Husqvarna used their base in an extremely cold Huskvarna, Sweden this month to launch two new 50cc chainsaws - the 550 XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II.
The new saw in action at the launch event in Sweden
These saws are released in a year which sees the manufacturer celebrating three significant anniversaries. Firstly 2019 sees 330 years since the company was first established; it's been 100 years since they produced their first lawnmower, and significantly for these new launches, it's been 60 years since the company made its first chainsaw.
Before the assembled European trade press got a chance to view the new saws, Sasha Menges, President, Husqvarna Division said a few words. He explained why the company consider the 50cc segment as a particularly important, core segment for themselves and to their customers worldwide.
He said of 50cc, "It's an application which is relevant in multiple areas. Whether working on the ground, or in the forests or in urban tree-care, it’s a saw which, largely, every professional has in their equipment. For aboritsts and loggers alike, it’s a go to piece of kit - and that’s globally."
As an indication of how the company places worldwide importance on these releases, they are taking the quite unusual step of simultaneously launching the products around the world on the same day - March 15th.
Gent Simmons, Director of product management, Forestry, also spoke at the launch event, explaining how the new saws are core products for Husqvarna. He said, "[The saws] will support our customers and allow them to get to the job done in a efficient way. We are redefining the 50cc segment by setting a new standard for performance, durability and manoeuvrability."
It was explained that the 550XP Mark II and the 545 Mark II have been redesigned from scratch. Gert Simmons said, "It’s not just a new chainsaw, it’s a new generation of chainsaws in which all vital parts are new. The 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."
Husqvarna's Andreas Rangert and Gent Simmons unveil the two new saws
This notion of cutting capacity is what Husqvarna describe as 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 claim they have shown that the 550 XP Mark II provides best-in-class cutting capacity when compared to the closest competitor in the 50cc segment.
The three guiding principals for the ground up redesign of these two saws, which was emphasised at the launch event, was that they should offer the user durability, manoeuvrability, and performance.
For the purpose of endurance in tough conditions, we were told that the cooling capacity of the two saws has been improved by 13%, compared to the previous generation of 50cc chainsaws which they produced. 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 carburetor compartment cool to improve startability in hot conditions. In addition, a completely new muffler keeps temperatures down.
A member of the H Team puts on an aerial display
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. This, in turn means the saws are equipped with a new optimised version of AutoTune, Husqvarna’s ignition module software and carburetor calibration.
Also explained was how the design of the products was intended to make use of machines as comfortable as possible for users. The company said the well-balanced saw body with low gyroscopic forces aids maneuverability and handling, enabling users to work longer without tiring. The ergonomically designed handles provide a safe, comfortable grip. In addition, both saws are equipped with heated handles.
Comparing the cutting capacity of the new saws verses the previous models
Following the theory, attendees at the launch event were bussed out to a nearby woods to watch demonstrations of the new saws and get hands-on to try them out. Impressive displays of forestry skills were on show from members of the company's H-Team squad of professional ambassadors. Felling, limbing and aerial work were all exhibited with much aplomb.
I personally cannot claim to be anything other than an utterly inexperienced novice when it comes to chainsaw use. However, even when I tried one of the Mark II models in comparison to the preceding version, I couldn't help but notice the difference. It felt faster and smoother.
TurfPro, head of editorial, Steve Gibbs tries out the new saw
Facts about 550 XP® Mark II/ 550 XP® G Mark II:
- Low Vib®
- Air Injection®
- X-Torq®
- AutoTune™
- Heated handles and carburetor (only 550 XP® G Mark II)
- Engine displacement 50,1 cm3
- Power output 3.0 kW
- Chain speed at 133% of peak power rpm26,1 m/s
- Recommended bar length 33-50 cm / 13”-20”
- Weight 5,3/5,5 kg (excluding cutting equipment)
Facts about 545 Mark II/ 545G Mark II:
- Low Vib®
- Smart Start
- Air Injection®
- X-Torq®
- AutoTune™
- Heated handles and carburetor (only 545 G Mark II)
- Engine displacement 50,1 cm3
- Power output 2.7 kW
- Max chain speed 25,4 m/s
- Recommended bar length 33-50 cm / 13”-20”
- Weight 5,3/5,5 kg (excluding cutting equipment)