Husqvarna 450 vs 550 XP

[msvold]

Seems like you've done a fair amount of research on the saws. I think I started that way a number of years ago. I think I'd agree with just about everyone's comments, but your dealers statement about XPs are for professionals. To me it depends on what you're cutting, how frequently, your personality and situation. If you're going to use it one or two weekends a year, I think the 450 will be perfect fit for you , maybe that is information you provided your dealer. Stay on this forum and read the advice for safety and techniques. If you have land to clear or the number of trees on your property suggest that you'll need a saw for decades, I think Sunfish and others suggested the 545 - which I think has a huge advantage with autotune and other "professional" grade features, maybe not for this year or next, but down the road, you won't need to worry about tuning the carb and engine performance and longevity won't suffer. Lastly, if you're like me, and you want the best tool, just because - the 550 XP provides a little more HP to bring a bigger smile to your face.
By coming to this site, my inclination is that you'll be a little happier with 545 than 450, no remorse, go cut safely.

 

[maine]

Without the sexy silver clutch cover.[emoji7]

ugh, you actually like the silver clutch cover?

it is probably the only thing i did NOT like on my 576. paint started to rub off after a couple days of use.

thinking of sanding it down and spray bombing it bright metallic purple or pink with about 10 layers of clear coat.

 

[KenJax Tree]

I don't really care what color it is honestly....its a tool to me, no emotional attachment like some here have with their saws[emoji3]

 

[Philip Wheelock]

My cousin across the street has a 450 and uses it to clean up trails and cut firewood on his 55 acres. Very dependable and runs well. No issues.

 

[SawTroll]

... Then I read one of the reviews on the Husqvarna web page under the 450 section. Has anyone else had issues with that?

Reading such rewiews doesn't tell you much, as you don't know the knowledge level (or agenda) of those that wrote them. They may very well be misleading.

 

[SawTroll]

I don't really care what color it is honestly....its a tool to me, no emotional attachment like some here have with their saws[emoji3]

Exactly, it mainly is a non-topic to me.

 

[Rx7man]

If the saw routinely floods before popping, perhaps a little bigger hole/notch on the choke plate would help that?

 

[SawTroll]

Never pull more than 3 times "on choke", before trying in "fast idle" - and count any sign that the saw wants to start as a "pop". Do not use hearing protection.

 

[Landmark]

Do not use hearing protection.

never read that in a owners manual.........

 

[SawTroll]

never read that in a owners manual.........

Using it when starting the saw is a certain way to flood a modern saw though - and remember that owner manuals are a product of lawyers, more than sawyers.

It does of course not hurt your hearing to start the saws without hearing protection - running them without it may be a different story, but it never felt unpleasent to me.

I like to hear what is going on with the wood, specially when felling - and will never use hearing protection when doing that! Using it then is a safety hazard imo!

 

[Rx7man]

I use choke and fast idle on my saws at the same time, sometimes I'm fast enough to kill the choke when it sputters.

Sawtroll, I like hearing the wood too, that little crack when felling will tell you you're getting darned close

 

[SawTroll]

I use choke and fast idle on my saws at the same time, sometimes I'm fast enough to kill the choke when it sputters.

Sawtroll, I like hearing the wood too, that little crack when felling will tell you you're getting darned close

I don't approve of the first part of that post, but I do approve of the second one!

 

[Rx7man]

I guess different saws require a bit different techniques to start them.. This is what works for mine.

good example is dirt bikes.. a lot of 2 stroke riders will naturally give it throttle as they're trying to start it, try that with my old XR500 and you're going for a flight.. it starts at idle beautifully

 

[SonomaComa]

My cousin across the street has a 450 and uses it to clean up trails and cut firewood on his 55 acres. Very dependable and runs well. No issues.

Has he had any issues with the chain coming loose due to one bolt for the Bar & Chain?

 

[KenJax Tree]

The one bolt is not an issue at all it'll stay tight

 

[SawTroll]

The one bolt is not an issue at all it'll stay tight

I assume there are two bolts - and this really is about nuts. One bolt would never be OK, but one nut is!

What may not be so OK, is if the saw comes with the tool-less chain tensioner.....

 

[KenJax Tree]

I assume there are two bolts - and this really is about nuts. One bolt would never be OK, but one nut is!

What may not be so OK, is if the saw comes with the tool-less chain tensioner.....

You know what i meant[emoji6]

 

[SawTroll]

Surely - but not everyone that read this would. You always have to keep that in mind when posting.

 

[maine]

I don't really care what color it is honestly....its a tool to me, no emotional attachment like some here have with their saws[emoji3]

true, i mean you are ultimately right, i do not really care what color it is either, i just expect "professional" tools to have a decent finish if it be a chainsaw, a truck, a tractor, bluing on a gun, plating on hand tools etc.
of course they will fade, chip, deteriorate, etc over time, especially with everyday use, and i do realize and expect this, but i was a little dissapointed after only a few days.

but hey, no complaints on how it runs, i couldn't ask for a nicer saw in the 70cc class.
VERY satisfied with that.

so yes, you are right, i can put up with it and am just being anal about it.

 

[weedkilla]

I assume there are two bolts - and this really is about nuts. One bolt would never be OK, but one nut is!

What may not be so OK, is if the saw comes with the tool-less chain tensioner.....

I have a 445 with the tool-less tensioner, it's done 5 years of on and off work commercially. It's always given to the newest guy on the crew.
It is dependable, easy to start, and has never caused a problem. It's worn out about 6 bars and countless feet of chain. It's paid for itself hundreds of times over.
It's not the fastest or strongest saw, but it does an adequate job, enough that I haven't found a need to replace it. I bought it because it was what was in the shop when I needed a saw NOW, but I honestly can't complain about it's serviceable life. The tool less adjuster has been faultless, it still feels cheesy, it's heavier than a just a nut, but it has never caused a problem. And it means that the newest guy on the crew isn't losing a scrench on a job every day or two till he learns.....