Best 50cc Husky over the years??

[Bg357]

As I watch Craigslist for smoking deals on a handy little saw, I'm curious about which ones were great and which ones to avoid. I don't know what all the models were or when they were built but I've seen a number of recurring choices. Im assuming they were produced in this order, 51, 154SE(don't see that one much), 350, and of course a lot of 455's.

Given those choices, which one is the best value? Is there a good one I've missed. Problem choices? Are there notable differences among the various years of 455's?

At the risk of starting a brand battle, is there a comparable Echo model worth considering? I like Echo power equipment and would consider them if they had a good option.

I appreciate the experience you have to share.

 

[eiklj]

I like my 51 alot. Nothing fancy, just cuts wood real good.
The 55 was the same except slightly more cc's.
I got a .325 -8 pin rim with 16" & 20" bars.
View attachment 257775View attachment 257776

 

[nmurph]

I heard they made a 346 model that was 50cc, but I'm not sure of the specifics.

 

[Guido Salvage]

I have several 55's, a 455 and a 460. Like the 55's better, but use the 66 a lot.

 

[mowoodchopper]

350/450 no ??????? asked the best 50cc saws made for the money, cheap!

 

[half_full]

I'll likely never stop looking for more saws in the 50 and 70cc range. And larger.
But I'll never get rid of my 55. Picked it up new many years ago.
I cut enough wood with it to heat my house for several years.

 

[dbittle]

I heard they made a 346 model that was 50cc, but I'm not sure of the specifics.

That model got cancelled before production. There may be one or two prototypes floating around though...

 

[KenJax Tree]

I heard about a 550xp is it out yet?

 

[SawTroll]

There wasn't really any great Husky 50cc saws before the 346xp (1999). The 154se, 254, 254xp was a bit large for that class, and the 50cc ones were "farmer" class saws at best.
The great Swedish 50cc saws before that were Partners and Jonsereds. :msp_wink:

 

[KenJax Tree]

That model got cancelled before production. There may be one or two prototypes floating around though...

must be at least 3 i have 2 who has the other one?

 

[Kenskip1]

I will chime in on this one. My Husqvarna 51 is a saw with a bad attitude.This saw is a screaming little demon.Near perfect balance with a 16BC combination.It thinks that it is a larger so I keep the reigns pulled in on occasions.I have named it "Tazz" Great saw for it's size. Ken

 

[SawTroll]

The only great Husky 50cc saws are the 346xp and the 550xp, but a 51 or 55 with a P5000+ top end would have been an easy way to make one.

They never did that at the factory though....umpkin2:

 

[nmurph]

a 51 or 55 with a P5000+ top end would have been an easy way to make one.

They never did that at the factory though....umpkin2:

But they were "produced" by some distributors if I remember correctly??

 

[Adirondackstihl]

I heard they made a 346 model that was 50cc, but I'm not sure of the specifics.

 

[fatboy1941]

My 1984 Husqvarna rancher whitetop is still running, although getting weak. Could not ask for a more dependable saw. Light, well balanced, dependable. What more can you ask. Having said that, I cannot get parts to rebuild it, so I have a 51 in good shape, and have two 55s that I will be rebuilding this winter, in prep for when the rancher will no longer run. If I were buying new, I would go with a 346xp or a 357xp. I have run a 455, and it seemed underpowered for the weight. Having said that, I can build about 4 51s or 55s for the price of a new saw, and have metal cases that can be rebuilt over and over. Not sure about rebuilding the plastic case models.

 

[dbittle]

must be at least 3 i have 2 who has the other one?

Some troll in Norway, probably :wink2:

 

[SawTroll]

But they were "produced" by some distributors if I remember correctly??

That happened, but I believe it was on the 50. :msp_biggrin:

 

[SawTroll]

must be at least 3 i have 2 who has the other one?

I have one + a red one...:msp_biggrin:

 

[VTWoodchuck]

As I watch Craigslist for smoking deals on a handy little saw, I'm curious about which ones were great and which ones to avoid. I don't know what all the models were or when they were built but I've seen a number of recurring choices. Im assuming they were produced in this order, 51, 154SE(don't see that one much), 350, and of course a lot of 455's.

Given those choices, which one is the best value? Is there a good one I've missed. Problem choices? Are there notable differences among the various years of 455's?

At the risk of starting a brand battle, is there a comparable Echo model worth considering? I like Echo power equipment and would consider them if they had a good option.

I appreciate the experience you have to share.

I really like my 350. Light, easy to start, cuts great. You can find them in excellent shape for about $200.

 

[SawTroll]

I really like my 350. Light, easy to start, cuts great. You can find them in excellent shape for about $200.

The 350 easily is the best "consumer class" saw ever made - but it still is a "consumer class" saw, with a plastic case.

Actually, you can put a 346xp top end on it, with just minor mods to the case (to make room for the transfer bulges on that cylinder).