I think it's a decent price. Here's where I got mine. I think I paid $500 with an 18" b&c in 2013, so the price has gone up some but that's to be expected. http://www.alamia.us/Husqvarna_550XP_s/2291.htm Personally I think .325 pitch chain is better for the 550 unless you want to match other saws in your stable.
Just tuning back in tonight. WOW, Out of 4 pages of BS 'in and a bunch of abreviations that I don't know! All I gather is that this model has some kind of brake that you guy's don't like and the price is just ok? I'm not a saw "junkie" and just want a 50cc saw that's an equivlent grade of my trusty 20 some year old 044.
Your looking at a good one. Just be sure if buying online that it doesn't have that trio-brake. I can pick one up local for 500-550 with b/c. Sounds like there might be better deals out there.
Wish I seen this last night. I am looking for a 550xp and know what sponsors sell for on AnotherSite and what eBay charges. For Husq, their are many cheerleaders that sell them far cheaper than MSRP. Do your homework folks. Why would someone pay $630 for a 550 when you can get a 562 (off of ebay) for $650 (new, 20" bar, warranty). And cheaper from a good dealer... After shipping.
$530 isn't a bad price at all. That's the cheapest on eBay right now. A sponsor on AnotherSite could probably beat that, but after shipping it may be close to that. If you want to spend about $10 more, you can get a 555.
Like I said, I'm not a sawaholic and never had or know much about Husky's, $10 is no problem, what is the advantage? I'm just looking for a lighter saw than my 044. All my Stihl's are bone stock and all I EVER do is add fuel, bar oil with an occasional chain and every decade, may be a new bar. Thanks for your help.
The difference between the 555 and 550 is the 555 is a larger saw (59 cc) and is the same saw as the 562xp, but a slightly detuned model (doesn't have crank stuffers, different transfer covers, etc). The 555 will still be lighter than the 044 and have plenty of power.
Or if your wanting to stay in the smaller chassis of the 550 you can look at the 545. It's what the 555 is to the 562. Should be priced around $400 +/-.
I'll have to go to the "store" and actually pick up a few of these smaller saws (of both brands) to see how they feel along with giving the local guy a crack at it.
When I've had my o44 and my buddies 562 side by side I couldn't tell a difference in weight. The 562 is slimmer and looks like it should weigh a lot less. I don't know what the specs say but their can't be much of a weight savings.
