Is there a noticeable difference between 50cc and 60cc saws?

Not to be uncharitable or anything, but taking Stihl's power-output estimates seriously is a couple of steps too far for me. Their estimate of 3 hp for the 250 makes me chuckle, having seen bud's 250 side-by-side my GZ4000 (2.2 hp?), and get embarrassed by the RedMax. (Yes, I'd earlier shown him how to properly adjust carb after dealer ham-handed it.)
Bottom line: 250 is a cash-cow and also a dog. Ignore their numbers unless you can verify by your measurement. Else walk away.

 

Any body who knows anything about saws know that all the big makers had their good and bad models. Even Poulan back in the day made saws that would make some of these newer ones look bad. So it is up to you to figure out which models by which makers are good and bad.

 

Just make sure it's a Stihl

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Well not everyone figures it out.

 

How ya doing Andy. Still building awesome saws.

 

Well,I think the 550xp is an awesome 50cc saw. It just needs better chains. It's like a fast sprinter running in flip flops.

 

I like having multiple saws and if I had a good 50cc saw as you do I would look for a little 30cc saw and a great 70cc saw. There is a difference between 50 and 60 cc the 60 has better torque and usually a flatter power band.
IF I where you and looking at a new saw I would look really hard at a Husqvarna 365. same price maybe even less then a 362 and with a couple mods it turns into a low to 372 xp you can also covert it to the high top with better filter.

Myself I really like the 40, 60, 90cc combo. but some days I think a little 30cc saw would be very nice again and miss my little 192ce rear handle.

 

If you have the cash step up to a Sthil ms 461 (72cc), you won't be disappointed!

 

Get a 460 or 461, definitely a step up!

 

I have a ported 550 as well with 16" .325 nk 66dl bar that came with it. On my 3rd loop of 95vp chain. Seems alright. When you guys mention stihl rs are you talking .325 or 3/8". Just wondering. I only cut small diameter hardwoods, telephone pole & smaller. Hey grand gourmand, porting my 550 was like night & day. I would recommend trying that before investing in a 562. Just my opinion.

 

A ported 550 should have no problem pulling 3/8. For limbing my preference is .325 lpx or bpx.

 

Personally I'm running and referring to RS .325. Another poster mentioned he switched sprocket and chain to 3/8" Oregon full chisel. It's an interesting idea. Doesn't cost much to try. The RS .325 works good enough for me with a stock 550 on a 18" bar. Not sure moving to 3/8's would be an improvement, might be overkill. Is interesting though.

When you say ported you mean ported right? As in piston and cylinder? That's also VERY interesting. I have a 372xp but if I could ramp up that 550 even further I wouldn't mind. I get enough weightlifting loading the trailer with rounds.
If you don't mind? How much did that cost?

Just noticed your new here. Welcome aboard Farmchuck

 

Stock or ported most 50cc saws are better off with .325 it's a bit easier on the saw and definitely smoother. When you start comparing tooth length, height and width between .325 and 3/8 Stihl RS chain there is very little difference, certainly not enough for firewood duty.

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I've ran a 250 against an 026 and there is not much of a difference. I bet with a muffler mod a 250 would out cut a 026.

 

Thanks for the welcome jo191145. Yes I do mean ported as in cylinder & piston. I got the saw last December, it ran fine but would stall or bog down between cuts & my dealer couldn't figure it out. Saved my milk money & made an appt. with Randy @ Mastermind saw works, you can contact him on price. All I can say is it was WELL worth the money. With a sharp chain I can bury the bar in hardwood & as hard as I lay into it I can't stop the chain! Just keeps cutting. I have a stock 262xp& I believe this saw will easily out cut it. I have lower back problems so I'm always looking for the lightest saw to take with me, I rarely take anything else. This saw has me spoiled!!

 

I've yet to experiment with PS63 3/8lp on a 50cc saw, from what I've experienced it's a promising combo. That said I have a hunch chip clearance will become a problem.

 

Sometimes how fast/strong a saw feels is a bit different than reality. I like the 250 just fine, nice light inexpensive saw, but an 026 it is not.