Husqvarna 555 Chainsaw Specs (Best Use Cases)
The Husqvarna 555 is a 59.8 cc professional-class petrol chainsaw rated at 4.0 kW, suited to trained operators doing demanding tree work and bucking. Its listed bar range is 13–24 inches, but a 16–20-inch bar is a practical general-purpose choice. Check the exact model-year manual and bar markings before buying or fitting parts.
If you have several saws open in browser tabs, the headline numbers can blur together. Displacement, power, bar length, and weight all matter, but they answer different questions. The key is to match the 555 to your wood, cut type, and skill level, rather than treating its largest compatible bar as the best one.
I compare saws by looking at rated power and chain speed, then checking what the manual allows for bars and chains. That approach helps separate useful specifications from marketing claims. The details below are based on the listed specifications provided here; model-year manuals and component markings should settle any fitment differences.
Husqvarna 555 specifications
These figures describe the saw’s stated engine and cutting-system performance. They are a useful starting point for comparing models, but they do not guarantee a certain cutting rate in every wood. Bar setup, chain condition, timber, and operator technique all affect how the saw performs.
| Specification | Listed figure | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 59.8 cc | Engine size, not a direct measure of cutting speed |
| Stated power | 4.0 kW | Manufacturer-rated engine power |
| Chain speed at maximum power | 21.3 m/s | Chain speed at the stated power condition |
| Engine speed at idle | 2,800 rpm | Rated idle speed; the chain should not move at idle |
| Engine speed at maximum power | 9,600 rpm | Manufacturer-rated value, not a tuning target |
| Listed bar range | 13–24 in (33–60 cm) | Permitted range depends on the exact setup |
| Common general-purpose range | 16–20 in (40–50 cm) | A practical balance for many mixed tasks |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in | Must match the sprocket and bar |
| Chain gauge | Configuration-dependent | Often .050 in (1.3 mm); confirm the bar stamp |
| Fuel mix | 50:1 | 20 mL two-stroke oil per 1 L gasoline |
The gauge is the width of the chain drive links that fit into the bar groove. Pitch is the distance between chain rivets, measured in a standard way. Both must match the guide bar, chain, and sprocket. A wrong match can prevent proper fit or create an unsafe cutting setup.
Treat 9,600 rpm as a rated specification, not a number to chase by ear. Carburetor checks and adjustments should follow the model-year manual and its tachometer procedure. Takeaway: confirm the exact saw version and installed cutting parts before comparing prices or ordering a chain.
Best use cases for the 555
The 555 makes most sense when your work calls for a powerful saw for demanding cuts, and you have the training and protective gear to use it. It is not automatically the right choice for occasional light pruning or small yard cleanup. The best match depends on how often you cut and the size of your usual timber.
The 59.8 cc engine and 4.0 kW rating place the saw in a professional-class category. That makes it worth considering for trained users who regularly buck substantial logs or do tree work. It does not make the saw a safe choice for every user, nor does engine size alone prove it will outperform another model in a specific cut.
| Work pattern | Fit with the 555 | Bar choice to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Regular bucking of sizable logs | Strong match for trained operators | 16–20 in, matched to timber and manual |
| Mixed tree work and firewood cutting | Practical if the saw’s power and weight suit the user | 16–20 in for general use |
| Occasional small branches or light cleanup | Often more saw than the task needs | Consider whether a smaller, lighter saw is more suitable |
| Cutting large timber with a long reach | Possible only within approved combinations and operator skill | Longer bar increases load and kickback exposure |
| Felling, storm damage, or tensioned trees | Only for trained, equipped operators with suitable conditions | Do not use a longer bar as a substitute for planning |
A longer bar can reach farther across a log, but it also increases the load on the engine and raises kickback exposure. Choose bar length for the task, not for appearance or a belief that longer always cuts faster. Takeaway: for mixed work, start by evaluating a 16–20-inch setup, then confirm that exact bar and chain are approved for your saw.
