550xp mk2

Who has em? Likes, dislikes? Been debating on one and HL Supply has a 20% off sale for a couple more days. Also trying to decide if I should upgrade to the "G" model. Most likely take the plunge tonight so I don't miss the sale. Also plan on getting 3/8 .050 bar and rim so I can run current chains.
Thanks all.
Stephie.

 

I love my 550M1 and I think there’s very little difference besides the heat blocking plate under the top cover. I never had the supposed hard to hot start issue. I say go for it!

 

I had a mk1 that had hot start issues, but it usually just meant hold the throttle wide open and it would start in 3 pulls. I had a .325 20 inch bar on mine and it pulled it great in pine, I even cut up a couple elm trees with it and it did fine until the bar was buried. I would go with a 16 or 18 inch bar to cut hardwoods. 50cc saws are great because they don't wear you out near as fast as the big saws

 

I run the .325 on the 18 and it’s a great combo. And you’re right, it feels like a toy compared to my 572 after running the big saw for a bit

 

So what’s the difference between the mk1 & mk2?

 

As I understand it, more POWER (4.0hp), corrected the hot start issues (I hope) slimmer but a little heavier. I'm sure there is more but can't remember.

Right now, leaning twards the 550xpg, never had heated handles, with 18" .050 .325 bar/chain. Will add the 3/8" rim and a 20" bar so I can run my current chains on it. Longer bar would be mostly for reach, not to bury it. Going to list my 026 with near new bar/chain plus 10 new chains on FBM and maybe CL. Thinking of starting in the $350 range as it has great compression with no scoring, just some normal case wear.

 

Maybe I should go for broke and send it up to Kevin for some XS, hmmm.

 

Why not list the 026 here and let FHC members have a shot at it

 

I had a 550xp mk1 new in 2017 . Ran it a few months, it would always hesitate on throttle acceleration but never stall. Sent it to Randy in Tennessee, he ported it man was that thing a screamer! It also seemed to correct the hesitation problem. A logger buddy of mine wanted to borrow a smaller saw from me for a thinning job he had so I leant it to him but never told him it was ported. He called me the evening after he used it. “ Holy crap! What the heck is this thing!!!!!” He absolutly fell in love with it & wouldn’ t give it back. Bought me a new saw i opted for the mk2 slightly heavier a bit more powerful. I liked em both & would highly recommend you gey one The dealer didn’t have the heated handle model or i may have tryed one. It is my go to saw these days. Air filter design much improvef over earlier mk1 I run a 16” .325 on it.

 

I may, always hard to price something. Will post once it's cleaned up. Also have a case for it. Heck, maybe it should be a Sandhillbilly saw.

 

Not orange enough...

 

I don't disagree.

 

There are some differences in heat management between the two. I'm not aware of every little thing, but they are significant.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I did order the saw (550xpg, be nice to try the heated handles) with 18" bar. Had them Include a 3/8" rim and a 20" bar so I can use my 72 link chains, I know it will not handle it well buried, but be fine for most smaller wood and give me some reach. Included some pre-mix as well and hope Husky will provide the 5 year extended warranty, No reason they won't as I could not find anything on their website that excludes the XP line of saws. Now just the wait as the saw is backordered for 5-6 weeks.

Going to be a long wait, isn't it?

 

Indeed it will be a long wait. Anticipation & all that. I’m happy for you.

 

Congrats. I think you’ll be very happy.

 

Tonight I see HL Supply had X-cut chain on sale, deal of the day, so ordered a roll to see how it works. I thought I heard from others that it is a very good chain. Time will tell...

 

Got the chain. Maybe have my friend make up some loops in the next few weeks.

 

Haven’t heard one bad thing about it yet. I’ve hoarded so much LGX it’ll take me years before I use it all. Let us know how ya like it.