

 

I'll likely run them both and make a decision. Either should be a nice upgrade. I'm leaning towards keeping the 545. If I decide to sell the 346 I'll list it here first. I like the crowd here.

 

Great plan !!!!! We are gonna need pics and/or vids