Bar, chain, fuel, and setup
Setup means confirming that the parts fit and that the saw is ready to run before cutting. The 555’s listed bar range is 13–24 inches, but not every bar-and-chain combination will fit every model-year saw. Read the manual and the markings on the guide bar, chain, and sprocket rather than relying on a listing alone.
Before buying a replacement chain, check its pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. Pitch must match the sprocket and bar; gauge must match the bar groove; drive-link count must match the bar length and configuration. The commonly listed .050-inch gauge is not universal. Use the guide-bar stamp as the check.
For fuel, the specified mix is 50:1 with suitable two-stroke oil. That equals 20 mL of oil per 1 L of gasoline. Use fresh fuel and follow the oil maker’s fuel-grade instructions. Do not use straight gasoline or guess at the ratio. Incorrect fuel can damage a two-stroke engine.
Use tackified chainsaw bar oil, which is made to cling to the moving chain. Keep the oil tank filled and confirm oil reaches the chain. Inspect chain tension, bar rails and groove, oil holes, sprocket, chain catcher, handles, throttle lockout, and chain brake. Set depth gauges, sometimes called rakers, to the chain maker’s specification; there is no single universal clearance for every chain.
Wear a helmet, eye and hearing protection, chainsaw-rated leg protection, gloves, and protective boots. Plan the work area, escape routes, and bystander exclusion zone before starting. For power-line work, do not assume 10 feet is enough: that distance applies only where relevant, and utility rules may require greater clearance and controls. Follow ANSI Z133 and applicable OSHA requirements. Takeaway: verify the complete cutting system, not just bar length.
Field scenarios: where the 555 fits
These examples show how to apply the specifications to common work patterns. They are decision scenarios, not performance test results. Actual cutting speed depends on wood, chain sharpness, bar setup, and operator technique, so a spec sheet cannot promise a fixed output.
- Mixed bucking: You regularly cut logs and need one saw for varied sizes. A 16–20-inch bar is a sensible range to assess, provided the exact combination is approved. Keep the chain sharp and stop if the bar begins to pinch.
- Occasional yard cleanup: The 555’s professional-class power may exceed what light cleanup requires. Compare the saw’s weight and handling against a smaller model before spending more for capacity you rarely use.
- Long-bar work: The listed range reaches 24 inches, but a long bar adds load and kickback exposure. Use it only with an approved configuration and the skill to manage the work. It is not a shortcut for felling or for cutting beyond your control.
- Storm-damaged or tensioned wood: This work can shift suddenly and trap the bar. Do not improvise a cut sequence. If the tree or log is unstable, hung up, or behaving unpredictably, stop and use a trained professional with the right equipment.
When I compare saws for a buyer, I ask what the saw will cut most often, not what the largest bar can handle. That single question can prevent paying for capacity that does not improve the buyer’s regular work. Takeaway: choose the setup around your normal cuts, and treat high-risk tree work as a separate skill and safety decision.
Safe operation and work control
Safe operation starts before the engine runs and continues until the saw is off and cool. The 555’s power makes proper control and a clear work area essential. A chain brake is an important safety device, but it cannot prevent every injury and does not make contact with the bar nose safe.
- Engage the chain brake and start on stable ground using the manual-approved procedure. Never drop-start. After a brief shutdown, use the manual’s warm-start method.
- Check that the chain stays still at idle and that the brake stops it. If it does not, stop and diagnose the problem before cutting.
- Hold the saw with both hands, keep a balanced stance, and keep the bar below shoulder height. Where practical, cut with the lower part of the bar.
- Keep the nose clear of wood. Contact with the upper quadrant near the bar nose can cause rotational kickback, driving the bar up and back toward you. A working brake does not make this contact safe.
- Keep bystanders out of the work zone. Do not work alone in remote or high-risk conditions. Assess lean, wind, dead limbs, footing, overhead hazards, and escape routes before tree work.
