Husqvarna 450 vs 550 XP

[SonomaComa]

I just purchased a 450 from the dealer. They had the saw assembled gassed up and ready to go. They even started it 3 times for me to prove its ready to go. I got home 90 minutes later to use it and it would not start. Wouldn't even sputter. It acted like it wasn't getting any spark. I tried for 20 minutes. Tried again after waiting a half an hour and I figured I got a lemon. Went back the next day and it fired right up. I have since read some reviews saying that's been a problem. I asked about the 550 XP with the Auto Tune and they told me it's for professionals, and they cut differently than non professionals. I have now read and seen that the 450 only has one nut holding the bar on and its hard too keep the chain tight, in some instances the chain even came off! That sounds like a HUGE safety issue. The 550 XP does have two nuts attaching the bar which seems way safer. I have not cut anything with that 450 yet wondering if I should exchange it for the 550 XP while I still have a chance. But would that 550 XP be problematic for a casual user?

 

[Rx7man]

I would send it back.. Any saw I have has got to start when I want it to, and I better not break a sweat trying.

Can't comment on the 550XP.. I'd assume it's more money? I don't know how the modern ones are, but perhaps something like a 55 Rancher would do well for you.. I think they tend to being simpler saws

 

[David Young]

Probably the 545 would serve you well. Very nice saw.

 

[spike60]

Stop reading and start cutting. There's so much silly info on the net that the more you read, the more confused you get. One bar nut is not a safety issue and I've yet to hear of anyone complaining about keeping the chain tight on saws so equiped.

How many times did you pull the rope with the choke on during those 20 minutes? There are no starting issues with the 450. Nearly every new saw that comes back as a "can't start" is flooded. Not hearing the initial "pop" and/or continuing to pull with the choke on is usually the reason. The 550 is no easier to start, probably harder. For whatever reason, that initial cough as a saw tries to fire with the choke on is brief and harder to notice on many newer saws. Miss it, and one more pull with the choke on and you are flooded.

 

[mesupra]

Spike60 is very accurate on his information, the 450 is about as bullet proof of a saw as one can get, many guys are actually making a switch from the 550 to the 450 due to having an adjustable carb, your dealer is trying to steer you in the right direction. Honestly it sounds like you have yet to figure out the starting routine for the saw. Every saw is slightly different, most husky saws start well with choking them till they pop then shutting the choke off and pull till it starts, saws that are not yet broke in (less than 8-10 tanks) will sometimes not make an audible pop, trying choking for 3 pulls shutting the choke off pull 3 times, choke for 2 pull for 2, choke for 1 pull 1. The single bar nut has been used on many smaller pro saws in the past and if used properly will not be an issue.

 

[SawTroll]

Stop reading and start cutting. There's so much silly info on the net that the more you read, the more confused you get. One bar nut is not a safety issue and I've yet to hear of anyone complaining about keeping the chain tight on saws so equiped.

How many times did you pull the rope with the choke on during those 20 minutes? There are no starting issues with the 450. Nearly every new saw that comes back as a "can't start" is flooded. Not hearing the initial "pop" and/or continuing to pull with the choke on is usually the reason. The 550 is no easier to start, probably harder. For whatever reason, that initial cough as a saw tries to fire with the choke on is brief and harder to notice on many newer saws. Miss it, and one more pull with the choke on and you are flooded.

Excellent post as usual

The 550xp is of course a much nicer saw than the 450, but it also is more expensive.

 

[riley1056]

The 550 is definitely the better saw if money is not a object then that's the better saw. Having said that I agree with the above post about the starting issue.

 

[SonomaComa]

Thanks for the info. I was reading the reviews mainly right there on the Husqvarna website. I read alot of hard to start issues. This time it was my fault, the Dealer had no problem. So just one bar nut shouldn't be an issue? I was wondering about that. Right now the 550XP would be about $230.00 more. I really don't like buyers remorse. I guess the 450 is the time proven design with no auto tune. I really don't want to think later the 550XP would've been the better option. I noticed about the one vs two bar nuts kind of made me think twice. Then I read one of the reviews on the Husqvarna web page under the 450 section. Has anyone else had issues with that?

 

[bigtuna]

545 auto tune is an awesome saw $479. Little diff. Animal to start. Love it. Previous posters are correct if you miss the slight pop and continue to pull it's flooded. Good luck.

 

[LegDeLimber]

IF you do go to see your dealer about the starting hassle, make sure that you are the one that starts the saw first.
And that the saw is cold, hasn't been cranked since a day before. NO test tries and NO oh let me just pull the rope a couple times, slowly, to see what it feels like either!
you'll alter the fuel position in the system, a bit like priming things.

The point to this is to let the dealer see how YOU handle the saw and hopefully have some pointers about any slight missteps no matter how small.
When I was in still working in a shop, I always handed a cold unit to the customers
and pushed for them to start it before even paying , nevermind leaving with it.
You'd be surprised at the simple but troubling things this method revealed.
Including an occasional oops on MY* behalf.

*My spelling and grammar should prove this.

 

[OnTheRoad]

As said above, the 550xp is the better saw and if money is no object you should exchange your saw for a 550. The "hard-start" reviews are a the result of inexperienced operators who buy homeowner grade saws. The dealer should be happy to show you how to start your saw.

 

[sunfish]

Spike60 is dead on, the 450 is a good homeowner saw.

If you want a better saw like the 550xp, get the 545. Basically same saw less the XP and $100 less.

 

[Landmark]

get to know your saw. you'll be fine.

 

[sunfish]

Consumer reviews for the most part are not very accurate. You will find much better info here.

Best to learn the differences between all the models. Plastic case, metal case, one or two bar buts, etc, etc, etc...

 

[SonomaComa]

There is alot of great info here. It seems everybody thinks only one nut to hold the Bar and Chain on is enough.

 

[Landmark]

one nut seems to work great on my 242xp and its professional grade.

 

[sunfish]

One nut will work on a saw that is designed for one nut...

 

[mesupra]

Longevity wise the 450 are holding us up as well as the 550. Neither are close to add long lived as the 346

 

[MGoBlue]

I can speak w/ 450 experience. I had zero starting issues in the time I owned one. It was the first brand new saw purchase for me. Cut about 16 cord of apple wood with it in 2 seasons. It ran, cut and oiled great without one hiccup. Sold it to move on to an XP because I got into larger trees and never looked back. Maybe spend some time @ the dealer and let them recommend a starting routine. Typically all my huskys take about 2-3 pulls on choke and it'll sputter, then turn off choke (which leaves high idle on) and another pull or 2 and they fire up.

 

[KenJax Tree]

Spike60 is dead on, the 450 is a good homeowner saw.

If you want a better saw like the 550xp, get the 545. Basically same saw less the XP and $100 less.

Without the sexy silver clutch cover.[emoji7]