In Huskvarna, Sweden on 17th January Husqvarna held a press event to launch the new generation of chainsaws in the professional 50cc segment: 545 Mark II and 550 XP® Mark II.

Delegates from all over Europe were invited to attend the event, from Husqvara UK Jonathan Snowball (Product Category Manager Handheld) attended alongside UK H-Team Tim Bendle, Josephine Hedger and Andy Campbell. Journalists from UK publications Service Dealer, Forest Machine Magazine, Forestry & Timber News, Pro Arb and Forestry Journal also attended the event and will feature articles covering the event in upcoming issues.

The launch kicked off on Thursday evening with presentations from Sascha Menges (President Husqvarna Division) followed by Gent Simmons (Director of product management, Forestry) and Andreas Rangert (VP Product Management & Development) for a deep dive into the new chainsaws that have been redesigned from the ground up.

“It’s not just a new chainsaw, it’s a new generation of chainsaws in which all vital parts are new. The Husqvarna 550 XP® Mark II has superior cutting capacity and has been proven through the most extreme testing to assure it meets expectations of our most demanding forestry and tree care professionals. We are redefining the 50cc segment by setting a new standard for performance, durability and manoeuvrability”, explained Gent Simmons.

Improvements for endurance

For the purpose of endurance in tough conditions, the cooling capacity of the Husqvarna 550 XP® Mark II and Husqvarna 545 Mark II has been improved by 13%, compared to the previous generation of 50cc chainsaws from Husqvarna. This is made possible by three key improvements: 1) an optimised airflow, 2) the addition of more cooling fins in critical areas that contribute to more effective cylinder heat dissipation, 3) an insulating heat shield, specifically developed for the new chainsaws, which provide sealing against the cylinder area and minimises heat leakage. This helps keep the carburettor compartment cool to improve startability in hot conditions. In addition, a completely new muffler keeps temperatures down.

For further endurance, the 50cc chainsaws have a new air filter design. The new design comes from the combination of a redesigned air filter with higher capacity and improved sealing and an upgrade of the Air Injection™. The new chainsaws are equipped with a new optimised version of Husqvarna AutoTune™, Husqvarna’s ignition module software and carburettor calibration giving optimal engine performance in all conditions.

Presentations were followed by a visit to the Husqvarna museum with an interactive presentation looking back at the previous 60 years of Husqvarna chainsaw history starting with the original Husqvarna 90 and other iconic Husqvarna chainsaws such as the Husqvarna 242, 254 and 346 XP®.

A limbing demonstration was then carried out by Swedish tree care professional, Anton Petersson outside the museum with the Vättern Waterfall in the background. This was the first chance attendees had to see the 550 XP® Mark II in action demonstrating its rapid acceleration and handling characteristics.

Day two of the trip was outdoors in a nearby forest full off practical demonstrations, cutting comparisons and hands on testing for all attendees.

Demonstrations included how the chainsaws can be used by arborists for large takedowns, felling large pine trees, cutting comparisons and a complete breakdown of the of the chainsaws for a closer look at the new components.

The attendees all had the opportunity to test the chainsaws and compare to the previous generation.

Cutting capacity

Coming 60 years after the launch of the first Husqvarna chainsaw, Husqvarna 550 XP® Mark II and Husqvarna 545 Mark II, have been developed to deliver outstanding cutting capacity for handling small and mid-sized trees. Cutting capacity is the true measure of the performance of the saw. It is the speed at which the entire system of the bar, chain and powerhead works together to cut wood at optimal RPM. Through a series of internal tests*, Husqvarna has shown that the 550 XP® Mark II provides best-in-class cutting capacity when comparing to the closest competitor in the 50cc segment.

Designed for comfort and manoeuvrability

True to Husqvarna chainsaw heritage, the new generation of 50cc saws have a user-centric design. The well-balanced saw body with low gyroscopic forces provides excellent manoeuvrability and handling, enabling users to work longer without tiring. The ergonomically designed handles provide a safe, comfortable grip. In addition, the Husqvarna 550 XP® G Mark II are equipped with heated handles, for more comfort during cold weather use.

Designed with the expert user in mind, the new 50cc chainsaws have two felling sights, one vertical and one horizontal - both are moulded into the plastic for clear aiming and permanent guidance.

The chainsaws are manufactured in Huskvarna, Sweden.

European launch date 15th March.

*For more information regarding the test visit:
www.husqvarna.com/uk/products/chainsaws/newchainsawgeneration/cuttingcapacity/