Husqvarna’s various commercial grade forestry chainsaws are famously developed in consultation with professional foresters and tree surgeons, with each new generation of saws intended to address the needs of the hardworking men and women who spend their lives in the woods pruning, felling, chopping and otherwise cutting tough, gnarly trees back to size. However, the primary issue addressed by the 550XPG, an upgraded version of Husqvarna’s award winning 550XP, is that of chilly fingers, with heated front and rear handles working to ensure complete comfort even in cold, damp conditions.

This might seem slightly unusual given the reputation of foresters, arborists and lumberjacks as a rugged bunch, but anyone who has had to work outside for extended periods in the dead of winter will tell you that anything which helps fend off the cold is more than welcome. This is also more than just an issue of comfort, as the numbing effect of the cold makes it harder to control a machine like this powerful rear handle chainsaw, while warm hands are also at less risk from hand-arm vibration syndrome. The 550XPG is therefore much safer to use when temperatures are low than a standard chainsaw, while Husqvarna’s brilliant RevBoost^™ system further enhances performance by increasing the chain speed and acceleration.

As such the 550XPG offers a variety of significant improvements over the 550XP, while still delivering the same outstanding power, manoeuvrability and professional quality results. The compact yet powerful 50.1cc X-Torq^® two-stroke petrol engine, for example, provides reliably smooth running power along with considerably reduced particle emissions and improved fuel economy. This makes the 550XPG up to 20% more efficient and up to 75% cleaner running than a saw powered by a conventional two-stroke engine, while a transparent window in the 0.52 litre fuel tank means you can easily keep track of when refuelling is required. An enhanced Smart Start^® system and a heated carburettor, moreover, mean that getting the 550XPG up and running is pleasingly hassle-free, even on cold mornings.

Another thing which makes this saw a potentially life-changing acquisition for busy professionals is Husqvarna’s clever AutoTune system. This works by automatically adjusting the engine’s performance to suit the working conditions at hand, taking into account factors such as the fuel mix being used, the current atmospheric conditions and the altitude at which you are working, so no matter the job at hand you can rest assured of truly outstanding performance. Fitted as standard with a 37.5cm (15”) bar and .325” pitch chain (but also available with 32.5cm/13” and 45cm/18” bars), the 550XPG will therefore make light work of everything from pruning branches and cutting logs to felling large trees (with felling marks included on the casing to help ensure precision).

There are all sorts of additional features on this magnificent machine we haven’t even come close to rhapsodising yet, such as the adjustable oil pump and side-mounted chain tensioner which further ensure consistently exceptional results, or the effective inertia-activated chain brake which provides vital protection against kickback. Likewise, we will have to pass over the innovative LowVib^® anti-vibration system with merely a cursory mention, while the benefits of the various clever features included to reduce maintenance requirements (such as the centrifugal air cleaning system, captive bar nuts, a quick-release air filter and the snap-lock cylinder cover) will hopefully speak for themselves. It would be remiss, however, not to point out how brilliantly tough the 550XPG is, with high quality components such as a three-piece forged crankshaft and a magnesium crankcase ensuring superb durability and a longer service life. Husqvarna’s 550XPG is therefore a machine capable of becoming a steadfast companion for any professional forester, providing exceptional cutting power while keeping you safe, comfortable and (importantly) warm at all times.

*Make sure you are using your chainsaw safely and read our free advice article when you have a spare moment.