- For felling, use a planned notch and back cut with a controlled hinge. Do not improvise on hung-up, storm-damaged, or tensioned trees. Bucking under compression or tension also needs a sound assessment and a sequence that prevents pinching and movement.
- Stop if the tree, log, or cut behaves unexpectedly. Set the saw down with the brake engaged, shut it off, and let it cool before refueling or servicing.
Takeaway: the saw’s power is useful only when the operator can control the cut and the site conditions.
Maintenance, sharpening, and storage
Routine care helps keep the saw cutting as intended and can reveal faults before they worsen. Follow the manual for the exact model year, especially for service intervals, carburetor settings, fuel storage, and any chain or bar details that vary by configuration.
Sharpen with the file size and angles specified for the installed chain. Keep cutters even and set depth gauges to the chain maker’s instructions. A dull chain makes more heat, uses more fuel, and demands more force from the operator. Stop and sharpen rather than forcing it through a cut.
Clean the air filter as needed. Inspect the spark plug, cooling fins, starter, brake band, bar groove, and oil holes. Turn the bar periodically if the manual recommends it, and replace worn or damaged parts. If oil delivery seems abnormal, investigate it before continuing work.
Use the manufacturer’s carburetor settings and tachometer procedure. Do not tune by sound alone or exceed the specified maximum engine speed. Poor idle, weak power, or unusual oil delivery calls for diagnosis, not harder cutting.
For storage, follow the manual and fuel and oil maker’s guidance. Stale ethanol-blended fuel can cause starting trouble and lean-running damage. Clean and dry the saw, protect the bar and chain, and release chain tension only as directed. Store fuel in an approved container away from heat and ignition sources. Takeaway: maintenance is part of performance; do not use a dull chain or an unresolved fault.
Is the Husqvarna 555 the right buy?
The 555 is a strong candidate if you are a trained operator who needs a 59.8 cc saw for regular bucking or demanding tree work, and its size and handling suit you. Its 4.0 kW rating and broad listed bar range support that role, but neither number proves it is the best value for occasional, light work.
Before buying, check the exact model-year manual, the saw’s condition if used, and the included bar and chain markings. Confirm that replacement parts are available for that configuration. Compare the complete setup, not just engine size or the longest bar listed. Bottom line: consider the 555 for demanding, recurring work; look elsewhere if your usual jobs are light cleanup or you lack the training and equipment for a professional-class saw.
FAQ
These direct answers cover the key buying and setup questions. Always confirm fitment and service details in the manual for your specific saw, since configurations can differ.
How many cc is the Husqvarna 555?
It has a listed displacement of 59.8 cc.
What is the Husqvarna 555’s rated power?
Its stated power is 4.0 kW.
What bar length does the 555 use?
The listed range is 13–24 inches (33–60 cm), subject to the approved bar and chain combination. A 16–20-inch bar is a practical general-purpose range to assess.
What chain pitch does it use?
The listed pitch is 3/8 inch. Confirm that the chain, bar, and sprocket match.
Is the chain gauge always .050 inch?
No. .050 inch (1.3 mm) is common, but gauge depends on the configuration. Read the guide-bar stamp.
What fuel mix does the 555 require?
The listed ratio is 50:1 with suitable two-stroke oil, or 20 mL oil per 1 L gasoline. Follow the manual and oil maker’s instructions.
Is the 555 suitable for occasional pruning?
It may be more saw than light pruning requires. Compare its handling and capacity with a smaller saw suited to your regular jobs.
Can I fit a 24-inch bar?
The listed range reaches 24 inches, but that does not make every 24-inch setup suitable. Confirm approval for your exact model, chain, and sprocket.
What chain speed is listed?
The listed chain speed at maximum power is 21.3 m/s.
Can the 555 be used for felling?
Felling should be done only by trained, equipped operators who can assess the tree and worksite. Do not use the saw on hung-up, storm-damaged, or tensioned trees without the required expertise.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Marcus Thorne. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
