Husqvarna 545 opinions wanted

This would be my first new saw purchase, so I thought I should tap into the collective wisdom we have here at FHC. I've done some looking into the reviews on this saw, and they're really positive over all. The only issue some owners have had deal with starting. What are your thoughts on auto tune? I wouldn't be doing a lot of work on the saw myself beyond routine maintenance, since I'd probably do more harm than good. That might be a factor in getting a saw with auto tune or not I guess. Any other saws you would recommend instead of the 545?

I'll be cutting log loads, about 8-10 cord worth each year and whatever I can scrounge. I figure I'll save myself the cost of the saw the first year over buying cut/split deliveries. A local dealer has the 545 for $499.

Thanks for the feedback in advance.

 

Awesome saw!! I had one and never had a single issue with it starting ever. Your local dealer price seems a little bit high to me. That being said, however, the service and support from a good dealer is an added value worth some $$.

IMO, I don't think 8-10 cord a year is out of the question for the 545 if you stay reasonably within its limitations.

How big of wood and how long of a bar are you thinking? Personally I think the 545 is best wearing a 16" but capable of limited use up to 20".

The 545 is a tough competitor in that price range.

 

Great to hear good things about the saw from a former owner. I'm a real rookie with saws so I was going to rely on dealer recommendations on the bar length. 16" it will be. I'm willing to cough up a little extra to establish a relationship with this dealer, plus it's in NH so no sales tax.

Just a few months after my first saw purchase and here I am buying another one. I've seen the "you can't have too many saws" quote quite a few times here. I'm taking that very seriously.

 

I would also like to know what size of wood you after. Or more importantly what bar size you would like to run. There are lots of heavy hitters in that class. For limbing and small wood I would pick the 550xp over the 545 but there's not alot of power difference for the cost. But if your wanting to run an 18" bar and cut bigger wood with it I would look at the dolmar 5105 or stihl 261cm. So it all boils down to preference. I'll give an example. Husqvarna makes a really nice saw. However I hate an out board clutch. So that takes the smaller saws out of the pic for me. Personal preference. Lol

 

I have a 576 autotune. Wasn't too keen on it at first, but after running a couple gallons though it I have warmed up to the autotune.

 

I haven't ordered log loads so I'm not sure what size I'll be getting. I still have the 257 with an 18" bar I could use for the bigger stuff. Or maybe I'll find I need to go even bigger after going through my first delivery.

 

Maybe since you're ordering logs, you can specify diameter too? Just a thought. This could make life easy....but then again it could prevent you from "needing" a bigger saw later. We wouldn't want that.

 

I'd take a 545 over a 346 stock for stock any day. Only time a 346 shines is ported and when you use a stop watch. Stock work saws it dont matter the 545 550 shine. JMO

 

545 better looking saw then 550 IMO

 

I like the look of the 545 too. Great pics. Looks like you have a nice setup.

 

I have the red version plus a sticker, nice saw. I think it is a very good saw for the price.

 

Log loads will vary anywhere from 4" to 40". Might be wise to get your logs and see what you're up against be for settling on a specific saw.

 

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How did this thread slip past my nose ? Lol ! I have a 545 and 550xp. I love em both... But for the price difference... Id get a 545 again ! Plus the two compared performance wise is minimal to say the least. Got mine from Terry ( wicked work saws)... And it was a great experience that i highly recomend !

 

In summary... Autotune is good... Especially in orange clothing

 

Thanks for the recommendation guys. I found the website and I'll give Terry a call. Always good to save a few bucks for the next saw!