In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

550XP vs 346XP

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Certified106, Feb 3, 2014.

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  1. Certified106

    Certified106

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    Who owns or has run both saws and which one is better (in your opinion)? Always wanted a 346XP but my word they have gotten pricey lately, to the point I'm not sure it's worth it to pay $150 less for a used 346XP than the 550XP sells for new.
     
    Certified106, Feb 3, 2014
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  2. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Having run both, I would not pay a premium for a 346 compared to a 550. The 550 is actually a better tool out of the box IMO. I am rapidly becoming spoiled by my m-tronics and the 100% performance every time you pull the rope. Doesn't matter if it's 9 or 90 outside.

    And after all that, I gotta say my 261s low end grunt is absolutely amazing, even more so for a 50cc machine. Makes a darn good companion to the 441. Just sayin ;)
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  3. Certified106

    Certified106

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    That's kind of what I was thinking about the 346XP....... It was just one of those dream saws that I always wanted to run.

    Interesting thought on the MS261.... I have always been more of a Husky guy but that's just because Stihls run at an extreme premium price around these parts. I'm not kidding when I say they sell Stihl's that are 15 years old and beat to heck for $100 less than you can buy a new one. If you were to perform a poll around this part of the country I would bet >95% of the people would tell you that a Husqvarna is a cheap saw....... It sure makes it nice to buy used Huskys though as no one wants them;) .I even tried to get my brother in law to buy a 5 year old mint Husky and he instead went for a 12 year old Stihl that leaks fuel everywhere just because it's a Stihl.

    I looked up the specs on the MS 261 and it is 1 pound heavier than the 550XP? Seems weird that given the fact everything else is so close performance wise the saw is so much heavier. Might have to add the 261 to my short list of saws to watch for but if I'm going to do that I might as well buy a new one.
     
    Certified106, Feb 3, 2014
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  4. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I would be willing to put mine on the scales. Perhaps DexterDay wouldn't mind doing the same with his 550XP? Load 'em up with fuel/oil, powerheads only, and cut right through the marketing BS? The 261 is going to be heavier but by how much in the real world?
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  5. HittinSteel

    HittinSteel

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    My 346 is finally broken in and I opened the factory port and added a second port and deflector. Several times yesterday I had to check my tune because it was so fast I thought it might be lean. Throttle response is just amazing.

    It's probably my favorite saw.........and I have a ported 372.

    I've never run a 550 though.
     
    HittinSteel, Feb 3, 2014
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  6. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    It's funny HS but I think my 50cc weapon is my favorite at the moment as well. Sure does get the most run time. :thumbs:
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  7. Nixon

    Nixon

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    I've got both . An OE 346 and a 550 . Stock , the 550 is a better saw by quite a bit . I did have the 346 ported ,with a different carb ,intake tract and muff. mod . It's pretty snotty for 46 CC s . Kind of makes me tempted to do the 550 . :whistle:
     
    Nixon, Feb 3, 2014
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  8. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    John, do you know if the NE 346 (50cc) is noticeably snottier than the OE? Just about all of my exp with the 346XP is with the OE model.

    And you make my point beautifully. STOCK the 550XP is the better machine. The 346XP's legend comes mostly from ported machines. I was real impressed with a brandy-new 550XP back in October, now I'd really like to re-compare with a few gallons of mix through my MS261C-M.
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  9. Nixon

    Nixon

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    I don't have any first hand knowledge of the NE . I read claims of it having more power . As it has a modest CC advantage it's likely true . I will add this though . The 550 feels better in my hands as far as the way it handles over my 346 . Kind of hard to put into words . You'd have to cut with them both to get it .
     
    Nixon, Feb 3, 2014
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  10. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I know what you mean, I was tossing my 261 around a bit doing plenty of limbing this weekend. It's not its strong point, but more than makes up for any lost time when the rounds start falling off the log in record time and I'm not looking for a bigger saw until the wood gets too big for overbucking and the 16" bar. Then it's straight to the 441/28" ES Light. :thumbs:
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  11. Certified106

    Certified106

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    You should do a side by side comparison of a 550XP and MS261C-M with a few timed cuts...... You know for educational purposes......;):thumbs:
     
    Certified106, Feb 3, 2014
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  12. HittinSteel

    HittinSteel

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    I'm starting to think the same way...... the 346 handles everything up to the length of the bar, then on to the 372 with a 28". Not sure I really need a 20" bar anymore.
     
    HittinSteel, Feb 3, 2014
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  13. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    I have a few 20" Bars. A strong 70CC (like a MS460) with a 20" and an 8 pin sprocket is fun when the conditions are right tho. :)
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  14. mdavlee

    mdavlee

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    Nah husky fans will hurt their feelings.

    261 cm ported will run a 20" I would think if it will oil it.
     
    mdavlee, Feb 3, 2014
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  15. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    There's another issue entirely. Dam shame my Earthquake 4518 will out-pump my 441. :rofl: :lol:
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  16. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Gotta get one here (550XP) first. New or Used. New is no prob if I have a guaranteed buyer for it.
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  17. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    I have a 550xp that I can weight up tonight ! Never ran a 346..but the 550 is just awesome . Fast revving ! Makes cutting fun :) 18 inch bar equals the weight out perfectly on the handle ! P.S....I only like the 50cc range and down....all the rest is just extra weight to me !
     
    HoneyFuzz, Feb 3, 2014
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  18. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Weigh it up with the bar and chain removed, and the tanks full. Heck, you could do it with the b&c on it too if it's a 16". Battle ready weight!

    I'll do the 261 in the AM.
     
    MasterMech, Feb 3, 2014
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  19. mdavlee

    mdavlee

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    I don't get the wanting an empty weight. Weigh them at fighting weight with the same size bars and call it good.
     
    mdavlee, Feb 3, 2014
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  20. Certified106

    Certified106

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    I love this forum! Can't wait to see the results of the weigh in! Mastermech if you come to the gtg you should bring the 261 so I can try it..... ;)
     
    Certified106, Feb 3, 2014
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